ABSTRACT
Soil health degradation due to unscientific management of land resources is a significant threat to the sustainable intensification of agricultural production. Conservation agriculture (CA) involving minimum soil disturbance, residue retention, and crop rotation envisages a paradigm shift in agricultural production systems. These practices have great potential for improving the physical, chemical, and biological health of soil besides sustaining crop yields and minimizing environmental pollution. However, there are certain issues limiting the adoption of CA on a large scale such as the availability of technical knowledge, machinery, weed and pest management, residue management, competing demands for residues, and economic and policy support. These need to be addressed in a systematic manner with a proper timeline so that the benefits of this technology in terms of enhanced productivity, soil health, and mitigating adverse effects on climate are realized in Indian agriculture. This chapter reviews the work done carried out on soil health management through CA with particular reference to Indian conditions.
