A revised integrated framework to evaluate the sustainability of given cropping systems. (20th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cui, Jixiao; Sui, Peng; Wright, David L.; Wang, Dong; Yang, Jia; Lv, Ziqin; Chen, Yuanquan
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 289(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-20
• Subjects: Agriculture -- Sustainable development goals -- Evaluation methods -- Cropping system; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Sustainable agriculture is one of the most important goals for the future of agriculture, environment and the humankind. The development of science and improvements of technology are key impetus to agriculture transformation. Suitable integrated evaluation method based on multi-dimension criteria is urgently needed to overcome the decision-making puzzle when facing various agricultural managements and technologies. This study compared the results of several evaluation methodologies: emergy, ecosystem services, life cycle assessment and environmental footprints, based on a case study of cropping systems in the North China Plain. The differences and limitations from the evaluation results force us to revise the framework for evaluating the sustainability of cropping systems. Therefore, we summarized the essential demands for agriculture to 4 targets in the revised evaluation frame: food production, economic profitability, resource conservation and environment-friendliness. The evaluation results based on revised framework indicated that the frame considered multi-dimension criteria for sustainable and cleaner production of agriculture and provided a reference standard for policymakers and stakeholders as well.