This study investigates the agronomic, economic, ecological, and technological impacts of integrated sustainable agricultural practices in an industrial-scale mixed farm located in Bulgaria’s mountainous Southwest Region (NUTS-2: BG41). Utilizing a two-season case study (2022–2024), the research evaluates the effects of inhibited nitrogen fertilization (NBPT and DCD), cover cropping, and minimum tillage (no-till) across three key crops: wheat, maize, and rapeseed. Results show yield improvements of 3.0–5.3%, alongside enhanced quality indicators, such as protein and oil content. Soil health indicators—including organic matter, microbial activity, and bulk density—improved notably under the combined sustainable regime. Despite higher initial costs, the practices yielded a 31.5% increase in net return and a 71.4% increase in ROI, highlighting significant economic efficiency. The Composite Sustainability Index (CI), exceeding 0.75 across all crops, confirms the synergistic benefits of practice integration. The study supports targeted policy incentives within the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework to promote sustainable intensification in structurally vulnerable regions.
Ключови думи: sustainable agriculture, nitrogen inhibitors, minimum tillage, cover crops, mountain farming, agroecological indicators
