Sustainable Intensification Of Organic And Low Input Agriculture Through Integrated Bioenergy Production
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Sustainable Intensification of Organic and Low-Input Agriculture through Integrated Bioenergy Production by Benjamin Blumenstein Pdf
Both global food and energy systems are increasingly faced with major challenges regarding food security and non-fossil energy provision, respectively. Organic or low-input agriculture as well as bioenergy production may contribute to securing rising food and energy needs. However, low-input agricultural systems are challenged for their lower productivity compared to high-input systems. Moreover, bioenergy systems are often criticized for their unsustainable high-input cropping systems. Consequently, innovative approaches are needed to optimize both sectors. A promising strategy may be the integration of organic or low-input agricultural systems with agricultural bioenergy production with the objective to increase both productivity and sustainability of land use systems. This dissertation examines the opportunities and risks of integrated bioenergy production in organic and low-input agricultural systems, based on the example of two bioenergy technologies, anaerobic digestion (AD) and integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass (IFBB), by assessment of their structural framework conditions, systematic implications, as well as economic and risk performance. In a final step, the role of integrated agricultural bioenergy production within the context of the so-called sustainable intensification is debated.
Options for Transition of Land Towards Intensive and Sustainable Agricultural Systems by Rocio Millán,Peter Schröder,Arne Sæbø Pdf
Climate and environment of Gaia, mother Earth, are under multiple significant stresses. The increase in world population demands large increases in food production, but this must be reached by use of sustainable methods. Emission of climate gasses needs to be dramatically decreased, overall ecological footprints have to be diminished, and socioeconomy of rural areas has to be boosted. These aims are not easy to combine. However, the bio-economy and green solutions may provide mankind with tools of great value both to mitigate pollution and climate change and to adapt to future changes. It is clear that all forms of agriculture cause changes in balances and fluxes of pre-existing ecosystems, thereby limiting resiliency functions. Intensive agriculture in regions that are influenced by industrial pollution, with strong reduction of landscape structures and vast decoupling of energy and matter cycles, has caused stress and degradation of the production base; massive influence has also been exerted on neighbouring compartments. Average yields are probably close to 50 % of maximum yield many places, due to mismanagement of the crops during the production phase, or due to the inappropriate use of key resources. This relationship often leads to a mis-match between input of resources and process outputs, and creates pollution and unbalance in the landscape. Fertilizer runoff and salt accumulation occurs if water supply is in surplus or deficiency, due to soil compaction after use of large machines, and pollinating insects are suffering in regions with large monocultures and high pesticide inputs. These few examples show some of the dilemmas of using input factors in a way that does not fit with the overall conditions. Hence it will be as important as ever to develop new agricultural systems exploiting seasonal growth cycles through intercropping and the integration of mixed perennial crops to ensure permanent availability of plant fractions to be delivered to end users. The problem of degrading soils threatened by overuse, compaction, pollution and loss of biology can only be tackled by a cross disciplinary research approach addressing the entire spectrum of agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic functions of our agricultural systems. While efforts to demonstrate the benefit of site-specific management are relatively recent and have taken various approaches, they specifically refer to variable-rate applications of single inputs, e.g. seeds, fertilizers, chemicals. It is high time to deploy principles of precision agriculture for integrated crop management through combined variable inputs of irrigation water, fertilizers, composts and crop density to improve degrading land and on the other side produce valuable raw products for biorefineries and biobased industries In order to implement such novel production systems, for food and non-food products, the demonstration of land use changes, for biodiversity, for sufficient food and biomass production is essential, with emphasis on the diversity of species and varieties grown, harvested and converted to valuable products. Therefore this Research Topic combines studies demonstrating improved use of soil amendments, nutrients, as well as improved soil fertility for higher resilience against climate stress and recuperation of abandoned or contaminated soils for cropping and animal husbandry. Mixed cropping for high biomass production to create higher added value through the production and transformation of green biomass into novel products is presented as one of the solutions. Applied research for a sustainable and ecologically compatible land use aimed at sufficient food production is as important as ever. Adequate management plans have to be developed from modeling and implemented to increase soil life at the level of the local farm and the region. Growing biomass plants for biorefinery processes should lower production costs, avoid pollution of surface and groundwater, reduce pesticide residues, reduce a farmer’s overall risk, and increase both short- and long-term farm profitability. Such production systems are established amongst the authors of this Research Topic and will allow to obtain an integrated picture of the role of closed cycling loops for N, P and K, and water in an agricultural ecosystem. The next step will be to support decision-making using sustainability indicators and toolboxes as they have been developed for different agricultural systems. The availability of stable research networks of study sites across Europe will help to develop decision support systems applicable across a variety of domains for integrated food and non-food production in the EU, in regards to socio-economy, sustainability and ecology.
Soil Health and Intensification of Agroecosystems by Mahdi M. Al-Kaisi,Birl Lowery Pdf
Soil Health and Intensification of Agroecosystems examines the climate, environmental, and human effects on agroecosystems and how the existing paradigms must be revised in order to establish sustainable production. The increased demand for food and fuel exerts tremendous stress on all aspects of natural resources and the environment to satisfy an ever increasing world population, which includes the use of agriculture products for energy and other uses in addition to human and animal food. The book presents options for ecological systems that mimic the natural diversity of the ecosystem and can have significant effect as the world faces a rapidly changing and volatile climate. The book explores the introduction of sustainable agroecosystems that promote biodiversity, sustain soil health, and enhance food production as ways to help mitigate some of these adverse effects. New agroecosystems will help define a resilient system that can potentially absorb some of the extreme shifts in climate. Changing the existing cropping system paradigm to utilize natural system attributes by promoting biodiversity within production agricultural systems, such as the integration of polycultures, will also enhance ecological resiliency and will likely increase carbon sequestration. Focuses on the intensification and integration of agroecosystem and soil resiliency by presenting suggested modifications of the current cropping system paradigm Examines climate, environment, and human effects on agroecosystems Explores in depth the wide range of intercalated soil and plant interactions as they influence soil sustainability and, in particular, soil quality Presents options for ecological systems that mimic the natural diversity of the ecosystem and can have significant effect as the world faces a rapidly changing and volatile climate
Sustainable Intensification by Jules N. Pretty,Stella Williams,Camilla Toulmin Pdf
Continued population growth, rapidly changing consumption patterns and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are driving limited resources of food, energy, water and materials towards critical thresholds worldwide. These pressures are likely to be substantial across Africa, where countries will have to find innovative ways to boost crop and livestock production to avoid becoming more reliant on imports and food aid. Sustainable agricultural intensification - producing more output from the same area of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts - represents a solution for millions of African farmers. This volume presents the lessons learned from 40 sustainable agricultural intensification programmes in 20 countries across Africa, commissioned as part of the UK Government's Foresight project. Through detailed case studies, the authors of each chapter examine how to develop productive and sustainable agricultural systems and how to scale up these systems to reach many more millions of people in the future. Themes covered include crop improvements, agroforestry and soil conservation, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, horticulture, livestock and fodder crops, aquaculture, and novel policies and partnerships.
Organic Farming by C. Sarath Chandran,Sabu Thomas,M. R. Unni Pdf
This volume provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and recent advancements in organic farming, a form of agriculture that is increasing rapidly in popularity. Readers will discover information on the history of organic farming, environmental friendly practices and challenges, and innovations in the field. The chapter authors analyze pertinent aspects of this integrated farming system including strategies to improve seed quality, methods to improve soil fertility, and the advantages of using organic fertilizers. Particular attention is also given to weed management practices, bioenergy production and insights into the ways organic farming can adapt to global climate change and build sustainable food systems for future generations. Scientists, decision-makers, professors, and farmers who wish to work towards making agricultural systems more sustainable will find this book appealing.
Sustainable Agriculture Reviews by Eric Lichtfouse Pdf
This book features review articles that analyze current agricultural issues and knowledge. It also proposes novel, environmentally friendly solutions that are based on integrated information from such fields as agroecology, soil science, molecular biology, chemistry, toxicology, economics and the social sciences. Coverage examines ways to produce food and energy in a sustainable way for humans and their children. Inside, readers will find articles that explore climate change, food security, water pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, pest control and biodiversity depletion. Instead of solving problems using the classical painkiller approach, which seeks only to limit negative impacts, sustainable agriculture treats challenges at their source. Because most societal issues are in fact intertwined, global and fast-developing, sustainable agriculture will bring solutions that have the potential to build a more peaceful world. This book will help scientists, decision-makers, professors, farmers and politicians build safer agriculture, energy and food systems for future generations.
The Alliance of Bioenergy Production and Organic Farming by Torsten Siegmeier Pdf
Current global energy needs and the effort to substitute fossil fuels have led to extensive production of biomass in agricultural systems for purposes of renewable energy generation. At the same time, energy cropping poses new threats to the sustainability of land use systems. Large-scale industrialized farming in general and intensive energy crop production in particular are increasingly drawing criticism from various stakeholders for their negative external effects. Organic farming systems alleviate the environmental burden of agricultural production by minimizing negative this food-energy-climate nexus a large-scale conversion of agricultural area to organic management seems infeasible. Against this backdrop, this dissertation examined interrelations and connections of organic agriculture and biomass energy systems in regard to three dimensions: (i) Scientific interest and publication structure, (ii) research topics and contents, and (iii) systemic implications of integrated bioenergy and organic farming systems in the case of farm biogas production in Germany.
Integrated Organic Farming Systems: Approach for Efficient Food Production and Environmental Sustainability by Subhash Babu,Sanjay Singh Rathore,Vinod Kumar Singh,Raghavendra Singh Pdf
Researchers and policy planners are in search of a solution to address the twin challenges of maximizing agricultural production while maintaining/ improving ecosystem sustainability. Enhancing farm productivity is needed in certain regions of the world to satisfy local food consumption and farmers' needs. Linear economy-based-input intensive conventional agriculture (CAPS) has increased production output but has not made agriculture more sustainable. Henceforth, a farming system that aims to reduce the adverse impact on the environment, as well as enhance agricultural productivity by reducing environmental footprint and improving soil health and economic wellbeing is needed in the present day. Integrated organic farming systems (IOFS) involve residue recycling, bio-intensive cropping, high-tech horticulture, mushroom, dairy, poultry, fishery, apiary, etc can improve the ecosystem health and augment the income and livelihood security of the growers. Worldwide, IOFS are gaining popularity due to improved ecosystem services and improving farm productivity and livelihood security. Hence, IOFS- a circular economy-based (reuse-recycle-repair) agricultural production system can be alternatives to energy-intensive inputs based on CAPS. Hence, there is an urgent need to select suitable IOFS models with proper resource optimization for productivity maximization and better ecosystem sustainability. Undoubtedly IOFS reduces energy use from synthetic agrochemicals but food production in IOFS is highly dependent on fossil fuel energy that must be addressed urgently. Despite the enormous positive outlooks, there are several challenges in the adoption of IOFS models. The IOFS is a multiproduct-oriented production system that needs multi specialties and marketing. Capacity building and infrastructure development are also great challenges in adopting IOFS. Moreover, the development of IOFS models is highly individualistic, and location-specific production systems need proper resource optimization and characterization. Hence, the development of site-specific IOFS models to maintain food quality with productivity improvement is a genuine issue to the researchers, which needs to be addressed. Papers (original research/review/letter to the editors) spanning across the discipline related to the IOFS development in sustainable ways are encouraged for inclusion in this research topic. Papers should explicitly cover ecosystem restoration, farm productivity, and profitability and could have a specific focus on the following areas: -the IOFS models for enhancing productivity and environmental quality through an integrated management approach aiming at the maximization of use efficiencies -the management of biomass waste to restore the soil fertility, and ecosystem services the effect of integrated management practices on greenhouse gas emissions and energy use -Critical approaches for climate-smart food production systems
Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture by Jules Pretty,Zareen Pervez Bharucha Pdf
Sustainable intensification (SI) has emerged in recent years as a powerful new conceptualisation of agricultural sustainability and has been widely adopted in policy circles and debates. It is defined as a process or system where yields are increased without adverse environmental impact and without the cultivation of more land. Co-written by Jules Pretty, one of the pioneers of the concept and internationally known and respected authority on sustainable agriculture, this book sets out current thinking and debates around sustainable agriculture and intensification. It recognises that world population is increasing rapidly, so that yields must increase on finite land and other resources to maintain food security. It provides the first widely accessible overview of the concept of SI as an innovative approach to agriculture and as a key element in the transition to a green economy. It presents evidence from around the world to show how various innovations are improving yields, resilience and farm incomes, particularly for ‘resource constrained’ smallholders in developing countries, but also in the developed world. It shows how SI is a fundamental departure from previous models of agricultural intensification. It also highlights the particular role and potential of small-scale farmers and the fundamental importance of social and human capital in designing and spreading effective innovations.
Sustainable Development of Organic Agriculture by Kimberly Etingoff Pdf
This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This important compilation presents an in-depth view spanning past values and practices, present understandings, and potential futures, and covering a range of concrete case studies on sustainable development of organic agriculture. The book explores the very different facets of organic and sustainable agriculture. Part I of this book delves into the ways that people have approached organic agriculture in sociological, scientific, and economic terms. Part II looks ahead to the future of organic agriculture, presenting opportunities for further progress. Part III consists of an extensive bibliography chronologically developing the progress of organic and sustainable agriculture over two thousand years. The book Studies the cultural dimension of organic consumption Presents how sustainable agriculture can reduce and mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production Looks at the impact of agriculture on both famine and rural poverty in an ecofriendly and socially inclusive manner Examines six of the oldest grain-crop-based organic comparison experiments in the US, looking at the environmental and economic outcomes from organic agroecosystems, to both producers and policymakers Reviews the role of experimentation and innovation in developing sustainable organic agriculture Looks at the challenges of organic farmers Discusses ways to ensure sustainability and resilience of farming Looks at ways to change the mindset of farmers especially in traditional farming communities Explores the development of organic and sustainable agriculture through more than 500 years, ending with the early twenty-first century. Altogether, the chapters provide a nuanced look at the development of organic and sustainable agriculture, with the conclusion that organic is not enough to be sustainable.
Sustainable Agriculture Reviews by Eric Lichtfouse Pdf
Sustainable agriculture is a rapidly growing field aiming at producing food and energy in a sustainable way for humans and their children. It is a discipline that addresses current issues: climate change, increasing food and fuel prices, poor-nation starvation, rich-nation obesity, water pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, pest control and biodiversity depletion. This series gathers review articles that analyze current agricultural issues and knowledge, then proposes alternative solutions.
Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 30 by Olivier Réchauchère,Antonio Bispo,Benoît Gabrielle,David Makowski Pdf
The originality of this book is to review and characterize the current body of scientific publications that describe the complete causal sequence from reorganization of agricultural production to land use changes (LUC) and the resulting environmental impacts. The chapters examine both the range of territorial reorganizations leading to LUC and the range of associated environmental impacts considered in the literature, including GHG emissions, atmospheric pollution, biodiversity impacts, water resources, and soil quality.
Organic Farming, Prototype for Sustainable Agricultures by Stéphane Bellon,Servane Penvern Pdf
Stakeholders show a growing interest for organic food and farming (OF&F), which becomes a societal component. Rather than questioning whether OF&F outperforms conventional agriculture or not, the main question addressed in this book is how, and in what conditions, OF&F may be considered as a prototype towards sustainable agricultures. The book gathers 25 papers introduced in a first chapter. The first section investigates OF&F production processes and its capacity to benefit from the systems functioning to achieve higher self-sufficiency. The second one proposes an overview of organic performances providing commodities and public goods. The third one focuses on organics development pathways within agri-food systems and territories. As well as a strong theoretical component, this book provides an overview of the new challenges for research and development. It questions the benefits as well as knowledge gaps with a particular emphasis on bottlenecks and lock-in effects at various levels.
Intensifying agricultural production sustainably by Zurek, Monika,Keenlyside, Paul,Brandt, Katharina Pdf
Sustainable Intensification (SI) has emerged as one of the key strategies for dealing with the ‘monumental’ challenges facing the global food system. This paper reviews current thinking on SI and proposes a decision support tool to enable decision makers to assess the impacts of policy and technology based interventions on food production, food security, incomes and the environment.
The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture by Stephen R. Gliessman,Martha Rosemeyer Pdf
With all of the environmental and social problems confronting our food systems today, it is apparent that none of the strategies we have relied on in the pasthigher-yielding varieties, increased irrigation, inorganic fertilizers, pest damage reductioncan be counted on to come to the rescue. In fact, these solutions are now part of the problem. It i
