TILLAGE METHODS RELATED TO SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN SOUTH-ASIA

Research on different tillage systems and their role in soil and water conservation in south Asia is reviewed. Tillage has shown marked infl uence on soil hydraulic characteristics and to some extent on soil che mical and biological properties particularly organic matter cycling. T he importance of conservation tillage in reducing runoff, soil loss an d in ensuring sustainable agricultural production in the region is emp hasized. The role of other tillage practices, for example contour cult ivation, contour bunding, terraces and tied ridging, in increasing the profile water storage is discussed.