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Economic
The economic benefits of DMCs may be noted in the short term, e.g. reduced production costs, or in the long term, e.g. stabilized crop yields. They can be direct for farmers (reduced labour time) or indirect (reduced infrastructure maintenance expenses), and on different scales, i.e. from the farmer to the planet. The economic impact of DMC adoption depends on the features of the DMC system implemented and the local setting.
ON THE FARMER SCALE, Reduction in production cost Featured
DMCs reduce labour time and laborious work, thus facilitating management of peak labour periods (field preparation, crop maintenance). The cropping calendar is more flexible, with a decrease in the number of cropping operations. This time and labour savings enables farmers to diversify their activities and increase their cropping area, and thus their income.In the long term, savings are achieved in inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, diesel fuel) as compared to conventional agriculture. Not tilling the fields generates substantial diesel fuel savings (up to 50% in mechanized agriculture). Pesticide treatment and fertilizer application costs are also lower, but these savings are measured in the long term. The soil organic matter content increases under DMC, thus improving soil fertility and water retention capacity. These factors improve the efficacy of fertilizers, thus leading to a reduction in fertilizer quantities used in the long term. Herbicide purchase costs are lower when the permanent soil cover and ...
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YIELDS COMPARABLE TO OR HIGHER THAN THOSE UNDER CONVENT... Featured
Using DMCs can gradually (and sustainably) generate yields comparable or even higher than those obtained under conventional agriculture after 2-3 years (installation phase). The enhanced soil properties and fertility lead to fewer yield variations. Production is less affected by climatic variations thanks to the plant cover (limiting evaporation, better moisture status, etc.). Increased yields mean increased income for farmers. Marginal land can also be cropped under DMC. The crop yields obtained depend, however, on how efficient the farmer manages DMC techniques.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION DIVERSIFICATION Featured
Crop associations, rotations and sequences boost food and commercial crop production. By benefiting from the forage function of crop residue and cover plants, associations with livestock production also enable farmers to diversify their incomes. This agricultural production diversification means that farmers are less vulnerable to natural hazards (climate, pest and disease problems) and market fluctuations for cash crops.
CUMULATED ECONOMIC BENEFITS ON REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND G... Featured
Farmers do not directly perceive some environmental advantages whereas they are obvious at other scales. They are hard to evaluate in monetary terms, as they are generally nonmarket gains, e.g. more regular river flow, reduced erosion, increased biodiversity, higher water table levels, etc. Some can be readily observed and assessed, while others are likely or hypothetical. Very little quantitative data is currently available at these scales.The better water regulation and lower runoff noted under DMC is a major benefit with respect to protecting downstream structures (dams, roads, etc.), thus reducing maintenance costs. In North Africa, DMCs could reduce the need to build expensive structures for soil protection and restoration, water and soil conservation. In Tunisia, the decrease in erosion and runoff linked with DMC implementation should help to reduce silting of dams (restoration costs are around 0.1% of the GDP).A rise in water table levels downstream is expected because of the better water infiltrat ...
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DMC IMPLEMENTATION COSTS Featured
For farmers, costs associated with DMC practices involve:Purchases of seed (cover plants), herbicides, equipment and its depreciation.Costs associated with DMC training and dissemination: knowledge on the agricultural and environmental aspects of DMC implementation is essential, along with other complex aspects (plant associations, herbicide use, etc.). For farmers, this means managing new techniques and obtaining suitable supplies and equipment.Social costs: it is important to not underestimate the cultural and traditional aspects, which are deeply engrained in societies that traditionally cultivate using tillage. DMC represents a radical change in farming practices and mindsets. Adoption of this new cropping system requires major changes in crop management sequences (in the fields) and in the organization and management of farms and agrarian regions (e.g. to better combine cropping and herding).The main community costs concern awareness campaigns, training, supervision and extension of DMCs. There are a ...
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