Himanshu Tiwari

• Impact of CA practices on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties:Conservation agriculture (CA) practices, such as minimum tillage, crop residue retention, and diversified crop rotations, improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, and reduce erosion. These practices enhance soil water retention capacity and improve biodiversity in the soil, positively affecting biological activity. Chemical properties of the soil, such as nutrient levels and pH, may stabilize, increasing nutrient availability for crops.
• Long-term implications on soil health, nutrient availability, water retention, and agricultural sustainability:Over the long term, CA practices contribute to soil health by increasing organic matter and reducing soil degradation. These practices also increase nutrient availability, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Water retention improves due to higher soil porosity. In terms of sustainability, CA helps maintain biodiversity and reduces the negative impacts of climate change, making agriculture more resilient to droughts and floods.
• Impact of variations in soil texture, cropping systems, and climate conditions:The effectiveness of CA practices varies depending on soil type, cropping systems, and climate conditions. On sandy and lighter soils, minimum tillage and crop residue retention can significantly improve water retention. However, on heavier clay soils, soil compaction may reduce the effectiveness of these practices. Additionally, in dry regions, CA can help better utilize water, while in wetter climates, the focus should be on crop rotation and diversification to reduce the risk of diseases and pests.

An interesting and important question in today's world where the world is suffering from soil erosion and water scarcity. Therefore, conservation agriculture can reduce these types of environmental threats and increase opportunities for food production in the target community, including India.

Conservation agriculture, which is mostly focused on agricultural soils, has a positive correlation with important soil components (biodiversity, soil pH, micronutrients and macromolecules, soil protection, etc.).

Therefore, proper management can bring soil stability through the implementation of conservation agriculture. And ...

Indeed, soil degradation and water scarcity are pressing global challenges, and conservation agriculture plays a crucial role in mitigating these threats while enhancing sustainable food production. Our research aligns with this perspective, highlighting the importance of soil restoration and management in agricultural and military-affected areas.

We appreciate your interest in our work and look forward to further discussion and collaboration.

Effect of CA Practices on Soil Properties in UP & India

1. Physical Properties:

• Reduces erosion & improves structure (Indo-Gangetic Plains).
• Enhances water infiltration & porosity (Bundelkhand, dry regions).
• Improves aggregation & aeration (Terai, high-rainfall zones).

2. Chemical Properties:

• Increases organic matter & carbon sequestration (Black soils, MP).
• Enhances nutrient availability & nitrogen efficiency (Rice-wheat belts, Eastern UP).
• Stabilizes soil pH (Acidic soils, Northeast).

3. Biological Properties:

• Boosts microbial diversity & activity (Alluvial soils, UP).
• Increases earthworm population (Reduced tillage zones, IGP).
• Suppresses soil pathogens (Humid regions, Bengal, Kerala).