ARS | Publication request: Agricultural sustainability: What does it mean and how do we achieve it?

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 30, 2008
Publication Date: September 30, 2008
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2008. Agricultural sustainability: What does it mean and how do we achieve it? [abstract].

Interpretive Summary: Agriculture must meet the food and fiber needs of an ever increasing human population. However at the same time, industrial agriculture threatens environmental quality and the social fabric of society in potentially dangerous ways. Developing a sustainable agriculture, which recognizes the need to balance production, protection of the environment, and people, is needed with a view to the future. This presentation describes key elements of sustainable agricultural systems and summarizes some research that contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture. Production and environmental responses to organic fertilizer (i.e., broiler litter) are described, as well as to conservation tillage and integrated crop-livestock systems. Tools for soil quality evaluation can be used to strengthen our understanding of how management decisions affect the foundation of agriculture, the soil. This presentation is intended for an academic audience of ecological professionals at the University of Georgia.

Technical Abstract: .