The effectiveness of sustainable agriculture approaches in reducing farmers' dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers

Abstract

Background: The excessive use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in conventional agriculture has led to environmental degradation, soil health deterioration, and potential health risks for farmers and consumers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable agriculture approaches in reducing farmers' dependence on these chemical inputs while maintaining agricultural productivity and economic viability. Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative field experiments and qualitative in-depth interviews. The study was conducted during the summer on various Flos Hidroponik farm plots in Temanggung Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, which implement various sustainable practices including integrated pest management (IPM), organic fertilization, crop rotation, cover cropping, and biological pest control. Data collection involved soil health assessments, yield measurements, input usage tracking, and structured interviews with participating farmers to assess adoption rates, challenges, and perceived benefits. Findings: The implementation of sustainable agriculture approaches resulted in a significant reduction in pesticide use by 85% and chemical fertilizer application by 70% compared to conventional farming practices. Integrated pest management showed the highest effectiveness, reducing pesticide dependence by 85% while maintaining crop yields at 80% of conventional levels. Farmer adoption rates varied, with 90% of farmers continuing sustainable practices after the study period, citing improved soil health, reduced input costs, and enhanced crop resilience as primary motivating factors amid. Conclusion: Sustainable agriculture approaches demonstrate substantial potential for reducing farmers' dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers without compromising agricultural productivity. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this study lies in the integrated evaluation of multiple sustainable agriculture practices and their combined effects on chemical input reduction, agricultural productivity, and farmer adoption in a real-world farming context.