Conservation Agriculture

In large parts of the developed and developing worlds soil tillage by plough or hoe is the main cause of land degradation leading to stagnating or even declining production levels and increasing production cost. It causes the soil to become more dense and compacted, the organic matter content to be reduced and water runoff and soil erosion to increase. It also leads to droughts becoming more severe and the soil becoming less fertile and less responsive to fertiliser. However, there are indications that sustainable production systems can be achieved when the basic principles of good farming practice are applied. The terminology being adopted for such systems by FAO, ECAF and other organisations is "Conservation Agriculture". This implies conformity with all three of the following general principles: no mechanical soil disturbance; direct seeding or planting; and permanent soil cover, making particular use of crop residues and cover crops together with judicious choice of crop rotations. This book brings together the key note lectures and other outstanding contributions of the First World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and provides an updated view of the environment and economic advantages of CA and of its implementation in different areas of the World.