Conservation agriculture for enhancing crop productivity and resource-use efficiency

Abstract

At global scale much emphasis has been given on conservation agriculture. During the last four decades intensive agriculture has been practiced by using excessive chemical fertilizers without taking care of organic manures. This leads to decline in production and profitability of farmers’ income. Rampant decline in resources forced many countries at global scale to shift towards conservation agriculture. Globally, conservation agriculture has been adopted over 106 million ha area. USA, Australia, Canada, Brazil and Argentina are leading countries. The main aim of this technology is minimal disturbance of soil, no tillage and retention of crop residue on soil surface with reduced traffic. Use of cover crops and green manuring should be included in cropping cycle. Adoption of conservation agriculture practices will lead to enhanced and sustained crop production, soil quality and sound environment which is required for sustainable agriculture.