EU Life Environment
Finding and demonstrating ways of better managing the land
EU Life Environment
Project Terminology
         
         
Finding and Demonstrating Ways of Better Managing the Land
 
Project Terminology
 

The world of “Sustainable” or “Conservation” and “Tillage” or “Agriculture” terminology is a confusing one. So SOWAP feels that it is important to clearly define what it means when it uses these words. We have tried to use commonly accepted definitions, but our interpretation may differ from what you read elsewhere. We hope that we will not offend other groups by using our own definitions until a common understanding has been reached.

Term SOWAP Definition
Conservation Tillage “CT”

Conservation tillage is the minimum amount of tillage required to generate a viable crop. The term covers a range of tillage practices from sub-soiling to no-till, but generally would not involve inverting the soil

   
No Tillage “NT”

The soil is essentially undisturbed, other than to drill the crop. Also described as zero-till or direct drilling.

   
Conservation Agriculture “CA” A holistic approach to managing soil to successfully produce a crop. CA aims to protect the soil and its functions by reducing disturbance (see CT above), providing ground cover (of crop residues or a cover crop) and utilising a diverse crop rotation. By protecting the soil, CA may benefit both above and below-ground biodiversity. The principle of “As Little As Possible, As Much As is Needed” will guide plant protection product usage in the project.


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