Conservation agriculture as an approach towards sustainable crop production : A Review

Abstract

Conservation agriculture systems with adequate crop and soil management packages have been described as one of the long term solutions for the depletion of natural resources and environmental quality in agriculture. This paper analyzes the significance of conservation agriculture and the relationship with global environmental change and highlights the complexities associated with socio-economic factors, science, and technology. The conventional mode of agriculture, through intensive farming practices, has been successful in achieving production goals, but at the same time has contributed to the depletion of natural resources. Increasing concerns for sustainable agriculture has been seen as a positive response to both low-input, conventional agriculture, and intensive modern agriculture, which rely on high inputs for crop production. Sustainable agriculture relies on practices that help to preserve ecological equilibrium and promote natural regenerative processes such as nitrogen fixation, nutrient cycling, soil regeneration, and the conservation of natural enemies of pest and diseases, as well as the efficient use of inputs. Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an agricultural technique designed to increase crop production and sustainability by rejuvenating soil fertility on the basis of three principles of minimal soil disturbance, surface crop residue retention, and crop rotation. Agricultural systems that rely on these strategies are not only capable of promoting high productivity but are also capable of maintaining biodiversity and protecting the environment. Conservation agriculture has come up as a new paradigm to achieve the goal of sustainable agricultural production. It is a major step towards the transition to sustainable agriculture.