Introduction What is Conservation Agriculture (CA)? Conservation Agriculture is a way of farming that conserves, improves, and ensures efficient • use of natural resources. It aims to help farmers achieve profits with sustained production levels while conserving the • environment. Why Conservation Agriculture? Because traditional methods of farming cannot cope with the increasing of the ever • expanding human and livestock populations. Conservation actions stop and reverse land degradation. • Conservation agriculture boosts productivity and contributes to reducing land degradation • and increase food security Principle of Minimum Soil Disturbance disturb the soil the seed, fertilizer and manure are to be placed. Reduces destruction of the soil structure; • Does not expose soil to wind and water erosion; • Improves water infiltration rates; • Slows the rate at which organic matter is mineralized and oxidized, so organic matter • Build-up occurs; Causes little disruption to the organisms that live in the soil. • Saves time, energy, and money because less land is tilled. • Reduces soil compaction because the crop plant roots are left undisturbed • The Principle of Permanent Soil Cover Helps reduce direct raindrop impact and so reduces soil erosion; • Helps reduce runoff and helps water to seep into the soil; • Reduces evaporation and so conserves moisture for the crop; • Suppresses weeds emergence; •
Introduction What is Conservation Agriculture (CA)? • Conservation Agriculture is a way of farming that conserves, improves, and ensures efficient use of natural resources. • It aims to help farmers achieve profits with sustained production levels while conserving the environment. Why Conservation Agriculture? • Because traditional methods of farming cannot cope with the increasing of the ever expanding human and livestock populations. • Conservation actions stop and reverse land degradation. • Conservation agriculture boosts productivity and contributes to reducing land degradation and increase food security Principle of Minimum Soil Disturbance disturb the soil the seed, fertilizer and manure are to be placed. • Reduces destruction of the soil structure; • Does not expose soil to wind and water erosion; • Improves water infiltration rates; • Slows the rate at which organic matter is mineralized and oxidized, so organic matter Build-up occurs; • Causes little disruption to the organisms that live in the soil. • Saves time, energy, and money because less land is tilled. • Reduces soil compaction because the crop plant roots are left undisturbed The Principle of Permanent Soil Cover • Helps reduce direct raindrop impact and so reduces soil erosion; • Helps reduce runoff and helps water to seep into the soil; • Reduces evaporation and so conserves moisture for the crop; • Suppresses weeds emergence;