Conservation agriculture for sustainable crop production: A comprehensive review of soil health, climate resilience and productivity

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a sustainable farming approach that focuses on reducing soil disturbance, retaining crop residues and promoting crop diversity to enhance productivity and environmental health. This review examines the diverse benefits of CA, emphasizing its role in enhancing nutrient use efficiency through improved soil nutrient retention, increased soil organic carbon and stimulating microbial activity. Additionally, CA contributes to climate resilience by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and thereby enhancing carbon sequestration. It also improves soil structure and water retention, while mitigating issues such as sodicity, thereby enhancing both the physical and chemical properties of soil. CA practices increasing energy efficiency, reducing production costs and improving farmers' economic returns. Furthermore, CA helps manage pests, diseases and nematodes by promoting healthier soil ecosystems. However, its adoption faces challenges, including technical difficulties, limited access to appropriate machinery and socio-economic barriers. This review emphasizes the transformative potential of CA in creating sustainable agricultural systems. It also highlights the need to address existing barriers to fully harness its benefits for ensuring food security and combating climate change.