In the heart of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a region that feeds millions, a silent revolution is underway. Dr. Nandita Mandal, a researcher at the Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, is at the forefront of this change. Her recent study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, sheds light on the transformative power of conservation agriculture (CA) in the maize-wheat cropping system. The findings are not just about sustainability; they’re about redefining the economic landscape of agriculture and its impact on the energy sector.
The study, spanning 13 years, compares conventional tillage (CT) with three CA-based practices: zero tillage with planting on flat land with residue (ZR + R), permanent broad beds with residue (PBB + R), and permanent narrow beds with residue (PNB + R). The results are striking. CA-based practices not only enhance crop productivity but also significantly boost ecosystem services (ES), which are the benefits that humans gain from the natural environment.
Dr. Mandal’s research quantifies these benefits in economic terms. “The economic value of provisioning ES ranged from US$ 3105.6 ha−1 (CT) to US$ 3841.9 ha−1 (PBB + R),” she explains. This means that CA practices can increase the value of provisioning services by 16.2-23.7% compared to conventional methods. But the real game-changer is the economic value of regulating ES, which includes services like soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. Under PBB + R, this value is 61.1% higher than CT, with SOC accumulation comprising the lion’s share (90.4-91.6%) of the total regulating ES value.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? As agriculture becomes more efficient and sustainable, it reduces the need for fossil fuel-based inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This shift can lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a greener energy landscape. Moreover, the increased SOC accumulation can enhance soil health, reducing the need for energy-intensive soil amendments.
The study also highlights the economic value of total ES (TES) from maize-wheat rotation, which is 43.0% higher under PBB + R than CT. This underscores the potential for CA to drive economic growth in the agricultural sector, creating a ripple effect that could benefit the energy sector as well.
Dr. Mandal’s findings are a clarion call for policymakers to formulate payment for ecosystem schemes. “The results can be used to formulate the payment for ecosystem scheme by the policy makers,” she asserts. This could incentivize farmers to adopt CA practices, accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural system.
As we look to the future, Dr. Mandal’s research could shape the trajectory of agricultural practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and beyond. It’s a testament to the power of science and technology in transforming traditional practices, paving the way for a more sustainable and economically viable future. The study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, is a beacon of hope in the quest for sustainable agriculture and its potential to reshape the energy sector.