The dust bowl of middle USA in the 1930 was a direct result of inadequate land management practices. By the end of the 1930’s and early 1940’s, farmers in the mid-west were experimenting with new agricultural practices.  Initially, mulch in the form of crop residues was used to prevent erosion. This progressed and with the introduction of specialised machinery starting in the 1960’s, the technology has expanded. This was the beginning of CA.

The basic tenants of CA involve planting directly into the land, which is protected by mulch. The benefits include:

• Reduction in soil erosion and land degradation;
• Reduction in soil temperature;
• Conservation of moisture for plant growth;
• Improvement in soil structure and fertility;
• Reduction in reliance on cultivation; and
• Achievement of enhanced, viable and sustainable productivity. 

CA will also lead to:

• Improvement in labour and equipment efficiency;
• Timely and appropriate agricultural integration of technology;
• Improvement in ecosystem functions; and;
• Comprehensive climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

Forms of CA include:

• Minimum, reduced or no tillage;
• Agro-forestry and alley cropping;
• Cover and green manure cropping
• Contour farming & strip cropping;
• Organic and biodynamic farming;
• Stubble mulching;
• Integrated pest management (IPM); and
• Crop and pasture rotation.