- Soil Health:
- Minimum soil disturbance preserves soil structure.
- Permanent soil covers (residues) create humus and protect organic matter.
- Crop rotations enhance soil biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
- Reduces soil erosion and degradation.
- Water-use Efficiency:
- Permanent soil covers reduce evaporation from the soil surface.
- Improved soil structure enhances water infiltration and retention.
- This leads to more efficient use of water by crops.