Optimizing cropping pattern through reducing environmental issues and improving socio-economic indicators

Abdullah Darzi-Naftchali (), Ali Motevali (), Ghasem Layani (), Mahdi Keikha (), Mostafa Bagherian-Jelodar (), Mehdi Nadi (), Ali Asghar Firouzjaeian () and Hemmatollah Pirdashti ()
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Abdullah Darzi-Naftchali: Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University
Ali Motevali: Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University
Ghasem Layani: Shahrekord University
Mahdi Keikha: University of Zabol
Mostafa Bagherian-Jelodar: Payame Noor University
Mehdi Nadi: Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University
Ali Asghar Firouzjaeian: University of Mazandaran
Hemmatollah Pirdashti: Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2024, vol. 26, issue 5, No 79, 13068 pages

Abstract: Abstract A balanced relationship between the economic, social, and environmental aspects of agricultural production is required in order to maintain sustainability, given the worries about the widespread depletion of finite resources in many parts of the world. In this study, a sustainable cropping pattern (CP) was provided by developing a multi-objective function that maximizes profit while minimizing environmental problems and raising social indicators. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and an economic security index (ESI) were used, respectively, to examine the environmental impacts and economic performance of CP. Utilizing indices including social solidarity, social security, participation, and quality of life, the social consequences were assessed. A thorough questionnaire given to farmers and experts as well as government records like statistical books were used to collect the essential data. Broad beans received the least attention from farmers, and their top five priority crops were watermelon, cucumber, clover, rice, and beans, respectively. Melon, garlic, cucumber, tomato, and corn were the best crops based on all environmental parameters, whereas tobacco was the least suited. The lowest and highest ESI were associated to cotton (0.034) and cucumber (0.208). Potato, rice, cucumber, garlic, beans, and tomato profited more than $1000 per ha, while soybean, wheat, corn, barley, clover, and cotton profited less than $500 per ha. Attaining sustainable agriculture in the region requires a 15.20% reduction in cultivated area, which results in a 13.36% fall in gross profit and a 14.53% and 14.70% decrease in water and chemical fertilizer usage, respectively. By sustaining CP, the model created for this study can help decrease social conflict while generating a synergy between economic and environmental benefits.

Keywords: Cropping pattern; Economic security; Life cycle assessment; Multi-objective planning; Sustainable production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04074-3

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