The Development of Integrated Arable Production Systems to Meet Potential Economic and Environmental Requirements

Abstract

The development of less intensive crop management systems is being increasingly recognized as the long-term objective for arable crop production. Such systems must be economically sound, environmentally acceptable and sustainable in the long term, with the flexibility necessary to meet the varying requirements in different agro-ecosystems. The Less-Intensive Farming and Environment (LIFE) Project builds upon a sound base of ecological research aimed at understanding and optimizing the ecological interactions within the system, with effort focused on the need to resolve the conflicting requirements for control of pests, diseases and weeds and to minimize the environmental impact of crop production. The major consideration in this approach is the stepwise replacement of ‘off-farm’ inputs by integration of natural regulation processes, on-farm alternatives and management skills, in order to maintain species diversity, minimize pollution and losses, provide a safe and wholesome food supply, and to sustain income.

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