Manual on integrated soil management and conservation practices (FAO land and water bulletin n°8)

Soil resources depletion is a widespread, direct threat to the sustainability of agricultural production. Dramatic changes in soil management concepts are needed to counter the threat. This manual proposes options for such changes, addressing a very broad variety of topics related to agricultural land management ranging from chemical and physical attributes of soils, soil management concepts, mechanization and tillage, mulching and green manure, erosion control and water resources management, to concepts of participative transfer of technologies. Traditional soil management concepts are analysed and suggestions made to consider more sustainable alternatives for a conservation-effective agriculture. This manual is meant for both professors and students of universities, schools of agriculture and technical training centres, as well as for technicians involved in designing programmes, guidelines and policies related to the management and conservation of agricultural land.