Conventional agriculture: a production model out of step with the times

Although it has allowed for significant increases in agricultural productivity, conventional agriculture also presents several disadvantages, particularly from an environmental sustainability standpoint. In this article, we will explore the main differences between conventional, organic, and integrated agriculture, analyzing the advantages, disadvantages, and impact of each model.

What is conventional agriculture?

Conventional agriculture refers to a production system that has become outdated in various ways. It relies heavily on the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, as well as intensive farming practices like deep plowing, and particularly focuses on the genetic improvement of plant species for human and livestock food production.

This approach emerged and spread throughout much of the world between the 1940s and 1970s, during the period known as the Green Revolution. The primary goal of conventional agriculture is to achieve the highest possible yield per unit of land, without giving much consideration to the potential long-term environmental impacts.

Let’s briefly review the differences between conventional, organic, and integrated agriculture.

Differences between conventional and organic agriculture

Organic farming differs from conventional farming in its sustainable approach, which excludes the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and emphasizes agronomic practices that protect soil and ecosystems.

In detail, conventional farming makes extensive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, while organic farming uses natural substances such as compost, manure, and organic fertilizers.

Monoculture is common in conventional agriculture, which allows for maximizing the yield of a single crop; organic farming, on the other hand, promotes crop rotation to improve soil fertility and biodiversity.

Organic farming aims to reduce water pollution and biodiversity loss, while conventional farming can lead to soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and the loss of natural habitats.

Differences between conventional and integrated agriculture

Integrated agriculture represents a compromise between conventional and organic models: it aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining productive efficiency.

While conventional farming uses pesticides and fertilizers without significant restrictions (calendar-based pest control), integrated farming seeks to rationalize their use by combining treatments that reduce the drift of chemicals into the environment with biological control techniques and more soil-friendly agronomic practices, such as conservation tillage.