ABSTRACT
Sustainable agricultural systems are those that rely on lower inputs of energy and chemicals to achieve long-term productivity and environmental compatibility. Sustainable agriculture differs from conventional, high-input agriculture in that it emphasizes long-term yield stability with minimal environmental impact—in contrast to focusing more on short-term goals, such as maximum yields. Multiple cropping is generally believed to be the oldest form of organized agriculture, and it remains one of the most common practices employed by “traditional” farmers in tropical regions. The most important characteristic of multiple-cropping systems is increased diversity, both in terms of habitat structure and species. Decoy or trap crops can be used to control nematode pests in multiple-cropping systems. Agroforestry, including trees in cropping systems, is a very ancient and still widespread practice in many regions of the world.
