Conservation Agriculture and Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptations

Conservation agriculture is a sustainable farming method that reduces soil erosion, improves soil quality, and increases crop production. It also helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 474 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Conservation agriculture is a revolutionary approach to farming that aims to mitigate the negative effects of conventional agriculture on soil resources and crop production. Conventional tillage and burning crop residues have led to soil degradation, decreased crop production capacity, and exacerbated the issue of global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation agriculture seeks to address these challenges by promoting sustainable practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity.

One of the key principles of conservation agriculture is the reduction of soil erosion. Traditional farming methods often lead to soil erosion, which can result in loss of fertile topsoil and reduced crop yields. Conservation agriculture practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage help to protect the soil from erosion by providing a protective layer of vegetation and organic matter. This not only improves soil fertility but also reduces water loss, as the vegetation helps to retain moisture in the soil.

Another significant benefit of conservation agriculture is the decline in soil organic matter. Conventional farming practices often involve intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can deplete the soil's organic matter content. Conservation agriculture promotes the use of organic fertilizers and compost, which help to replenish the soil's organic matter and improve its structure and fertility. This, in turn, leads to increased soil water-holding capacity, reduced water runoff, and improved soil health.

Conservation agriculture also helps to improve biodiversity in natural and agro-ecosystems. By promoting the use of cover crops and crop rotation, conservation agriculture creates a diverse environment that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. This not only enhances ecosystem services such as pollination and pest control but also improves soil health and productivity.

In addition to its benefits to soil health and biodiversity, conservation agriculture provides a base for sustainable intensification of the agricultural production system. Traditional intensive tillage methods often rely on high inputs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can be costly and environmentally harmful. Conservation agriculture, on the other hand, promotes the use of natural resources such as sunlight, water, and organic matter, which are more sustainable and cost-effective.

Furthermore, conservation agriculture systems have higher yield levels than traditional intensive tillage systems with substantially less production costs. By promoting soil health and biodiversity, conservation agriculture reduces the need for chemical inputs and pesticides, which can save farmers money and improve their profitability.

This book provides a comprehensive understanding of conservation agriculture and its potential to mitigate the negative effects of conventional agriculture on soil resources and crop production. It covers topics such as climate change mitigation strategies, approaches, and the impact of conservation agriculture on natural resource management. The book is co-published with NIPA, Taylor and Francis, and is not sold or distributed in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In conclusion, conservation agriculture is a revolutionary approach to farming that offers significant benefits to soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable intensification of the agricultural production system. By promoting sustainable practices that enhance soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil organic matter, conservation agriculture helps to mitigate the negative effects of conventional agriculture and create a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.

Weight: 1080g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032428680