Nitrogen Fertilizer Dependency and Its Contradictions: A Theoretical Exploration of Social-Ecological Metabolism

Author: Mancus, Philip

Source: Rural Sociology, Volume 72, Number 2, June 2007 , pp. 269-288(20)

Publisher: Rural Sociological Society

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Abstract:

The global agro-food system relies heavily on inorganic nitrogenous fertilizers. In addition to consuming enormous amounts of energy, this manufactured input contributes to the accumulation of reactive nitrogen in the biosphere and undermines the biological basis of agricultural production itself. While technological inefficiency and population may play a role in the phenomenon of global nitrogen accumulation, the social structural features of industrial agriculture must also be examined. The concept of social-ecological metabolism provides an important and needed conceptual framework for engaging global food security issues.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1526/003601107781170008

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