Ecological agriculture. What it is and how it works

Abstract

The problems of modern high input agriculture are presently causing some concern. The fundamental problem is an undermining of the energy efficient self-sustaining character of a biological system. The purpose of this paper is to suggest an alternative system called Ecological Agriculture.

This has seven requirements:

• 1.

  (1) It must be self-sustaining. It is managed to reduce losses to a minimum, and all by-products are recycled. Decomposers and nitrogen fixers are encouraged. Fertility is maintained by techniques such as humus application, crop rotations and correct treatment and application of farmyard manure.

• 2.

  (2) It must be diversified in order to fulfill (1) above, also to increase stability and maximise biomass production. The ratio of animals (including humans) to plants must therefore be appropriate.

• 3.

  (3) In order to maximise yields, limit the capital investment required and increase employment, the unit size should be small, but appropriate to local conditions.

• 4.

  (4) The net yield per unit area must be maximised. Appropriate techniques are outlined.

• 5.

  (5) It must be economically viable. Conventional agriculture in the west is heavily grant-aided. This alternative farming system is aimed to operate at a real profit.

• 6.

  (6) The farm products should be processed on the farm and sold directly to local consumers. Cottage industries would revitalise many country communities, particularly in the developing countries.

• 7.

  (7) It must be aesthetically and ethically acceptable.

Techniques employed to achieve these aims are described and discussed in relation to arable crops (rotations, manuring, control of pests and weeds, and yields) and grassland management. The concept of niche occupation and creation in relation to animal husbandry is explored. The different criteria used in animal breeding, and the ethical arguments involved with intensive animal husbandry are also outlined. Energy and its production on the farm, the processing of farm products and crops, conservation and utilisation of wild-life and woodland, and the social and political effects of ecological agriculture are discussed. Figures are given from a survey in Europe of farms managed along these lines.

This type of agriculture would be of particular value to developing countries to help them become more self-sufficient in food. It will become of much importance also in the developed world in the future. Figures are given from a test-case farm which show that such a farming system does work, and shows promise for development.