Conservation Agriculture for Land Restoration and Food Security
摘要
Land degradation presents a substantial and widespread peril, influencing ~23% of surface area of the earth, with an annual expansion of 5–10 million ha (Mha). Conservation agriculture (CA) plays a pivotal part in arresting and expediting land restoration through its sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing soil disturbance, employing methodologies like minimal tillage, and introducing cover crops which also aids in preserving soil structure, preventing erosion, and improving water retention. These practices stimulate soil health, foster biodiversity, and promote vegetation growth. Furthermore, CA encourages judicious use of water resource utilization. Through these concerted actions, CA averts further land degradation and rejuvenates depleted lands by reestablishing soil health, mitigating erosion, and reinforcing overall ecosystem resilience. CA not only lessens agriculture’s negative effects on the environment but also makes a substantial contribution to human welfare and global food security. A central focus is the Zero Net Land Degradation (ZNLD) policy, which aims to ensure that global degraded land either diminishes or stabilizes without surpassing the pace of land restoration. By 2030, this is to be accomplished, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), accentuating the necessity for substantial land restoration across diverse landscapes, even those lacking immediate economic advantages. Financial backing for restoration initiatives is feasible by ecosystem services payments and economic management systems. Effective administration of assessment procedures, formulation of supportive policies, and securing financing through innovative mechanisms are crucial steps towards realizing the ambitious yet vital objective of Zero Net Land Degradation