Conservation Farming Techniques

Conservation farming protects soil and improves yields. Key principles: 1) Minimum soil disturbance - use planting basins or rip lines instead of full plowing. 2) Permanent soil cover - leave crop residues (mulch) on field. 3) Crop rotation - alternate maize with legumes like groundnuts, beans, or soybeans. Benefits: better water retention, improved soil fertility, less erosion, lower labor costs. Planting basins: dig 15cm deep holes at proper spacing, add manure, plant seeds. This method works well even in dry areas. Many successful farmers have doubled their yields using conservation farming.