Conservation Agriculture: A Different Approach for Crop Production Through Sustainable Soil and Water Management: A Review

Abstract

Tillage-based soil management for intensive crop production generally leads to soil degradation and eventual loss of crop productivity. Moreover, farmers have to face high costs for fuel, labor, agro-chemicals, and other production inputs required by intensive cropping. Intensive tillage causes a greater loss of soil carbon and increases greenhouse gas emission, mainly CO2, that not only impacts soil productive capacity but also impacts atmospheric quality that is responsible for "climate change." This article reviews the practice of conservation agriculture as a viable system for sustainable crop production and agricultural development. The following major points have been found to be associated with the adoption of conservation agriculture when compared with tillage-based agriculture: improved soil structure and stability; increased drainage and water-holding capacity; reduced risk of rainfall runoff and pollution of surface waters with pesticides of up to 100% and fertilizers up to 70%; and about one quarter to one half lower energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions. Moreover, crop residues are more naturally left on the surface to protect the soil and to drive the carbon cycle towards the conversion of plant biomass carbon to soil organic matter and humus. The changes in the physical environment affect many different groups of organisms, and although there is a wide range of responses among different species, most organism groups are in greater abundance in conservation agriculture than in tillage-based systems. The practice of conservation agriculture requires attention to crop rotation, adequate weed control, management of crop residues, mulching, introduction and management of cover crops, changes in seeding, and transplanting equipment. Despite the benefits linked to the practice of conservation agriculture, there is still much scepticism-especially in Europe-about the suitability of the conservation practice within the European soil and climatic conditions and cropping systems. Nevertheless, it will be more necessary than ever for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural systems that can simultaneously meet their economic needs, address the concerns of consumers, and minimize the impact on the environment.