Conservation Agriculture: A Long-term Approach towards Sustainability

Jyoti Sharma *

Division of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Amit Mahajan

Krishi Vigyan Kendra Samba,184121, India.

Monika Menia

Department of Agricultural Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.

Deepak Kumar

Department of Agriculture, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 203201, India.

Ranjeet Singh Bochalya

M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Bio-Technology and Management, Solan, H.P, 173229, India.

Naveena

Division of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Shesh Narayan Kumawat

Division of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

With the application of intensive agricultural techniques, conventional agriculture has been successful in meeting production goals but has also led to the depletion of natural resources. Sustainability in the management of the natural resource base is necessary for ongoing and expanded agricultural output to provide food security for future generations. Over a long period, the traditional tillage practice has led to the destruction of the natural resource base of the land. As a result of its inherent connection to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil, it has led to a significant loss of soil and SOM, which is a crucial component of soil quality. Therefore, a suitable cropping system and land use must be implemented and adopted to ensure food security on a sustainable basis. These measures should be based on principles to prevent land degradation, protect the natural resource base, and improve food and nutritional security through crop diversification and optimal rotation. The one sustainable cropping method that may reverse soil erosion, increase crop output, and improve the socioeconomic status of small landholder farmers is conservation agriculture (CA). Conservation agriculture (CA) is the integrated management of the available natural resources such as soil, water, flora, and fauna, with certain outside inputs to maximize the effectiveness of natural resource utilization. To fulfill the objective of sustainable crop production, an alternative approach known as conservation agriculture has emerged. It represents a significant advance in the direction of sustainable agriculture. This article reviews the emerging concerns due to the continuous adoption of conventional agriculture systems, contrasting features between conventional and conservation agriculture systems, and various principles and practices in conservation agriculture. It also highlights the benefits and limitations of CA and various challenges in the adoption of CA.

Keywords: Conservation agriculture, crop diversification, production, natural resources, and sustainability


How to Cite

Sharma , Jyoti, Amit Mahajan, Monika Menia, Deepak Kumar, Ranjeet Singh Bochalya, Naveena, and Shesh Narayan Kumawat. 2023. “Conservation Agriculture: A Long-Term Approach towards Sustainability”. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13 (10):150-65. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i102625.