Adaptive management incorporates research into conservation methods. Specifically, it is the integration of design, management, and monitoring to systematically test assumptions in order to adapt and learn from experiences in a given site. Case studies of adaptive management and integrated practices highlighting the ecosystem services provided by soil biodiversity are being compiled.

Soil is a very complex and multi-faceted environment providing the habitat for a diverse array of soil organisms. The activities of this wide range of soil biota contribute to many critical ecosystem services, including: soil formation; organic matter decomposition, and thereby nutrient availability and carbon sequestration (and conversely greenhouse gas emissions); nitrogen fixation and plant nutrient uptake; suppression or induction of plant diseases and pests; and bio-remediation of degraded and contaminated soils (through detoxification of contaminants and restoration of soil physical, chemical and biological properties and processes). The effects of soil organisms also influence water infiltration and runoff and moisture retention, through effects on soil structure and composition and indirectly on plant growth and soil cover. These services are not only critical to the functioning of natural ecosystems but constitute an important resource for sustainable agricultural production.

FAO is actively promoting Conservation Agriculture (CA), a win-win system based on integrated management of available soil, water and biological resources combined with external inputs. CA relies on three principles, which must be considered together for appropriate design and application: a permanent or semi-permanent organic soil cover in order to protect the soil physically from sun, rain and wind and to feed soil biota, a minimal disturbance to the soil through no or reduced tillage, and crop rotations to optimise user efficiency of the system. Mechanical tillage is replaced by biological tillage (soil micro-organisms, roots and soil fauna in general take over the tillage function and soil nutrient balancing), and soil fertility (nutrients and water) is managed through soil cover management, crop rotations and weed management. The design of crop rotations and the choice and management of cover crops must ensure sufficient biomass production of food and other crops, livestock feed and residue cover for the soil to reduce pest and disease incidence. The planting is done directly through the soil cover with specific tools and implements for manual, animal-drawn or mechanised agriculture. Crop residue management stimulates soil structure formation by soil fauna, improves soil fertility and moisture management and helps to control weeds with less dependence on herbicides. Participatory research and investment is needed to adapt CA systems to different environmental and socioeconomic contexts and make available required cover crops seeds and tools for direct planting and weed and cover crop management. A mentality change is needed to facilitate a wider adoption of conservative agricultural practices by farmers. However, CA systems have been proven to be highly successful in a wide range of environments for maintained production, reduced risk and protection of land and water resources.

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