The role of no or minimum mechanical soil disturbance in Conservation Agriculture systems

Publication date: 20/01/2020
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Theodor Friedrich, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy

Chapter synopsis: Minimum mechanical soil disturbance is one of the pillars of Conservation Agriculture (CA). It is the core concept, which distinguishes CA as a sustainable farming system from tillage-based systems. This chapter introduces concepts of tillage and soil disturbance and the issues and solutions related to this topic along the cropping cycle. The role of no or minimum soil disturbance in CA systems is fully explored, firstly by looking at the effects of soil tillage and tillage implements on the soil. The chapter goes on to discuss how soil disturbance can by minimised during farming activities such as land preparation, seeding, planting, pest, disease and weed management, and harvesting. The issue of soil compaction is also discussed. The author concludes that agriculture is possible without soil disturbance and that sustainable agriculture via CA may become a reality.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0048.04