---
title: "Sustainable Yield — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Sustainable yield is the amount of a renewable resource you can harvest without shrinking the supply. Learn how it ties to carrying capacity and sustainability for AP Enviro."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/sustainable-yield"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Sustainable Yield — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Sustainable yield refers to the maximum amount of natural resources that can be harvested or used without depleting or damaging the resource base over the long term.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.12 Intro to Sustainability](/ap-enviro/unit-5/intro-sustainability/study-guide/2tV9bIS2nFGuR7fP9OsV)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support without causing long-term damage or depletion of resources. It is related to sustainable yield because both concepts involve determining limits for resource use.
- [Overexploitation](/ap-enviro/key-terms/overexploitation): Overexploitation occurs when a resource is harvested or used at an unsustainable rate, leading to depletion or irreversible damage. It is the opposite of sustainable yield and highlights the importance of managing resources responsibly.
- [Ecosystem Services](/ap-enviro/key-terms/ecosystem-services): Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, such as clean water, air purification, and pollination. Sustainable yield ensures that these services can be maintained for future generations by avoiding excessive resource extraction.