Crop yields are usually more under conservation agricultural system as compared to conventional system probably due to creation of micro-climate and good moisture conditions in soil profile. So, what are other key factors responsible for overall better crop stand and yield under conservation agriculture?
Infection with pests and deseases. These can reduce yield substantially
Agroecological methods relying on ecological processes used in conservation agriculture to avoid pest and diseases damages can lead to higher crop yields compared to conventional external input intensive production systems. For a good example see insecticide vs no insecticide use in irrigated rice in SE Asia by KL Heong and his team.
In conservation agriculture genetically modified crops and isotype are used for insect pest resistance to avoid pest and diseases damages which can lead to higher crop yields compared to conventional systems.
As their is good moisture in soil profile covered by straw or mulch crop doesn't feel stress even with a sudden rise in temperature and no shriveling of seed occur. Thus, led to higher crop yields
Higher yields under Conservation Agriculture (CA) may be due to :
1. More moisture retention in soil profile due to residue retention;
2 Reduced weed infestation due to better soil cover;
3. Increased microbial activity
4. Better infiltration rate owing to reduced traffic and pulverization of soil by increased earthworm population;
5. Improved overall, soil health
5. Reduced infestation of pests like termite
The key factors responsible for higher yield under conservation agriculture are very nicely elaborated by Dr Bana..Thanks Dr RS Bana Sir
Conservation agriculture practices mainly rely upon three basic concept viz minimal mechanical soil disturbances, permanent soil organic cover and diversified crop rotation...
First concept that is minimal mechanical soil disturbance which usually conserve soil organic carbon as soil is not exposed to external environment especially sunlight for rapid decay or decomposition. ..that's why soil organic matter and soil organic carbon is optimized by implementing reduced or minimum or zero tillage practices resulting in improvement in soil fertility along with considerable number of beneficial soil microorganisms...thereby good yield
Second concept is permanent soil organic cover which conserve soil moisture and protect the soil from beating action of rainfall hence reduce chance of erosion and nutrient removal..also weeds are managed...therefore good yield..
Third concept is diversified crop rotation..in this system rotation of one crop with another having different nutrient demand period and water requirements. ..both crops must be of different rooting pattern and belong to different families..like cereal and legume or pulses...also intercropping should be there for risk management and companionship for mutual benefits...that's why yield increased
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