Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 98 reducing the area disturbed by cultivation and increasing the richness of non-crop plants (Norris et al., 2016). This practice not only supports a diverse arthropod community but also contributes to the overall health of the soil ecosystem. Furthermore, the implementation of herbage strips and fallow areas in non-tillage systems has been found to preserve soil biodiversity, compensating for the negative impacts of intensive maize cultivation (Luísa et al., 2020). These findings highlight the importance of adopting sustainable soil management practices to maintain and enhance soil biodiversity. 6 Environmental Impact 6.1 Sustainability Sustainability in maize cultivation practices is a critical concern due to the intensive nature of conventional agriculture. Traditional methods, such as continuous monoculture and conventional tillage, have been shown to degrade soil quality and reduce biodiversity. For instance, conventional tillage practices in maize cultivation have been associated with lower soil quality, as indicated by reduced organic matter and nutrient levels, and increased soil bulk density and pH (Luísa et al., 2020). Conversely, non-tillage practices and the implementation of herbage strips, non-irrigated, and fallow areas have demonstrated potential in enhancing soil sustainability and preserving biodiversity (Luísa et al., 2020). These practices contribute to improved soil physical-chemical parameters and biological activity, which are essential for long-term agricultural sustainability. 6.2 Ecological Footprint The ecological footprint of maize cultivation varies significantly between traditional and modern practices. Traditional continuous monoculture systems have been linked to higher negative environmental impacts, including reduced habitat quality for beneficial arthropods and lower biocontrol potential of generalist predators (Puliga et al., 2023). In contrast, modern practices such as mixed cropping systems (e.g., maize-sorghum, maize-flower strips) and strip tillage have shown promise in reducing the ecological footprint. These systems provide a denser and more permanent vegetation cover, which supports higher activity density of generalist predators and enhances their biological pest control potential (Puliga et al., 2023). Additionally, strip tillage reduces the area disturbed by cultivation, thereby promoting a richer arthropod community structure and biodiversity (Norris et al., 2016). 6.3 Biodiversity Biodiversity is a crucial indicator of the health and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Traditional maize cultivation practices, particularly those involving intensive monoculture and conventional tillage, have been found to negatively impact biodiversity. For example, continuous monoculture systems exhibit the lowest activity of generalist predators, which are vital for biological pest control (Puliga et al., 2023). On the other hand, modern practices such as strip tillage and mixed cropping systems have been shown to enhance biodiversity. Strip tillage, by reducing the disturbed area and increasing non-crop plant richness, significantly improves both above- and below-ground arthropod biodiversity (Norris et al., 2016). Similarly, mixed cropping systems, especially those incorporating flower strips, provide better habitats for beneficial arthropods, thereby supporting higher biodiversity and ecosystem services (Puliga et al., 2023). In summary, while traditional maize cultivation practices tend to degrade soil quality, increase the ecological footprint, and reduce biodiversity, modern practices such as non-tillage, strip tillage, and mixed cropping systems offer more sustainable alternatives. These modern practices not only improve soil quality and reduce environmental impacts but also enhance biodiversity, contributing to more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystems. 7 Economic Viability 7.1 Cost-benefit analysis The economic viability of maize cultivation practices can be significantly influenced by the choice of agricultural techniques. For instance, tied-ridging combined with mineral N and P fertilizers in semi-arid Tanzania has shown to be a potentially profitable technology. This method can increase maize grain yields up to six times compared to
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