Outcomes of Long-Term Conservation Tillage Research in Northern China

Francis Azumah Chimsah, Liqun Cai, Jun Wu and Renzhi Zhang
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Francis Azumah Chimsah: College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Liqun Cai: College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Jun Wu: College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Renzhi Zhang: College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: Sustainable food production has long been a priority for mankind and this is being challenged by limited arable land, challenged landscapes, and higher human population growth. China started conservation farming around the 1950’s. However, main Conservation Tillage (CT) research started in 1992. Using a systematic meta-analysis approach, this review aims at examining China’s approach to CT and to characterize the main outcomes of long-term CT research across northern China. Data from organizations in charge of CT research in China showed an improvement in crop yield of at least 4% under double cropping systems and 6% under single cropping systems in dry areas of northern China. Furthermore, long-term CT practices were reported to have improved soil physical properties (soil structure, bulk density, pore size, and aggregate stability), soil nutrient levels, and reduction in greenhouse gas emission. Other benefits include significant increase in income levels and protection of the environment. Limitations to CT practice highlighted in this study include occasional reduction in crop yields during initial years of cropping, significant reduction in total N of soils, increase in N 2 O emission, and the need for customized machinery for its implementation. Outcomes of CT practice are ecologically and economically beneficial though its limitations are worth cogitating.

Keywords: conservation tillage; traditional tillage; agriculture; no-till; soil; sustainability; northern China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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