Conservative long term cropping systems mitigating drought stresses and improving soil health

Abstract

The conservative management stands out for the success of agricultural activities in the face of adverse climate conditions, such as drought. The balance between physical, chemical, and biological soil fractions, focusing on soil health, promotes a resilient environment with greater diversity and abundance of its functions and processes. Some practices such as cover crops, soil conditioners, and no-till may improve soil health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sustainable soil management in coffee cropping, aiming to improve soil health and mitigate the effects of water scarcity through resilience to drought. In tropical and semiarid climates, the conservation soil management with the input of soil conditioners, cover crops, and no-tillage, improves the cation exchange capacity, favoring the increase of nutrient availability, maintenance of pH, and nutrient cycling. Also, Urochloa decumbens promotes soil porosity and increases water retention. Changes in soil management generate differences in the soil microbial community, also affected by drought conditions So, management focusing on soil health enhances soil functions' resistance to drought.