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Plant Science Today (PST)

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Synergizing crops and conservation: A comprehensive review of bio-intensive complementary cropping system

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8365
Submitted
19 March 2025
Published
07-05-2025
Versions

Abstract

Cropping system represents a holistic approach to farming that emphasizes synergy among plant species, soil organisms and ecological processes. Exploring novel farming techniques has become essential in light of the growing environmental concerns and the increasing demands for sustainable agriculture. Bio-intensive complementary cropping offers promising strategy for a more sustainable and resilient future by integrating conservation agriculture practices. This approach diverges from traditional cropping systems by prioritizing productivity, resource optimization through complementary cropping, strategic resource management and ecological resilience. Key conservation methods include suitable crop intensification for optimum space use, irrigation strategies for minimizing water wastage, weed management for encouraging smothering effect and nutrient management that enhance the soil fertility by prioritizing organic inputs and local resource. By reducing pesticide use, enhancing biodiversity and lowering greenhouse gas emissions through reduced dependence on fossil fuel intensive inputs, bio-intensive systems contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. This review critically analyses soil health, crop productivity, emission profiles and economic outcomes, providing insights that advance scientific understanding and offer practical solutions for farmers. Ultimately, it highlights the potential of bio-intensive cropping systems to synergize crop production with conservation, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices.

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