An agricultural system is a complex and dynamic set of economic, social, and environmental factors that influence agricultural practices. It is a broad term that encompasses the entire process of producing crops and livestock, from planting and harvesting to marketing and distribution. The FAO defines an agricultural system as “an assemblage of components which are united by some form of interaction and interdependence and which operate within a prescribed boundary to achieve a specified agricultural objective on behalf of the beneficiaries of the system” .
Agricultural systems can be described in many ways, and researchers and farmers alike have used a variety of terms to identify agricultural systems based on particular characteristics or definitions. Some of the common terms used to describe agricultural systems include farming system, cropping system, organic, ecological, and more . These terms focus on unique sets of practices, management techniques, and sometimes philosophies. Other definitions, such as a corn-soybean system or a vegetable or hog production system, focus on the commodity being produced .
Agricultural systems can be classified based on various criteria, such as the scale of production, the level of mechanization, the degree of commercialization, and the use of technology. For example, smallholder farming systems are characterized by low levels of mechanization and commercialization, while commercial farming systems are characterized by high levels of mechanization and commercialization .
Agricultural systems can also be classified based on their sustainability. Sustainable agricultural systems are those that are designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These systems are characterized by the efficient use of resources, the conservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the environment .
In conclusion, an agricultural system is a complex and dynamic set of economic, social, and environmental factors that influence agricultural practices. It encompasses the entire process of producing crops and livestock, from planting and harvesting to marketing and distribution. Agricultural systems can be described in many ways, and they can be classified based on various criteria, such as the scale of production, the level of mechanization, the degree of commercialization, and the use of technology. Sustainable agricultural systems are those that are designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs .