5.13 Sustainable Agriculture

Rethinking How We Farm

Sustainable agriculture meets current food needs without degrading resources for future generations. Practices include crop rotation, contour plowing, terracing, intercropping, agroforestry, and no-till farming. These methods reduce soil erosion, preserve soil nutrients, conserve water, and lower dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Soil & Water Conservation Techniques

Contour plowing follows land curves to slow runoff and erosion. Terracing creates flat steps on slopes to reduce water loss. Crop rotation alternates crops (e.g., legumes) to restore nitrogen and disrupt pest cycles. Perennial crops and shelterbelts (windbreaks) protect soil from wind erosion and reduce moisture loss.

Integrated Approaches

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, cultural, and limited chemical controls to reduce pesticide use. Polyculture and agroforestry increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost resilience compared to monoculture. These strategies reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based inputs and help maintain long-term soil fertility and productivity.

Key terms

Sustainable agriculture

Farming practices that meet current food needs without depleting resources for future generations.

Contour plowing

Plowing along a slope's natural curves to reduce runoff and soil erosion.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A pest control strategy combining biological, cultural, and minimal chemical methods to reduce pesticide reliance.

Polyculture

Growing multiple crop species together to boost biodiversity and soil health, unlike monoculture.

Agroforestry

Integrating trees with crops or livestock on the same land to improve soil and resource use.

Try an AP-style question

How does contour plowing reduce erosion?

1. Plowing straight downhill
2. Flooding the fields
3. Removing all vegetation
4. Plowing across slopes slows runoff