An assessment of sustainable farming systems in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Farming systems are characterized by many attributes. In order to evaluate their overall sustainability, it is necessary to consider all relevant attributes together. This study uses a multiattribute utility model (MAUM) to compare two tillage technologies (conventional tillage versus zero tillage) to draw an inference about their sustainability. On the basis of five cropping systems, two soil landscapes and two tillage technologies, twenty large size farms are used to represent different range of farms in Saskatchewan. A bio-economic simulator is used to estimate stochastic values of the attributes characterizing these farming systems. The data for bio-economic simulator are obtained from Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) and Top Management Farm Business Simulator (TMFBS) models. The MAUM, based on the preferences of the individuals from two groups (Producers and Agrologists), is used to identify the preferred farming systems. Based on the simulated attribute values and their desirability, conventional tillage systems are preferred in the Brown soil zone. In the Dark Brown and the Black soil zones, the results are mixed. In the Gray soil zone, the zero tillage systems are preferred.