Soil and water conservation practices for achieving land degradation neutrality

Abstract

In India, 120.7 Mha of land is degraded, mainly by water and wind erosion and vegetation loss, reducing soil carbon, fertility, and productivity—the key indicators of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Controlling erosion is essential for sustainability and LDN. Agronomic practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops, mulching, broad-bed furrow, ridge and furrow, bench terracing, vegetative barriers, and agroforestry restore soil health and enhance productivity. Geotextiles further protect slopes and riverbanks in high-rainfall regions. Agroforestry also improves fertility through nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, and efficient water use. Integrated adoption of these measures is crucial for soil conservation, food security, and achieving LDN.