Assessing the Economic and Ecological Outcomes of Sustainable Farming Techniques in Bulgaria
Daniel Petrov
, Anton Mitov
Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices among Bulgarian farms, and to evaluate their economic and ecological performance through both quantitative survey data and a detailed case study. Based on responses from 96 farms across Bulgaria’s six NUTS–2 regions, the study identifies precision agriculture, inhibited nitrogen fertilization, and organic farming, as the most widely implemented sustainable practices. The survey results shows that precision agriculture is adopted by 42% of farms and rated highest in economic efficiency, while inhibited fertilization (35%) demonstrates strong nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) and profitability. Although less prevalent (16%), cover crops are highly valued for their positive impact on soil health and long-term sustainability.
A case study of a 116-hectare farm in southeastern Bulgaria further validates these findings. The combined application of inhibited fertilization, precision input management and cover cropping, led to a 7.2% increase in yields, a 9 – 12% reduction in input costs, and a 15 – 23% improvement in profitability. Ecologically, the practice contributed to an increase in soil organic matter by over 0.3%, enhanced water retention, and natural nitrogen fixation.
The results underscore the potential of sustainable practices not only to improve farm-level efficiency, but also to support broader agroecological resilience. However, systemic barriers, such as limited funding access and technical capacity, must be addressed. This research highlights the need for strategic policy support and institutional alignment to facilitate an effective transition to sustainable agriculture in line with the European Green Deal.
Keywords: agroecological transition; cover crops; nitrogen efficiency; precision farming; sustainable agriculture
Citation: Petrov, D., Mitov, A. (2025). Assessing the Economic and Ecological Outcomes of Sustainable Farming Techniques in Bulgaria. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Management, 70(2), 28-43.
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| Date published: 2025-06-30
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