Conservation agriculture: Challenges and prospects in rainfed cropping systems

Abstract

Under growing challenges of climate change, land degradation may be exacerbated in the future, and sustainability of natural resources may become a major concern. Conventional agriculture (CA) with intense tillage, without residue and monocropping is responsible for land degradation, yield stagnation and environmental pollution. Hence, conservation agriculture with three principles of no tillage, residue retention and crop diversification is a potential strategy to reverse land degradation with enhanced crop yields, reduced production costs, higher resource (nutrient, water, energy) use efficiency and reduced soil and water erosion in rainfed agriculture. Integration of complimentary practices like in situ moisture conservation, nutrient and weed management were essential for success of CA in rainfed regions.