Impact of long-term conservation practices on ecosystem sustainability and food security in a changing climate

Authors: Birru, Girma; Jin, Virginia; Schmer, Marty; AWADA, TALA - University Of Nebraska; Tsegaye, Teferi

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/19/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The world is facing unprecedented environmental and food security challenges. Agricultural production must be resilient and adapt to the changing climate to meet the growing demands for food and energy. Sustainable agricultural practices have been important in meeting this challenge and aims to increase crop yield and livestock productivity thereby increasing farm profitability while maintaining or enhancing soil, water resources and other ecosystem services. In this regard, conservation practices can provide multiple soil health, agricultural production, and environmental benefits. In addition, it can enhance the resilience of soil and cropping systems to climate variability and change induced risks while also mitigating climate change by reducing emissions and/or enhancing soil organic carbon sequestration. Here, we present the USDA ARS led Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network research effort on several aspects of sustainability; review other published research results on sustainability and resilience, its impact on soil and crop system and the link with food security and ecosystem sustainability. We also evaluate the past achievements, future challenges and indicate research priorities.