Scholarly record
CROP ROTATION FOR IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH: SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AGRICULTURE IN LATVIA
Abstract
A health-friendly crop rotation system for soil is an essential tool for sustainable agriculture, especially in the context of achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal. Therefore, the research aims to assess the integration of three crops beneficial to soil health into the production of winter wheat and winter rapeseed every third year and their socio-economic and environmental impacts in Latvia. The research results revealed that crop rotation has a significant impact on the economy of farms, and only legumes (peas) lead to a positive financial result, while providing significant environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Fallow green manure plants and oats improve soil quality, contribute to carbon sequestration, and reduce the use of chemical plant protection products, while leading to significant revenue losses and socio-economic risks that limit their widespread introduction. In addition, the market absorption capacity in Latvia is not enough to significantly increase the production of oats and peas, which means that such practices are not applicable in all areas under winter wheat and rapeseed. Overall, the research concluded that partial introduction of practices beneficial to soil health, especially the production of legumes, can significantly improve soil health, the resilience of agroecosystems, and the progress of Latvia towards achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal if it is complemented by targeted policy instruments and market development.
Publication details
References20
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