jiashu

Jiashu is a term used in Chinese agriculture to describe a planting method that involves spreading mulch, usually made from crop residue, over the seeded field before planting. The term is also referred to as no-till or reduced-till farming. This method is also sometimes called the "zero disturbance" or "zero tillage" technique.

The primary purpose of jiashu is to minimize soil disturbance, which can lower soil erosion and preserve soil health. By not disturbing the soil during planting, farmers can maintain a more intact soil structure, reduce the amount of soil lost, and promote better water retention. This technique is advantageous for sandy or loamy soil types, which are more prone to erosion.

One of the key advantages of jiashu is its ability to minimize the use of labor and machinery, such as tractors and plows. This is due to the fact that the land is not disturbed, making it unnecessary to re-build new soil beds or fields. An additional benefit is the reduction in waisted resources such as water and fuel, which had previously been used for these physical labor processes. In drought-prone areas, jiashu can help reduce water consumption and increase the growth rate of the crops.

Studies have shown that using the jiashu technique often results in higher crop yields, better drought tolerance, and weed suppression. Some critics argue, however, that the technique can be less adaptable to certain field conditions, such as poor soil health or stronger grass growth, and that overall efficiency of the method heavily relies on precise resource control and scheduling.