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Energetics and ecosystem integrity: The defining principles of sustainable agriculture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Timothy E. Crews ,
Charles L. Mohler  and
Alison G. Power
Timothy E. Crews
Affiliation:
Graduate Student, Section of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701.
Charles L. Mohler
Affiliation:
Research Associate, Section of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701.
Alison G. Power
Affiliation:
Associate Professor, Section of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701.
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Abstract

In this paper, we criticize recent definitions of sustainable agriculture as being overly based on short-term economic criteria, rather than long-term ecological criteria. A concise definition of sustainable agriculture is put forth, premised on the assumption that the ecological parameters of energetics and ecosystem integrity ultimately determine the long-term viability of farming systems. We share with others the view that, in designing sustainable farming systems, a broad array of social and economic factors should be taken into consideration. We believe, however, that these factors are not intrinsic to a sustainable agriculture, but rather separate, desirable goals.

Keywords

sustainable agricultureenergyecologicalsocialeconomicsustainability
Type
Commentary
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 6 , Issue 3 , September 1991 , pp. 146 - 149
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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