Title: Identify principles and practices of sustainable crop production.
Course: Agricultural Production Technology (18301-I) > Section: Using Plant Science in Agricultural Crop Production

Identification should include researching, preparing, and defending plans for a plant systems enterprise that aligns with USDA sustainable practices criteria.

The term sustainable agriculture (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term,

- promote carbon capture or sequestration
- promote or build wildlife habitat
- satisfy human food and fiber needs
- enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
- make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- sustain the economic viability of farm operations
- enhance the quality of life for farmers and society.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is sustainable crop production? How are sustainable crops grown?
- What are some sustainable farming practices utilized in field crop production? What are some sustainable practices utilized in nursery crop production?
- Why is the focus on soil health a critical component of sustainable agriculture?
- Why is carbon sequestration important?

Teacher Resource:

- Preparing for the USDA Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) Audit, VDACS
- What is Carbon Sequestration, United States Geological Survey (USGS)