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Article: Conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture (CA) can be defined by a statement given by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "A farming system that promotes minimum soil disturbance (i.e. No-till farming), maintenance of a permanent soil cover, and diversification of plant species. It enhances Biodiversity and natural biological processes above and below the ground surface, which contribute to increased water and nutrient use efficiency and to improved and sustained crop production."

Agriculture according to the New Standard Encyclopedia is “one of the most important sectors in the economies of most nations” (New Standard 1992).At the same time conservation is the use of resources in a manner that safely maintains a resource that can be used by humans. Conservation has become critical because the global population has increased over the years and more food needs to be produced every year (New Standard 1992). Sometimes referred to as "agricultural environmental management", conservation agriculture may be sanctioned and funded through conservation programs promulgated through agricultural legislation, such as the U.S. Farm Bill. The National Sustainable Agricultural Coalition (NSAC) has fostered methods to develop sustainable food techniques and farming practices through federal regulations. Several programs created have been set to adapt to climate change and energy utilization. With federal incentives, agricultural procedures have been initiated to assist farmers in the conservation of soil health, grassland and wetlands. These programs also minimize water pollution and preserve habitats to sustain biodiversity. Some of these programs include Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentive, and the Rural Energy for America Program, among others.