Sustainable Agriculture: Circular to Reconstructive, Volume 2

This book highlights environmental footprints and best practices in sustainable agriculture, with fifteen chapters by leading experts. It is a valuable resource for researchers, policy makers, and professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of agricultural practices on the environment, showcasing sustainable practices and their role in mitigating climate change. Spanning fifteen captivating chapters, written by esteemed experts in the field, it sheds light on various aspects of agriculture, including forest conservation, circular economy, climate change adaptation, food security during pandemics, and soil conservation. This invaluable resource offers a rich and insightful perspective for researchers, policymakers, and professionals engaged in the domains of agriculture and economics, making it an essential read for those seeking to advance sustainable development.

Introduction:
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in shaping our world, providing food, fuel, and raw materials for a growing population. However, the traditional agricultural practices have significant environmental footprints, contributing to climate change, deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. Recognizing the need for sustainable agriculture, this book aims to highlight the environmental footprints and best practices in sustainable agriculture.
Environmental Footprints of Agriculture:
Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately one-third of global emissions. The production of crops, livestock, and biofuels requires significant amounts of energy, water, and land, leading to deforestation, water scarcity, and soil erosion. Moreover, agricultural practices such as intensive farming, chemical use, and land clearing contribute to biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and climate change.
Sustainable Agriculture Best Practices:
To address these environmental challenges, sustainable agriculture practices have emerged as a solution. These practices prioritize the conservation of natural resources, the promotion of biodiversity, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. They include techniques such as agroforestry, organic farming, conservation tillage, and integrated pest management. By adopting these practices, farmers can reduce their environmental impact, improve soil health, and increase productivity while promoting sustainable livelihoods for communities.
Forest Conservation in Agriculture:
Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Agriculture can contribute to forest conservation by implementing sustainable land management practices that promote the growth of trees and other vegetation. Agroforestry, a combination of agriculture and forestry, is an effective approach to achieving this goal. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, farmers can enhance soil fertility, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce the risk of soil erosion.
Circular Economy in Agriculture:
The circular economy is a business model that aims to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. In agriculture, this can be achieved by reducing food waste, promoting crop rotation, and adopting sustainable packaging practices. By minimizing waste, farmers can save resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the economic sustainability of their operations.
Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture:
Climate change is posing significant challenges to agriculture, including changes in rainfall patterns, temperature extremes, and pest outbreaks. Sustainable agriculture practices can help farmers adapt to these changes by promoting climate-smart agriculture, such as crop diversification, water management, and the use of drought-resistant crops.
Food Security during Pandemics:
Pandemics such as COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of food security. Sustainable agriculture practices can contribute to food security by promoting resilient food systems, reducing food waste, and improving access to healthy food. By promoting sustainable agriculture, we can ensure that people have access to sufficient and nutritious food, even in times of crisis.
Soil Conservation in Agriculture:
Healthy soil is essential for sustainable agriculture and food production. Sustainable agriculture practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and soil testing can help farmers maintain healthy soil by reducing erosion, improving soil fertility, and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sustainable agriculture is crucial for mitigating climate change, promoting food security, and preserving the environment. By adopting sustainable practices such as forest conservation, circular economy, climate change adaptation, food security during pandemics, and soil conservation, farmers can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. This book provides valuable insights and best practices for researchers, policymakers, and professionals in the field of agriculture and economics, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive positive change.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811911279
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022