The present work proposes the comparative analysis of the two major agricultural systems currently used in Romania - the conventional and the conservative technology - on the territory of Gătaia, Timiș County. The study was carried out on the farm Trovatore (Don Carlos), which exploits a total area of 4726.69 ha, of which approximately 50% is worked in a conventional system, and the rest in a conservative system. Data obtained from the field and from the agricultural activity of the farm were supplemented with climatic, pedological and economic information in order to assess the impact of different technologies on soil fertility and the sustainability of agricultural land use. The results show that the application of conservative systems causes a significant improvement in the structure and porosity of the soil, the reduction of settlement and compaction processes, the increase in the content of organic matter and a better water retention capacity. In comparison, the conventional system, although it ensures high yields and high competitiveness in the short term, leads to a gradual depletion of nutrients, degradation of soil structure and high consumption of fuels. The application of minimum tillage systems (minimum tillage, no-till, strip-till) contributes to the reduction of production costs, CO₂ emissions and a more efficient adaptation to the variable climatic conditions of the Timiș Plain. The general conclusion of the study indicates that conservative agriculture is the most effective solution for maintaining soil fertility, conserving natural resources and increasing the sustainability of agro-ecosystems in Banat.

soil conservation; sustainable agriculture; conventional system; conservative system; soil fertility; minimal technologies; Timiș county

agronomy

Presentation: poster