Is it possible to increase the sustainability of arable and ruminant agriculture by reducing inputs

摘要: Until recently, agricultural production was optimised almost exclusively for profit but now farming is under pressure to meet environmental targets. A method presented and applied optimising the sustainability of systems in terms both economics environment. Components chain are analysed using life-cycle assessment (LCA) a financial value attributed resources consumed burden imposed on environment by agriculture, as well products. The sum outputs weighed against inputs system considered sustainable if exceeds those inputs. If this ratio plotted all levels input, diminishing returns curve should result optimum level located at maximum curve. Data were taken from standard economic almanacs published LCA reports extent consumption burdens resulting UK. Land-use valued concept ecosystem services. Our analysis suggests that rates close current practiced Extensification farming, which thought favour non-food services, requires more land produce same amount food. loss services hitherto provided natural brought into greater than can be extensive farming. This service large comparison benefit reduction emission nutrients pesticides. However, food essential, so coupling subsidies represent relatively component output EU with measures reduce pollution well-aimed. Measures ensure little extra possible or marginal allowed revert nature would seem equally well-aimed, even required intensive use productive areas. We conclude arable either realistic prices products some degree subsidy productivity per unit area greenhouse gas (subsuming primary energy consumption) most important pressures