Repeated tillage can weaken soil structure, accelerate erosion and nutrient loss, and increase weed pressure and production costs. In Viet Nam, researchers and farmers are testing an alternative approach to organic vegetable production that combines reduced tillage, biochar and organic mulching to protect soil health, improve water retention and reduce reliance on external inputs. Since March 2026, field trials have been conducted in three PGS organic vegetable production areas, with four consecutive cropping cycles planned through the end of the year.

These trials compare conventional farmer practices with different combinations of biochar and surface mulch. Biochar, produced from locally available agricultural residues such as rice husks, straw and dry branches, can help retain water and nutrients while providing habitat for soil microorganisms. Mulching with straw, rice husks and other plant residues protects the soil surface, suppresses weeds, conserves moisture and reduces exposure to heavy rainfall and high temperatures. Farmers and researchers are assessing these practices under real production conditions to understand their effects on crop performance and field management.