Creating Resilient Agroecosystems Through Exploring Sustainable Farming Techniques and Novel Technologies to Adapt and Combat Soil Degradation in Arid Climates

Abstract

Climate change and destructive conventional agriculture techniques aggravate soil degradation in agroecosystems, especially in arid climates. This desertification of arable land has many global consequences including, reduced crop productivity, increased freshwater withdrawals, heightened food insecurity, more land converted to farmland, and greater use of chemicals that accelerate global warming. However, sustainable farming strategies can protect soil, water, and land resources, improving global welfare. This paper proposes three major strategies (conservation agriculture, genetically modified crops, and vertical farming) to implement based on comprehensive literature reviews on their viability and soil restoration potential.Conservation agriculture encompasses three farming sub-techniques: zero tillage (refraining from soil disturbance before seeding), cover cropping (planting crops during the off-season), and crop rotation (diversifying types of crops planted during the growing season). All techniques enrich soil fertility, stabilize crop yields, and prevent soil degradation, with amplified benefits when practiced cooperatively. Genetically modified crops (modifying the genes of a crop) can also boost crop yields and reduce costs along with fertilizer and pesticide usage. Lastly, as a true alternative to conventional soil-based agriculture, vertical farming technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics optimize water usage, fertilizer application, and land usage while increasing crop quality and quantity. Some governments, like the US, encourage farmers to adopt these new techniques and technologies by providing financial aid. Reform in the agriculture industry now is critical to establish human and environmental welfare for generations to come.