What practice is aimed at reducing soil disruption in agriculture?

The practice aimed at reducing soil disruption in agriculture is minimum tillage. This method involves a reduced level of tilling compared to conventional practices, allowing farmers to work the soil without completely turning it over. This approach helps maintain soil structure, preserves soil moisture, and protects soil organisms, which are critical for healthy soil ecosystems. By limiting disturbance, minimum tillage can reduce erosion and improve the overall health of the soil, making it more sustainable for agricultural production over time.

Other practices mentioned, such as conventional tillage, typically involve more intensive soil disruption, which can lead to negative outcomes like increased erosion and loss of soil fertility. Crop rotation and cover cropping are beneficial practices for enhancing soil health and fertility, but they do not specifically focus on minimizing soil disruption during land preparation. Thus, while all these methods have their own importance, minimum tillage uniquely targets the reduction of soil disturbance.