A Comparative Analysis of Agricultural Sustainability Approaches: Environmental Performance and Efficiency Implications

Abstract

The increasing environmental impacts of conventional agriculture have intensified the search for farming approaches capable of balancing food production, resource efficiency, and ecosystem protection. In this context, multiple sustainability-oriented approaches have emerged, including organic agriculture, integrated production, sustainable agriculture, and regenerative agriculture. This study develops a comparative framework based on a structured literature review covering the period January 2000–March 2026 to assess these approaches from both practice-based and governance perspectives. The analysis examines key environmental management dimensions, alongside governance-related aspects. The results reveal substantial convergence across approaches regarding core environmental practices, including cover cropping, crop diversification, reduced tillage, and input optimisation. However, important differences emerge in system integration, governance structures, and sustainability objectives. Efficiency-oriented approaches mainly prioritise productivity and resource optimisation, whereas regenerative and organic approaches place stronger emphasis on ecosystem restoration and soil health. The study highlights the limitations of current sustainability assessment frameworks and emphasises the need for integrated, outcome-based approaches capable of capturing both environmental impacts and regenerative benefits across agricultural systems.