Rk Naresh

Mulching and zero tillage (ZT) treatments are particularly beneficial for agricultural soils that are alkaline, calcareous, and low in organic matter (OM). Mulching helps in conserving soil moisture, reducing soil temperature fluctuations, and suppressing weed growth, which is vital for maintaining soil health in such challenging conditions. It also contributes organic matter as the mulch decomposes, gradually improving the soil structure and fertility. Zero tillage minimizes soil disturbance, thereby preserving soil organic matter and preventing the oxidation and loss of carbon that typically occurs with conventional tillage. This is especially important for soils low in organic matter, as it helps build up and maintain OM levels over time. Moreover, both practices enhance microbial activity and nutrient cycling, leading to better soil aggregation and fertility, which are crucial for the productivity of alkaline, calcareous soils. Therefore, mulching and ZT are effective strategies for improving the sustainability and productivity of soils with these characteristics.

Conservation Agriculture Mainly Works in 3 Principal

1. Crop Diversification

2. Minimal soil Movement

3. Permanent Soil Cover

In conservation agriculture cropping systems, nutrient supply comes from several key sources:

1. Soil Organic Matter

2. Cover Crops

3. Crop Residues

4. Green Manure

5. Compost and Manure

6. Biofertilizers

These practices contribute to sustainable nutrient management by enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure, and promoting a healthy soil ecosystem, ultimately supporting long-term agricultural productivity.

@Under conservation agriculture cropping systems, nutrients are coming from:

1. combining the biota activities with minerals which are usually fixed in soils and would be released because of

organic acids exudated from roots and all of the biota activities.

2. Decomposition of all Organic matters.

3. Bio stabilization of minerals especially N.

4. Runoff waters.

Under conservation agriculture cropping systems, nutrients are supplied from various sources:

By integrating these nutrient sources, conservation agriculture systems aim to maintain or enhance soil fertility while minimizing environmental impacts such as nutrient runoff and soil erosion.

Dr Himanshu Tiwari thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Conservation agriculture (CA) cropping systems focus on minimizing soil disturbance and promoting a healthy soil ecosystem. This approach leads to a number of benefits, including improved soil health and fertility. Here are the main sources of nutrients in conservation agriculture:

• Soil Organic Matter: Minimizing tillage helps preserve existing organic matter in the soil and promotes the creation of new organic matter from decomposing crop residues. This organic matter is a slow-release source of nutrients for plants.
• Cover Crops: Planting cover crops between main cash crops adds organic matter to the soil as they decompose. Cover crops can also help suppress weeds and improve soil moisture retention.
• Crop Residues: In CA systems, crop residues are left on the soil surface instead of being tilled under. This residue decomposes and releases nutrients slowly over time.
• Green Manure: Planting legumes as green manure crops can add significant amounts of nitrogen to the soil. Legumes have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that capture atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a usable form for plants.
• Compost and Manure: These organic amendments can be applied to provide nutrients to crops in CA systems. However, manure application in CA can be trickier due to its bulkiness; it may require special placement methods.
• Biofertilizers: These are products containing living microorganisms that can improve nutrient availability for plants.

By promoting these various sources of nutrients, conservation agriculture helps to create a more sustainable and productive farming system.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion