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Outcomes of Long-Term Conservation Tillage Research in Northern China

Author

Listed:
  • Francis Azumah Chimsah

    (College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Gansu Provincial Key Lab of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Tamale TL 1882, Ghana)

  • Liqun Cai

    (College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Gansu Provincial Key Lab of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Jun Wu

    (College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Gansu Provincial Key Lab of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

  • Renzhi Zhang

    (College of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
    Gansu Provincial Key Lab of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Francis Azumah Chimsah & Liqun Cai & Jun Wu & Renzhi Zhang, 2020. "Outcomes of Long-Term Conservation Tillage Research in Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:3:p:1062-:d:315782
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Mingbin & Dang, Tinghui & Gallichand, Jacques & Goulet, Monique, 2003. "Effect of increased fertilizer applications to wheat crop on soil-water depletion in the Loess Plateau, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 58(3), pages 267-278, February.
    2. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Naseri, Hakim & Parashkoohi, Mohammad Gholami & Ranjbar, Iraj & Zamani, Davood Mohammad, 2021. "Energy-economic and life cycle assessment of sugarcane production in different tillage systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    2. Tamer El-Shater & Amin Mugera & Yigezu A. Yigezu, 2020. "Implications of Adoption of Zero Tillage (ZT) on Productive Efficiency and Production Risk of Wheat Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-13, May.

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