Author
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Abdul Baki, Aref |
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Submitted to: Soil Use and Management
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 5/29/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: A low-cost no-tillage production system that uses cover crops to improve soil fertility and protect it from erosion, is described. When this system, which was developed at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, is used in production along with crop rotation and multiple cropping, it reduces production cost, improves yield and product quality, and reduces the need for off-farm inputs including plastic mulches, commercial fertilizers, and pesticides. Growers, consumers, extension specialists, environmentalists, and policy makers are users of this research. Technical Abstract: Among the soil management options that promote agricultural sustainability are reduced or no-tillage, incorporation of cover crops into the cropping system, crop rotations, and multiple cropping. Implementation of these practices stop soil erosion and loss of nutrients from the soil, improve soil tilth, reduce pressure by weeds and pathogens, and improve yields. The publication describes in detail how to integrate all these practices into one alternative production system that is economical, productive, and environmentally friendly. |
