Conservation tillage is a specific type of such approach where crop residue is left on the soil to reduce evapotranspiration, and protect soil surface from wind, sun and heavy rain impacts. Crop rotation growing different types of crops every season helps improve soil structure and thus water holding capacity. Conservation tillage practices lead to agricultural sustainability by covering substantial portions of planted land with crop residue, which protects against soil erosion by water. This reduces the need for water, as well as debris deposition in water. Conservation tillage technique conserves water in the soil profile since the soil is not tilled and exposed to the drying elements of the atmosphere. The moisture is retained within the soil profile. The new crop is generally planted directly into the stubble of the previous crop.Conservation tillage reduces soil erosion, conserves soil moisture, conserves energy, increases soil organic matter content, and consequently, soil quality. However, conservation tillage may compact surface soil horizons and may lead to poor root growth. Tillage is an important agricultural practice to manage crop residues, control weeds, and prepare the soil for planting, among others. However, the use of tillage can stimulate loss of soil organic carbon (C) to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). However, tillage has all along been contributing negatively to soil quality. Since tillage fractures the soil, it disrupts soil structure, accelerating surface runoff and soil erosion. Tillage also reduces crop residue, which help cushion the force of pounding raindrops.

@ RK, Conservation tillage technique conserves water in the soil profile since the soil is not tilled and exposed to the drying (evaporative) elements of the atmosphere. Conservation tillage also reduce the rate of organic matter oxidation compared with the conventional tillage systems, balancing microbial activity and slowing down decomposition of root biomass and below ground organic matter. Residue left on the soil surface slows decay, thereby maximizing residue carbon input.

Conservation tillage is a farming practice that aims to conserve soil moisture and increase soil organic matter by reducing soil disturbance during planting and cultivation. This practice involves leaving crop residues on the soil surface, rather than tilling them into the soil, and planting crops directly into the residue.

By leaving crop residues on the soil surface, conservation tillage helps to protect the soil from erosion by wind and water, reduce water evaporation, and increase soil moisture retention. This is because the crop residues act as a protective layer, shielding the soil from the direct impact of wind and water.

In addition, conservation tillage helps to increase soil organic matter by allowing crop residues to decompose slowly over time. As the residues decompose, they release nutrients and organic matter into the soil, improving soil health and fertility.

There are several types of conservation tillage, including no-till, reduced tillage, and strip tillage. No-till involves planting crops directly into untilled soil, while reduced tillage involves minimal soil disturbance, such as shallow tillage to prepare seedbeds. Strip tillage involves tilling only a narrow strip of soil where the crop will be planted.

Conservation tillage is a farming practice that aims to conserve soil moisture and increase soil organic matter by reducing soil disturbance during planting and cultivation. This practice helps to protect the soil from erosion, reduce water evaporation, and improve soil health and fertility.

Dr Fayaz Hussain and Dr J C Tarafdar Sir thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Mulch planting beds with newspaper, leaves, bark, or wood chips. Mulches retain soil moisture and improve soil quality. Water your plantings with a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system.Conservation tillage (CT) is an umbrella or generic term used to describe tillage systems that have the potential to conserve soil and water by reducing their loss relative to some form of conventional tillage. Conservation tillage is a specific type of such approach where crop residue is left on the soil to reduce evapotranspiration, and protect soil surface from wind, sun and heavy rain impacts. Crop rotation growing different types of crops every season helps improve soil structure and thus water holding capacity.

Based on the principles of conservation agriculture (CA). I.e permanent soils cover, the organic residue left on the soil can minimize the moisture evaporation from the soil and conserves the soil moisture. Also, the organic residues left permanently on the soil significantly increases the soil's organic matter content.