Conservation Agriculture to Sustainable Farming: A Case Study from Asia

Abstract

This study delves into conservation agriculture (CA), a farming approach characterized by minimal soil disturbance (known as no-till or NT) and permanent soil cover through mulching, complemented by crop rotations, as a more sustainable method for future cultivations. It briefly explores the significance of tillage in agriculture, which emerged in response to the devastating American Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Subsequently, it introduces CA as advancement over CT. This study emphasizes CA's role in promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly crop cultivation practices. It draws a case study of Asia to illustrate the successful implementation of CA practices, resulting in improved production sustainability and profitability. Additionally, the study examines the implications of CA on greenhouse gas emissions and its contribution to mitigating global warming. Ultimately, it underscores the imperative for agriculture to adopt more resource efficient and environmentally conscious practices to meet the growing demands of a burgeoning global population. Encouraging the adoption of CA management systems emerges as a key strategy for achieving this objective.