Industrial agriculture is unsustainable from "summary" of Growing a Revolution by David R Montgomery
In the pursuit of higher yields, modern agriculture has come to rely heavily on chemical inputs that degrade soil health over time. The widespread use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has led to a decrease in soil fertility, erosion, and pollution of waterways. This reliance on external inputs to maintain productivity is not sustainable in the long run, as it depletes the very resources that agriculture depends on. The industrial agriculture model, which prioritizes efficiency and profit over environmental health, has led to the degradation of our soils at an alarming rate. The focus on monocultures, tillage, and chemicals has disrupted the natural balance of ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity and resilience. This loss of diversity makes crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events, further exacerbating the need for chemical inputs to keep yields up. The growing awareness of the negative impacts of industrial agriculture has prompted a shift towards more sustainable practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on building healthy soils through practices like cover cropping,...
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