Build healthy soil
Protect the structure, organic matter, and living organisms that help soils support crops.
A FIELD GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Good for the land.
Good for the future.
Growing food starts with the earth beneath us. Explore a more thoughtful way to farm—one that supports nature, people, and generations to come.
Explore the practices
THE FUTURE TAKES ROOT HERESoil. Water. Life.
01 / THE PRINCIPLES
A living system.
A shared responsibility.
Sustainable agriculture produces food while caring for the resources and communities that make farming possible.
It brings environmental health, farm viability, and people's wellbeing into the same conversation. There is no single recipe: the right approach depends on the soil, climate, crop, and community.
Make water count
Match water use to crop needs and keep soil, nutrients, and pollutants out of waterways.
Make room for life
Support diverse crops and habitats alongside productive, resilient farm businesses.
02 / FROM PRINCIPLE TO PRACTICE
Small changes.
Long-term thinking.
Explore six approaches that connect
productive farming with a healthier environment.
01Keep the ground covered
SOIL HEALTH
Cover crops and retained crop residues can shield soil from erosion, add organic matter, and support soil life between harvests.
Consider the contextChoose species and termination timing around local rainfall and the next crop. In dry regions, cover crops can compete for stored soil water.
02Diversify the rotation
CROP DIVERSITY
Rotating crops with different rooting patterns and pest hosts can interrupt pest cycles and make better use of soil resources. Legumes can contribute biologically fixed nitrogen.
Consider the contextFit the rotation to local markets, rainfall, equipment, and disease risks. Diversity must also work for the farm business.
03Irrigate with intention
WATER STEWARDSHIP
Soil moisture monitoring, weather information, and well-maintained irrigation systems can help align watering with crop demand.
Consider the contextWater savings depend on scheduling and management as well as equipment. Account for salinity, drainage, and water availability.
04Work with beneficial species
BIODIVERSITY
Native vegetation, flowering margins, and protected waterways can provide habitat for pollinators and natural enemies of crop pests.
Consider the contextChoose locally appropriate species and manage weeds, fire risk, and potential pest hosts. Habitat needs ongoing care.
05Manage pests thoughtfully
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Integrated pest management combines prevention, monitoring, and biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls. Treatment decisions respond to pest pressure and crop risk.
Consider the contextIdentify the pest and beneficial species before acting. When pesticides are needed, follow local requirements and product labels.
06Close nutrient loops
RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
Soil testing and nutrient budgets help match inputs to crop needs. Suitable composts and manures can return nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
Consider the contextCheck material quality, nutrient availability, and application rates. Recycled inputs can carry contaminants or supply more nutrients than crops need.
03 / THE BIGGER PICTURE
Better farming is
an ongoing practice.
Observe. Adapt. Learn. Repeat.
Look beyond a single harvest. Track soil condition, water use, biodiversity, yield, and costs over time. A sustainable approach needs to care for the land and sustain the people who work it.
Explore the foundations in FAO's sustainable food and agriculture resources ↗.
FIELD NOTES
Ideas for a better food future.
Explore the latest writing on sustainable agriculture.
Read the blog ↗