Agriculture is an activity that has become fundamental to our daily lives. It provides us with the food we consume daily and ensures our subsistence. However, it is a sector that faces significant challenges, given its high level of greenhouse gas emissions. In Spain, agriculture is responsible for approximately 15% of total CO2 emissions., exceeding the global average of 14%. This situation raises questions about how to continue producing food sustainably, especially in the face of the expected rise in temperatures in the country as a result of climate change. This phenomenon poses a considerable challenge for farmers, especially those located in the Mediterranean region, where erosion, low rainfall, and increased heat pose a serious risk to crops.
In order to mitigate these problems and ensure sustainable agricultural production, innovative practices have emerged such as conservation agriculture.
What is conservation agriculture?
This agricultural approach is particularly interesting not only for the direct benefits it offers to food production, but also for its positive impact on the environment. Conservation agriculture is defined as an agricultural system designed to conserve, improve, and make more efficient use of natural resources through careful management of soil, water, biological organisms and external inputs.
Farmers who implement this practice strive to care for and preserve the land they cultivateThis includes techniques such as crop rotation, restricted use of chemical fertilizers, and mulching the soil with native plants or plant residues. These measures aim to protect the soil from erosion, improve its quality, and contribute to a more sustainable use of resources. Furthermore, adoption of climate change-resistant seeds can complement these practices and be key to conservation agriculture.
What benefits does it have?
The implementation of conservation agriculture offers multiple benefits that are highly relevant to both the environment and the agricultural economy. Below are some of the most notable benefits:
- Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2): By reducing the frequency with which agricultural machinery is used, it is estimated that approximately 52,9 million tons of CO2 would be saved in Spain, which represents a significant contribution to sustainability.
- Reduction of soil erosion: A study of the Spanish Association of Living Soils Conservation Agriculture (AEAC.SV) indicates that this practice can prevent soil erosion by 90%, being essential to maintain its fertility.
- Increased energy efficiency: A 20% increase in energy efficiency has been identified compared to conventional tillage, reaching up to 50% depending on crop type and location. This increase in efficiency is also supported by new energy sources local.
- Significant savings in inputsConservation agriculture can save up to 24% on inputs, representing a significant economic advantage for farmers.
Environmental advocacy organizations, such as Climate Alliance, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth, promote this practice as a viable solution for producing food while protecting the planet.
Principles of Conservation Agriculture
Conservation agriculture is based on three fundamental principles:
1. Minimal soil disturbance: This principle involves reducing tillage practices, favoring methods such as direct seeding. By avoiding plowing, soil structure and quality are improved, allowing it to retain more moisture and nutrients, and promoting conservation agriculture.
2. Crop diversification: Rotating and associating different crop species in the same area improves soil fertility and resistance to pests and diseases. This diversified approach results in more stable yields over time, while contributing to the health of the agricultural ecosystem. It is also important to consider the impact of specific crops in the environment.
3. Permanent soil cover: Maintaining organic cover, whether through cover crops or crop residues from previous crops, is essential to protect the soil from erosion and improve its fertility. This practice also helps conserve soil moisture and increases biodiversity. Likewise, the use of conservation practices in arid areas can be fundamental in this strategy.
Conservation agriculture and climate change
Conservation agriculture is presented as an effective response to the challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, it has been supported by various reports and studies, such as that of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which identify it as a key option for addressing climate risks. This is because conservation agriculture not only helps adapt to changing conditions but also mitigates the adverse effects of conventional agriculture.
Among the benefits highlighted in this context are:
Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Reducing soil tillage reduces CO2 emissions, transforming the soil into a carbon sink that retains carbon instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. This contributes to reducing agriculture's carbon footprint. For more information on how agriculture addresses these challenges, you can read about efforts against global warming and using sustainable forests in the agriculture.
Improved water retention: Conservation agriculture allows for improved water infiltration into the soil and less runoff, resulting in reduced water requirements for agricultural production. According to estimates, water needs could be reduced by 30-40%. Furthermore, it is interesting to observe how these practices can complement each other.
Increasing biodiversity: The adoption of conservation agriculture favors the increase of biodiversity in agroecosystems, multiplying the population of soil organisms and improving the overall health of the agricultural ecosystem. This is directly related to the need to continue exploring the situation of threatened deserts due to climate change.
Economic benefits of conservation agriculture
Conservation agriculture not only translates into environmental benefits but also offers economic advantages for farmers. This resource-efficient approach results in:
1. Cost savings: The reduction in the need for machinery and inputs in general translates into lower operating costs. As farmers adopt these practices, the profitability of their farms is expected to increase. For more information on this topic, please see our article on sustainable development and its application in modern agriculture.
2. Less need for labor: Thanks to the reduction in intensive tasks such as tillage, the need for labor is reduced, which represents a significant relief for farmers, especially during times of high demand.
3. Greater stability in production: Crop diversification and improved soil quality contribute to increased stability and sustainability of yields over time. This translates into more reliable food production, even in the face of adverse weather conditions. In this regard, it is crucial to consider how the climate affects agricultural production in different regions.
Conservation agriculture stands as an essential practice that focuses not only on food production but also on the health of the planet. By promoting a more balanced and sustainable approach, this technique will become a fundamental pillar for ensuring food security without compromising natural resources and biodiversity. Implementing these strategies is not just an option, but a pressing necessity for the agriculture of the future.
