Which of the following is a principle of sustainable agriculture?

The principle of sustainable agriculture emphasizes methods that promote environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity. Crop rotation is an important practice in sustainable agriculture because it involves alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land from season to season. This approach helps to maintain soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, manage pest populations naturally, and decrease the reliance on chemical inputs, making farming more sustainable over the long term.

In contrast, monoculture cropping, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and deforestation for new agricultural land are practices that can lead to environmental degradation. Monoculture can deplete soil nutrients and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can cause nutrient runoff into water bodies, leading to pollution and harming aquatic ecosystems. Deforestation for agriculture can result in loss of biodiversity and disruption of carbon cycles. Thus, crop rotation aligns with the principles of sustainability by fostering a balanced ecosystem and promoting sustainable farming practices.