Climate Resilient Cropping Systems

Module overview

• Introduction, parameters, and advantages of climate resilient cropping systems

• Climate change and its general impact on agriculture

• Sustainable farming strategies and climate resilient cropping systems

• Tillage systems under climate resilient cropping systems and crop rotation, cover crops, and precrops effect

• Marginal crops growing for food production

• Alternative crops growing for biomass production

• Intercropping and agroforestry

• Ecosystem services within climate resilient cropping system

Introduction

Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and land use changes, drive current climate change, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. This influences temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting agriculture, particularly in tropical regions. Climate change poses a severe threat to agriculture and food security. As we approach a global population of 9.8 billion by 2050, the declining productivity of major crops exacerbates concerns. Agriculture faces climate change impacts worldwide, potentially offsetting advancements in crop improvement and management practices. Instability in crop yields can have economic repercussions. Soil fertility, carbon sequestration, microbial activity, and crop growth are diminishing due to intensive input use and intensive cultivation strategies in general. Also, drought, intense precipitation, higher temperatures, soil contamination, and more pests and pathogens are becoming regular problems. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns make crops more susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Monoculture practices in modern agriculture increase crop vulnerability to diseases and pests. Historical examples highlight the risks of limited crop diversity. In contrast, traditional agriculture practices persist in many developing countries, focusing on biodiversity and minimal inputs. The emphasis on organic farming, diversification, and minimizing inputs is growing, promoting sustainability and agroecosystem resilience. Diversifying crops, agroforestry, and generally adjusting cultivation practices are vital strategies. The footprint of agriculture on the planet is substantial, with arable land covering about 12% of the Earth's surface. Sustainable agriculture strategies, such as reducing tillage, play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity within agroecosystems. Climate resilient agriculture and climate resilient cropping systems seek to sustainably use natural resources for crop production, focusing on long-term productivity while adapting to climate fluctuations. Climate resilience involves robustness, adaptability, and transformability in agricultural practices, promoting ecosystem health and biodiversity. Climate-resilient cropping systems have the potential to withstand stressors like drought and pests and play a critical role in global agriculture. Many agricultural technologies and approaches dealing with drought-resistant or pest-resistant crop varieties already offer solutions. Although climate resilient crops provide numerous benefits, small-scale farmers may hesitate to adopt them due to risk aversion and profitability concerns. Climate change profoundly affects agriculture, food security, and the environment. To address these challenges, adopting climate resilient cropping systems, developing climate resilient crops, and preserving biodiversity are vital steps.