What is SCI? System of Crop Intensification (SCI): is a four pronged approach that is implemented systematically, more so in the case of poor soils. It involves soil preparation and management, crop spacing, systematic application of locally prepared organic inputs and micro-nutrient foliar sprays. Soil preparation and management Deep soil ploughing specifically done during the summer works wonders on increasing the crop yields. It also reduces weeds, soil pathogens and pests considerably. Crop spacing SCI focuses on reducing the crop density per acre based on plant type and variety. Decreasing the density of crop per acre and maintaining a specific distance between the plants ensures that adequate space, light, nutrients and water is available per plant. This results in better plant growth and in turn better yields. Healthier plants have a stronger "immune and response system" which helps produce "phytochemicals" that naturally support plant development and protect the plant from external stresses. Systematic Application of Organic Inputs SCI involves timely application/spraying of specially prepared organic inputs - one is 'a growth promoter cum insect repellent and the other is a fertilizer" - prepared with cattle manure and locally available ingredients. The combination of the two, even in highly deteriorated soils, results in enhanced plant growth, good colour, new shoots and flowering and early crop maturity. Over 3 seasons of regular usage it improves soil fertility, microbial and organic content in the soil, soil texture and soil water holding capacity. Micro-nutrient foliar spray and basal applications Degraded soil conditions with less organic matter and microbial content do not bring in the desired results in plant yields immediately. SCI promotes spraying of micro- nutrient and basal applications to provide adequate nutrients needed in the interim. This is phased off as the soil health improves and eventually it is totally stopped. Impacts Increased crop yields and soil health. Improved quality and uniformity of produce Increased crop residue for fodder and fuelwood Reduced inputs and labour costs Reduced weeds and pests Good yields even without assured number of irrigations Survival in sudden temperature fluctuations Why SCI? SCI is Simple to Follow: SCI is simple to understand and follow and can be practiced by all farmers. It also is a method that can work in any agro-ecological system. It thus can be widely applied across varied crops and ecosystems. SCI uses locally available, inexpensive, organic inputs and only initial use of micro-nutrient foliar spray and basal applications thus making it low input technique. SCI a Viable Intermediate to Organic Farming: Yields in low external input farming or organic farming increase gradually and actually give results after three years. For a resource poor farmer this is unacceptable. SCI is thus highly suitable for poor farmers as the yields do not show a sudden decrease because initially small amounts of chemical micro-nutrients are used as fertilizers. Pesticide usage is also nil. Over three seasons, as the soil health improves, the usage of micro-nutrients tapers off and the farmer eventually practices pure organic farming without having to face the initial losses due to reduced yields. Application of organic fertilizers increases the soil water holding capacity, Plant has higher tolerance to heat and germination problems Reduced climate risks - Plants are bigger in size, with stronger stems. larger root systems, and stronger stilt roots: higher capacity to withstand climate events. SCI is a Climate Adaptive Method: SCI method increases the plant's resilience and adaptive capacity. The plants are much bigger, healthier with stronger root system. They are able to withstand, strong winds, and high intensity rainfall and endure much less damage. The plants also have higher tolerance to heat especially during the dry spells. Adequate amounts of phytochemicals in the plant's system help combat climate induced stresses such as pest attacks better. The application of the specially prepared organic fertilizers in the soil increase the capacity of the soil to hold moisture, due to which even with lesser water availability crop yields do not get much affected.. Original article can be accessed at : WOTR website