Farmers usually use ploughs to prepare their fields for planting crops.
农民在种庄稼前，通常用犁耕地。
Ploughs cut into the ground and lift up weeds and other unwanted plants.
他们用犁翻土，除掉杂草和其它一些不需要的植物。
However, ploughing is blamed for causing severe damage to topsoil by removing the plants that protect soil from being blown or washed away.
然而，耕地会除去保护土壤免于风化或冲刷的表层土，这对表层土的损害是比较大的。
Many farmers in South Asia are now trying a process called Low Till Farming.
现在，许多南亚的农民都采取低耕农业的方法。
Low Till Farming limits the use of ploughs.
低耕农业限制了农民对犁的使用。
In this method of farming, seeds and fertilizer are put into the soil through a small cut made in the surface of the ground.
这种耕作方法，只是在表层土上翻开一个小口子，然后把种子和肥料放进土里。
Low Till Agriculture leaves much or all of the soil and remains of plants on the ground.
低耕农业会留下大部分或全部的土壤，也会把残余的植物留在土地上。
They serve as a natural fertilizer and help support the roots of future crops.
这些植物就相当于自然的肥料，帮助将来的农作物强健根基。
They take in rain and allow it to flow into the soil instead of running off.
它们吸收雨水渗入土壤中，而不是让雨水流失。
It has been proven that Low Till Farming increases harvests and reduces water use.
这也证明了低耕农业能够增加农作物的产量，并且能减少水的使用量。
And this method reduces the need for chemical products because there are fewer unwanted plants.
这种耕作方法也减少了人们对化工产品的使用，因为多余的植物也减少了。
Scientists say Low Till Farming is becoming popular in South Asia, which is facing a severe water shortage.
科学家说，低耕农业在水资源严重短缺的南亚地区越来越受欢迎。
They say the area will become dependent on imported food unless water is saved through methods like Low Till Farming.
他们还说，如果南亚不采取低耕农业的方法节约用水，那么他们将来就只能依靠进口食物生活了。
Currently, more than 150 million people in South Asia depend on local rice and wheat crops.
目前，有超过1亿5千万的南亚人民以当地的米饭和小麦为食。
Farmers grow rice during wet weather.
农民们在多雨的天气种植水稻。
During the dry season they grow wheat in the same fields.
在干燥的季节，他们会在同一块土地上种植小麦。
Farmers are using the Low Till method to plant wheat after harvesting rice.
农民们在收获水稻后会用低耕的方法种植小麦。
Scientists say Low Till Agriculture is one of the best examples in the world of technologies working for both people and the environment.
科学家说，低耕农业是世界上利用科技造福人类和环境的最佳案例之一。