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Optimize farm size and agronomic practices to improve agricultural sustainability: a case of multi-indicator assessment from the North China Plain

Author

Listed:
  • Bolun Luo

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Jie Zhou

    (Nanjing Agricultural University)

  • Huadong Zang

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Abdurahman Sawut

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Ximei Feng

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Yadong Yang

    (China Agricultural University)

  • Leanne Peixoto

    (Aarhus University)

  • Xiquan Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences)

  • Jørgen E. Olesen

    (Aarhus University)

  • Zhaohai Zeng

    (China Agricultural University)

Abstract

Farm size plays a critical role in agricultural sustainability, which has profound implications for the economic and environmental performances of food production. However, the mechanisms and magnitude of how farm size impacts sustainability remain incomplete. Based on 365 farms survey in the North China Plain, we aimed to evaluate agricultural sustainability of large and small farms (LF vs. SF) concerning greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), reactive nitrogen (N) losses, energy use efficiency, and net economic benefits. Our results showed that the sustainability performance index of LF (7.7–9.2) was higher than that of SF (6.7–7.7) mainly due to the 1.4–2.1 times higher net profit in LF than SF. The relationship between sustainability performance index and farm size revealed that 35–55 ha was an optimal range for farms with wheat–maize double cropping. The LF and SF with low GHGs had a higher sustainability performance index relative to the high emission ones. Both wheat and maize for the low GHG emission LF had the highest sustainability performance index (9.2 and 8.4). This was mainly due to low GHG emission farms having more efficient management, i.e., optimized N fertilization and scientific irrigation schedule. A literature review supported that increasing farm size improves agricultural sustainability in China. In conclusion, optimal farm size and the use of low emission agronomic practices could improve agricultural sustainability by reducing the environmental consequences and enhancing economic benefits. Graphical Abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Bolun Luo & Jie Zhou & Huadong Zang & Abdurahman Sawut & Ximei Feng & Yadong Yang & Leanne Peixoto & Xiquan Wang & Jørgen E. Olesen & Zhaohai Zeng, 2025. "Optimize farm size and agronomic practices to improve agricultural sustainability: a case of multi-indicator assessment from the North China Plain," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 6599-6618, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04156-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04156-2
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