What is low input farming?

The term low-input farming is defined as a production activity that uses synthetic fertilizers or pesticides below rates suggested by the Extension Service. Low-input farming is based on a reducing, but not eliminating, use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. This type of farming demands a complete system pattern of land use with natural regulation processes. This helps to reduce the need for off-farm inputs such as pesticides. Low-input farming reduces synthetic fertilizers and pesticides mainly through crop rotation, cultivation and soil management, cultivars resistant to pests and diseases, nutrition, and biodiversity. Each of these is an important part of an integrated farming system. Greater importance is placed on cultural practices and utilization of on-farm resources and management. Any system that reduces chemical inputs can be called low-input farming.