Role of farming practices in sustainable agriculture

Authors: Patel, Jitu; YIN, HSIN-BAI - University Of Maryland

Submitted to: Food and Dairy Industry Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/24/2018
Publication Date: 1/4/2019
Citation: Patel, J.R., Yin, H. 2019. Role of farming practices in sustainable agriculture. Food and Dairy Industry Conference Proceedings. 17-18.

Interpretive Summary: The United Nations reports that the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100. It will be challenging to provide food for everyone with increased population and reduced availability of farmland. The world will need 56 percent more calories by 2050 to provide food on table. Water scarcity due to increased demand, drought, and other environmental conditions has affected water availability for irrigation. It is imperative to search for non-traditional irrigation waters such as reclaimed wastewater for agriculture crops and other means to minimize soil dependence for crop production. Using reclaimed water in agriculture also minimizes the discharge of untreated wastewater directly into the environment. The effect of non-traditional water sources on potential bacterial contamination is addressed. Alternative farming practices such as hydroponics has gain popularity due to reduced land area requirements, reduced water consumption, accelerated plant growth rates, and year around production in controlled environments. The information is helpful to growers, marketers, and economists on the effect of shift on farming practices on sustainable agriculture and food future.

Technical Abstract: The United Nations reports that the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, with approximately 83 million people being added every year. It will be challenging to provide food for everyone with increased population and reduced availability of farmland. The world will need 56 percent more calories by 2050 to provide food on table. Water scarcity due to increased demand, drought, and other environmental conditions has affected water availability for irrigation. It is imperative to search of non-traditional irrigation waters such as reclaimed wastewater for agriculture crops and other means to minimize soil dependence for crop production. Using reclaimed water in agriculture also minimizes the discharge of untreated wastewater directly into the environment. Application of waste water for agriculture irrigation is well established in other countries; approximately 10% of the crops are irrigated with wastewater or sewage polluted surface water in the world. The effect of non-traditional water sources on potential bacterial contamination is addressed. Alternative farming practices such as hydroponics has gain popularity due to reduced land area requirements, reduced water consumption, accelerated plant growth rates, and year around production in controlled environments.