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176 Agriculture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best agriculture topic ideas & essay examples, 💡 most interesting agriculture topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy agriculture essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on agriculture, ❓ agriculture essay questions.

• Essay on Sustainable Agriculture It is believed that the increase in the demand for food due to the increase in global population and change in dietary habit of the population.
• The Impact of Groundwater Pollution on Agriculture and Its Prevention People have to be aware about the impact of their activities on groundwater and be able to improve the conditions, they live under, and this piece of writing will inform each reader about each detail […]
• Culture and Agriculture: Nature and Significance Understanding Seeing that agriculture shapes the society and defines the course of its further development, promoting the ideas of environmentalism and sustainability, it will be reasonable to assume that agriculture belongs to the domain of cultures.
• Urban Agriculture Effects on Economy The preparation of the journals involved conducting interviews with the urban farmers and surveys on the certainty of the farming practices.
• Hydroponics in Agriculture These different setups have the same idea of hydroponics growing but the difference comes in the type of medium used in the growing and the state of the nutrient solution.
• The Difference Between Agricultural Societies and Hunter-Gathers Societies in the Past In the course of time, people have been searching for techniques and approaches to adjust to geographical, social, and cultural environment in the past and in the modern contexts.
• Improving Stress Resistance in Agricultural Crops The biotechnology involved in producing such crops faces many difficulties and there are a lot of considerations of the methods used to improve the crop’s resistance that need to be assessed.
• Environmental Degradation and the Use of Technology in the Agricultural Sector According to the United Nations Environmental Program, environmental degradation is the term used to refer to the destruction of the environment through the exhaustion f natural resources such as air water, and soil along with […]
• Sprinkler Drones in the Agricultural Sector The introduction of drones in agriculture is expected to solve the problem of the shifting structure of the workforce in agriculture.
• Use of Pesticides in Agriculture The general narrative on pesticide use in agriculture is the assertion that it saves labor and ensures higher crop yields. These adversities show just how greater danger than the usefulness of pesticide use is in […]
• Effects of Industrialized Agriculture Finally, the corporations that are involved in the process of food production are responsible for the creation of new markets for consumption and the global trade of agricultural products.
• Agriculture Development in Economic Development This they attribute to the division of labour, where the workers that perform the basic, manual jobs that demand a lot of strength are the least paid, while those that perform the lightest and sophisticated […]
• Agriculture Effects on Wild Animals An increase in agricultural activities has subjected a majority of the wild animals to the danger of extinction. Prior to the introduction of the mongoose in Hawaii, it was easy to find a Nene goose […]
• Growing Pumpkins: Here’s What You Need to Know One way of keeping the leaves dry is by ensuring that the pumpkins are watered early in the morning to give them sufficient time to dry during the day. Microbes found in the soil contribute […]
• Application of Geography (GIS) in Biotechnology in Field of Agriculture and Environment According to Wyland, “the ability of GIS to analyze and visualize agricultural environments and work flows has proved to be very beneficial to those involved in the farming industry”.
• Agricultural Sector: The Use of Drones Thompson states that the application of drones in agriculture, specifically in the United Kingdom, can promote the enhancement of the crops and reduce the usage of pesticides.
• Urban Agriculture and Localization The increased rate of rural to urban movement has caused urban food shortage, a high cost of food, and a huge reliance on imported food, among other challenges.
• Agriculture Versus Forestry Sequentially, in the endeavor to determine what type of an activity to be dedicated to a land, it is proper to comprehend how the activity would work towards maintaining an excellent ecosystem’s functionality.
• Agriculture in the UAE Water supply is one of the basic demands needed to align the efficient functioning of the agricultural sector, which, in its turn, will be able to provide the food needed to satisfy workers needs and […]
• Poverty and Global Food Crisis: Food and Agriculture Model Her innovative approach to the issue was to measure food shortages in calories as opposed to the traditional method of measuring in pounds and stones.
• Agriculture and Farming in Abu Dhabi Many researches have been done on soil taxonomy in the UAE, with the invention of a non-absorbent type of soil that was one of the breakthroughs that have greatly influenced agriculture in Abu Dhabi.
• Urban Agricultural Impact on Human Life One major characteristic of urban agriculture that differentiates it from rural agriculture is the integration of agriculture in the urban economic and ecological system.
• Management Accounting in Agriculture The farming industry of the nature of John and Mary falls in this category however with such a management accounting system like the one portrayed, then the management is likely to be more easy and […]
• The Agricultural Revolution: From the Neolithic Age to a New Era of Agricultural Growth The discovery of tools is recognized to be one of the most important events of human development, as it is a well-known fact that “The development of tools such as flint points, axes, weapons such […]
• Agriculture and Genetics Disciplines Relationship The collapse of Crick’s theory was a setback to the genetics discipline because the foundations of genetic engineering are based on the central dogma premise.
• Agricultural Modernization in Third World Countries Due to underdevelopment in third world countries, the state considered the need for integrated rural development to reduce poverty in rural areas.
• Organic Agriculture Funding: Regenerative Organic Agriculture In turn, organic farming will persist in enriching the soil and the products, Additionally, products that are certified organic continue to be in high demand due to consumer preference.
• Industrial Revolution in Agriculture On the other hand, the industrial revolution in agriculture has led to the introduction of new safety challenges. In conclusion, as a result of the industrial revolution in agriculture, automation has become increasingly relied upon […]
• History of Mexican Agriculture and Land Tenure The topics covered in the article are related to the history of land tenure in Mexico. Furthermore, it is vital to adapt to the emerging situation in terms of protecting the farmers and land from […]
• Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Sectors: Role in the Economic Development This report is dedicated to exploring the agriculture sectors of Zimbabwe and their role in the economic development of the country.
• Environmental Ethics of Pesticide Usage in Agriculture For example, pesticides are responsible for the destruction of the soil and harm to the overall ecosystem. The soil, water, and air resources are at a high risk of contamination from the toxins that are […]
• The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Thus, the research question of the proposed study is as follows: how effective is the application of artificial intelligence to agriculture in terms of removing inefficiency and the lack of productivity?
• Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Health Care The more I studied this issue, the more I became interested in biotechnologies and the possibilities of their use for people.
• Food Security, Improved Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture The sizes and types of farming in the US smaller farms could be evaluated to determine the potential of these entities.
• Internet of Things in Agriculture According to Chalimov, farmers can control such indicators as soil contamination, the proportion of harmful substances in the air, the level of water pollution, and many other characteristics that are crucial to address timely.
• Blockchain and Internet-of-Things in Agriculture The intensification of the deep penetration of information technology in all areas of life has naturally led to the development of strategies to use it everywhere to optimize processes.
• The Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation Infrastructure: Main Threats Thus, the purpose of the work is to analyze the food/agricultural, energy, and transport sectors of critical infrastructure in terms of physical, cyber, or natural disaster threats.
• The Impact of Acetamiprid on Agriculture It is also effective in corroding insects with biting and sucking parts of the mouth, as the active ingredient of acetamiprid is nicotine, which is dangerous for a significant portion of animals and insects.
• The Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program Reflection There are many cases of violation of labor in migrant employees, and it is essential to examine how SAWP undermines accommodations for Caribbean and Mexico migrants and seek an efficient solution.
• Effects of Invasive Species on the Agriculture Industry By conducting a study that assesses the impact of the proposed tool on the management of the invasive species’ effects, one will be able to introduce an improvement.
• Sustainable Agriculture as a Primary Model of Production The benefits of sustainable agriculture are derived from its meaning which is to use agriculture in a way that is beneficial to the environment.
• Is It Safe to Apply Biosolids to Agricultural Lands? This essay demonstrates that biosolids are safe, beneficial to the environment, and essential for enhancing the soil structure while providing a better alternative to inorganic fertilizers.
• Agriculture: Environmental, Economic, and Social Aspects One of them is agriculture, and its examination from the selected perspective seems reasonable in order to reveal the interrelation of the above concepts alongside the importance of sustainability.
• Immigrants’ Employment in Agriculture and Food Processing Most people in the grocery and farm product wholesales are immigrants and account for the largest agricultural and food processing workers in the United States.
• Japanese Agricultural Policies To cope with the hardships of food supply, Japan needs a flexible and robust regulation in the food and agricultural fields.
• Agriculture and Its Social Origins Despite the advantages of old methods of finding food and the disadvantages of agriculture, the transition could occur due to the human factor.
• The Reduction of Agricultural Nutrient Pollution: Possible Solutions The nutrients that are contained in fertilizer or manure may reach water basins and cause a dramatic increase in the populations of phytoplankton and algae.
• Industrialization and Increased Agricultural Production During this time, there was a reduction in adult mortality and this resulted in increased savings, increased acreage of agricultural land, increased capital stock, reduced rates of capital returns, and improved agricultural production.
• The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture However, the move to introduce foreign species of grass such as Bermuda grass in the region while maintaining the native grass has been faced by challenges related to the fiscal importance of the production.
• American Agricultural and Food System The agricultural system is one of the most important for the functioning of any state. Finally, the reason for this behavior is the nature of the distribution of food to consumers in America.
• Agricultural Policies’ Impact on Developing Economies It is seen that there are disparities between the agricultural policies of rich countries and their consequent impact on poorer ones lies in the fact that the current distribution of over 90 Billion Euros in […]
• Agricultural Revolution Process and Its Results Animals were brought to people’s settlements, they were chosen according to their abilities to provide products, to work, or to serve as a source of food.
• Impacts of E-Commerce on Agriculture An analysis can be done to the decision-makers in the industry, agricultural and food products, business processes, firms as well as the interaction that results in the marketplaces, the structure of the market and the […]
• The Main Objective of DNA Fingerprinting in Agriculture Therefore, the main objective of DNA fingerprinting in agriculture is to overcome the limitation of insufficient dissimilarity among prior genotypes and come up with the best ideas to discover new molecular markers and collect data […]
• History of Agriculture in the American West The introduction of electric and gasoline-powered machinery, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides made agriculture one of the main sources of income for West America.
• The Idea of an Agricultural Electric Tractor It is important to analyze and provide a demonstration of how the electric tractor will operate and the principles behind it.
• Financial Profile of Oman Agriculture Development Company Although the year 2008 has been the most beneficial for the company, yet in comparison to the year 2009, the company has managed to improve the figures in 2010.
• Agriculture and Environment: Organic Foods Nitrogen has various effects on the food supply, and it’s present in the soil in the form of nitrates and nitrites.
• The Impact of Geography on Agriculture: Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia Due to the fact that the river overrode the Ethiopian lowland, the inclined gradient of the River Nile sent the water torrent which overflowed the river banks resulting in over flooding of the river.
• Changes in Agriculture in the Next 25 Years The most dramatic change will be the lives and lifestyles of the farmers that will in the next 25 years be the envy of urban folks.
• Immigrant Labor Force in the Agricultural Sectors Problem The topic of immigrant labor has been discussed since the agricultural industry faced the problems of farm labor shortage.”Since World War I, the Congress has allowed the use of temporary foreign workers to perform agricultural […]
• Common Agricultural Policy in Italy One of the latter is the so called Common Agricultural Policy implemented by the EU officials in 2003 to develop for the coming decades and ensure the equal development of the agricultural spheres of all […]
• Macroeconomic Changes and Its Impact on the Agricultural Sector Formerly, the growth in the agricultural sector of the United States had been quite unpredictable. The rate of economic growth has a significant impact on the demand for agricultural products in the United States.
• The Debate on Conventional vs. Alternative Agricultural Approaches The fundamental shift in contents is the pro-ecological balance thrust of the alternative agriculture methods which are in direct contrast to the traditional methods.
• Organic Farming and Agriculture Those combinations that are selected will constitute the best part of the genetic make-up of subsequent generations, resulting in the development of ecotypes adapted to local ecological conditions. On the whole, yield performance of organic […]
• Agricultural Exposure to Arsenic Lung cancer from breathing arsenic is an occupational disease for workers in the smelting industry and the arsenic pesticide manufacturing industry.
• Should Common Agricultural Policy Be Reformed? So with the CAP policy, it is sending a strong message to the world in that it is through the CAP policy that our farmers will be in a position to strongly compete with world […]
• Libyan Agricultural Infrastructure Analysis The telecommunications network in Libya is in the process of being modernized. The development of agricultural infrastructure has played a big role in alleviating poverty in this nation.
• World Trade as the Adjustment Mechanism of Agriculture to Climate Change by Julia & Duchin The significant value of the article under consideration consists in the authors’ presenting a new methodological framework for the evaluation of a trade as the stated mechanism and its use for analysis of changes in […]
• Social Capital in Agriculture and Rural Development The first usage of this term is traced back to 1899 when John Dewey made the first direct mainstream use of the term social capital in the book, “The school and the society”.
• Soil Degradation as an Issue Facing Agriculture The most informative indicators of purely hydrological degradation of soils are a decrease in the total moisture capacity of the soil and a reduction in the lowest moisture capacity of the soil, which characterizes the […]
• Weather Tracking and Effects on Agriculture The success of weather forecasting to meet the needs of different stakeholders depends on the tools and technologies put in place.
• Agricultural Revolution and Changes to Ancient Societies in Terms of the State, Urbanization, and Labor This made the climate and soil more adaptable to plant growth and farming as some of the wild variants of barley and fruit began to grow in the region on their own.
• Smart Farming and Sustainable Agriculture Smart farming allows for a wide range of options, from robotization and satellite imagery to the Internet of Things and the blockchain technology that increases the efficiency of crop cultivation by optimizing the use of […]
• A Technique for Controlling Plant Characteristics: Genetic Engineering in the Agriculture A cautious investigation of genetic engineering is required to make sure it is safe for humans and the environment. The benefit credited to genetic manipulation is influenced through the utilization of herbicide-tolerant and pest-safe traits.
• Pesticide Ban and Its Effects on US Agriculture The findings of the research also challenged the notion that a ban on insecticides would help the environment. Sam is whether to protect the lives that can be lost through the harmful effects of the […]
• Agriculture: “Yield Prospects by Land and Air” by Schafer The crop tour allows farmers to participate in learning a lot during their visits. The editors of the article, however, failed to share what the farmers learned at the tour despite the delayed corn.
• Agriculture: “Getting Sprayed Starting Over” by Shepherd They are currently rectifying the affected parts of the farm to get rid of the contamination. The Editor should offer more insight on how to avoid such violations.
• Agriculture: “Prep Your Pivot for Winter” by Birt The TL irrigation company runs the “the Caveat to winter Pivot Maintenance” program. The dealers who represent the TL Irrigation company receive adequate training on how to service and maintain the equipment.
• Agricultural Policy in the European Union and the USA The position of this thesis on the EU and the US, particularly in the light of the political implications on policy-making in the Agricultural Sectors is that both the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the […]
• Common Agricultural Policy in the EU The number of funds that were being used for the payments was proposed to be used in developing the countryside through the establishment of a budget for rural development.
• Climate Impacts on Agriculture: Implications for Crop Production One of the most important learning points in this article is the relationship between water consumption in crops and levels of carbon dioxide.
• Agricultural Policies in the EU vs. the US It is the position of this paper concerning the European Union, and the United States, particularly in the light of the political implications on policymaking in the Agricultural Sectors, that both the EU’s Common Agricultural […]
• “The Political Economy of Agricultural Transition” by Rozelle and Swinnen Other important highlights of the article include the motivations behind the actor’s push for economic reform in China and the Soviet Union.
• Agricultural Issues in the Global South The latter has ensured that food is produced in plenty and that the citizens do not starve at the expense of cash crops.
• The Agricultural Revolutions: Timeline, Causes, Inventions This revolution prevented food emergencies in Latin America and Asia during the 1970s and 1980s. However, the revolution was not a successful tactic in ending global food shortage and hunger.
• Argentina-Kenya International Trade in Agriculture The use of manual labor and inefficient production processes can be considered as one of the main reasons behind the sheer “glut” of workers in the agricultural industry and, as such, this shows one area […]
• Agricultural Issues in the “Food Inc.” Documentary One of the reasons is that large corporations can launch a mass-scale production of food, and therefore, they can dictate pricing policies to the small farmers, who, in their turn, have to work with these […]
• Agricultural Products vs. Animal Rights Dilemma A while back I was looking for a summer job and I was able to get one in the farms that rear chicken for their eggs and meat.
• Agricultural Policies in African and Asian Countries Agriculture is the largest contributor to the GDP in most countries accounting for 32% of the GDP. Agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of the population.
• Farmers and Their Role in the American Agriculture The recent changes in the world’s largest countries’ economies can be a good illustration of the exclusive role of agriculture which can enable a state to play an important role in the world.
• Big Data and Agriculture Big Data is expected to feed the world in the future by analyzing large volumes of data associated with predicting the weather, finding appropriate regions for farming and agriculture, and eliminating possible adverse outcomes.
• Agriculture and Regulations in African Countries This work is aimed at determining the significance of agriculture in African countries, the main features of the regulation of this field, as well as the causes leading to a failure in a traditional developmental […]
• Yara vs. Southern Agricultural Corridor of Tanzania At the same time, the approaches of both companies to maintaining high market positions are different, and the purpose of this work is to analyze the strategies applied by Yara and SAGCOT to ensure interest […]
• Current Condition of Australian Agriculture The current situation in the agricultural sphere is one of the critical drivers for the need for government intervention and the development of new reforms.
• Australian Economy: Agriculture, Industry and Services Most of the responsibility for the upsurge lies on the technological advancement of the industry that drives the growth and productivity.
• Jethro Tull as a Change Agent in the Agriculture First, he told his people to be more exact and throw seeds to the whole, but his commands were ignored. In order to prove the effectiveness of his methods, he did not use manure for […]
• The Olmec and the Inca Civilizations Agriculture Practices The aim of this paper is to compare the lifestyles and achievements of the Olmec and the Inca civilizations. The creation of the civilization was instigated by the fact that local alluvial soil was well […]
• Genetically Modified Organisms in Canadian Agriculture The primary goal of the public engagement initiative is to come up with practical solutions to the challenges facing the adoption of GMOs in Canadian agriculture. The project will inform and consult the citizens to […]
• Environmental Health and Agricultural Hazards OSHA contributes to environmental health, as it attracts attention to the fact that a lot of people are injured and killed on farms.
• Urban Agriculture in Chicago: Pros and Cons The climatic changes that have adversely affected the ability of farmers in the rural areas to generate high yields in their farms have led to a reduction in the number of fresh products reaching the […]
• Agriculture in the Pacific Northwest The large variety of marine and terrestrial resources made agriculture the secondary food source and allowed for the development of storage-based subsistence economy in the Pacific Northwest, especially in Oregon.
• Construction Control Inspector in Agriculture The job description by the Natural Resource Conservation Service for the construction control inspector position is accurate in the description of the duties and tasks that may be required.
• American Agriculture in “Food Inc.” Documentary My decision to use the film for the assignment was based on the fact that I had watched it before and was highly influenced by it.
• Agricultural Nutrient Pollution and Its Reduction The solutions that have been proposed for the issue are varied: there is the possibility of upgrading farms with the help of better technologies, controlling the use of fertilizers and waste discharge with the help […]
• Native Americans’ History, Farming, Agriculture Nowadays, the task of primary importance is to educate the society and convey the idea that the rich past of the American Indians should be remembered.
• Canadian Small Agricultural Business and Its Trends Some of the misconceptions are illustrated in the report are that the sector is shrinking with no modernization and innovation. In reality, the study showed that over 95% of the farmers in Canada take measures […]
• Exchange Rates Impact on the Australian Agriculture The random trend in the foreign exchange market is a macroeconomic issue that has significant implications on the export market prices and the appreciation of the Australian dollar.
• Energy Problems in the Agriculture Sector From the start, I recognized that using the diesel generator was not the most effective way to solve the power needs of the farm.
• Agriculture Improvement: The US Farm Bill Nadine Lehrer, who has been studying the bill, asserts, “The bill was developed in the wake of 1930’s farm crisis to bring farm incomes up to the par with the required minimum incomes”.
• The Nayar Caste of India: Agricultural Practice This paper explores the culture of the Indian Nayar’s with the perspective to establish their subsistence methods. The Nayar society is matrilineal in nature and women enjoy massive power regarding diverse aspects of their culture.
• Agricultural Pesticide Negative Impacts The presence of pesticide residues in water, air, and the food is considered the main consequence of the neglectful use of pesticides in agriculture as it puts a serious risk to the safety of people […]
• Agricultural Industries in Australia The Commonwealth of Australia is situated in Oceania and is “the world’s sixth-largest country”. This is at least partially the result of the historical development of the country.
• Use of Mobile Phones in Agricultural Extension This indicates that the use of mobile phones in agriculture may lead to an increase in prices so as to enable farmers to maximize their returns.
• Intensification of Agriculture Industries in Canada and the USA Therefore, one should not suppose that the growth of production can be explained by the increase in the number of people who wanted to work in this industry.
• Economic Principles: The US Agricultural Food Industry The overall outcome of such a supply management program is rising in production costs, consumer prices and a reduction in the capacity of US milk products to compete in the global market.
• Global Warming and Agriculture The first and the most obvious result of the global warming is the decrease of the harvest in the majority of regions all over the world.
• Agricultural Studies: The Kuwaiti Pineapple People who meet me at their life paths are inclined to experience similar emotions and feelings while analyzing the details of my appearance and character, and my friends agree that the discussion of pineapple as […]
• Whole Foods Trends: Stringent Standards to Agricultural Practices and Food Products Some of the most common trends pertaining the retail of organic food products in the industry include the ups and downs within the farming sector, concerns of the environment, and concern of healthy lifestyles.
• Impact of Policies on the Practice of Urban Agriculture in Los Angeles This paper looks at the city of Los Angeles and the practice of urban agriculture as a case study to enable the exploration of some of the components of climate change coupled with how political […]
• Vicious Cycle: The Flipside of Brazil’s Agricultural Expansionist Policies But more importantly, environmental policymakers in Brazil should realize that another vicious cycle between economic development and income distribution will set in the near future as long as farmers in North-East regions of the country […]
• Potential Reduction in Irrigation Water Through the Use of Water-Absorbent Polymers in Agriculture in UAE The purpose of this study is to focus on the possibility of the use of super absorbent polymers in agriculture in other parts of the world too with an aim of reducing water used in […]
• Organic Agriculture in the United Arab Emirates The business plan will shed light on the business idea, the value proposition, and the technology that will be required to operate the business.
• The Indian Agriculture Sector Given the significance of the agricultural sector to the economy, the government introduced the 11th five-year plan to provide support and incentives to farmers and other stakeholders in order to enhance production of food.
• The Agricultural Policy in European Union and the United State of America To achieve the main aim of the study, the third objective will be to analyse the common agricultural policy in the European Union and its effects on the member countries with the use of Germany, […]
• Agricultural Subsidies in the United States and the EU The main purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences between the US and the EU agricultural subsidies.
• Human Development. Role of Agriculture. Importance of Technology and Foreign Aid in Mozambique The access to wage labor, which enhances the state of agriculture and the whole country, depends on the people’s education. The rapid development of the agriculture is connected with foreign investments and earnings, as they […]
• Advices to the French Minister of Agriculture, the Head of the French Wine Industry Association and the Owners of Vineyards One of the major problems of the French wine industry is the incapacity to produce the cheap wine due to the climate characteristics of the region, luck of commercial interest and the low support of […]
• Applying Ecological Theory: Agricultural Degradation of Tropical Forest Ecosystems & Restoration of Exhausted Agricultural Land In this latter case, the conditions inhibit the recovery of the original forest and can lead to a different ecosystem. One of the human activities that are proving to be a dangerous threat to tropical […]
• Managing for Sustainability: The Case of Agricultural Producers & Coal Mining in Australia In spite of the fact that these agricultural producers are responsible for bringing significant income to state and local budgets, and despite the fact that the agricultural producers are personally or cooperatively responsible for decreasing […]
• Agricultural, Economics and Environmental Considerations of Bio-Fuels With the end of the oil crisis at the onset of the 1980s decade, the keen interest in bio-fuels fizzled out.
• Brazil Sustainable and Productive Agricultural Practices The country is the source of water and also a water table of up to 12% of the available freshwater worldwide the Brazil is also undoubtedly one of the leading producers of food and biofuels […]
• Critical Review: “Food’s Footprint: Agriculture and Climate Change” by Jennifer Burney The ability to unravel the current quagmire surrounding the causes and effects of global warming on food and agricultural production remain the key area towards effective policy design, management application and eventual sustainability assimilation in […]
• Pesticides Usage on Agricultural Products in California Some of the aspects that must be incorporated in that report are the date of application, the amount used as used as well as the ell as the geographical location of the farm in question.
• Swidden Agriculture: Shift Farming Although this farming technique has been efficient in the past, it has proved to be unsustainable with the current increase in the global population.
• Lucretius’s View About the Roman Agriculture This was not a mere rhetoric considering that writers on the Roman agriculture also highlighted the decline in land productivity either due to the land being old or because of humans’ failure to preserve the […]
• Sowing Blood With the Maize: Zapotec Effigy Vessels and Agricultural Ritual At the very beginning, the author overviews the importance of maize for human and relates it to the peculiarities of Zapotec religion, including the description of genital bloodletting as an act of self-sacrifice to gods.
• Malaria’s and Agriculture Relationship in Kenya This case study analyses the relationship between malaria and agriculture and some of the measures which have been put in place to lower the occurrence of the disease.
• Changes and its Effects Observed at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology For instance, the main entrance was fully furnished and the stretch from the gate connecting other units of the campus was renovated.
• Can Genetically Modified Food Feed the World: Agricultural and Biotechnological Perspective Undoubtedly, the practice of tissue culture and grafting in plants is never enough to quench the scientific evidence on the power of biotechnology to improve breeding and feeding in living organisms.
• Agricultural Geography and the Production and Consumption of Food in British Columbia The impact of the disparity in the natural environment which causes variable conditions in different geographical areas is reflected in the productivity, production cost and efficiency of production.
• Recycling of Wastewater for Agricultural Use in Arid Areas Given that in these arid areas water is a rare commodity, recycling of wastewaters has been considered as one of the ways that can be used to increase the amount of water for irrigation for […]
• Agricultural Subsidies and Development In the event that the world prices is lower than the guaranteed price the government of the nation in question will make up the difference through its subsidy kit set aside for this purpose.
• Cultural Innovations: An Archaeological Examination of Prehistoric Economics, Agriculture and Family Life The type of structures made were and still are determined by the availability of building materials, the level of development of building tools, the climatic conditions, and the economic resources available to the builder.
• Addressing Concerns on Food and Agriculture Mechanization of agriculture running back to the days of the industrial revolution contributes quite a lot to increasing food production. Genetic engineering contributes considerably to the increased food production for the needs of the human […]
• Does Agriculture Help Poverty and Inequality Reduction?
• How Can Caribbean Agriculture Reach Its Potential?
• Can Conservation Agriculture Improve Crop Water Availability in an Erratic Tropical Climate Producing Water Stress?
• How Did Government Affect Agriculture?
• Does Agriculture Matter?
• Are African Households Leaving Agriculture?
• How Can Multifunctional Agriculture Support a Transition to a Green Economy in Africa?
• Does Crop Insurance Influence Commercial Crop Farm Decisions to Expand?
• Can Geographical Indications Modernize Indonesian and Vietnamese Agriculture?
• Does Education Enhance Productivity in Smallholder Agriculture?
• Where and How Can a Debate About Non-safety Related Issues of Genome Editing in Agriculture Take Place?
• Does Group Affiliation Increase Productivity and Efficiency in Russia’s Agriculture?
• Can Integrated Agriculture-Nutrition Programs Change Gender Norms on Land and Asset Ownership?
• Does Off-Farm Employment Contribute to Agriculture-Based Environmental Pollution?
• Are Mega-Farms the Future of Global Agriculture?
• Does Oil Palm Agriculture Help Alleviate Poverty?
• Can Agriculture Support Climate Change Adaptation, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, and Rural Livelihoods?
• Does Organic Agriculture Lead to Better Health Among Organic and Conventional Farmers in Thailand?
• Are Non-exporters Locked Out of Foreign Markets Because of Low Productivity?
• Does Urban Proximity Enhance Technical Efficiency in Agriculture?
• How Does Biological Control Contribute to Sustainable Agriculture?
• Can Climate Interventions Open up Space for Transformation?
• Are Production Technologies Associated with Agri-Environmental Programs More Eco-Efficient?
• Can Conservation Agriculture Save Tropical Forests?
• Does Agriculture Generate Local Economic Spillovers?
• Can Sustainable Agriculture Feed Africa?
• How Can African Agriculture Adapt to Climate Change?
• Why Are Cooperatives Important in Agriculture?
• Who Influences Government Spending in Agriculture?
• What Does Climate Change Mean for Agriculture in Developing Countries?
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37 A Farmer’s Experience of Conservation Agriculture in the UK

Reynolds Farm

• Published: 08 August 2018
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Conservation agricultural practices have been widely adopted across the world in the past 30 years. Farmers recognized that their soils had been degraded by deep ploughing and by dependence on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Conservation agriculture, involving the agronomic and technological practices of no-till, cover cropping, and rotation, can be a sustainable alternative to conventional farming both economically and environmentally. While improving soil and crop health, it also has a dramatic and beneficial impact on the soil structure and on organic matter content that in turn can improve drainage and the availability of water. Costs are greatly reduced and crop yields—after an initial decline—return to former levels. Increasing interest and uptake by the global farming community shows that the system can be adapted in a variety of farming situations and significantly aid both the environment and sustainable food production.

Introduction

Farmers have been providing food production services for society for over 10,000 years. Agriculture is society’s oldest industry. Farmers also have the longest experience of any community in managing and impacting the ecosystems of water, soil, biodiversity, and the atmosphere. The production and stewardship services provided by farmers have always involved high-risk livelihoods because farmers have to contend with very uncertain natural and market systems. In the long history of farming there are a number of other constant features, such as fighting weeds and pests; coping with too much and too little rainfall; handling family and other labour; and dealing with markets, debt, and the bank.

This chapter tells a story about a farming practice adopted on farms across the temperate, Mediterranean, and tropical regions that has pulled back from conventional, intensive approaches to tillage which degrade soil and other ecosystems. Case (2016) has pointed out that scientists warn that there are only 100 harvests left in UK farm soils.

Conservation agriculture ( European Communities, 2009 ) is a method of farming that has been widely adopted—in Europe ( ECAF, 2016 , Gonzalez-Sanchez et al., 2016 ; Holland, 2004 ; Kassam, 2009 ; Soane et al., 2012 , ), in the Mediterranean region ( Kassam, et al. 2012 ), and around the globe ( Kassam, 2009 ; Kassam et al., 2015 ; Pisante et al., 2010 ). The system is also known as no-till in North America, zero-till in South America, and direct drilling in the United Kingdom. Conservation agriculture is becoming the generic term that encompasses and defines the system.

Conservation agriculture (CA) has three guiding principles:

Minimum or no soil disturbance

Plant diversity by crop rotation

Continuous soil cover by residue or crop

These practices have been beneficial in terms of crop yields, input costs, and especially in protecting the ecosystems of soil, water, biodiversity, and the atmosphere. Conservation agriculture is a form of husbandry that requires us to farm without moving the soil. Semendo (2014) has suggested that we may only have sixty harvests left in the European soils. Such statements highlight the serious problem that the degradation of soils must first be recognized, and secondly that action must be taken to reverse the degradation ( Semendo, 2014 ). A proverb, emanating from China, says ‘for all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to six inches of topsoil and the fact that it rains’. Edward Faulkner (1943) , described as the Father of No-till, analyzed the causes of the ‘Dust Bowl’ and concluded ‘there is nothing wrong with our soil except our interference’. Faulkner also said observed ‘. . . that the use of the plough has actually destroyed the productiveness of our soils’ ( Faulkner, 1943 ).

Fifteen years ago these ideas changed the way we managed our farm. I recognized that we were causing the degradation of the soil, which in the case of farming is destroying the major asset of our business.

A review of the differing methods of our husbandry all pointed to the fact that high horsepower and intrusive cultivating equipment was degrading and polluting the soil. The ‘beat the soil into submission attitude’ because we had the horse power and equipment to do it approach was senseless. To cultivate soil even when it was patently obvious we should not, because it was too wet or too dry, was also reckless.

Following a board meeting round our kitchen table—we are a farming family—we resolved to find an answer to the dilemma we were facing. The more you cultivate, the more you need to cultivate, and the more damage is done to the soil. Our search for the answer led us to find out what was happening in Europe.

In 2001–2002 when visiting farms in France, Germany, and Denmark we felt the system of conservation agriculture would be best suited to achieve the objectives we had set for our own farm. We wanted to keep the fine soil on the land by stopping ‘run-off’ and ‘blow-off’ erosion. We also wanted to restore soil health by allowing the natural soil conditioners of fungus, bacteria, and invertebrates to develop and return to sustainable levels. There is a much longer history and practice of conservation agriculture in Europe than in the United Kingdom. There was also a wealth of research knowledge. ( Tebrugge, 2001 ) We determined that we would adopt the conservation agriculture route and continue to do so today. Many things promised by European adopters did happen.

But the story has had many twists and conventional farmers in England have been very slow to join in the innovation. Unsurprising has been the cool reception by the corporates that sell equipment and chemicals. Very surprising, on the other hand, has been the cool reception by UK agricultural scientists and educators of what farmers have shown to be an ecofriendly and economically sound food producing strategy. They are on record in the science literature as being critical of conservation agriculture ( Gowing and Palmer, 2008 ; Powlson et al., 2011 , 2014 ; Sumberg and Thompson, 2012 ; ) and the programs at the agricultural colleges do not include it in their current curricula. Although at the time of writing there is evidence that steps are being taken to remedy the position. It is true to say that the adoption of conservation agriculture has been farmer-led in Europe and especially in the United Kingdom.

Crop Establishment

Lincolnshire, where we farm, is an important food-producing county in the east of England. Our first challenge was to find a planter suitable for our damp soils. The conservation agriculture market has a large number of planter manufacturers with machines specifically designed for dry soils, this being the majority of the market globally. We chose a Bertini 2200 planter from Argentina and a John Deere 750A planter from America and over three or four years converted 100 percent of our farming to conservation agriculture. We had previously used a contractor with a cross slot planter from New Zealand to test the system. This was fifteen years ago.

There has been, thankfully, a much greater development of conservation agriculture planters over the last four or five years designed to deal with the generally moist and sticky European soils. The result is that there is a drill available for almost every situation. The growth of the conservation agriculture planter and drill market gives a very clear indication of the uptake overall of conservation agriculture. This change is evident at machinery shows and events that, five or six years ago, would only have had a single conservation agriculture planter on show or more generally none. In the last two years there are at least ten to fifteen machines not only on show but being sold.

In our own farming businesses over the last fifteen years we have investigated a series of conservation agriculture planters of which there are two principal types. One has vertical tine-coulters to penetrate the soil to a depth of between 4–5 cm for cereals, and 12–15 cm for leguminous seeds. The tine-coulter works well in soil that has not had any cover crop or ‘previous crop’ residue on the surface. If there are residues this equipment tends to drag on the surface as the drill moves forward and inevitably gathers up under the drill stops it working.

The second type of planter has disc-coulters or openers to provide a slot for the seed and can cut through surface residue to plant the seed. The diameters of the discs vary according to the manufacturer. They range from a diameter of about 30 centimetres down to 18 centimetres. All styles have to deal with the problem of closing the slot to cover the seed and ensure soil to seed contact. A further problem arises when the volume of previous crop residue is deep. The actions of the disc can push chopped straw into the slot, called hair-pinning, which can leave the seed surrounded with residue, not soil. In extreme cases, this outcome can seriously delay, damage, or even prevent seed germination. A new innovative planter design is now available, which turns the disc at an angle; this lifts the soil, places the seed under it, and rolls the seam flat. The advantage of this technique is that there is no slot to close and it deals with residues from the previous crop much better. We use this machine, designed by a conservation agriculture farmer, known as a GD and manufactured by Messrs Weaving & Co, along with a Great Plains Drill. Our planting is all done with a 4.8 metre Weaving GD, a 6 metre Weaving GD, and a 4 metre Great Plains drill.

From the practical angle, when converting to conservation agriculture, you must first ensure that the fields are as level as possible, because after embarking on conservation agriculture the soil will not be moved. Any ridges, dips, or undulations will stay exactly as they were. These irregular conditions can make for very uncomfortable tractor driving and machine operation over time. Both of our original planters work very well when the soil moisture is low, but become difficult as the soil moisture content becomes higher in the autumn. There comes a point where we can no longer plant the winter crops, hence the need for equipment that can cope with moist soil.

We have found over the years that conservation agriculture generally calls for planting, for winter sown crops, to commence twelve to fourteen days before ‘classic cultivator husbandry’. For spring sowing starts twelve to fourteen days later, because soils that develop after years of conservation agriculture take longer to warm up in the spring. Germination and plant emergence are very even in conservation agriculture because soil moisture is maintained at an even depth rather than being lost to evaporation in a conventional cultivation regime.

The conservation of soil moisture is the most important feature of conservation agriculture. This handbook highlights the importance of water in food production and of farmers in managing rainfed farming. A few years through our conservation agriculture journey I was amazed how significant conservation agriculture was in improving soil water conditions. We made a video comparing the infiltration qualities of a conventionally farmed field and a conservation agriculture field. The conventionally farmed soil did not allow infiltration. On the conservation agriculture plot water could not be poured fast enough to feed the capacity of the soil to take water down. Everyone who has seen the video has been converted to the conservation agriculture and especially its relevance to managing the infiltration of water and the availability of water for crop production.

A particular feature of conservation agriculture is the improvement in the soil water environment. Soil moisture loss due to evaporation, caused by cultivation, is reduced. Capillary processes are improved. Moisture rises from the subsoil up the old root fibres to irrigate the new crop from below. These processes can only operate if the previous crop root system maintains its integrity. If the root fibres are broken by ploughing, like an oil lamp with the wick cut, the flow stops. Moisture cannot jump a gap. The very positive impact of conservation agriculture on soil water movement and retention especially been recognized in the drier regions of the world ( Kassam et al., 2015 ).

This significant and very positive soil water outcome is not what those editing this volume would call a charismatic message. Soil, soil water, and farmers—to the cost of society—are uncharismatic and underappreciated ( Sposito 2017 , this volume). Farmers, in adopting and improving conservation agriculture in rainfed farming, are making a globally significant contribution to sustainable food production. Rainfed farming accounts for about 70 percent of the tonnage of food production globally and over 95 percent in the United Kingdom ( Bromwich et al., 2017 , this volume). Farmers manage water and water ecosystems. They provide production services that determine the productivity of water and water stewardship services that ensure the sustainability of farming and food production. Unfortunately, consumers, who are the society in the title of this volume, whom we farmers feed, do not get it and they do not realize that food commodity prices do not, repeat not, effectively reflect the costs of our farming services.

Soil health and soil structure more generally are immensely enhanced by conservation agriculture. Attention has to be given to the depth of planting as it is too easy to go deeper than necessary. For cereals 5–6 cm is ideal. Particular attention must be given to the closure of the slot. There are two main reasons, first is to ensure that the seed to soil contact is effective and second is to protect the seed as much as possible from pest damage, be it slug, beetle, or bird.

We produced a formula of change to seed quantity and fertilizer quantity to even out the time of conversion. We found this formula to be effective on all combinable crops. Table 37.1 shows the changes to seed rate and fertilizer rate that were introduced over a six year period of conversion to conservation agriculture on some of our fields.

Soil Health

We have found over time that as the system develops the benefits become more defined. We found that that the oft quoted view that it takes a lifetime to change the nature of soil is not true. It is amazing how fast the soil responds to being left alone. The main driver of fertility is soil organic carbon; the higher the better. High levels of soil organic carbon are the feedstock of bacteria, fungus, and invertebrates ( FAOa, 2008 ; McConkey, 2000 ). They condition, mold, and alter the soil structure from the lifeless growing medium that modern agriculture has produced to one that is alive, nutrient-rich, and productive. Well-structured and productive soils exist in old pastures that, by definition, have undisturbed, mostly rich, and fertile soils. Conservation agriculture restores soil fertility, which also enables water storage and water movement that promote crop health and productivity. It also plays a beneficial role in mitigating climate change ( FAO 2008b ).

The main factor in determining the rate of soil change is its clay content. The higher the clay content, 50 percent plus, the longer it takes the soil flora to build up. We found some fields adapt with no noticeable reduction in yield. With low clay content soils the change is very fast—3 to 4 years. Again the lower the clay content the faster the build-up of soil organic carbon (SOC). Figure 37.1 demonstrates the build up to SOC on a part of our farm that has a clay content of 35 percent.

So how does the change in the soil manifest itself? Firstly, we find the improvement is measurable in the increase of soil organic carbon; secondly, in the increase in the population of worms. It is not a straight line increase, but an accelerating line over time. We have conducted worm counts a number of times. The outcome is best demonstrated by comparison of a field recently purchased, adjoining our conservation agriculture fields. (2016) took 8 sample blocks of soil from each field. The July 2016 samples were 25 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm deep, and the worm count table is as follows:

These data show the very low worm count on conventionally farmed land with 128 worms per square metre compared with 672 worms per square metre on the conservation agriculture field. As the sample blocks were only 10 cm deep, the large Lob worms ( Lumbricus terrestris ) were too far down in the soil to be caught. We estimated that 50 percent of the worms were immature and the majority were of the Allolobophora chlorotica and Lumbricus rubellus species. The results of this current work are supported by a study conducted by Tebrugge in 2001 (Fig. 37.2 )

Worms make the soil more friable and less prone to waterlogging. The natural drainage improves levels of soil organic carbon which increase as the worms pull organic matter down and the old root fibres are broken down by the fungus and bacteria. After a few years of conservation agriculture soil begins to have the appearance, colour, and texture of soil dug from old pastures or from under hedgerows that have not been moved for years.

Clay content and average soil organic carbon (SOC) and the increasing SOC on our own farm for a given clay content.

Link between soil tillage methods, earthworm populations and their activity.

We should remember there is no such thing in nature as a plough and the idea that one cannot produce food without one is entirely false. In the natural world a plant produces seed which when ripe drops on the soil and grows; it is not magic, it is the natural way of things. Conservation agriculture reproduces these conditions. Soil is receptive to conservation farming. Natural processes slowly release nutrients as the soil organic carbon rotting down contributes to the productiveness of the following crop.

A feature of conservation agriculture soils that becomes more apparent over the years is how the working of the soil becomes progressively easier. To date, the longer conservation agriculture tehniques have been deployed the better the soil structure and crop growth. We have continuous arable crop fields on which we have not spread phosphate (P), potassium (K), or lime in the last ten years. We sample and test every hectare every four years to give us information on the state of our soils. We are not sure why the requirement for P&K and lime has gone down to this degree. Traditionally, we used to spread P&K every year and lime every third year, when the soil will again require us to add more. Time will tell. All of this experience demonstrates that fundamental changes happen when the soil is allowed to be soil again, not subject to our interference, as Edward Faulkner put it. It also smells sweet.

From the farming point of view the soil is better structured, more fertile, and more productive in the conservation farming system. Our yields are now generally higher than they were before we converted to conservation agriculture. The value of the holding has increased rather than being degraded, both in cash and productivity terms.

Faced with the increase in global population and increased demand for food and for the water to produce it the global food system depends on how farmers manage their soil and water resources. Agriculture needs to double its output if there is to be a chance of feeding 11 billion ( UN-DESA, 2015 ) people by the end of the century. Conservation agriculture will surely play an important role in addressing this challenge.

Cover Crops and Crop Rotation and Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture has three elements—first, no-till, secondly, cover cropping, and thirdly, rotation. The impact of no till has been emphasized in the discussion thus far. In this section I shall identify the ways that cover cropping and crop rotation also contribute to the soil stability and the health of our soils.

Cover cropping is important. It is important both on fields that are growing an economic crop and between the rows with row crops, horticultural crops, and vines and orchard crops. The impact of rainfall can seriously damage soil ( Dent, 2017 , this volume). It can erode the soil and can further degrade the already damaged soil profiles of conventional farming.

Planting cover crops does involve additional costs but they also have beneficial impacts in improving soil health and the value of the soil. Legume cover crops, such as clover, which naturally fixes nitrogen, enhance the fertility of the soil as well as well as vey effectively protecting it ( Dent, 2017 , this volume).

The rotation of crops is important in all systems of husbandry, and is the very important third element of the conservation agriculture system. Cover cropping is integral to the rotations of conservation agriculture. The beneficial effects on the soil are numerous and very significant.

On our farms the rotation is as follows:

40% First Wheat

20% Wheat after Wheat

20% Oilseed Rape (Canola)

20% Spring Crops

The spring crops are selected from:

Porridge Oats

The land for spring drilling is planted with ‘cover crops’ after harvest, taking into account the amount of crop residue remaining on the soil surface. The intention is to maintain soil cover over the winter. Where cover crops are grown they are selected for their root mass qualities and for their capacity to fix nitrogen and protect the soil. They also benefit the following crop with the release of nitrogen and also benefit the soil fauna and structure through their root development.

We use a mixture of rye, oilseed radish, phacilia, mustard, and vetches. We also plant individual species of these crops according to the perceived need of the particular field or soil or both.

Prior to planting, the field may be treated with a contact spray chemical such as glyphosate if there is an abundance of volunteer plants or weeds present. This weed problem diminishes over time as we are only dealing with weed seed that is close to the surface. Application after planting of chemical and fertilizer treatments remains the same as for classic husbandry, both pre- and post-emergence. Over time the fertilizer requirement has fallen as the quality of the soil improves. The chemical spray requirement will change to a contact chemical base away from more persistent types of spray chemicals. We have found that there is an overall reduction of these inputs is a feature of conservation agriculture ( Friedrich, 2005 ).

Some strange problems have arisen since we started conservation agriculture that we do not see in conventional agriculture. In fields alongside woodland we have volunteer trees growing; whilst the combine harvester cuts them short, agrochemicals do not affect them. We find some perennial weeds that are not controlled by glyphosate, of which the Rosebay Willowherb is one that is becoming a challenge. A new problem seems to appear every year; it is quite a learning curve, and managing the farm also is to say the least exciting.

We have found that as we converted each farm to the conservation agriculture regime—we have three farms whose areas total 260 hectares, 400 hectares, and 650 hectares—a pattern emerged. In year one, the output remained the same as previously, but savings on establishment costs were felt immediately. In year two, the output was usually reduced by 5 to 10 percent, but the reduced income was covered by the cost savings. Year three can be worrying as the output can still reduce, in some soils, to a level not covered by the cost saving. We were aware that we faced a major decision. We decided to press on. In year four, yields began to return to past levels and the benefit to the soil structure had become very obvious. Output was in line with year two. In year five we observed soil organic carbon increase beginning to have an effect and output was back at year one levels. The cost savings of course, have continued.

The costs of converting to conservation agriculture are manageable. The only specialist equipment required was a CA planter/drill. We now have a list of approximately 20 manufacturers available in Europe. They can supply equipment from 3 metres to 12 metres wide and the cost ranges from £10,000 per metre to £30,000 per metre. In our experience the most expensive is definitely not the best. Much care should be taken on selecting the most suitable drill for the particular farm. We have found the best aid to selection is to arrange for the particular drill to be demonstrated on the land in question, or in fact several drills at the same time. Timing is important as the soil conditions can vary—very quickly—and a comparison trial is only relevant if the conditions are the same.

It is becoming more feasible to employ a contractor to start the conversion to conservation agriculture as we now have a number of contractors offering this service. A note of caution with the use of contractors. They have the equipment, but some are unused to the practical applications of conservation agriculture and tend to plant as if into a cultivated soil. Generally they plant too deep. It is without question that the increasing uptake of conservation agriculture is driving the demand for specialist services in the sector, from machinery supply to contractor availability and specialist advice on agronomy.

In practice the investment in the conservation agriculture planter/drill is expensive, but the expense can be offset by the sale of the now redundant cultivating equipment and high horsepower tractors. The number of tractors as well as their size is much reduced by the introduction of conservation agriculture.

The operational costs of conventional agriculture compared with conservation agriculture for crop establishment are greatly reduced as shown in Table 37.3 .

Whilst conventional crop establishment techniques may not use all of the above operations it is typical to have several passes with individual cultivators. The result of this reduction is best demonstrated by the reduction in arable fuel usage. We found that whilst conventional arable agriculture uses, for all operations, 90 to 95 litres per hectare of diesel fuel, conservation agriculture consumes, again for all operations, some 42 to 45 litres per hectare—a 50 percent reduction. This reduction of field ‘traffic’ also has an extremely positive action on the soil, reducing compaction completely on the main areas and dramatically on the ‘tramlines’ and headlands contributing a great deal of the improvement to the soil that conservation agriculture brings with it.

On average conservation agriculture practices bring a 75 percent reduction in the cost of establishment.

Sustainable Environments and Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture has significant beneficial environmental impacts ( Reicosky, 2001 ). The increase in the worm population has brought about a tenfold increase in the birds that eat the worms. We have a massive increase in the birds that eat the worms. We are not so keen on having so many of them. The surrounding farms are turned brown by cultivation and all the wildlife that can walk or fly comes onto our land. We offer food and cover because the soil is not disturbed, and the previous crop residue and stubble remain. It is great to see that the population of starlings has increased by 60% to 80% and they number about 1000 now. We also have skylarks in abundance and a breeding population of lapwings. A downside is a number of foxes and badgers that cover the fields at night hunting for worms and mice that can cause seed damage.

On a wider scale, conservation agriculture has been shown to lower greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, for instance Gonzalez-Sanchez et al. (2016) cite Eurostat (2010) figures that indicate that there could be a reduction of 101.45 million tons of CO 2 per year in emissions if 30 percent of European arable land were to be converted to conservation agriculture.

Farmer Uptake of Conservation Agriculture

FAO statistics tell us that conservation farming currently covers 156 million hectares globally and the uptake runs currently at an increase of about 10 to 12 million hectares per year. This area is 2.5 times the total UK arable area ( Derpsch and Friedrich, 2015 ). In the United Kingdom the estimate of conservation agriculture percentages for the last six years of the arable area are:

One of the unexpected outcomes is that we now receive hundreds of visitors each year on the farm. The visitors include other farmers, and students and faculty from agricultural colleges in UK universities. They are interested in the system or have already adopted it and are looking for guidance. A number of neighbouring farmers have also made the move towards less cultivation after seeing ‘over the fence’ the savings that can be made whilst still achieving respectable yields. A number of research students and academics are carrying out studies every year on the farm where conservation agriculture has been practised for a significant period of time. When we first adopted the system, the industry in general was incredibly skeptical of conservation agriculture and how effective it could be. We find now that conservation farming is commonly mentioned in industry reports and advice sheets and is looked upon more favourably.

Agriculture is facing sustainable environmental and sustainable productivity challenges, including the urgent need for soil protection and improvement. The optimal and the nonpolluting utilization of fertilizers and pesticides is essential as is the sustainable management of water. If farmers adopt conservation agriculture they will increase soil fertility and productivity. They will have the biggest, by far, impact on the volumes of water consumed by consumers and national economies and on the nutritional quality of the commodities they produce. In addition, these changes will lead to an improved ability to adapt to, and mitigate, climate change (FAO, 2008), as well as significantly reduce soil erosion and the diverse pollution of soil and water. The European Conservation Agriculture Federation (ECAF) has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on conservation agriculture. It lobbies on behalf of conservation agriculture practitioners. ECAF operates across Europe and demonstrates how conservation agriculture techniques mitigate a wide range of problems. In semiarid areas they have shown how better use can be made of scarce water while at the same time reducing the cost of production. Conservation agriculture has a lot to offer and we expect the rate of uptake to accelerate in the United Kingdom.

This chapter provides a progress report using evidence from our own farms in England. It is not a scientific analysis, more an account of on farm experience. Like all farmers we have to cope with economic and environmental volatility and risks. Adopting a new farming system that is not aligned with the current conventional intensive farming served by powerful manufacturers of equipment and inputs is not a trivial thing. However, it is not by any means the first farmer-led movement that has confronted such challenges. It is one of the first that has put soil and water health very high on the agenda.

Conservation farming has been taken up by farmers in northern Europe without the support of government agencies or agricultural research scientists. This experience is not unique. The farmer-led adoption of low-till dryland farming in the 1950s in Australia was resisted for decades. Farmers had to design and manufacture the equipment needed to operate their low-till dryland farms ( Chatterton, 2007 ).

What have we learned about conservation farming? We know how you do it based upon our own experience. The equipment we need is now easily available. After 15 years experimenting with conservation agriculture we can answer a number of important questions. Would we do it again? Yes. Will we continue to do it? Yes, without question. We have a better farm and a better standard of living. In general, the pluses from conservation agriculture far outweigh any problems of costs. There are new challenges almost every year. It all makes for a very exciting time on the farm.

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Conclusions: Perspectives on Conservation Agriculture

• First Online: 21 August 2021

Cite this chapter

• Somasundaram Jayaraman 5 ,
• A. K. Naorem 6 ,
• K. M. Hati 5 ,
• Nishant K. Sinha 5 ,
• M. Mohanty 5 ,
• A. K. Patra 5 ,
• S. K. Chaudhari 7 ,
• Rattan Lal 8 &
• Ram C. Dalal 9  

819 Accesses

Feeding the increasing global population, which is projected to increase between 8.9 and 10.6 billion by 2050, there has been increasing demands for more improved/sustainable agricultural management practices that can be followed by farmers to improve productivity and maintain environmental sustainability without jeopardizing the ecosystem. About 95% of our food directly or indirectly comes from soil. It is a precious resource, and sustainable soil management is a critical socio-economic and environmental issue. South Asia (SA) has been experiencing high economic growth but still suffering from extreme rate of poverty, hunger, and deterioration of natural resources including soil. In this region, the presence of a large rainfed area with its associated challenges urgently calls for cost-effective resource conservation technologies such as conservation agriculture (CA). The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of SA region is one of the hotspots for the adoption of no-till farming/CA. Although conventional tillage (CT)-based farming offers some important short-term benefits, long-term adoption of these practices may lead to the loss of soil organic carbon/fertility, poor soil health, and soil degradation. Conservation agriculture (CA) is being practiced globally approximately in 180 M ha of land, whereas in south Asia it remains less than 5 Mha. Thus, CA is one of the major sustainable soil/agricultural management systems that can meet the needs of farmers as well as offer numerous benefits to farmers as well as ecosystem services. CA is a multi dimensional approach that is studied not only for its positive environmental and ecological impacts but also as an alternative to reduce crop residue burning. In this chapter, issues, challenges, benefits, and future perspectives of CA have been discussed.

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Jayaraman, S. et al. (2021). Conclusions: Perspectives on Conservation Agriculture. In: Jayaraman, S., Dalal, R.C., Patra, A.K., Chaudhari, S.K. (eds) Conservation Agriculture: A Sustainable Approach for Soil Health and Food Security . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0827-8_30

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Essay on Soil Conservation

Students are often asked to write an essay on Soil Conservation in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Soil Conservation

Introduction.

Soil conservation is the process of preventing soil erosion and maintaining its fertility. It is crucial for our environment and food production.

Importance of Soil Conservation

Soil is a vital resource that supports plant life. Conserving it ensures food security and protects biodiversity.

Methods of Soil Conservation

There are several ways to conserve soil. These include contour ploughing, terrace farming, and using cover crops to protect the soil surface.

In conclusion, soil conservation is essential for sustainable agriculture and a healthy environment. We all should contribute to it.

250 Words Essay on Soil Conservation

Soil conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. It refers to the practices employed to prevent soil degradation, which is primarily caused by erosion and nutrient loss.

The Importance of Soil Conservation

Soil is a non-renewable resource that serves as the lifeblood of the biosphere, supporting plant growth and acting as a habitat for billions of organisms. Soil degradation, therefore, threatens biodiversity, food security, and climate regulation.

Several techniques are employed in soil conservation. Contour plowing, for instance, involves plowing along the contour lines of a hill to create a water break and prevent soil erosion. Similarly, crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility by alternating the types of crops planted, reducing the risk of pest and disease outbreaks.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the known benefits of soil conservation, implementation remains a challenge due to factors such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and climate change. For effective soil conservation, there is a need for concerted efforts by farmers, policymakers, and researchers. Future directions should focus on innovative conservation techniques and policies that incentivize their adoption.

In conclusion, soil conservation is an urgent priority for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. As we face the challenges of a growing population and climate change, it is more important than ever to protect this vital resource.

500 Words Essay on Soil Conservation

Soil conservation is a critical environmental concern that has far-reaching implications for the sustainability of our planet. It encompasses the strategies and methods used to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, and protect the soil from degradation. This essay delves into the importance of soil conservation, the methods employed, and the role of individuals and institutions in this vital endeavor.

Soil is the lifeblood of the earth, serving as the primary medium for plant growth, a habitat for numerous organisms, a water filtration system, and a crucial component of the carbon cycle. However, human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming practices have led to the degradation of soil worldwide, threatening biodiversity, food security, and climate stability. Soil conservation, therefore, is not just about preserving soil, but also about safeguarding our ecosystems and our future.

Various methods have been developed to conserve soil, each suitable for different scenarios. These include agronomic, mechanical, and vegetative measures.

Agronomic methods involve crop rotation, contour plowing, and the use of cover crops, which improve soil structure and prevent erosion. Mechanical methods, such as terracing and the construction of bunds, physically alter the landscape to reduce the velocity of water, thus minimizing soil erosion.

Vegetative measures are those that use plants to protect the soil. Agroforestry, for instance, integrates trees into crop and animal farming systems to enhance soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, and increase biodiversity.

The Role of Individuals and Institutions

Individuals play a significant role in soil conservation. Simple practices like composting organic waste, planting trees, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers can contribute to soil health. On a larger scale, farmers can adopt sustainable farming practices like organic farming, permaculture, and conservation agriculture.

Institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, play a pivotal role in soil conservation. They formulate policies, enforce regulations, conduct research, and raise awareness about the importance of soil conservation. For instance, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) runs a Global Soil Partnership that promotes sustainable soil management worldwide.

Soil conservation is an urgent and important task that requires collective effort. Through a combination of sustainable practices, informed policy-making, and public awareness, we can protect our soil and, by extension, our planet. As we continue to deepen our understanding of soil and its role in our ecosystems, it is crucial that we translate this knowledge into action. After all, the health of our soil is inextricably linked to the health of our world.

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Over half of the land surface in Africa, Arabian and Asian regions are considered arid or semi-arid hence not suitable for Agriculture. This geographical disposition has been a challenge to many developing nations in achieving food security for their ever-growing lower and middle class population. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that climate change is occurring with such dry areas becoming drier the notion having enough food for a population keeps becoming distant to these developing nation areas. In reaction to this threat many global developing nations have resorted to adapting to agricultural systems highly reliant on monoculture, mechanization, chemical pesticides and fertilizers, biotechnology, and government subsidies, to try make food abundant and affordable. In the process, these farming classifications also caused various forms of environmental hazards. However with the introduction of sustainable agricultural systems has offered to enable these developing countries achieve high agricultural productivity without causing damage to their surroundings. This paper is a report examining how the perspective of agricultural sustainability is situated in Australia.

Contemporary or industrial farming: Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture

Contemporary or industrial farming systems differ from farm to farm as well as from region to another in regards to culture and resource. Nevertheless, they share many similar characteristics for example use of rapid technological improvement, large capital intensive funding, large-scale farming, single crops grown continuously over several planting seasons,similar high-yield hybrid yields, extensive use of pesticides, fertilizers, as well asmachinery,plus a highreliance on agribusiness. These systems are basically set to produce high amount of food produce in order to improve food security, for the high population of the lower class citizens mostly in developing countries. Similarly, these intensive farming systems are encouraged to ensure that the surging demand for meat, fruits, as well as other groceries by the rapidly increasing middle class numbers in developing nations is met.             However, these conventional farming systems have had an adverse effect on the environment particularly on the surface soil of the earth that may trigger regressive ration in terms of future farm returns. In addition to decrease in future farm returns the extensive use of artificial agrochemicals in fertilizers as well as pesticides holds a big threat for instance air and water pollution, soil depletion, diminishing biodiversity, as well as fish die-offs.The increase in capital investment in farming has seen the greater increase in deforestation as more land is being set for agriculture. This in turn means conventional farming is less environmentally friendly though it meets its primary objectives of providing constant food and fuel for its population.

The above-mentioned facts clearly suggest the need for a more environmentally-friendly farming in developing nations, one that is considered as ‘sustainable agriculture’. Sustainable agriculture does not have a definite definition however, in terms of agricultural production, Ikerd described sustainability in agriculture as a farming systems that have the ability to maintain of productivity as well as usefulness to society for the foreseeable future without affecting the productivity of future generations” (1993). The concept of sustainable agriculture encompasses a number of farming techniques, comprising ofholistic, organic, low-input, free-range, as well as biodynamic. The most common employed and known concept of sustainable agricultural systems is Conservation Agriculture (CA), which encouragesthe slightest mechanical soil disruption, soil cover with cover crops as well as differentiated crop rotations, is feasible and appears a more justifiable cultivation system than that currently practised. CA cuts soil erosion, increases soil quality, lessens soil compaction, efficiently uses rainfall, regulates soil temperature, gives higher plus stable produce, uses less inputs, decreases cost of cultivation as well as aids in climate change mitigation (Machado and Silva, 2001; Kassam et al ., 2009; Hobbs and Govaerts, 2010; Lal, 2010; Jat et al ., 2012b).

The Australian community regards agriculture as a significant player in running the country’s economy. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011-2012 report agriculture brings in about 39.6 billion dollars in revenue and similarly is a significant player in the manufacturing industry for national production and exports, employment and the provision of ecosystem services. This high number in revenue as well as influence of agriculture to the nation is a project started and supported by both commercial and subsistence farmers in the region as a sign of support for the long-term purposes of Caring for the future generation of the Country by making better the quality of ecosystem services brought from agricultural landscapes. In 2011–12, approximately 59 % of Australia’s surface land was privately possessed or leased for agriculture purposes (ABARE–BRS 2010). Farmers have adopted well to farming systems that are more ecologically ‘green’ and reduced the amounts of soil and water pollution, dependence on fertilizer and pesticide use while increasing output in order to contribute to sustainability plus  long-term security of food as well as fibre production.

Literature review

The concept of agricultural sustainability does not have an exact definition. However, the most well known and commonly used explanation of sustainable agricultural suggests that it is employment of agricultural techniques by the current generation in meeting its food and fuel needswithout adversely affect the environment for next generation (Thomas et al 2007). This concept of sustainable agriculture is idealized from the process of serving the lower and middle class agricultural needs while making sure that natural resources are not despoiled or damaged while using available physical and human resources in a regressive manner. In other words its employing farming methods that allow qualities such as nutrients recycling, build on biodiversity, regenerate as well as develop natural resources while limiting the use of external inputs of agro-chemicals, minerals and non-renewable energy in achieving the current generation needs. Sustainability in agriculture is a multifaceted phenomenon, where sustainability of yield, profit, soil, as well as whole agro-ecosystem is to be well thought out simultaneously.

Principles of Agricultural Sustainability

Agricultural Sustainability is founded upon offering the current generation with food security and fuel while:

• Reducing fertility due to continuous and indiscriminate use of organic fertilizers
• Reducing Imbalances in eco-systems and environment
• Reducing ecological hazards
• Reducing soil and water pollution
• Reducing destruction of flora and fauna (biodiversity)

From the above highlighted factors, it can be understood that Agricultural sustainability is all about caring for the immediate surroundings as a nation or a community gears to increase its yields. The above goals are met through various agricultural practices that include Conservation Agriculture, organic farming, and agro forestry. However of the highlighted agricultural practices the most used is Conservation Agriculture which currently covers over 115 million ha in all continents and various ecologies, including the semi-arid southern hemisphere environment which is a major concern in this paper. Australia has over 24million Ha under CA farming systems and is the most widely used farming practice in the nations.

Australia’s is regarded as a southern hemisphere climate characterized by irregular dry and wet seasons through the calendar year. The climate experienced in most parts of the continent is somewhat dry and highly variable from year to year with draughts being more prevalent. These characteristics, highly weathered, arid soils, and low as well as variable perspiration, have been a major threat to Australia’s agricultural sector. Additionally apart from the traditional physical and climatic constraints the county’s challenge of agricultural sustainability has currently been intensified by climate change, water shortage, deprivation of ecosystem services as well as introduction of international agricultural commodity prices, coupled with a low level of economic aid from the government stand as a true potential in food shortage for its people. The above-mentioned reasons stand reminiscent to the factors that pulled the leaders in sustainable agriculture in adopting alternative farming systems from conventional practices.

Conservation Agriculture in Australia

As a continent on its own Australia practices different agricultural practices that as monitored by Agricultural Bureau movement created in 1888. From its initiation, the bureau has indicated that different regions of the country suffer from different agricultural sustainability features. For instance, Western Australia is faced by problems of acidity in soils as the southern part is basically disadvantage agriculturally due to poor soils. According to the Agricultural Bureau finding, a singular farming scheme to cope with these dissimilarities was impractical; however, Conservation Agriculture in the form of Non-tillage or zero tillage schemes provided such a solution

CA in Western Australia and New South Wales : Soil presents a significant environmental and economic concern in both the New South Wales region and Western Australia. A report by the ABS suggest that over 60% of Australian agricultural land in the above mentioned regions or over 60 million ha of land in this places have surface pH value of less than 5.5. This in turn means the land used for growing crops has a low optimal level PH to prevent subsoil acidification. This condition if unchecked would increase soil acidity, which is considered more difficult and expensive to ameliorate. It should be noted that despite a reduction in agricultural products or even a lack of crop diversity in this regions, acidic soils tend to pollute water as well which is dangerous for both human and livestock lives. CA practiced in these regions is placed on reducing the lands acidity through the use of the non-tillage scheme where the cover crops planted tend to add use up the lands acidity and forming it into other chemical components for instants legumes have been used to fashion Nitrogen from acidic land.

The Western region is also considered as to have a Mediterranean climate is semi-arid. With an annual average rainfall of varies from about 250-300 mm and is considered a wheat belt region. However the region experiences monsoonal climate with places like Kimberley receive rainfalls to a high of 1500mm during this periods encouraging floods which consequently means soil runoff which is solved by CA growth of cover crops.

CA in South Australia: With an annual rainfall of about 475mm, the south Australian region is not regarded as a low rainfall or dryland. However, the soils in this region are poor consisting of Sodosols, Calcarosols, Vertisols, as well as Rudosols. The region practices CA in form of crop rotation and use of minimum tillage in order to increase soil quality.

The above-mentioned regions are an example of how dissimilar CA needs are in different areas in Australia.

For the Australian agricultural researchers a blueprint of engaging CA as an alternative farming scheme that brings sustainable agriculture is clear as initial development of the CA principles as well as practices occurred in North and South America in the early 1980s. in both the U.S and Argentina which are the countries with the largest Ha under CA farmers as well as civil society reacted to severe land plus productivity losses due to tillage-based production practices which is a similar notion to that of Australia (Bockus & Shroyer,  1998). Non- tillage or Zero tillage, minimum tillage, non-or surface represent incorporation of crop residues besides establishment of cover crops under persistent woody crops or between dry region crops, are some of methods which are currently considered the principal techniques used in achieving sustainable agriculture globally.

Methodology

The study area.

Australia has a large land mass due to this fact its climate differs from one region to another. Nonetheless, most part of the continent is made up of desert or semi-arid regions. While looking at the continent climate report one would find that only the southeast as well as south-west region have a temperate climate as well as moderately rich soil.

Sample Selection and Data Collection

All the five regions (NSW, Western Australia, Queensland, Southern Australia, and Victoria) are well known for their cereal (wheat) output that are well known to practice CA with several farm sites have been selected for data collection. The data collected will include amount of rainfall soil type, crop grown, CA farming practice used (non-tillage NT or Conventional tillage CT) and finally the amount of years the practice has been employed. Each category used has a specific significance in this research, for instance the amount rainfall received in a region, which is very important in understanding the aridity and climatic characteristic. Soil type and crop grow dictate the kind of CA practice to be employed as the number of years is significant in identifying the benefits of CA in the specific region.

Secondary data will be collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire that was pre-tested and validated. The questionnaire is made up of questions in regards to farmers’ socioeconomic features as well as farming practices. In other words secondary data will measure the theoretical concept of CA practise in the selected region, these will include

• Farmers’ innovativeness of CA farming System
• Environmental awareness
• Farmer’s cosmopolitanisms
• Social participation

Data Collection and analysis

Primary data (farm research)

A physical study was conducted on the farms from the selected regions in order to compare crop yield in cases where NT and CT were practiced. This would give a clear non-theoretical perspective how much CA can help support agriculture in arid regions. The table below represents different factors that affect crop output in the areas selected.

TABLE 1: Regional assessment of land use under no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems in Australia ranging between 2014 and 2015 planting seasons

Results and Analysis Interpretation

The data collected in the above table is majorly based to highlight the influence of CA on various region output on bread wheat yields. However as both NT and CT remain as constant factors the table above highlights on four other variable factors in order to show the efficiency of NT over CT.

Rainfall amount

Australia receives low amounts of rainfall per year and it is said that only Antarctica receives less. NWS and Southern Australia receives the least amount of rainfall yearly ranging from 150mm in the hot and dry season and 1000mm in the monsoon season. NSW has a total of 68% as Southern Australia has 75% of its total arable farming under non-tillage system due t the fact that it increases water retention in the soil which is a good quality in dry areas. This means that wheat can grow even when it is dry with very little rain increasing productivity. Victoria and Western Australia receive a much higher amount of rainfall ranging from 250 to 1800mm. in this region the dry seasons are not as dry as NSW or Southern though the Monsoon season is worse. Non-tillage farming is practiced in this region not only for water retention but also for reducing the runoff effect that makes the soil in these regions poor in agricultural terms. Both regions have about 70% of their land covered in non-tillage farming, as the impact of run of is serious in these places. In Queensland, animal keeping is more adopted than farming hence CA in this region helps the famers grow cover crops that are significant in grazing in regions such as Burnett Mary region

Arid and semi-arid regions do not necessarily have the best soil for agriculture. From the above data, there are about five types of these poor agricultural soils however, Vertisol, which is majorly found in Australia representing the largest percentage of dry region soil. The return on this soil is low when CT practices are employed however when NT is practiced its productivity shoots. From the above data, one can draw this conclusion from the Southern Australian region, which has a vast array of soil types affecting the yearly growth of wheat. In this region, CA encourages crop rotation to improve on the soil quality as the lands used in this survey used for continuous growth of wheat showed low productivity than those with rotations. From the table it is easy to see more land in rotation than continuous planting.

From the above data, it is clear that CA improves both soil quality and soil nutrient efficiency. According to Verhulst et al. (2010) suggests that from an agricultural production perspective high soil qualityassociates to the capability of the soil to retain a high productivity without noteworthy soil or environmental destruction. The employment of CA farming systems while following all its ideologies for extensive periods leads to substantial enhancement in soil quality, primarily in the grounds surface layers (Lal, 2010; Mousques and Friedrich, 2007; Hobbs, 2007). From the above data this is true as CT results in lessens the effective use of aggregation and similarlydisrupting the process of new aggregate creation by destroying the plant roots as well asmycorrhizal hyphae, which are make-up the major binding proxies for macro-aggregate development, which in turn correspondingly disrupts other biological activities in the soil. In summary NT with excess retention increasesthe ability of dry as well as wet aggregate size distribution and development compared to CT (Madari et al ., 2005; Govaerts et al ., 2007c; Liet al ., 2007; Lichter et al ., 2008; Verhulst et al ., 2009).

Secondary Data (Questionnaire)

In this second part of data collection and analysis, questioners were given to a select group of famers in the Western and Victoria regions. The idea behind employing this data collection tool was to give a more theoretical perspective on CA practice in Australia. The table below represents a set of parameters put in place to draw comparisons on the region CA practice as those around the world.

Note: Socioeconomic characteristics also influence the employment of CA and help in increasing the yield of farms. For instance, a younger, more educated group of famers are likely to employ NT, as they know they would get a higher yield without causing environmental damage. The above set of sample provided information various factors for instance:

Input use efficiency

As the knowledge and offamersin regards to CA rises over a certain period, the requirement for mechanical operations as well as off-farm inputs decreases. NT without or with least soil disturbance suggests less use of labour, machinery requirement, time as well as energy. According to Fernandes et al. (2008), in a research done on CA done in Brazil, showed that6.4 l ha -1 of diesel is saved by tractors when CT was replaced by NT  similarly the total energy budget dropped by about 25.5 l ha -1 . Omission of tillage farming systems in CA systems aid in the reductionof labour requirements during the planting period in the agricultural calendar, which makes it suitable for farmers to execute other operations for example the timely sowing of fairly large farms (Giller et al., 2009).

Table 3: Estimated costs DH ha-1 of production for bread wheat using conventional and no-tillage system for large and medium size farms

Insect-pest and disease aspects

With higher knowledge levels either formal or informal about CA allows the population deal better with pest, and disease management. Ananalysis of 45 studies suggests that about 27% of the pest types went up with a reduction on tillage, 29% highlighted no noteworthyconnection between the two phenomena of tillage however 43% decreased pest infestation with decreasing tillage. In other words, there is more evidence suggesting that the adoption of NT will decrease or better manage pests hence increase yield. The farmers suggested that the adoption of rotation helped them reduce pests as well. This result corresponds with Hobbs and Govaerts, (2010) study that suggested that biological diversity processes as well as increased species as well as functional variety due NT, residue retention other than crop rotations in CA fields similarly aids keeping insect-pests plus diseases in check. Consequently, better insect-pest management is made possible in CA practiced farms after prolonged use.

CA similarly to some extent affects diseases indirectly by altering soil moisture, aeration as well as moderating soil temperatures (Krupinsky et al., 2002). According to the information carried out by the questionnaire it was found out that the farmers similarly knew that Crop rotations play a critical role in CA as it halts the disease cycles while neutralizing the pathogen transfer effect effects of residue retention as well as minimum mechanical disruption of soils.

Food security and demands have been the driving factor for the adoption of CA. Australia’s southern hemisphere climate is a major influence of desert conditions caused by poor precipitation seasons. Combined with poor arid and semi-arid soils Agriculture has faced hurdle in meeting the two demands. However, the introduction of CA in a bid to create an environment of sustainable agriculture as increased the potential of providing food in times of shortage and the increasing demand of food products by the middle class. Currently Conservation Agriculture (CA), comprising minimum mechanical soil disturbance and no-tillage, organic mulch cover, and crop diversification, has proved profitable and environmentally friendly.In Morocco, CA represents anessentialalteration in production system thinking as well as is technological, new and knowledge intensive practice. As a matter of fact, experiment as well as on-farm results portrayed that CA should be well thought-out as a foundation for sustainable agricultural intensification as well as ecosystem management.

The case study in selected regions has showed that CA is the best form of farming in the region. Causing changes such as:

(1) Better farm economy  as a result of a reduction of costs in machinery labouras well as fuel besides time-saving in the operations that allow the development of other agricultural as well as non-agricultural complementary activities

(2) Flexible technical options for sowing, reduction of fertilizer application plus weed control;

(3) Yield increases hence yield stability.

Australia is a large land mass and that is its first problem. All the five regions in this case study have dissimilarity in there conventional tillage practices and this causes a true challenge to technocrats as a solution in one area might not be the same solution in another. The vast nature of Australia also gives varied readings on rainfall and temperatures. A singular region like Southern Australia might have desert climate on one region and semi=arid or highland climate in another hence one solution for the whole region is unrealistic. The introduction of international crop products is also causing a problem as the crops are much cheaper fetching market much faster than expensive local produce. Similarly, the government is not putting enough resources to fully employ agricultural sustainability mostly through passing of knowledge to farmers.

In conclusion, the notion of the global climate problem such as global warming and climate change is growing and risks of reducing food security in many countries. In Australia despite agriculture, being a major economy driver the country that has poor climatic and non-climatic properties that discourages agriculture is under threat with the existence of extreme events such as droughts and floods. Alternative farming systems have proved to be a solution to these harsh agricultural conditions with over 60% of all land being placed under CA. The above paper sets to show how this is true and attainable without affecting the environment for future generations and through the methodology, part shows CA is a good substitute to conventional agricultural systems.

Bockus, W. W. & Shroyer, J. P. (1998). The impact of reduced tillage on soil-borne plant pathogens. Annual Reviews of Phytopathology 36 , 485–500.

Erenstein, O. (2002). Crop residue mulching in tropical and semi-tropical countries: an evaluation of residue availability and other technological implications. Soil and Tillage Research 67 , 115–133.

Giller, K. E. (2001). Nitrogen Fixation in Tropical Cropping Systems . CAB International, Wallingford, UK.

Giller, K. E., Witter, E., Corbeels, M. & Tittonell, P. (2009) Conservation agriculture and smallholder farming in Africa: The heretics’ view. Soil and Tillage Research 114 , 23–34.

Govaerts, B., Sayre, K. D., Goudeseune, B., De Corte, P., Lichter, K., Dendooven, L. & Deckers, J. (2009). Conservation agriculture as a sustainable option for the central Mexican highlands. Soil and Tillage Research 103, 222–230.

Hobbs, P. R. & Govaerts, B. (2010). “How conservation agriculture can contribute to buffering climate change.” In: Reynolds, M.P. (ed.). Climate Change and Crop Production . CAB International, Wallingford, UK, pp. 177–199

Jat, R. A., Wani, S. P. & Sahrawat, K. L. (2012b). “Conservation agriculture in the semi-arid tropics: prospects and problems.” In: Sparks D.L. (ed.). Advances in Agronomy 117 , 191–273.

Kassam, A., Mello, I., Goddard, T., Friedrich, T., Laurent, F., Reeves, T. & Hansmann, B. (2011c). 5th World Congress of Conservation Agriculture incorporating 3rd Farming Systems Design Conference, September 2011, Brisbane, Australia.

Kassam, A., Freidrich, T., Shaxson, F. & Pretty, J. (2009). The spread of Conservation Agriculture: Justification, sustainability and uptake. International Journal for Agricultural Sustainability 7 (4), 292–320.

Krupinsky, J. M., Bailey, K. L., McMullen, M. P., Gossen, B. D. & Turkington, T. K. (2002). Managing plant disease risk in diversified cropping systems. Agronomy Journal 94 , 198–209.

Lal, R. (2010). A dual response of conservation agriculture to climate change: reducing CO2 emissions and improving the soil carbon sink. Opening address, European congress on conservation agriculture. Madrid, Spain.

Machado, P.L.O.A. and Silva, C.A. (2001). Soil management under no tillage systems in the tropics with special reference to Brazil.Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 61 , 119–130.

Mrabet, R, 2002. “Wheat yield and water use efficiency under contrasting residue and tillage systems in a semiarid area of Morocco. Experimental Agriculture 38: 237-248.

Mrabet, R., 2008. No-tillage systems for sustainable dryland agriculture in Morocco. Manuscript Institut National de la Recherche Agricole. Rabat

Rebera, L. A., Hons, F. M. & Richardson, J. W. (2004). An Economic Comparison between Conventional and No-Tillage Farming System in Burleson Count, Texas. Agronomy Journal, 96 .

Thomas, G. A., Dalal, R. C. & Standley, J. (2007). No-till effects on organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity and nutrient distribution in a Luvisol in the semi-arid subtropics. Soil and Tillage Research 94 , 295–304.

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Essay on Conservation of Biodiversity for Students and Children

500+ words essay on conservation of biodiversity.

Conservation of biodiversity is vital for maintaining the Earth’s environment and sustaining life on the planet. There are a number of ways in which the richness of biodiversity helps in maintaining the ecological system. Conservation of biodiversity is important for the survival of living beings on Earth. Hence, a lot of emphases is being given on the conservation of biodiversity these days.

The Extinction in Biodiversity

Due to human activities, numerous varieties of animals go extinct each year. Western Black Rhinoceros, Dodo, Tasmanian tiger, Golden Toad, Woolly Mammoth, Caribbean Monk Seal, Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and Japanese Sea Lion are some of the species of animals that have gone extinct.

Lemur, Mountain Gorilla, Vaquita, Sea Turtles, Amur Leopard, and Tiger are some of the species that are on the verge of extinction. Apart from these many species of plants and trees including Lepidodendron, Araucaria Mirabilis, Wood Cycad and Kokia Cookie have gone extinct and many species are endangered.

Need to Conserve Biodiversity

Earth is a beautiful planet which has given us many things which occur naturally. Natural resources, rivers, valleys , oceans, different species of animals and beautiful varieties of plants and trees are among some of these.

In today’s world, we are busy developing our surroundings and spoiling our beautiful environment. Today, we have exploited most of the things that were available abundantly in nature. Thus, there arises a need to conserve these natural things. Among other things, there is a serious need for the conservation of biodiversity.

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Importance of Conservation of Biodiversity

Conservation of biodiversity is important for many reasons. Here are some of the main reasons to conserve biodiversity:

• Process of Food Chain: Different species of animals and plants serve as the source of food for other animals and living organisms. Thus, conserving biodiversity help to keep the food chain among the living organisms.
• Nutritional Needs: The decline in the variety of plants and animals would mean the decline in the variety of food we eat. So, this is likely to result in nutritional deficiencies.
• Cleaner Air: Plants and trees have a greater ability to purify the air and keep the atmosphere clean. As there is a decrease in the number and types of trees and plants, it impacts the quality of air in a negative way.
• Better Cultivation of Crops:   Fertility of soil is maintained by many insects, organisms and microorganisms work on different levels. So we have to maintain the level of microorganism which is better for the cultivation of crops.
• For Medical Reason s: For making different medicines many species of trees and plants are used so as to cure various diseases.

Methods to Conserve Biodiversity

Methods that can help in the conservation of biodiversity are

• Control Population: The greater the population the higher the needs which would result in further exploitation of flora and fauna and decline in biodiversity. For the conservation of biodiversity, we have to control the human population and allow other species of plants and animals to replenish on our planet.
• Control Pollution: The changing climate, deteriorating air quality and the growing amount of pollution on land and water bodies are leading to different types of diseases in many. It is essential to reduce the activities leading to pollution so as to conserve biodiversity.
• Reduce Deforestation: Due to deforestation, there is the loss of habitat. Due to this reason, wild animals are unable to survive in the new environment and die.
• Avoid Wastage: We need to understand that natural resources are not only essential for us but are also vital for the survival of other species. We must thus utilize only as much as we require them so that these remain available in abundance in nature for future use.
• Spread Awareness: Apart from this, one of the best methods to conserve biodiversity is by spreading awareness. The government can do so at a bigger level. While we can spread awareness by word of mouth and through social media.

Conservation of biodiversity is of utmost importance. We must all make efforts to conserve biodiversity rather than contributing towards its declination. Thus, the richness of biodiversity is essential for the survival of living beings on Earth.

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• Essay On Agriculture

Essay on Agriculture

500+ words essay on agriculture.

In India, agriculture is considered a primary livelihood for most of the population, which can never be underestimated. Agriculture has existed for thousands of years in our country and has developed with new technologies and equipment that have replaced traditional farming methods. In India, few farmers still use the traditional farming method because they lack the resources to use modern techniques. Agriculture is the only sector that contributes to itself and other country sectors. India is the second-largest wheat, rice, cotton, fruit, vegetables, and tea producer. It is also a global powerhouse of agricultural production. It is the world’s largest producer of spices, milk, wheat, rice and cotton.

Role of Agricultural in Economic Development

The population of India largely depends on agriculture, and it is not only just a means of livelihood but a way of living. The Government of India is continuously developing the agricultural sector by framing new laws, implementing modern technology, etc. In India, the entire nation depends on agriculture for food. In earlier times, agriculture was mainly dependent on the monsoon, but dams, canals, pump sets, and tube wells are now being constructed.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development of India as 3/4th of the population is based on agriculture. It is one of the largest sources of livelihood for the country. The country was dependent on agriculture for a thousand years.

The agricultural sector also benefits the industries in getting their raw materials, which clearly states that a large part of the economy will freeze without a flourishing agriculture sector. It leads to the expansion of the industrial sector. Indian agriculture provides employment opportunities to most people, and 70% of the population, especially in rural areas, earn their livelihood from cultivation.

In India, agriculture plays an imperative role in enhancing foreign exchange. To other nations, India exports commodities such as coffee, spices, tea, vegetables, tobacco, etc. Agriculture contributes to Indian exports. With the invention of organic farming, exports have also increased in the last few decades.

Agriculture is the Indian economy’s most important sector, and India’s farm sector is the largest industry. With constant changes and developments happening and introduced policies, it will only go upwards. It will always remain a significant factor in the nation’s economic growth.

An essay on Agriculture is crucial that can be asked during the exam. Students can also access CBSE Essays from our BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Agriculture Essay

Where was agriculture originally developed.

Agriculture was developed in modern-day Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, parts of Turkey and Iran which was also known as the Fertile Crescent.

What are the main types of agriculture?

The four main types of agricultural activities include livestock production, crop production, agricultural economics and agricultural engineering.

What are agricultural methods which are famous in India?

The majority of Indian farmers practice subsistence farming which involves the cultivation of crops on small pieces of land.

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