Research and extension efforts for improving agricultural sustainability in the north central and northeastern United States

Abstract

In the north central and northeastern regions of the USA, considerable research and extension work is now being directed toward developing farming methods and whole farming systems that can reduce production costs, soil erosion and pollution by agrichemicals. These efforts have been termed low-input/sustainable agriculture (LISA) and emphasize greater use of legume-based crop rotations, animal and green manures, integrated crop/livestock enterprises, biological pest controls, mechanical control of weeds, and soil and water conservation practices. LISA activities involve most of the important crop and livestock products of each region. Farmers and non-governmental organizations have been key participants in shaping and implementing new research and extension efforts through methods that include on-farm research and demonstrations. Many land grant universities are conducting experiments to aid the transition away from chemical- and capital-intensive farming methods, and are initiating closer ties with farmers interested in or already practicing LISA methods. New curricula are being developed for student and farmer training in LISA approaches. Future research and extension efforts for LISA should make better use of ecological theory; place more emphasis on topics that involve long-term research such as agroforestry systems, crop and livestock breeding, yield-enhancing crop rotation effects and biological pest control; and more fully examine the relationships between ecologically sustainable farming methods and socioeconomic structure.