Study on sustainability of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) agro ecosystem in east region of Iran

In order to study Saffron agro ecosystem sustainability, an investigate was conducted in year2013 in east region of Iran. To do this study several main and sub indicators were defined.The main indicators of sustainability index include, socio economic, yield, chemical andorganic fertilizer, weed control, water and irrigation, tillage and machinery. The data on theseindicators collected through questionnaire. The results of step wise regression showed thatthe important factor that affected on sustainability index include, gross production of Saffron,availability of agricultural facilities, availability of agriculture extensions service, insuranceavailability, bank loan, tillage, Saffron farm size, irrigation and water consumption. Theresults also showed that the studied region was not in a stable condition. Only 8% of farmersobtained score equal or more than 50 from 100. The highest score among agro ecosystemswas 54.5. The total score of Southern and Razavi Khorasan that obtained of 100 in orderwere 39.46 and 35.56. The sustainability index in studied region was 37.6 from 100 thatindicated vulnerability of Saffron agro ecosystems in this region. socio economic, yield ,chemical and organic fertilizer, weed control, water and irrigation, tillage and machinerymain indicators obtained the 43%, 35%, 33.5%, 39.16%, 31.77% and 36.5% of sustainabilityindex score.

Keywords:

indicator , sustainability index , Saffron