ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the impacts of soil organic matter (SOM) on crop yields and to demonstrate that the Conservation Agriculture Systems umbrella of ecological conservation practices encompasses aspects of carbon (C) management and soil fertility for food production and security while clarifying alternate types of agriculture. The formation of energy-rich compounds with C-C and C-H bonds transforms the incident solar energy in a cascade of biochemical energy flowing to other organisms in the ecosystems. C cycling in agricultural systems, specifically CO2 transformations, is more active than other greenhouse gases due to its consumption during photosynthesis and use in plant production. Conservation planning implies “long term” which points to sustainability, robust planning and strategies, science-based practices, observation, and data-driven, highly integrated with diverse conservation practices, diversity in conservation practices contributes to enhanced biodiversity, C and nutrient cycling, recycling and regeneration and a sense of stewardship.
