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DMC systems
The relevance of tillage-based conventional agriculture is currently being questioned since it does not seem to be able to meet the main challenges concerning soil and water conservation, environmental protection, food security, etc. Direct seeding mulch-based cropping systems (DMC) without tillage is a promising agroecological crop management strategy that could more effectively address these issues in developing countries.
KEY AGRICULTURAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING DMC Featured
DMCs are new cropping systems that have been developed and disseminated in developing countries by CIRAD and partners since 1985 (L. Séguy and S. Bouzinac). DMCs are classified within the broad agroecological category. They aim to enhance farming cost-effectiveness and sustainability in an environment-friendly manner by simultaneously implementing several principles in the field:Eliminating tillage and planting crops by direct seeding, whereby seeds are sown directly in untilled soil. Only a small furrow or seed hole of sufficient depth and width is opened using specially designed tools, thus ensuring good soil cover and seed contact with the soil.Permanent plant cover: the soil is permanently covered with dead or live plant cover.Crop sequences or rotations in association with cover plants.The way these principles are combined in the field may vary depending on the local situation: agroecological environment, farmers’ resources and objectives, etc. These systems can be adapted to a wide range of envir ...
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DMCS CAN BENEFIT FARMERS, COMMUNITIES AND THE ENTIRE PL... Featured
When the above three principles are properly applied, farmers and the community will reap a number of agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic benefits. It is a means to reconcile agricultural production, enhanced living conditions and environmental conservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS—ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY CROPPING ... Featured
DMCs emulate the functioning of forest ecosystems, whereby litter left on the soil surface contributes to:Soil protection and fertility regeneration through erosion controlCarbon sequestration, efficient and high (1-3 t/ha/year)Reduced water consumption for agricultural productionReduced fertilizer and pesticide dosages, thus reducing their pollution impact on groundwater supplies and improving food quality and securityEnhanced water infiltration and reduced flooding riskBiodiversity preservation or even enhancement, contrary to monocropping systemsReduced shifting cultivation, and thus deforestation in developing countries, thus preserving biodiversityHigher water table levels
AGRICULTURAL BENEFITS—ENHANCED SOIL PRODUCTIVITY Featured
Plant species used for permanent soil cover produce high quantities of biomass and have powerful root systems, therefore:Creating an environment suitable for the development of intense biological activity in the soilIncreasing organic matter contents in the soilProviding nutrients required for crop plants and recycling of leached elements to benefi t the cropsConserving groundwater through better infiltration, reduced evaporation since the soil is protected against high temperatures, better water retention capacity and tapping of water from deep soil horizonsImproving the soil structure on the surface and in deep horizonsControlling weeds and plant diseasesIncreasing crop productivity (quantity of product generated per volume and time unit)Decreasing the impact of climatic variations (especially rainfall)Economic benefits—attractive cropping systems and cost-effective farming activitiesReduction in labour time and laborious workReduction in labour demandReduction in expenditures concerning fuel (large-s ...
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SOCIAL BENEFITS—CONTRIBUTION TO FARMING SYSTEM SUSTAI... Featured
DMCs enhance the sustainability of farming systems, by preserving them and also by contributing to natural resource development and increasing soil biodiversity (diversification of production, microflora and fauna), while not reducing yields or production. The soil—which is often the farmer’s only capital—is thus preserved.
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