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Conservation Agriculture

This document discusses conservation agriculture in India. It notes that over 120 million hectares of land in India is degraded, including from water erosion, wind erosion, salinity, alkalinity and acidity. Conservation agriculture is presented as an alternative that can conserve natural resources by minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, and diversifying crop species. The three principles of conservation agriculture are identified as minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations. Benefits include improved soil structure, organic matter, and reduced erosion. Techniques discussed include zero-tillage, use of crop residues and cover crops, and machinery like the happy seeder.

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Conservation Agriculture Prepared by: Dr. Pooja Goswami Assistant Professor (Agronomy) College of Agriculture, Balaghat JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.)
Indian Scenario:- Total cultivable area- 142.2 m ha Rainfed - 87 m ha (Contributes 44% of food needs) Irrigated – 62 m ha (Contributes 56% of food needs) Total degraded area – 120.7 m ha Water erosion – 73.3 m ha Wind erosion – 12.4 m ha  Salinlty & alkalinity – 6.64 m ha  Soil acidity – 5.7 m ha
Problems associated with Conventional Agriculture Erratic rainfall distribution  Delayed planting Reduction of soil fertility and physical structure Increased erosion High labour/ energy requirement
Conservation agriculture (CA) CA can be defined as “a concept for resource-saving agricultural crop production that strives to achieve acceptable profits together with high and sustained production levels while concurrently conserving the environment” (FAO 2009). Conservation agriculture has emerged as an alternative strategy for conserving the natural resources.
The 3 CA principles MUST be complimented by GAP enhancers.. (which are however not CA)! 1. Good agronomic practices o Timely planting; Proper plant spacing o Effective weed control (with and without herbicides) 2.Use of improved external inputs o Improved seeds o Judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides. 3. Crop - livestock integration. 4. Agro-forestry 5. Mechanization
Why Zero or Minimum Tillage? Tillage or ploughing – is the most time and power consuming operation is avoided, saving costs and time  Undisturbed weed seeds remain in the soil without germinating – reducing weeds  Ploughing disturbs the soil – making it susceptible to erosion by water and wind; causes plough pans Ploughing releases CO2 contributing to climate change
Minimum soil disturbance The “Deceiving” effects of ploughing IMMEDIATE EFFECTS • Weeds are controlled • Seedbed is prepared • Water infiltration improves • Soil aeration improves • Nutrients are released, availed • Incorporation of manure, fertilizers and organic matter • Loose soil eroded and nutrients are leached LONG TERM EFFECTS • Depleted soil organic matter • Damaged soil structure and macro pores • Soil flora and fauna disappear • Hard/plough pan formation • Acute soil water availability and restricted aeration • Distortion of pH levels • Decline in nutrient availability
Difference between Zero tillage and Conventional Tillage Practices
Tillage effects on infiltration and ground cover
Residue cover/ Cover crops Reduce surface runoff and control erosion. Add organic matter and improves soil structure and tilth.  Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen. Help to control weeds. Increase soil productivity .
SOIL COVER - the most important principle?? Soil cover by crop residues (dead plant matter) or imported mulch Soil cover by cover crops Soil cover by living plants – synchronized for all year round production imported mulch Intercropping with cover crops
Benefits of soil cover More soil organic matter and available nutrients  Promotes biological activity-soil organisms (earthworms, insects, rodents, microbes) leading to increased humus (decomposed organic matter) Increased humus leads to soil enrichment & improved soil structure (aggregation/ pores)  Increased water infiltration, decreased water evaporation, water (& nutrient) holding capacity
Continued… Cushions temperature changes-dampening extremes Better root penetration and crop growth  Less soil erosion from both water and wind More– less fluctuating temperatures  Less weed pressure
Different types of Seed drill
Happy Seeder is one of the unique technique which is used for sowing wheat without any burning of rice residue used in conservation agriculture.  This technology is eco friendly with environment for the health of soil as well as it also saves water Use of Happy Seeder in CA
Trash mulching in Sugarcane and Rotavator for trash incorporation
Conclusion CA known to improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Nutrient, water, energy, labor and time saving was observed with high efficiency. Ecological balance is attained with sustained yield and returns. CA is specific to site, crop and environment conditions.