What does conservation agriculture improve to aid in climate resilience?

Conservation agriculture plays a significant role in enhancing soil health and water availability, which are both crucial factors in building climate resilience. By promoting practices such as minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and cover cropping, conservation agriculture helps to maintain or improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance microbial activity. These improvements in soil health contribute to better water retention and infiltration, which means that crops can access moisture even during periods of drought. Additionally, healthier soils are more resilient to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or prolonged dry spells, ultimately supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

The focus on soil health and water availability is particularly relevant for farmers who need to adapt their practices to changing environmental conditions. When soil is well-managed, it can act as a buffer against climatic extremes, ensuring that agricultural systems remain productive and sustainable over time. This interconnectedness between soil health, water management, and climate resilience is why the improvement of these factors through conservation agriculture is seen as crucial in modern farming systems.