Soil management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems

Publication date: 20/01/2020
Extent: 30 pages

Contributions by: Michele Pisante, University of Teramo, Italy; Angelica Galieni, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics and Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Italy; Gottlieb Basch, University of Évora, Portugal; Theodor Friedrich, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy; and Fabio Stagnari, University of Teramo, Italy

Chapter synopsis: Conservation Agriculture (CA) is known to deliver ecosystem services, maintain the soil potential productivity and improve the resource-use efficiency as well as the natural resources. It adapts to and mitigates climate change and leads to a more efficient use of inputs hence reducing production costs. This chapter describes the principles of Conservation Agriculture, including soil management. The chapter examines the concepts of no-tillage agriculture, cover crops and crop residues management. The chapter also discusses the environmental benefits and ecosystem services linked to CA as well as economic benefits. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0049.03