Jul 2026· International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering Management & Applied Science· Vol 15, pp. 2495-2502· 0 citations· 1 references
Abstract
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture technique formulated as an alternative approach to the current conventional agriculture practices that make intensive use of chemicals. ZBNF was introduced by Indian Agriculturist Subhash Palekar. ZBNF is an agricultural technique that seeks to minimize cost of cultivation, restore soil health, preserve biodiversity, and increase farmers' income through the discontinuation of dependence on artificial fertilizers and pesticides. The process makes use of natural biological processes, indigenous knowledge systems, cow-based bio-formulations, mulching, biodiversity and water conservation. Over the past few decades, there has been an excessive use of chemicals in agriculture leading to serious environmental degradation, decreased soil fertility, pollution of ground water, high costs of cultivation and increased farmer indebtedness. ZBNF was formulated in order to address these issues and has received wide acclaim as an innovative technique for sustainable agriculture, especially in India. The present article gives a comprehensive account of ZBNF in terms of its history, philosophy, science, practice, socioeconomic importance, ecological importance, problems, policies, and future prospects.
Restoring soil health, boosting biodiversity, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and boosting carbon sequestration while preserving agricultural productivity are the goals of regenerative agriculture, an integrated land-management strategy. Regenerative agriculture, in contrast to traditional sustainable methods, concentrates on using ecological processes to replenish soil organic matter and biological activity. Because they emphasize biological nutrient cycle and reduce synthetic inputs, organic and natural farming systems are significant elements of this larger regenerative framework. In India, methods like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and Organic Farming have drawn interest due to their potential to lower production costs, enhance soil quality, and advance sustainable agriculture. Research carried out in India under natural farming efforts has shown notable increases in soil organic carbon and microbial activity, as well as yield improvements of 20–40% on degraded soils. Crop rotation, green manuring, composting, and biological pest control are examples of organic farming techniques that enhance soil structure and long-term production. This study looks at how natural and organic agricultural methods fit into the larger idea of regenerative agriculture. The study assesses their effects on soil health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable crop production using a qualitative review of secondary literature. The results show that combining organic and natural farming methods with regenerative principles can greatly improve soil carbon sequestration, boost climate-resilient farming systems, and increase agricultural sustainability.
B. Ramanjaneyulu, Annu Rani· AgriBio Innovations· 0 citations
This project delves into the concept of organic farming as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices. With growing concerns over the adverse effects of chemical-based farming on health, soil, and biodiversity, organic farming presents a promising solution. The study covers the principles, methods, and advantages of organic farming, including natural composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control. A special focus has been given to the work of Padma Shri Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, a renowned Indian organic farmer, whose innovative SAMAK (Sah-Astitva Moolak Aavartansheel Krishi) model emphasizes crop diversity, ecological balance, and sustainable soil use. As part of the research, a field visitwas conducted to his organic farm in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Observations and interviews from the visit provided firsthand insights into how traditional wisdom and modern organic methods can coexist to achieve productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The findings highlight that organic farming not only preserves environmental resources but also enhances long-term soil health and offers economic resilience to farmers. The project concludes with recommendations to promote organic practices through education, policy support, and community-driven efforts.
Background: The excessive use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in conventional agriculture has led to environmental degradation, soil health deterioration, and potential health risks for farmers and consumers. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable agriculture approaches in reducing farmers' dependence on these chemical inputs while maintaining agricultural productivity and economic viability. Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative field experiments and qualitative in-depth interviews. The study was conducted during the summer on various Flos Hidroponik farm plots in Temanggung Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, which implement various sustainable practices including integrated pest management (IPM), organic fertilization, crop rotation, cover cropping, and biological pest control. Data collection involved soil health assessments, yield measurements, input usage tracking, and structured interviews with participating farmers to assess adoption rates, challenges, and perceived benefits. Findings: The implementation of sustainable agriculture approaches resulted in a significant reduction in pesticide use by 85% and chemical fertilizer application by 70% compared to conventional farming practices. Integrated pest management showed the highest effectiveness, reducing pesticide dependence by 85% while maintaining crop yields at 80% of conventional levels. Farmer adoption rates varied, with 90% of farmers continuing sustainable practices after the study period, citing improved soil health, reduced input costs, and enhanced crop resilience as primary motivating factors amid. Conclusion: Sustainable agriculture approaches demonstrate substantial potential for reducing farmers' dependence on pesticides and chemical fertilizers without compromising agricultural productivity. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this study lies in the integrated evaluation of multiple sustainable agriculture practices and their combined effects on chemical input reduction, agricultural productivity, and farmer adoption in a real-world farming context.
Hutomo Danu Saputro· Holistic: Journal of Tropica...· 0 citations
Natural farming has moved from a group of locally adapted, low-external-input practices to a prominent agricultural policy proposition, particularly in India. Its appeal rests on the linked aims of reducing dependence on purchased agrochemicals, rebuilding soil biological function, maintaining crop production and improving farm profitability. Yet the label encompasses heterogeneous systems, and evidence for particular components is often stronger than evidence for the complete package. This critical narrative review examines natural farming as an agroecological redesign strategy, with emphasis on crop productivity, soil health, nutrient sufficiency, water relations, biodiversity, farm economics and implementation at scale. Literature available from 1990 to 5 June 2026 was identified through accessible scholarly indexes, bibliographic searches, institutional sources and citation tracing. Direct comparative evidence from Indian natural-farming programmes was integrated with higher-level evidence on organic amendments, soil cover, reduced disturbance, crop diversification and microbial inoculation. The strongest and most transferable support concerns permanent or frequent soil cover, organic-matter return, diversified rotations and intercrops, and reduced reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides. These practices can improve soil aggregation, moisture retention, microbial biomass and several regulating ecosystem services. Direct field studies in south-eastern India indicate that well-managed natural farming can maintain or increase yields and reduce production costs in some settings, while recent landscape evidence shows comparable yields, higher profits and improved farmland bird abundance. Confidence is nevertheless moderated by short experimental duration, treatment bundles that prevent attribution to individual practices, uneven geographical coverage and limited nutrient budgets. Biological activity cannot create phosphorus, potassium or other exported elements, and nitrogen supply may become constraining in high-yielding systems without legumes, recycled biomass or other accountable sources. Natural farming is therefore best understood as context-specific ecological intensification rather than universal input elimination. Credible scaling requires phased transition, soil- and crop-specific nutrient accounting, independent long-term trials, multidimensional monitoring and adaptive safeguards for farmers whose production systems have high nutrient demand.
Surve Vaishali, P. K. Waghmare, K. Rana et al.· Annual Research & Review...· 0 citations
In Indian agroecosystems, soil degradation has become one of the major environmental concerns. The prime reason of soil degradation is intensive agricultural practices which affect long-term productivity and sustainability. The conventional practices which include repeated tillage, residue removal, and imbalanced fertilizer use lead to decline in soil organic carbon, poor soil structure, and reduced biological activity. Therefore, this review is intended to synthesize evidences from long-term experiments and global studies to evaluate the role of conservation agriculture and integrated soil management approaches in restoring soil health. Different operations of conservation agriculture such as minimum tillage, residue retention, and crop diversification, improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance water infiltration. Conservation agriculture is also known to moderate soil temperature, conserve moisture and increase microbial activity through surface residue management. It also improves nutrient use efficiency, enhance soil aggregation and catalyse soil organic carbon build-up through integrated nutrient management. These benefits can be further intensified by adopting agroforestry systems because it improves microclimate, enhance nutrient recycling, and promote carbon storage in deeper soil layers. Integration of these practices deliver synergistic results than individual interventions. However, region-specific recommendations and supportive policies are essential for large-scale adoption.
Sharat Kothari, Veenu Mahecha, Amita Panwar et al.· Indian Forester· 0 citations
Organic and conventional farming systems represent two major agricultural approaches adopted worldwide to meet the growing demand for food while addressing concerns related to environmental sustainability, soil health, and agricultural productivity. Conventional farming primarily depends on synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, herbicides, and intensive cultivation practices to maximize crop yield. In contrast, organic farming emphasizes ecological balance through the use of organic manures, compost, crop rotation, biological pest management, and conservation of biodiversity. Although conventional agriculture generally achieves higher short-term yields, its long-term dependence on chemical inputs has raised concerns regarding soil degradation, biodiversity loss, groundwater contamination, and declining soil fertility. Organic farming offers several environmental advantages by improving soil organic matter, enhancing microbial diversity, increasing nutrient cycling, and reducing chemical pollution, but it may face challenges related to lower yields and greater labor requirements under certain conditions. This study presents a comparative assessment of organic and conventional farming systems with particular emphasis on crop performance and soil health. It examines the principles and characteristics of both farming systems, evaluates their influence on crop productivity, soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, analyzes technological innovations supporting sustainable agriculture, and discusses future policy directions for promoting resilient agricultural systems. The study concludes that integrating the strengths of both farming approaches through scientifically balanced management practices can improve agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources. Sustainable farming strategies supported by technological innovation, farmer education, and effective policy interventions are essential for ensuring long-term food security, environmental conservation, and resilient agricultural development.
Research Author· Europian Journal of Agricult...· 0 citations
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
