Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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 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 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 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.