Climate Resilient Agriculture: The Perspective of Conservation Agricultural Practice

The human-dominated geological epoch has brought many challenges, and the primary of which is to feed a growing population in variable climatic conditions. Climate change is a major problem for agriculture systems, causing biotic and abiotic stresses on crops. Crop straw or residue burning is a major global problem that contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil nutrient loss, and harm to animals and humans. Addressing this critical issue is a high priority for achieving long-term higher productivity and farm incomes under climate variability. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), such as conservation agriculture (CA), is one of the most practical approaches to sustainably using existing natural resources through crop and livestock production systems. CA is a set of three key principles: minimum soil disturbance, soil cover, and species diversification. Its success depends on the simultaneous implementation of all three principles. Many studies have found that combining all three principles (i.e., no-till, residue retention, and crop rotation) leads to higher productivity and profitability in changing climatic conditions than conventional methods. Many researchers have also reported that applying any one of these principles alone can have negative impacts compared to conventional till. Several studies have shown that CA practices reduce farm-related GHG emissions, improve soil health and structure, increase carbon sequestration, reduce soil erosion, and modify the microclimate. Therefore, CA is an important climate-resilient agricultural system.