Title: Identify principles and practices of sustainable crop production.
Course: Agricultural Production Technology (18301-I) > Section: Using Plant Science in Agricultural Crop Production

Identification should include researching, preparing, and defending plans for a plant systems enterprise that aligns with USDA sustainable practices criteria (https://nifa.usda.gov/program/sustainable-agriculture-program).

The term sustainable agriculture (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term,

- satisfy human food and fiber needs
- enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
- make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is sustainable crop production? How are sustainable crops grown?
- What are some sustainable farming practices utilized in field crop production? What are some sustainable practices utilized in nursery crop production?
- Why is the focus on soil health a critical component of sustainable agriculture?