REFRAMING AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY: CULTURAL PRACTICES AND INTEGRATED PEST AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Abstract

Agricultural sustainability has become a necessity amid the environmental degradation, decline of soil quality, loss of biodiversity and limitations of input-intensive farming systems. This review focuses on the role of cultural agricultural practices, integrated pest management and integrated nutrient management on sustainable production of crops and environmental protection. It identifies the role of crop rotation, intercropping, polyculture, conservation tillage, cover crops, and organic amendments in enhancing soil health, ecosystem resilience, and efficiency of resource use. The review also discusses the significance of integrated pest and nutrient management in reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals, strengthening ecological balance, and supporting long-term agricultural productivity. In addition, it explores the growing importance of plant-derived bioactive compounds from sustainable agriculture and their nutritional, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical relevance. Emerging delivery technologies, including lipid-based nanocarriers, encapsulation systems, controlled release approaches, and plant-derived extracellular vesicles, further extend the value of these natural compounds. Despite promising progress, challenges related to standardization, scalability, formulation stability, and regulatory acceptance remain substantial. Overall, the review emphasizes that the integration of ecologically sound farming practices with advances in bioactive research and delivery technologies offers a promising pathway toward environmentally responsible agriculture and value-added utilization of plant resources.