The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged farmers to take steps for preventing soil erosion by stopping conventional ploughing and using more sustainable practices instead. "Intensive land cultivation methods using tractors and ploughs are a major cause of severe soil loss and land degradation in many developing countries," FAO officials said.
The alternative promoted by FAO, called 'conservation agriculture' entails allowing a protective layer of leaves, stems and stalks from the previous crop to build up on the top of the soil, by minimal or even zero tillage. The organic layer keeps the soil cool and prevents moisture from evaporating, as well as shielding it from heat and rain. In addition to the environmental advantages, conservation agriculture can cut fuel and labour costs for farmers, claim FAO officials.