Understanding farm-level differences in environmental impact and eco-efficiency: The case of rice production in Iran

Abstract

Eco-efficiency, defined as the economic profit per unit of environmental impact, can largely differ between farms that produce the same crop. Understanding the underlying drivers of differences in eco-efficiency can help to identify effective options for increasing environmental product performance. Here, we analyzed differences in eco-efficiency between 200 paddy farms in Iran. With multiple linear regression modeling, we assessed the influences of farming system (conventional, limited input, organic) and yield, including potential interactions, on economic profit per unit of impact on ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater, marine) and human health. Our results showed that the eco-efficiency of organic farming systems is (i) positively associated with yield, and (ii) systematically higher compared to conventional and limited input farming systems. We also found that the eco-efficiency of conventional and limited input systems is positively associated with yield for impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, but not for impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems and human health. Our results reflect both higher economic profits and lower environmental impacts of organic paddy farms per unit of rice production compared to the other two production systems.