The ecological and economic benefits of sustainable agricultural practices: Evidence from on‐farm trials in broad‐acre crops

Sustainable agriculture practices are essential for ensuring long-term food security, environmental health, and economic stability. This paper explores various agricultural methods, including Organic Farming, Conservation Tillage, Agro forestry, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Crop Rotation. Each practice is assessed based on its impact on soil health, yield increase, time to benefit realization, and market accessibility. Additionally, the effectiveness of these practices is evaluated using a weighted decision matrix to balance cost efficiency, customer satisfaction, security, and implementation complexity. The findings highlight that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers the most balanced performance across these criteria, while Agro forestry, despite its strong soil health benefits, presents significant challenges in implementation and benefit realization. The paper concludes with recommendations for selecting sustainable practices based on specific agricultural goals and constraints. Sustainable agriculture is pivotal in addressing the growing demands of global food production while preserving environmental integrity and promoting economic viability. As traditional farming methods face increasing scrutiny for their environmental impacts and resource inefficiencies, sustainable practices offer promising alternatives. This introduction outlines the key sustainable agriculture practices and their roles in enhancing agricultural sustainability. Organic Farming focuses on using natural inputs and processes to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact. Conservation Tillage aims to minimize soil disturbance and erosion, enhancing soil structure and moisture retention. Agro forestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, promoting biodiversity and improving soil fertility. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, cultural, and chemical practices to manage pests sustainably. Crop Rotation involves alternating different crops in a sequence to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease pressures. To evaluate and compare sustainable agriculture practices, the Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method was employed. MOORA is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique that allows for the assessment of alternatives based on multiple conflicting criteria. This method is particularly useful for evaluating complex agricultural practices where multiple objectives need to be considered simultaneously. The significance of researching sustainable agriculture practices lies in addressing the critical challenges faced by modern agriculture, including environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the need for increased food security. As the global population continues to grow, there is an urgent need to develop and implement agricultural practices that not only enhance productivity but also ensure environmental sustainability and economic viability. Organic Farming, Conservation Tillage, Agro forestry, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Rotation.Soil Health Improvement (%),Yield Increase (%),Time to Benefit Realization (months), Market Accessibility (%). The results indicate that Integrated Pest Management achieved the highest rank, while Agro forestry had the lowest rank being attained. “The value of the dataset for Corporate SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES according to the moora Method, Integrated Pest Management achieves the highest ranking.”

This study seeks to examine the factors affecting the adoption of SAPs and their intensity of use at the smallholder household level in four coffee producer districts of Luya, Amazonas, Peru, based on cross-sectional survey data obtained from 145 sampled households, six coffee farmer interviews, and three expert interviews. Despite the benefits of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAPs), their use rate among small-scale farmers is still low in developing countries like Peru. The results showed that coffee farmers adopted different SAPs according to several factors that determine their adoption; those factors can be farm(er)-related, sustainable practices’ attributes, and communication and extension. Moreover, drawing on the logistic regression technique (logit), the marginal effects of the critical factors that significantly determine the adoption of SAPs were obtained. The logit results evidenced that coffee farmers' decision to adopt SAPs was influenced by the number of people of working age living in the household for cover crop and composting, farmland slope for living or dead barriers, coffee yield and educational attainment for fertilization, and number of assets and facilitating conditions for wastewater treatment. The main problems are the lack of workers for integrated pest management, the focus on making money on farms for agroforestry, and people’s fears about taking risks with cover crops. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners aiming to foster sustainable farming practices in similar contexts.

There is growing political pressure for farmers to use more sustainable agricultural practices to protect people and the planet. The farming press could encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices through its ability to manipulate discourse and spread awareness by changing the salience of issues or framing topics in specific ways. We sought to understand how the UK farming press framed sustainable agricultural practices and how the salience of these practices changed over time. We combined a media content analysis of the farming press alongside 60 qualitative interviews with farmers and agricultural advisors to understand whether the farming press influenced farmers to try more sustainable practices. Salience of sustainable agricultural practices grew between 2009 and 2020. Many of the practices studied were framed by the press around economic and agronomic aspects, and farmer respondents said the most common reasons for trying sustainable agricultural practices were for economic and agronomic reasons. The farming press tended to use more positive rather than negative tones when covering sustainable agricultural practices. Respondents used the farming press as a source of information, though many did not fully trust these outlets as they believed the farming press were mouthpieces for agribusinesses. Whilst a minority of farmers stated they were motivated to try a new sustainable agricultural practice after learning about it in the farming press, this was rare. Instead, the farming press was used by respondents to raise their awareness about wider agricultural topics. We reflect on the role and power given to agribusinesses by the farming press and what this means for agricultural sustainability.

This comprehensive review explores sustainable farming practices in both Africa and the USA, shedding light on innovative approaches that address the challenges posed by climate change, resource depletion, and increasing global food demand. As agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economies of both regions, identifying and adopting sustainable practices is crucial for ensuring long-term food security and environmental health. In Africa, the review highlights the diverse array of sustainable farming innovations that have emerged to address the unique challenges faced by the continent. Agroecological practices, such as intercropping and agroforestry, have gained prominence for their ability to enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the integration of precision farming technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, is facilitating more efficient resource use and crop management. Community-based initiatives and farmer cooperatives are also proving instrumental in promoting sustainable practices while fostering social and economic resilience in the face of environmental uncertainties. In the USA, the review explores the evolution of sustainable farming practices in response to changing consumer preferences and the imperative to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. Precision agriculture technologies, including GPS-guided tractors and sensor-based monitoring systems, are being widely adopted to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impacts. Agroecological principles are gaining traction, with a growing emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices that prioritize soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, the integration of cover cropping and crop rotation strategies is enhancing resilience to pests and diseases, reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs. Comparative analysis reveals commonalities and differences in the adoption and adaptation of sustainable farming practices between Africa and the USA. The review emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts, knowledge exchange, and policy support to ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices, promoting global food security and environmental sustainability.

Background: The world will need to feed a population of nearly nine billion by 2050 (Godfray, 2010). To do so agricultural systems will have to contend to with risks to soil and water resources and the impacts of climate change, including changing weather patterns, an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and increased pest and disease-related threats. These risks threaten the livelihoods of nearly 475 million smallholder farmers in the global south and pose a significant threat to the world's food and nutritional security (IPCC, 2022). Sustainable agricultural technologies and practices offer an innovative and holistic way of meeting food and nutrition needs of current and future generations while ensuring profitability, and environmental and social sustainability (Güven, 2023). Sustainable agriculture practices and technologies seek to transform and reorient agricultural systems to support food security while preserving natural capital including soil, water, and biodiversity, increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, and promote health, and social and economic equity (Brodt et al., 2011) By systematically integrating goals of sustainability along with economic profitability into the planning and development of agricultural systems, sustainable agriculture technology and practices aims to increase agricultural productivity, mitigate negative environmental impacts of agriculture while furthering social objectives. Women play a critical role in agricultural and food systems and often have higher work and time burdens and are less productive due to limited access to social and economic resources. The 2023 Status of Women in Agrifood Systems report by FAO estimates that if female farmers had the same access to productive resources as men, their productivity could increase by up to 30 per cent, reducing the number of hungry people in the world by 12 to 17 per cent. Recognizing existing gender inequalities and the vulnerability of women in agricultural systems is one of the goals of sustainable agriculture furthering goals of gender equity and women's empowerment. Studies show that sustainable agriculture technologies and practices have the potential to reshape gender dynamics, challenging existing gender norms by providing social and economic agency and empowerment. However, this depends on how particular needs, priorities, and realities of women are recognized and adequately addressed in the design and application of these technologies. Presently, there is limited evidence systematically assessing the appropriateness, accessibility and outcomes of sustainable agricultural technologies and practices for women and girls, as well as their effectiveness in addressing longer-term gender-equity goals. Evidence syntheses in this domain remains focused on gendered approaches within interventions or programs targeting women. We seek to broaden the perspective by focusing on how different sustainable agriculture technologies affect women's well-being, empowerment and gender equity even when women specifically are not targeted.

Agriculture in Latin America plays a significant role in the region’s economy, food security, and rural development. Although pest control has traditionally relied on chemicals, there is increasing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices, including biological control, to minimise environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity. In Latin America, high biodiversity enhances biological control, both classical and augmentative biological control. The use of biological control agents allows farmers to produce their crops whilst reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture. In addition, biological control opens new market opportunities for farmers and job options for youth in rural areas. Maximal benefits will however be attained only after adoption of biological control practices and when an effective interaction among key stakeholders is achieved. Thus, farmers and consumers can reap the benefits of biological control, which can incentivise and accelerate adoption at the field level. To evaluate the socio-economic benefits of biological control, establishing multidisciplinary teams to conduct the studies is crucial. The current article explores the benefits resulting from the implementation of biological control programmes, highlighting social benefits. In addition, as part of the Plantwise programme, created to assist agricultural production with a sustainable perspective, data on the use of biopesticides in some countries are discussed in the context of sustainable production looking forward to reinforcing food security and safety in Latin America.

Chemical control methods are mostly preferred in the control of pests that cause qualitative and quantitative losses in stored products instead of physical or biological control applications. The increasing consumer response to pesticide use and the insect resistance to many pesticides have reversed this situation and interest in biological control has increased. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are biological control agents that are safer than synthetic pesticides. EPF play major roles in the natural regulation of many insect and mite species. Sustainable Biological Control with EPF could make a substantial contribution to the control of storage pests. When storage pests’ interactions are complex with EPF, we can notice both positive and negative impacts. EPF disrupts the host cuticle and proliferates as hyphae in the hemolymph, secreting toxins responsible for the death of host insects. Subsequent saprophytic growth leads to the production of fungal spores that can reinfect other hosts. For a successful infection, the fungus must be effective on the host's defense system. In order to determine the optimum conditions of myco-insecticides in biological control programs, specific research is required to understand the interaction between EPF, host insects, crops, and their environment. This review includes an overview of EPF, its host defense mechanism, pathogenicity, infection occurrence, the potential for use, and prospects. Furthermore, this review extensively investigates the contribution of EPF to biological control in sustainable agricultural practices.

The increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability has propelled the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Feeding a growing global population necessitates a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices, prioritizing environmental health and food security. The demand for safe and nutritious food supply necessitates reevaluating agricultural practices. Sustainable farming practices have emerged as a promising solution, promoting environmental health alongside food production. Ongoing debates on whether sustainable farming systems provide any substantial benefits compared to conventional systems prompted this research paper, which examines recent empirical evidence on the effects of sustainable farming practices (SFP) on the nutritional quality of food. With a focus on practices such as organic farming, conservation tillage, reduced chemical inputs, and crop rotation, this review synthesizes findings from studies conducted between 2018 and 2024. The paper highlights observed differences in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant levels in crops produced through sustainable farming practices (SFP) compared to conventional farming. Evidence from the literature suggests that SFP contributes positively to the nutritional quality of various food products, such as the higher vitamin C content found in organically grown tomatoes compared to their conventionally grown counterparts. These differences highlight potential health benefits for consumers. Similarly, reduced chemical input, a hallmark of organic practices, has been associated with improved mineral content in leafy greens, particularly iron and calcium levels. This synthesis provides insights into how SFP may enhance the nutrient density of food, offering benefits for both environmental sustainability and public health. Policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should consider promoting SFP to support a healthier and more sustainable food system.

Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) in association with small-scale farmers, has a vital role in fostering sustainable organic practices for sustainable agricultural development. A study was conducted to establish the alignment of sustainable agriculture practices at KATC, with that of the National agricultural policy and, how sustainable practices are implemented by the training institution. The qualitative case study involved seventeen (17) participants who were purposively selected from the target population. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, observations, and a focus group discussion. A document review on SNAP’s sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) was conducted, and data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study showed that KATC’s sustainable organic practices such as soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, and pest and disease management were aligned with policy objectives of, increasing crop production, food security, and nutrition, promoting sustainable management and use of natural resources. An integrated approach is essential in implementing SAPs aligned with policy objectives, to enable the effective adoption of SAPs by small-scale farmers and agricultural development. The study recommended specific policies and legislation on sustainable agriculture to influence the implementation of sustainability practices.

This study addresses the pressing challenge of promoting sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions, focusing on their economic and environmental implications. Arid regions face one-of-a-kind challenges because of water scarcity and environmental fragility, necessitating the adoption of practices that guarantee agricultural viability without compromising ecological balance. The study's goal is to lead a complete cross-disciplinary analysis encompassing Plant Science, Management, and Economics, aiming to reveal insight into the intricate relationship between sustainable agricultural practices, economic viability, and environmental preservation. The research issue focuses on identifying viable strategies that harmonize the economic and environmental dimensions of agriculture in arid regions. The exploration of existing studies gives insights into the adoption of innovative technologies, including accurate irrigation systems, drought-resistant crop varieties, and eco-friendly pest management methods. Through the analysis of the gathered data, this study uncovers major patterns and findings regarding the economic feasibility of sustainable practices in arid regions. It integrates the mind-boggling interactions between agricultural efficiency, cost-adequacy, and environmental sustainability. The research culminates in a bunch of recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the requirement for tailored incentives, information dissemination, and integrated management approaches. In conclusion, this paper highlights the paramount importance of harmonizing economic and environmental dimensions in arid area agriculture through sustainable practices. It also acknowledges the limitations inherent in secondary data analysis and the necessity for further empirical research. The synthesis of insights from Plant Science, Management, and Economics contributes to a holistic understanding of the subject and aligns with the journal's commitment to multidisciplinary research.

This study investigates the critical role of sustainable food systems in enhancing food security and regional development in the underprivileged areas of Medan City, Indonesia. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a Partial Least Square (PLS) approach, data were collected from 400 respondents across the city's most impoverished districts. The findings indicate that sustainable practices in food availability, consumption patterns, and distribution systems are essential determinants of food security and regional development. By promoting local food production, encouraging balanced diets, and developing efficient distribution networks, policymakers can address food insecurity and support sustainable regional growth. The study underscores the necessity of integrating sustainability principles into food security strategies and regional development plans. This alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Policy recommendations include investing in sustainable agricultural practices, improving infrastructure for food distribution, and implementing community-based nutrition education programs. These strategies are crucial for building resilient and equitable communities in Medan City and beyond.

Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) that lead to an increase in productivity are central to the acceleration of economic growth; this will alleviate poverty and help to overcome the recurrent food shortages that affect millions of households in Africa. However, the adoption rates of SAPs remain below expected levels. This paper analyzes the factors that facilitate or impede the probability and level of adoption of interrelated SAPs, using recent data of multiple plot-level observations. Multivariate and ordered probit models are applied to the modeling of adoption decisions by farm households facing multiple SAPs which can be adopted in various combinations. The results show that there is a significant correlation between SAPs, suggesting that adoptions of SAPs are interrelated. The analysis further shows that both the probability and the level of decisions to adopt SAPs are influenced by many factors: a household’s trust in government support, credit constraint, spouse education, rainfall and plot-level disturbances, household wealth, social capital and networks, including the number of traders known by a farmer in his vicinity, his participation in rural institutions, and the number of relatives he has inside and outside his village, labor availability, and plot and market access. These results imply that policy makers and development practitioners whose aims are to strengthen local institutions and service providers, maintain or increase household asset bases, and establish and strengthen social protection schemes, can speed up the adoption of SAPs.

Farmers’ perceptions of sustainable agriculture in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

ustainable development in agriculture is crucial for ensuring long-term food security, environmental health, and economic viability within the European Union (EU). Given the diverse climatic conditions, economic contexts, and cultural traditions across member states, a comprehensive understanding of the peculiarities and regional differences in sustainable agricultural practices is essential for formulating effective policies and strategies. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of sustainable development in agricultural enterprises across different EU regions. By examining the unique characteristics, implementation strategies, and outcomes of sustainable practices, the article seeks to highlight best practices, identify regional challenges, and propose recommendations for enhancing sustainability in the EU's agricultural sector. The study employs a multi-faceted approach, including a literature review of existing research, policy analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national policies, in-depth case studies from representative EU countries, surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. This methodology ensures a thorough examination of the various dimensions of sustainable agriculture across the EU. The comparative analysis reveals significant regional differences in the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices. Western and Northern European countries demonstrate high adoption rates of advanced technologies and sustainable practices, supported by robust policies and financial incentives. Southern Europe focuses on water conservation and traditional practices, facing challenges in modernizing their approaches. Eastern Europe shows gradual progress, constrained by economic and infrastructural limitations but benefiting from EU support. Key findings highlight the importance of tailored regional policies, enhanced financial support, and the need for increased knowledge sharing and capacity building. The article concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers, agricultural enterprises, and other stakeholders to harmonize sustainable practices across the EU. These include strengthening and harmonizing policies, supporting research and innovation, improving access to financial resources, enhancing training and education, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Effects of sustainable agricultural practices on soil microbial diversity, composition, and functions