After a century of research – from the first studies of the American Society of Agronomy (Klages, 1928), among others, to the FAO Decalogue (2019) – agroecology is asserting itself with vivacity in the debates on the sustainable development of agri-food chains (1,2,3).
The intensive use of chemical inputs (i.e. pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers), by contrast, is the primary cause of the drying up of soils. And the progressive increase in production costs, over the decades, does not correspond to that of the selling prices. A virtue of necessity.
1) Agroecology, why?
Agroecology can be understood as a set of agronomic practices aimed at preserving and improving biodiversity and the health of soils, plants and animals, human beings. In two words, One Health.
The primary objectives of agroecology are therefore those of:
– decreasing soil degradation due to erosion, loss of organic matter and nutrients;
– favouring the nutrient cycle, so as to reduce the use of mineral fertilisers;
– promoting carbon sequestration in soils;
– coping with the effects of climate change in agriculture;
– using fossil fuels as little as possible.
2) Agroecology, how?
The main agronomic techniques in agronomy, include:
–the use of cover crops and agroforestry systems to promote symbiosis between various plant species (possibly native) with the crop of interest and ensure that the soil remains continuously covered (4,5). In this way, soil degradation is reduced, since grassed soil is less subject to erosion, and carbon sequestration through the action of the roots is increased. (6) In many cases, a decrease in the incidence of plant diseases is observed, although this depends on the mode of contagion of the disease;
–the use of more efficient fertilizers. It has been demonstrated that normally in agriculture 60% more nitrogen and 48% more phosphorus are used than crops actually need. (7) The efficiency of mineral fertilizers in use is therefore generally poor and it would be necessary to move towards more efficient forms to allow for a reduction in their contribution, without compromising production levels; (6)
–the reduction of nitrates in water. The replacement of 'conventional' fertilizers with fertilizers permitted in organic farming also allows for the reduction of water pollution by nitrates. Excess 'conventional' fertilizers in fact lead to the leaching of nitrate nitrogen which, being a form very soluble in water and not very similar to the clays of the soil, percolates in significant quantities into the aquifers (9,10).
3) Agroecology, the FAO Decalogue
'Agroecology is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems' (FAO, 2018).
FAO offers a systemic vision of agroecology as a model underlying the necessary transformation of agri-food systems. It identifies the 10 elements that characterise it:
– diversity. Diversification is essential for agroecological transitions, to ensure food security and nutrition, while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources;
– co-creation and sharing of knowledge. Agricultural innovations respond better to local challenges when they are co-created through participation;
– synergies. Building synergies improves key functions of food systems, supporting production and multiple ecosystem services;
– efficiency. Innovative agroecological practices produce more using fewer external resources;
– recycling. More recycling means agricultural production with lower economic and environmental costs;
– resilience. Greater resilience of people, communities and ecosystems is essential for the sustainability of food and agriculture systems;
– human and social values. Protecting and improving the livelihoods, equity and social well-being of rural people is essential for the sustainability of food and agricultural systems;
– food culture and traditions. By supporting healthy, diverse and culturally appropriate diets, agroecology contributes to food security and nutrition, while maintaining healthy ecosystems;
– responsible governance. Sustainable food and agriculture require responsible and effective governance mechanisms at different scales, from local to national and global;
– circular and solidarity economy. Circular and solidarity economies, which reconnect producers and consumers, provide innovative solutions for living within our planetary boundaries, while ensuring the social foundations for inclusive and sustainable development.
4) Provisional conclusions
Several studies report how the application of agroecological practices can also positively influence the quantity, as well as the quality of agricultural production (12,13). This hypothesis obviously cannot be proven for every type of soil and crop.
Agroecological - or organic- productions, where certified, also fulfils additional functions that include the protection of ecosystems and public health, as seen. (14) The transition to this production model should therefore also receive appropriate support in agricultural policies.
In the European Union, the European Commission had set the objective of reaching 25% of the total agricultural area cultivated with organic methods by 2030. However, it did not adopt the necessary measures for this, as noted by the European Court of Auditors. (15)
Dario Dongo and Jacopo Govi
Footnotes
(1) Klages KH (1928). Crop ecology and ecological crop geography in the agronomic curriculum. Agronomy journal, Volume 20, Issue 4, 336-353. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1928.00021962002000040002x
(2) Dario Dongo, Camilla Fincardi. Agroecology, SDGs, salvation. FAO's decalogue. FT (Food Times). 12.4.20
(3) Dario Dongo, Alessandra Mei. Big philanthropists are looking at agroecology. FT (Food Times). December 4, 2023
(4) Amin Nouri et al. When do cover crops reduce nitrate leaching? A global meta-analysis. Global Change Biology 28, no. 15 (2022): 20840-45
(5) Dario Dongo, Gabriele Sapienza. Legumes and durum wheat, the benefits of agroecology. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(6) Terasaki Hart, D.E., Yeo, S., Almaraz, M. et al. Priority science can accelerate agroforestry as a natural climate solution. Nat. Climate Chang. 13, 1179–1190 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01810-5
(7) Paul C. West et al. Leverage points for improving global food security and the environment. Science 345, no. 6194 (2014): 326 doi: 10.1126/science.1246067
(8) Jacopo Govi. Organic farming, fertilizers allowed in the EU. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(9) Elrys, A.S., Uwiragiye, Y., Zhang, Y. et al. Expanding agroforestry can increase nitrate retention and mitigate the global impact of a leaky nitrogen cycle in croplands. Nat Food 4, 109–121 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-022-00657-x
(10) See paragraph 5 (Water protection) in the previous article by Dario Dongo. The advantages of organic agriculture, scientific review by FiBL. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(11) FAO (2019). The 10 elements of agroecology. Guiding the transition towards sustainable food and agricultural systems https://tinyurl.com/mr35xphb
(12) Marta Strinati. Agroecology, 6 systems compared. The benefits of organic for farmers. Analyses. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(13) Sieglinde S. Snapp et al. Biodiversity can support a greener revolution in Africa. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences 107, no. 48 (2010): 20840-45. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1007199107
(14) Marta Strinati. The health benefits of organic diet, scientific review. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(15) European Court of Auditors. Special report 19/2024: Organic farming in the EU – Gaps and inconsistencies hamper the success of the policy. September 12, 2024 https://tinyurl.com/4swezuth
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Jacopo Govi
Chemist, researcher in soil chemistry, plant nutrition and agronomy in general.
