Conservation tillage (CT) can significantly improve rural agricultural productivity and incomes. At the same time it can conserve the natural resource base for agricultural production, as part of an overall approach to the management of natural resources. Widespread adoption in Latin America and expanding use in South Asia have shown that investment in research and extension systems, capacity building, and the development and distribution of CT equipment are effective means of promoting the CT use and benefits. Conventional tillage practices of plowing and tilling the land evolved largely to control weeds. Although widespread, these systems have some serious disadvantages; they expose soil to wind and water erosion and incur high energy costs for tilling operations. Production systems using CT are becoming more common and offer a range of benefits, such as increased land productivity, reduced production costs, and prevention of soil erosion. Development of Conservation Tillage Systems CT farming covers four broad, intertwined management practices: minimal soil disturbance with no plowing and harrowing; maintenance of a permanent vegetative soil cover; direct sowing; and sound crop rotation. Introduction of these practices requires a supportive social environment and institutional framework. Box 4.21 Brazil: key elements of smallholder no-till systems for maize and bean production in Paraná Use of animal traction, family labor, and limited use of purchased inputs. Biomass management with animal-drawn knife-roller and planting with animal-drawn no-tillage planter. Management of crop residues with knife-roller. Use of cover crop management. Runoff control with contour bunds built with animal-drawn moldboard plow. Planting of dwarf elephant grass on contour bunds for livestock feed.
Source: Pieri et al. 2002 |
Many CT practices have evolved from farmer innovations supported by farmer-led organizations, in partnership with private business. CT farming is a sustainable land resource management system that combines productivity gains and increased profitability with ecosystem management for environmental protection. However, CT farming should not be seen as a “quick fix” or a blueprint that solves all sustainability or profitability problems. It is highly location-specific, must be adapted to specific farmer circumstances, and requires time to change traditional attitudes and approaches and to demonstrate benefits (box 4.21). A successful transition to CT farming generally requires three to five years. Key factors in the successful introduction of CT farming include the willingness of governments to empower rural communities and producer organizations; develop effective research and extension systems, support experienced producer groups or community organizations, and develop systems to secure land tenure and water rights. Other facilitating factors include effective input and output markets, access to seed of cover crops, and access to appropriate machinery.
  
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