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Agronomic
sustainability is an
important interface
for linking global environmental
issues with the concerns
of local farmers. Increases
in productivity on already
cleared land could directly
and indirectly contribute
to global environmental
benefits via increased
carbon sequestration
and biodiversity and
by reducing pressure
on primary forests.
It is crucial, however,
that these increases
in productivity be achieved
in a sustainable manner.
The
ASB data suggest
that three indicators:
soil bulk density,
system nutrient
balances, and pest
and disease outbreaks,
provide a quick
assessment of the
sustainability of
the ''best bet''
land-use systems.
Some of the plot
level indicators
have been validated
with targeted measurements,
but further work
is needed to extend
the analysis to
the landscape scale.
BACK
Page
preparation by Dr. Erick
C.M. Fernandes, Cornell
University.
--ASB Global Coordinator
(1998-1999)-- |
