Instead of convntional disc plows, rippers are used,' he explains. 'These dig narrow and deep furrows. The project has one mechanized ripper available that farmers can use. The only disadvantage is that they need a tractor. In the future we plan to distribute animal-drawn rippers because many small-scale farmers don't have access to tractors.' Because of its precise tilling with minimal disturbance to the soil, conservation agriculture sequesters more carbon in the earth than normal plowing. 'The roots penetrate better which contributes greatly to the stability of the plants. Very important is that the furrows keep the water in, so it mixes nicely with the fertiliser and nutrients. In the other plots the water just washes off the land taking all the fertiliser. Here, the water seeps into the soil reaching the roots easily.'