Which practice is discouraged in sustainable agricultural systems?

In sustainable agricultural systems, reliance on synthetic fertilizers is discouraged because these fertilizers can contribute to various environmental problems, such as soil degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes practices that enhance the health of the ecosystem, promote soil fertility naturally, and reduce dependency on external chemical inputs.

Synthetic fertilizers can lead to nutrient runoff into waterways, causing issues such as algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Additionally, the long-term use of these fertilizers can disrupt soil microbiomes, leading to decreased soil health and fertility over time. Instead, sustainable practices encourage the use of organic amendments, integrated nutrient management, and natural sources of fertility, such as compost and cover crops, to build soil health and maintain productivity.

Other practices mentioned, such as crop rotation, selective use of pesticides, and integrating livestock and crops, are beneficial as they promote biodiversity, improve soil structure, and enhance resilience against pests and diseases, which aligns with the principles of sustainability in agriculture.