Author
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Reicosky, Donald |
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Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2004 Publication Date: 2/13/2004 Citation: Reicosky, D.C. 2004. Conservation agriculture: Environmental benefits of no till and soil carbon management. In: Proceedings of New Frontiers Conference, February 12-13, 2004, Perth, Australia. p. 9-16. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Agricultural carbon (C) sequestration may be one of the most cost effective ways to slow processes of global warming and enhance plant available water. Numerous environmental benefits and enhanced water use efficiency result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to crop production and environmental security. Surface residues and soil C increase infiltration, decrease runoff, increase water-holding capacity and decrease evaporation. As part of no-regret strategies, practices that sequester soil C also help reduce evaporation, soil erosion and improve water quality and are consistent with more sustainable and less chemically-dependent agriculture. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must understand the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Enhancing soil C storage can increase fertility and nutrient cycling, increase available water-holding capacity, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. The sum of each benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a regional scale. Incorporating C storage in conservation planning in areas of limited water resources demonstrates concern for our global resources and presents a positive role for soil C that will have a major impact on our future quality of life. |
