A review of cultivation practices on soil and water quality and the environment

摘要

Inappropriate cultivation practices can lead to soils becoming degraded thereby increasing the risk of soil loss and pollution. To combat this conservation tillage practices have been developed in areas where high rainfall or wind causes soil erosionor where there is a need to preserve of soil moisture. Conservation tillage aims to improve soil structure and stability thereby facilitating better drainage and water holding capacity which reduces the extremes of water logging and drought. In Europe the area cultivated using conservation tillage is increasing primarily in an effort to reduce production costs, but also as a way to prevent soil erosion and retain soil moisture. A large proportion (16%) of Europe's cultivated land is also prone to soil degradation but farmers and governments are being slow to recognise and address the problem; despite the widespread environmental problems that can occur when soils become degraded.