This entry gives an overview of the concept, the fundamental principles and the benefits of conservation agriculture (CA). CA is an approach to managing agro-ecosystems for improved and sustained productivity as well as increased profits and food security while preserving and enhancing the resource base and the environment. CA is characterized by three linked principles:

1. A continuous minimal mechanical soil disturbance.
2. A permanent organic soil cover.
3. A diversification of crop species grown in sequences and/or associations. This technology is part of a series on conservation agriculture.