Sustainability of Rice-Based Agroecosystems in Mazandaran, Iran: Agro-technical Characteristics

Sustainability of Rice-Based Agroecosystems in Mazandaran, Iran: Agro-technical Characteristics

In order to evaluate agro-technical characteristics of rice-based agroecosystems in Mazandaran, Northern Iran, a study was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Data relating to agronomic and ecological indicators were collected using questionnaires. Results showed that these systems earned only 22% of the score of production indicators which shows they are not productive systems in term of crop and livestock production. Mean rice yield in these systems was 3129 kg/ha. More than half of farmers apply 200-400 kg/ha N and P chemical fertilizers which is of concern given the demand for rice and the ecological fragility of Mazandaran to environmental pollution due to agrochemicals. In 20% of systems, crop residues are left in the field and, in other cases, residues are removing or burning. Studied agroecosystems earned 73% of score of these indicators which means they are sustainable in terms of applying water and water resources. These agroecosystems earned 39% of the score of mechanization indicators which reveals that they are not sustainable or efficient in terms of mechanization. The survey showed that any progress in crop production management, agrobiodiversity and application of agrochemicals could improve the overall sustainability of these agroecosystems substantially.