Policy and Practices in Soil Conservation: A Comparative Review across Agro-Ecological Zones

Abstract

Soil conservation is fundamental to the sustainability and resilience of Indian agriculture, particularly in light of the country’s immense agroecological diversity. Indigenous soil conservation practices—locally developed, time-tested approaches for managing soil fertility, structure, and erosion—are deeply embedded in the traditional knowledge systems of India’s rural communities (Arora et al., 2022; Maurya et al., 2024; Sahu et al., 2025). These methods, including contour bunding, terracing, mulching, agroforestry, crop rotation, green manuring, and organic amendments, are tailored to the distinct climatic, topographical, and socio-economic conditions of each region (Rajasekaran et al., 1995; Reang et al., 2024; Barman et al., 2024). Sustainability in this context is defined as the capacity of agricultural systems to maintain productivity, ecosystem services, and resource quality over time without environmental degradation or biodiversity loss (Cárceles Rodríguez et al., 2022; Francaviglia et al., 2023). This review synthesises evidence from a systematic analysis of recent peer-reviewed literature, meta-analyses, and empirical case studies, with a focus on ecological, agronomic, and socio-economic impacts of indigenous soil conservation practices (Arora et al., 2022; Kumawat et al., 2023; Bhattacharya et al., 2020). Quantitative data, such as soil organic carbon, nutrient cycling, and yield stability, were extracted from field experiments and long-term monitoring studies (Bhattacharya et al., 2020; Kumawat et al., 2023), while qualitative insights were drawn from interviews, participatory rural appraisals, and policy analyses (Maurya et al., 2024; Sahu et al., 2025; Reang et al., 2024). Findings consistently demonstrate that indigenous practices are highly effective in maintaining soil health, reducing erosion, and enhancing water retention, particularly in rainfed and marginal environments (Arora et al., 2022; Maurya et al., 2024; Kumawat et al., 2023). For instance, traditional bunding and terracing in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions have reduced soil loss by up to 60% and increased land productivity by 20–30% compared to non-conserved plots (Arora et al., 2022; Maurya et al., 2024). Organic amendments and crop rotations in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Deccan Plateau have been shown to sustain soil fertility, maintain higher soil organic carbon levels, and support stable yields over multi-year cycles (Bhattacharya et al., 2020; Cárceles Rodríguez et al., 2022). Agroforestry systems in the Eastern Himalayas and central India contribute to biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestration, with studies reporting up to 40% higher species richness and significant increases in soil carbon stocks (Reang et al., 2024; Barman et al., 2024). Despite these benefits, the review also identifies substantial challenges. The intergenerational transmission of indigenous knowledge is threatened by rural-urban migration, generational shifts, and the expansion of input-intensive, conventional agriculture (Sahu et al., 2025; Shrivas et al., 2025). Socio-economic barriers, such as insecure land tenure, limited institutional support, and restricted access to markets and extension services, further constrain the adoption and scaling of traditional practices (Shrivas et al., 2025; Sahu et al., 2025). While ecological benefits are well-documented, there is a need for more systematic, long-term research to quantify impacts on soil health, productivity, and ecosystem services across India’s agro-ecological zones (Bhattacharya et al., 2020; Kumawat et al., 2023). A key insight from the literature is the potential for synergistic integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems. Participatory approaches that engage local communities in co-designing and adapting soil conservation strategies have been shown to improve both adoption rates and effectiveness (Arora et al., 2022; Reang et al., 2024; Barman et al., 2024). Policy frameworks that recognise, incentivise, and protect traditional practices—through financial support, capacity building, and the safeguarding of indigenous rights—are critical for mainstreaming these methods and achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to land degradation neutrality, food security, and climate resilience (Cárceles Rodríguez et al., 2022; Francaviglia et al., 2023; Kumawat et al., 2023). In summary, indigenous soil conservation practices are vital for the sustainability of Indian agroecosystems, offering context-specific, ecologically sound, and socially inclusive solutions to soil degradation and climate change. The future of sustainable agriculture in India hinges on bridging traditional wisdom with modern science, strengthening policy support, and empowering local communities to steward their land for generations to come (Arora et al., 2022; Reang et al., 2024; Kumawat et al., 2023).

Introduction

Soil conservation is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and environmental security in India, a country grappling with widespread land degradation affecting over 24 of its 29 states. Driven by factors such as erosion, salinity, nutrient loss, unsustainable farming, and climate change, land degradation threatens food security and rural livelihoods. India’s diverse agro-ecological zones require a multi-pronged, region-specific approach to conservation.

Key Soil Conservation Practices and Outcomes:

1. Conservation Agriculture (CA):

   • Emphasizes zero/minimum tillage, crop rotation, and residue retention.

   • Has reduced costs (by 23%) and improved soil health, organic carbon, and resilience, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

   • Adoption remains limited due to lack of awareness, policy incentives, and equipment access.

2. Watershed Management:

   • Particularly effective in semi-arid and rainfed areas (e.g., Kothapally).

   • Boosts water availability, reduces erosion by over 90%, and enhances crop yields.

3. Indigenous Practices:

   • Techniques like terracing, bunding, mulching, green manuring, and agroforestry are widely used.

   • Proven to reduce erosion (by 40–60%) and increase soil organic carbon (by 15–35%).

   • Adaptive to local climates, these methods enhance food security and biodiversity.

4. Nutrient Management:

   • Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), including organic inputs and biochar, helps correct imbalanced fertilisation and improve soil fertility.

   • Biological indicators (e.g., enzyme activity) show improvement under conservation systems.

Policy and Socio-Economic Context:

India has evolved from Green Revolution-era practices toward more sustainable, conservation-based policies, emphasizing INM and climate-smart agriculture. However:

• Adoption of policies is uneven, hindered by institutional inefficiencies, weak extension systems, and limited access to credit.

• Smallholders and marginalized groups face the most significant barriers due to lack of awareness, resources, and land tenure security.

• Effective policies must combine financial incentives, regulatory mechanisms, and participatory governance tailored to local realities.

Zone-Specific Insights:

• Indo-Gangetic Plains: CA shows high potential but faces adoption barriers.

• Semi-Arid Tropics: Watershed management has significantly improved water access and incomes.

• Himalayan & Central India: Indigenous methods (e.g., terracing, agroforestry) remain central but need scientific validation.

• Arid Zones (e.g., Thar Desert): Biochar, water harvesting, and agroforestry combat salinity and moisture stress.

Challenges in Implementing the Draft National Soil Policy:

• Degradation from erosion, salinity, and urbanisation affects over 120 million hectares.

• Lack of region-specific machinery, soil carbon data, and standardized testing infrastructure hampers implementation.

• Policy fragmentation and limited coordination between state and national agencies reduce policy effectiveness.

• Solutions include:

  • Accredited soil labs.

  • Shared conservation equipment.

  • Democratically governed soil districts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the synthesis of research highlights that integrated, region-specific soil conservation strategies are indispensable for sustainable agricultural development in India. Conservation agriculture and watershed management have consistently improved soil health, crop yields, and climate resilience, while the thoughtful integration of traditional and scientific knowledge has produced context-sensitive solutions, particularly in ecologically fragile regions (Sapkota et al., 2015; Garg et al., 2012; Yang et al., 2024). However, the widespread adoption of these practices remains hampered by persistent socio-economic barriers, such as limited access to credit, inadequate extension services, and insufficient farmer awareness, as well as institutional and technical challenges including fragmented governance and lack of standardized soil monitoring infrastructure (Chaudhuri et al., 2023; Singh, 2021; Bharali et al., 2024). Addressing these obstacles requires robust policy frameworks that incentivise sustainable practices, invest in capacity building, and prioritise the needs of smallholders and marginalised communities. Enhanced extension services, participatory approaches, and the establishment of accredited soil testing laboratories will be crucial for tailoring interventions to local conditions and ensuring inclusive benefits (Behera et al., 2020; Chaudhuri et al., 2023). Ultimately, the long-term sustainability of India’s agricultural landscapes depends on a holistic approach that combines scientific innovation, traditional wisdom, and responsive policy support to build resilient, productive, and equitable agroecosystems for future generations.

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Copyright © 2025 Anika Suresh, Arjun P V, Prashasti Jaiswal, Gowtham Prasad M E. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.