Whole of the world is facing the problems created by population explosion. On 11th April 2011, the population on earth had crossed the figure of 6912306700 (source: world population clock). More amazing is the speed of world population clock. The direct impact of this population explosion, which is being witness all around, is the shortage of food items. Most of countries depend upon other countries to match in-house demand of agriculture produce.

To become self-dependent, every country is trying the best to increase agriculture output. Shrinking volume of agricultural land every year makes this task real challenging. Governments are supporting the institutions and organizations that are engaged in innovating new farming methods. Cover crop and striptill farming are two relatively new farming methods, which are gaining social popularity worldwide. Though both the methods are centuries old but the practical benefits were witnessed and certified scientifically just decades before.

Cover crop farming is the farming method under which farmers plant a crop during the gap period of two cash crops. This plantation is done not for gaining high cash return; instead, these are used to get indirect benefits. Some proven benefits of cover crop farming are: provides rich dose of nitrogen to soil; creates required environment for essential insects and their growth; main crop sowed after the cover crop requires less fertilizers; provides nectar and pollen etc. These are just few, only the farmers using this method can tell you - how their life changed after switching over to this method.

The other method that is gaining wide social acceptance is the striptill. Under this new farming method, farm owners disturb only the land part that is to contain seeds row. Each row is made about 8 to 10 inches wide. Farmers apply chemicals and fertilizer and at the tillage time. Major portion of farming land is protected with residue. It maximizes the reach of nutrients to plants roots that too in less time. Striptill farming needs less personal involvement, if done in proper way by using particular tools designed specifically for this farming method. The ultimate yield depends upon the adopted method, local weather conditions, soil nature and irrigation facility etc. The nature of the main crop is also an important factor. Though strip-till seems easier than conventional farming method but it is more specific.

If you are switching over to any the above two new farming methods or are less experienced with these, get the help of government or Pvt. institutions.