As concerns about sustainable food production and environmental preservation increase around the world, attention is focused on one of our most vital resources: soil. Essential for agriculture, healthy soil supports not only food security but also numerous ecosystem services critical to sustaining life on Earth. Unfortunately, traditional agricultural methods that involve extensive excavation and soil removals contribute greatly to soil degradation, leading to a marked decline in land productivity. A transformative study published in the journal Soil Security sheds light on how to reverse this trend by adopting Conservation Agriculture (CA).
Leading the research are Dr. Rolf Derpsch from Germany, Professor Amir Kassam from the University of Reading, UK, and Dr. Don Reicosky, retired from USDA-ARS, USA, along with Dr. Theodor Friedrich of Germany and a global group of specialists. from Brazil, Portugal and Spain, investigate the basic principles that nature uses to maintain soil productivity. His work delves into how these principles can be applied to foster sustainable agricultural systems around the world.
Dr Friedrich highlighted: “Using minimal soil disturbance, keeping it covered with plant residues and using a variety of crops in rotation are essential to protect the soil from degradation and maintain its productivity.” These fundamental elements of conservation agriculture mimic natural ecological processes, thereby reducing erosion, improving the soil's ability to retain water, and increasing soil fertility and biodiversity. Extensive research and practical application on more than 205 million hectares worldwide have shown that CA can reduce the negative impacts of climate change and intensive agriculture, ensuring a more sustainable future for food systems.
The team identified plowing and mechanical soil disturbance as important contributors to soil damage. Dr. Friedrich noted, “Agricultural practices that leave the soil bare and lack variety in crops go against nature's guidelines for maintaining soil health.” These practices destroy soil structure and deplete organic matter essential for water and nutrient cycles. Although these methods may seem beneficial in the short term, they lead to a decrease in soil fertility and make the land more vulnerable to environmental pressures over time.
The adoption of conservation agriculture marks a significant change from traditional agricultural techniques. Highlights the importance of knowledge and innovation to achieve long-term sustainability. Dr. Friedrich also mentioned: “To sustain food production and minimize environmental damage, we must pay close attention to the world's soils and the natural rules that govern their agricultural productivity.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. They underline the need to rethink agricultural practices so that they are more in line with ecological principles. For those involved in policy, research and agriculture, the findings provide a clear guide for action. Promoting policies that encourage conservation agriculture practices has the potential to transform agricultural landscapes into productive and sustainable systems.
In conclusion, faced with the growing challenges of climate change and the growing demand for food, the strategies described in Conservation Agriculture present a hopeful future. As Dr. Friedrich emphasizes, conservation agriculture can be adapted to many different practices, from conventional to organic agriculture. But the three principles of CA are the basis for the sustainability of any land management system. This approach not only aims to protect our soil resources, but also ensure a resilient supply of healthy food. Looking ahead, it is critical that all stakeholders in land management and food production consider the lessons from nature's own rules, as detailed in this crucial research.
Magazine reference
Rolf Derpsch, Amir Kassam, Don Reicosky, et al., “Laws of Nature on Declining Soil Productivity and Conservation Agriculture,” Soil Security, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soisec.2024.100127
About the authors
Conservation Agriculture Expert
Senior Agricultural Officer and Retired FAO Representative
Theodor Friedrich, of German nationality, born in Venezuela, graduated from the University of Göttingen/Germany with an MSc. in agriculture (Dipl.-Ing. agr.) and a doctorate in agricultural engineering (Dr. sc. agr.). Since 1982 she worked in different positions in international agricultural development in the fields of agricultural extension, research and university teaching, in addition to directing cooperation projects in Latin America, Europe and Asia. From 1994 to 2012, Friedrich served as FAO/Rome Senior Officer on agricultural mechanization and sustainable crop production systems, such as regulations for pesticide application technologies and sustainable intensification of agricultural production with Conservation Agriculture, with some 30 years of practical experience on this topic. she working in more than 75 countries in America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia, with more than 200 publications. He was involved in the establishment of the term “Conservation Agriculture”, its definition and the creation of the FAO program that promotes Conservation Agriculture worldwide with publications, conferences, support to regional CA organizations and field projects and Congresses. World Conservation Agriculture Conferences. From 2012 to 2018 she served as FAO representative in Cuba, from 2018 to 2020 in Bolivia. In 2020 she retired to Germany and remains active in promoting Conservation Agriculture.
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