**6. Precision agriculture and soil mapping**

Precision farming, often referred to as agricultural precision or smart farming, is a cutting-edge method of managing agriculture that makes use of technology to enhance production, efficiency, and sustainability in farming practices [59]. It entails utilizing a variety of technologies to gather and analyze data in order to give farmers all the knowledge they need to manage their crops and livestock. Several crucial technologies for accurate agriculture include:


*Harnessing Soil Potential: Innovation in Strategic Tillage and Management – New Perspectives DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113036*


### **7. Soil erosion processes**

Water erosion, wind erosion, tillage erosion, and soil loss during crop harvesting are the typical classifications of soil erosion (sometimes known as "harvest erosion"). The primary driver distinguishes the various erosion kinds, as indicated by the nomenclature. Water (such as precipitation and snowmelt) is the primary cause of water erosion, and its various forms include sheet erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion [66]. Wind, the main driver of wind erosion, causes many types of soil transport, including creeping, saltation, and suspension, depending on the particle size [67]. The type of tillage tool being used (such as a mouldboard plow or chisel plow) affects how much dirt is moved throughout the plowing process [68]. Soil loss occurs during crop harvesting when crops are harvested and the harvested product comes into touch with the soil directly, as in the case of sugar beet and potatoes [69]. Although all types of soil erosion are significant environmental processes, the number of peer-reviewed papers is drastically out of proportion as shown in **Figure 1**. While water erosion

#### **Figure 1.**

*Number of peer-reviewed publications on the subject of soil erosion (Web of Science and Scopus search, 17 February 2021) [70].*

predominates in publications (10,505–16,817 research), agricultural harvesting-related soil loss is almost completely ignored (29–36 studies). This may be explained by the fact that, according to [71], water erosion accounts for 35.9 Petagrams of carbon (Pg) of soil loss annually, making it the most significant soil erosion process in the world.

One of the biggest problems in many countries today is soil erosion, which is a global concern. According to [72], the process called soil erosion through which soil is destroyed as a result of a combination of natural (such as water, wind, and snow) and man-made (such as intense and extensive agriculture) forces. In terms of the aquatic and terrestrial environments, the effects of soil erosion on agricultural output, source water quality, and ecosystem health are detrimental [73]. The primary causes of soil erosion include geography, ground cover, climate erosivity, and soil erodibility. Agriculture output is based on soil. Soil erosion in the agricultural area has put the sustainability of agricultural activities in jeopardy. Accelerated soil erosion harms both the environment and the economy [74]. Both on-site and off-site productivity may have been impacted by soil erosion. The loss in output from soil erosion that occurs both on-site and off-site is attributed to three interrelated consequences: a drop in soil quality, long-term productivity effects, and short-term productivity effects [75]. Two effects of soil erosion that render the area concerned unsuitable for agriculture and affect the productivity of agricultural land are denudation of topsoil and a loss in soil fertility. Asia is home to the majority of the world's tropical and subtropical fruit production, which accounts for 90% of the world's rice production [76]. Asia is also well-known for its vast plantations of key cash crops including tea, palm oil, coconut, sugarcane, and rubber. Sadly, agriculture activities have a negative impact on the environment, namely soil erosion, despite giving Asia a healthy supply of riches. Asia has possibly had the most severe soil erosion of any continent.


#### **Figure 2.**

*Research on soil erosion control practices in Asia's agricultural land [83].*

*Harnessing Soil Potential: Innovation in Strategic Tillage and Management – New Perspectives DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113036*

Numerous studies on soil erosion management techniques are carried out every year across Asia. Studies mostly concentrate on the impact of various management practices, such as tillage operation [77], mulching [78], cover crop [79], and intercropping [80] on runoff generation and erosion process. Studies on control methods have also been found to be extremely encouraging outside of Asia. Additionally, those studies use a variety of techniques, including straw mulch [81] and catch crop [82]. Researchers in the linked subject have consistently produced studies on how to address soil erosion issues and produced a number of sometimes-conflicting findings. These can be the result of sampling variation, study faults, or discrepancies in the studies. As a result, it is unclear if the most accurate outcomes should be employed or used in the real world. So, in order to locate previously conducted research, a systematic review is required.

According to **Figure 2**, over the previous 6 years, tillage operations (22.73%) have been tested the most frequently, followed by mulching (21.21%), cover crops (18.18%), grass culture (15.15%), and other management techniques.

### **8. Economic and environmental implications**

1. *Cost-benefit analysis of strategic tillage*: cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a systematic approach used to assess the pros and cons of a specific project or activity. In the context of strategic tillage, it involves evaluating the expenses associated with implementing strategic tillage practices and comparing them to the benefits it offers. Strategic tillage refers to targeted and controlled tillage techniques that aim to achieve predetermined goals while minimizing negative environmental impacts [84]. The costs of strategic tillage include equipment and machinery expenses, labor costs, training and education expenses, fuel and maintenance costs, and potential environmental impacts. On the other hand, the benefits include improved soil structure, better weed control, reduced soil erosion, enhanced water conservation, increased crop yields, and cost savings compared to traditional tillage methods [85]. 2. *Environmental impact assessment of strategic tillage*: the primary objectives of the assessment are to understand the effects of strategic tillage on various environmental aspects, identify potential hazards, and propose solutions to mitigate negative impacts. The assessment aims to determine the likelihood of soil erosion caused by tillage activities and assess the effectiveness of strategic tillage in reducing erosion [86]. The potential for sediment discharge, leading to water pollution and sludge buildup in water bodies, is also analyzed. The effects of strategic tillage on soil health are investigated, including modifications to soil structure, organic matter content, nutrient levels, and microbial activity. Long-term or heavy tillage techniques can lower soil quality and its ability to support healthy plant growth [87]. The impact of strategic tillage on plant, insect, and soil biodiversity is examined. Reduced tillage practices generally promote biodiversity by providing habitat and minimizing habitat degradation caused by conventional tillage. The assessment looks into the potential release of nutrients and pesticides from tilled fields, which can lead to water pollution. A comparison is made between the effects of strategic tillage and traditional tillage on water quality [88]. The analysis focuses on how strategic tillage affects water use efficiency and irrigation needs. Reduced tillage techniques may help retain soil moisture, thus improving water use efficiency. The assessment includes an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated with strategic tillage, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) [89]. Reduced tillage techniques have the potential to sequester carbon in the soil, reducing

emissions. The impact of strategic tillage techniques on weed and pest populations is analyzed. Reduced tillage practices that disturb the soil less may alter pest dynamics. The assessment examines how strategic tillage affects crop yields and overall agricultural productivity, with the goal of supporting or enhancing crop output through sustainable tillage practices [86]. Potential effects on wildlife habitat, environmental esthetics, and changes in land use patterns resulting from strategic tillage are also analyzed in the assessment.

### **9. Future directions and emerging trends**

Modern farming techniques that attempt to increase output while reducing environmental impacts include strategic tillage and sustainable agriculture. The need for creative and sustainable ways is becoming more and more obvious as the agriculture sector deals with issues like climate change, soil degradation, and population expansion [90]. Strategic tillage and sustainable agriculture are being shaped by a number of rising trends, pushing the sector toward more effective and environmentally friendly methods [91]. *Precision farming*: precision farming maximizes the use of resources like water, fertilizer, and pesticides by utilizing cutting-edge technologies like GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics [92]. Farmers can customize their tillage operations to meet the particular requirements of each fields by using site-specific management techniques, which results in higher yields and fewer negative environmental effects [93]. *Conservation tillage*: in conservation tillage, crop wastes are left on the field after harvest with minimal soil disturbance. Long-term sustainability is improved by this approach because it improves soil health, lessens erosion, and sequesters carbon in the soil [94]. This group includes no-till and reduced-till techniques, which are gaining acceptance due to their capacity to preserve soil moisture and enhance general soil structure. *Climate-resilient farming*: farming practices are becoming more climate-resilient as a result of how climate change is affecting weather patterns and escalating the frequency of extreme events [95]. This entails varying crop types, utilizing drought-tolerant cultivars, and putting in place irrigation techniques that use little water. *Agroforestry and agroecology*: agroforestry involves integrating trees with agricultural crops to create sustainable and biodiverse systems [96]. These systems not only provide multiple income streams but also enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Agroecology, on the other hand, promotes a systems-thinking approach, focusing on enhancing the ecological interactions within the farm ecosystem [97]. *Data-driven decision making*: big data and sophisticated analytics are revolutionizing the agricultural industry. Through real-time data gathering and analysis, tillage practice optimization, and resource efficiency, farmers can now make better decisions [98].

### **10. Conclusion**

Harnessing soil potential through innovation in strategic tillage and management practices is crucial for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and environmental health. Throughout this chapter, we have explored various aspects of soil management and how they contribute to optimizing crop yields while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Modern agriculture faces a number of difficulties, including soil deterioration, nutrient depletion, and water shortages,
