InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Future of Food > Student Materials > Section 3: Systems Approaches to Managing our Food Systems > Module 7: Soils and a Systems Approach to Soil Quality > Module 7.2: Conservation Agriculture: A Systems Approach
InTeGrate's Earth-focused Modules and Courses for the Undergraduate Classroom
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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These student materials complement the Future of Food Instructor Materials. If you would like your students to have access to the student materials, we suggest you either point them at the Student Version which omits the framing pages with information designed for faculty (and this box). Or you can download these pages in several formats that you can include in your course website or local Learning Managment System. Learn more about using, modifying, and sharing InTeGrate teaching materials.
Initial Publication Date: January 11, 2018

Module 7.2: Conservation Agriculture: A Systems Approach

Tillage can incorporate soil amendments such as fertilizers; bury weed seeds and crop residues that may harbor diseases and insects; and remove residue that insulates the soil and promotes soil warming and crop seed germination and growth. Tillage can also cause soil erosion, disrupt soil organisms and soil structure; and remove residues that slow water run-off and evaporation, conserving soil moisture. Conservation tillage practices can reduce or eliminate the need for tillage, and the integration of perennials and cover crops can also protect soil from erosion and contribute to improving soil quality. In Module 7.2, we explore tillage and cropping practices that farmers can employ and integrate to conserve and improve their soil for long-term farm productivity.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »