Summary
This study evaluates the economic case for transitioning from conventional to conservation agriculture in the Republic of Moldova by analysing comparative income and expenditure budgets across 25 representative farms over four years. Conservation agriculture demonstrated 15–35% profitability gains, 35–40% reductions in fuel consumption, and 30–45% fewer mechanised operations, with improved yield stability during drought. The findings suggest conservation agriculture offers a viable pathway for Moldovan farmers to enhance economic resilience whilst reducing production costs and environmental resource pressure.
UK applicability
The profitability and fuel-efficiency gains from conservation agriculture are relevant to UK arable farming, particularly given rising input costs and climate variability. However, direct applicability depends on UK-specific soil conditions, rainfall patterns, and input costs; supplementary UK trials would strengthen the evidence base for adoption recommendations.
Key measures
Profitability improvement (%), fuel use reduction (%), mechanised operations reduction (%), yield stability in drought conditions
Outcomes reported
The study compared economic efficiency and resource use between conventional and conservation agriculture systems across five field crops (wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed, sunflower) using farm-level data from 2020–2024. Key metrics included profitability margins, fuel consumption, mechanised operations, and yield stability under drought conditions.
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