Editorial Book
Book Title: Elements of Soil Science and Recent Advances

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 06-Jan-2026 | Pages: 107-117 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook222025/107-117

Conservation Agriculture - It’s Importance in Sustaining Soil Health


  • Naveen M
  • Soil Analyst, VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Manikandan R
  • Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Ranjith Prakash T
  • Department of Vegetable Science, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Subanand S
  • Department of Agricultural Extension, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Samiksha S
  • Department of Agricultural Extension, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Vengatesh Enbaa Sagar S
  • Department of Agronomy, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.

  • Pravin Prabhu P
  • Department of Agronomy, SRMCAS, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract

A sustainable agricultural paradigm, conservation agriculture (CA) produces food profitably while preserving and even rehabilitating natural resources. Conservation agriculture helps farmers by lowering production costs and raising yields. It also benefits society as a whole by improving food security, water quality, reducing erosion, and mitigating climate change by increasing carbon sequestration, among other benefits. The CA systems will aid in overcoming seasonal dry spells since they preserve soil moisture and maintain better infiltration rates. Consequently, CA systems improve agricultural systems' resilience and ability to respond to climate change. Conservation agriculture is crucial for achieving sustainable production intensification by balancing high output with environmental benefits. Maintaining SOC can significantly affect soil physical, chemical, and biological qualities, as well as yield. Organic additives in conservation agriculture increase soil health indices, including carbon levels and nitrogen reserves. Adding cover crops to crop rotations improves nitrogen recycling by reducing nitrate leaching, increasing soil carbon, and suppressing weeds. Reduced tillage methods present a significant opportunity to improve soil health in crop production. CA can improve soil health and increase SOC levels compared to traditional management methods. The applied implications of CA are far-reaching, improving soil health, enhancing water conservation, fostering biodiversity, and reducing input costs. These benefits are particularly crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, soil degradation, and food security. Future directions in CA will focus on the integration of precision agriculture, advanced technologies like automation and data analytics, and policy frameworks that support sustainable practices.

Keywords

Sustainable health, conservative agriculture, environment, soil health, resilience, soil organic carbon

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ISBN : 978-81-986832-4-3
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