Microbial keystone taxa drive crop productivity through shifting aboveground-belowground mineral element flows

Author(s):  
Jia Lin Wang ◽  
Kai Lou Liu ◽  
Xue Qiang Zhao ◽  
Gui-Feng Gao ◽  
Yong Hong Wu ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Saulius GUŽYS ◽  
Stefanija MISEVIČIENĖ

The use of nitrogen fertilizer is becoming a global problem; however continuous fertilization with nitrogen ensures large and constant harvests. An 8 year research (2006–2013) was conducted to evaluate the relationships between differently fertilized cultivated plant rotations. The research was conducted in Lipliunai (Lithuania) in the agroecosystem with nitrogen metabolism in fields with deeper carbonaceous soil, i.e. Endocalcari Endohypogleyic Cambisol (CMg-n-w-can). The research area covered three drained plots where crop rotation of differently fertilized cereals and perennial grasses was applied. Samples of soil, water and plants were investigated in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory of the Aleksandras Stulginskis University certified by the Environment Ministry of the Republic of Lithuania. The greatest productivity was found in a crop rotation with higher fertilization (N32-140). In crop rotation with lower fertilization (N24-90) productivity of cereals and perennial grasses (N0-80) was 11–35 % lower. The highest amount of mineral soil nitrogen was found in cereal crop rotation with higher fertilization. It was influenced by fertilization and crop productivity. The lowest Nmin and Ntotal concentrations in drainage water were found in grasses crop rotation. Crop rotations of differently fertilized cereals increased nitrogen concentration in drainage water. Nmin concentration in water depended on crop productivity, quantity of mineral soil nitrogen, fertilization, and nitrogen balance. The lowest nitrogen leaching was found in the crop rotation of grasses. Cereal crop rotation increased nitrogen leaching by 12–42 %. The usage of all crop rotations resulted in a negative nitrogen balance, which essentially depended on fertilization with nitrogen fertilizer.


Author(s):  
Sujata Mulik

Agriculture sector in India is facing rigorous problem to maximize crop productivity. More than 60 percent of the crop still depends on climatic factors like rainfall, temperature, humidity. This paper discusses the use of various Data Mining applications in agriculture sector. Data Mining is used to solve various problems in agriculture sector. It can be used it to solve yield prediction.  The problem of yield prediction is a major problem that remains to be solved based on available data. Data mining techniques are the better choices for this purpose. Different Data Mining techniques are used and evaluated in agriculture for estimating the future year's crop production. In this paper we have focused on predicting crop yield productivity of kharif & Rabi Crops. 


Author(s):  
Hasrat Arjjumend ◽  
Konstantia Koutouki ◽  
Olga Donets

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.


2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-10
Author(s):  
Fernando García ◽  
Andrés Grasso ◽  
María González Sanjuan ◽  
Adrián Correndo ◽  
Fernando Salvagiotti

Trends over the past 25 years indicate that Argentina’s growth in its grain crop productivity has largely been supported by the depletion of the extensive fertility of its Pampean soils. Long-term research provides insight into sustainable nutrient management strategies ready for wide-scale adoption.


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