| The sustainability of two low-input (LIP) cropping systems and one conventional system, all from the Rodale Farming Systems Trial, is compared from 1981 to 1992 using energy and economic indicators. The low-input animal system (LIP-A) spread manure, while the low-input cash grain system (LIP-CG) grew green manure crops for nutrients. The conventional system (CONV) used commercial fertilizers and pesticides.;Results of these analyses show that both LIP systems required only 50% of CONV nonrenewable energy consumption. Food and biomass energy production was highest for LIP-A. Although LIP-CG generated about 75% of CONV food energy production, it was the most stable system from energy and profitability viewpoints. LIP systems were less profitable than CONV under current policy and economic circumstances. The results demonstrate that LIP are more energy sustainable than CONV. Adjustments to social and economic settings are proposed that could make LIP operations as profitable and economically sustainable as CONV. |
