**1. Introduction**

Maize (*Zea mays* L.) holds immense importance as a major cereal crop, serving as a staple food for over 900 million people in developing countries. Maize earns its esteemed title as the "Queen of Cereals" due to its remarkable demand and impressive adaptability. Maize holds the distinction of being the most abundantly produced cereal worldwide, with a staggering production of 1148 million metric tons. Not only does maize boast the highest average productivity of 5.9 tons per hectare, but its

growth rate is also among the most rapid in comparison to other crops [1]. It holds the distinction of being the most significant cereal crop globally in terms of both acreage and production [2]. Additionally, it serves as a valuable raw material for the production of food sweeteners, protein, oil, starch, and even as a fuel source. This versatility is supported by its ability to thrive and adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions worldwide [3]. It is not only a vital food crop but also a significant source of income for many farmers, particularly in developing countries.

Its unique characteristic of being able to be cultivated twice in a year further enhances its economic value. In regions with favorable climatic conditions and appropriate agricultural practices, farmers can harness the potential of double cropping, allowing them to maximize their yields and income from maize cultivation [4].

According to the most recent assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the ongoing emission of greenhouse gases is projected to result in continuous warming and persistent alterations in all aspects of the climate system. This, in turn, increases the probability of experiencing severe, widespread, and irreversible impacts on both human societies and ecosystems. The report highlights the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the potential consequences of climate change. Thus, in light of the projected severe and irreversible impacts of climate change, there is an urgent and critical need for sustainable food production systems. Agricultural practices, in conjunction with the combustion of fossil fuels within domestic settings, exert a significant influence on the global carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. This combined impact has been identified as a potential contributor to the observed global temperature rise [5].

There is a strong recommendation for crop producers to implement efficient management practices in order to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the carbon footprints associated with agricultural products at the farm level [6, 7]. Research has consistently shown that implementing improved agronomic practices can contribute significantly to reducing GHG emissions associated with crop production. These practices not only enhance crop yield but also result in higher inputs of carbon-rich residues, which can contribute to increased carbon storage in the soil [6]. Examples of these effective practices include the use of high-yielding crop varieties, timely management of crop diseases, crop rotation with species that allocate more carbon below ground, and careful nutrient management [7].

Conservation tillage, which encompasses practices such as no-till or reduced tillage along with residue retention, has been widely implemented to enhance soil quality and promote sustainable agriculture. The adoption of no-till (NT) and subsoiling (ST) practices has been proposed as a means to decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization and promote the accumulation of SOC. These practices involve minimal soil disturbance, leading to enhanced SOC sequestration and reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, consequently lowering carbon footprints (CFs). In contrast, conventional tillage methods contribute to higher CO2 emissions through increased diesel consumption, whereas NT practices result in reduced carbon emissions due to decreased diesel usage. Furthermore, tillage practices influence soil physicochemical properties and have implications for grain and biological yields [8].

There have been very limited studies exploring the C footprint of maize production under variable agronomic practices such as conventional and no-tillage farming systems, especially in the context of Morocco. In this literature review, our objective is to examine maize production within two farming systems: conventional and no-till. We will analyze and compare the carbon footprints associated with these two approaches and aim to draw conclusions regarding the potential carbon

#### *Sustainable Maize Production and Carbon Footprint in Arid Land Context: Challenges… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112965*

footprint reduction achievable through the adoption of no-till farming. By assessing the available literature and research on these farming systems, we will explore the environmental implications of each method and evaluate the carbon footprint gains that can be achieved by transitioning from conventional to no-till maize production. Ultimately, our review aims to provide insights and recommendations on how adopting no-till practices can contribute to sustainable maize production with reduced carbon footprints.
