Input Use Efficiency for Food and Environmental Security

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable development are the top priorities of the United Nations. This book provides a roadmap to food, nutritional, and environmental security in agricultural systems, focusing on increasing input use efficiency and achieving stability and sustainability. It is of interest to teachers, researchers, policymakers, and students in agriculture, agroforestry, agroecology, and environmental sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 723 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable development are at the top of the United Nations (UN) sustainable global development priorities. In the times of high population growth and increasing pressure on agricultural systems, efficiency in the use of natural resources has been at the epicenter of sustainable agriculture. The concept of 'input efficiency' implies the production of a high quantity and quality of food from using only finite natural resources as inputs, mainly land, water, nutrients, energy, or biological diversity.

In this book, editors provide a roadmap to food, nutritional, and environmental security in agricultural systems. They share insights into the approaches that can be put in practice for increasing the input use efficiency in cropping systems and achieving stability and sustainability of agricultural production systems. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, climate change scientists, capacity builders, and policymakers. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, agroforestry, agroecology, and environmental sciences. National and international agricultural scientists, policymakers will also find this to be a useful read.

Efficiency in the use of natural resources has become increasingly important in the face of growing population and the pressure on agricultural systems. Input efficiency refers to the production of a high quantity and quality of food from limited natural resources, such as land, water, nutrients, energy, or biological diversity. This concept is central to sustainable agriculture, as it helps to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while ensuring food security for future generations.

One of the key approaches to increasing input use efficiency in agriculture is through the adoption of precision agriculture technologies. Precision agriculture involves the use of sensors, drones, and other advanced technologies to monitor and manage crop growth and yield. By using precision agriculture, farmers can optimize the use of resources such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reducing waste and improving productivity.

Another important aspect of input efficiency is the use of renewable energy sources in agriculture. Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can provide a sustainable and cost-effective source of energy for agricultural operations. By using renewable energy, farmers can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to climate change and air pollution.

In addition to precision agriculture and renewable energy, other approaches to increasing input use efficiency in agriculture include the use of organic farming practices, conservation tillage, and crop rotation. Organic farming practices involve the use of natural fertilizers and pesticides, while conservation tillage and crop rotation help to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health.

One of the challenges facing input use efficiency in agriculture is the need to balance the demand for food with the need to protect natural resources. This requires a holistic approach that considers the environmental, social, and economic aspects of agriculture. It also requires collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that balance the needs of different sectors.

In conclusion, ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable development are at the top of the United Nations sustainable global development priorities. Efficiency in the use of natural resources has become increasingly important in sustainable agriculture, as it helps to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while ensuring food security for future generations. By adopting precision agriculture technologies, renewable energy sources, and other sustainable practices, farmers can increase input use efficiency and achieve stability and sustainability in agricultural production systems.

Weight: 1116g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811652011
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021