Can arable forage production be intensified sustainably? A case study from northern Germany

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antje Herrmann ◽  
Sandra Claus ◽  
Ralf Loges ◽  
Christof Kluß ◽  
Friedhelm Taube
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Northern Germany ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
N Input

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) resulting from forage production contribute a major share to ‘livestock’s long shadow’. A 2-year field experiment was conducted at two sites in northern Germany to quantify and evaluate the carbon footprint of arable forage cropping systems (continuous silage maize, maize–wheat–grass rotation, perennial ryegrass ley) as affected by N-fertiliser type and N amount. Total GHG emissions showed a linear increase with N application, with mineral-N supply resulting in a steeper slope. Product carbon footprint (PCF) ranged between –66 and 119 kg CO2eq/(GJ net energy lactation) and revealed a quadratic or linear response to fertiliser N input, depending on the cropping system and site. Thus, exploitation of yield potential while mitigating PCF was not feasible for all tested cropping systems. When taking credits or debts for carbon sequestration into account, perennial ryegrass was characterised by a lower PCF than continuous maize or the maize-based rotation, at the N input required for achieving maximum energy yield, whereas similar or higher PCF was found when grassland was assumed to have achieved soil carbon equilibrium. The data indicate potential for sustainable intensification when cropping systems and crop management are adapted to increase resource-use efficiency.

scholarly journals Energy use pattern of diversified cropping systems under different nutrient and crop residue management practices in Eastern Indo-Gangetic plain

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 1053-1061
Author(s):  
M. Kumar ◽  
◽  
S. Mitra ◽  
A. Bera ◽  
M.R. Naik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Crop Residue ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Crop Residue Management

Aim: Assessment of energy input output relationship, greenhouse gases emission and carbon footprint of diversified jute-rice cropping systems under different nutrients and crop residue management practices. Methodology: The inventory was prepared for all inputs required for crop cultivation and outputs of crops in cropping systems. These inputs and outputs were converted into energy by multiplying with energy equivalent coefficient and CO2 emission coefficient following standard procedure. Results: Jute-rice-baby corn cropping system recorded significantly higher net energy (324 GJ ha-1) and energy use efficiency (8.02). Among different nutrient and crop management (NCRM) practices, significantly higher energy output (336.9 GJ ha-1) and net energy (291.4 GJ ha-1) recorded 100% NPK with crop residue. The highest carbon footprint recorded with rice-rice (0.44 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) and the lowestwith jute-rice-pea (0.29 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) cropping system. Among different NCRM practices, higher carbon footprint was (0.38 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) recorded with 100% NPK with crop residue. Interpretation: The energy efficient and low input required cropping systems which include legume crops like garden pea and mungbean should be considered for cultivation for diversifying the existing rice-rice cropping system in Eastern India.

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions from fen soils used for forage production in northern Germany

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 5221-5244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne Poyda ◽  
Thorsten Reinsch ◽  
Christof Kluß ◽  
Ralf Loges ◽  
Friedhelm Taube
Keyword(s):  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Climatic Impact ◽  
Northern Germany ◽  
Ch4 And N2o

Abstract. A large share of peatlands in northwestern Germany is drained for agricultural purposes, thereby emitting high amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In order to quantify the climatic impact of fen soils in dairy farming systems of northern Germany, GHG exchange and forage yield were determined on four experimental sites which differed in terms of management and drainage intensity: (a) rewetted and unutilized grassland (UG), (b) intensive and wet grassland (GW), (c) intensive and moist grassland (GM) and (d) arable forage cropping (AR). Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and fluxes of CH4 and N2O were measured using closed manual chambers. CH4 fluxes were significantly affected by groundwater level (GWL) and soil temperature, whereas N2O fluxes showed a significant relation to the amount of nitrate in top soil. Annual balances of all three gases, as well as the global warming potential (GWP), were significantly correlated to mean annual GWL. A 2-year mean GWP, combined from CO2–C eq. of NEE, CH4 and N2O emissions, as well as C input (slurry) and C output (harvest), was 3.8, 11.7, 17.7 and 17.3 Mg CO2–C eq. ha−1 a−1 for sites UG, GW, GM and AR, respectively (standard error (SE) 2.8, 1.2, 1.8, 2.6). Yield-related emissions for the three agricultural sites were 201, 248 and 269 kg CO2–C eq. (GJ net energy lactation; NEL)−1 for sites GW, GM and AR, respectively (SE 17, 9, 19). The carbon footprint of agricultural commodities grown on fen soils depended on long-term drainage intensity rather than type of management, but management and climate strongly influenced interannual on-site variability. However, arable forage production revealed a high uncertainty of yield and therefore was an unsuitable land use option. Lowest yield-related GHG emissions were achieved by a three-cut system of productive grassland swards in combination with a high GWL (long-term mean  ≤  20 cm below the surface).

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions from fen soils used for forage production in northern Germany

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne Poyda ◽  
Thorsten Reinsch ◽  
Christof Kluß ◽  
Ralf Loges ◽  
Friedhelm Taube
Keyword(s):  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Climatic Impact ◽  
Northern Germany ◽  
Northwest Germany ◽  
Ch4 And N2o

Abstract. A large share of peatlands in northwest Germany is drained for agricultural purposes, thereby emitting high amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG). In order to quantify the climatic impact of fen soils in dairy farming systems of northern Germany, GHG exchange and forage yield were determined on four experimental sites which differed in terms of management and drainage intensity: a) rewetted and unutilized grassland (UG), b) intensive and 'wet' grassland (GW), c) intensive and 'moist' grassland (GM) and d) arable forage cropping (AR). Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and fluxes of CH4 and N2O were measured using closed manual chambers. CH4 fluxes were significantly affected by groundwater level (GWL) and soil temperature, whereas N2O fluxes showed a significant relation to the amount of nitrate in top soil. Annual balances of all three gases, as well as the global warming potential (GWP), were significantly correlated to mean annual GWL. Two-year mean GWP, combined from C2-C-equivalents of NEE, CH4 and N2O emissions, as well as C input (slurry) and C output (harvest), was 3.8, 11.7, 17.7 and 17.3 Mg CO2-C-eq ha−1 a−1 for sites UG, GW, GM and AR, respectively (standard error (SE) 2.8, 1.2, 1.8, 2.6). Yield related emissions for the three agricultural sites were 201, 248 and 269 kg CO2-C-eq (GJ net energy lactation (NEL))−1 for sites GW, GM and AR, respectively (SE 17, 9, 19). The carbon footprint of agricultural commodities grown on fen soils depended on long-term drainage intensity rather than type of management, but management and climate strongly influenced interannual on-site variability. However, arable forage production revealed a high uncertainty of yield and therefore was an unsuitable land use option. Lowest yield related GHG emissions were achieved by a three-cut system of productive grassland swards in combination with a high GWL (long-term mean ≤ 20 cm below the surface).

scholarly journals 262 Brassicas as an alternative forage in the northeastern United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 90-91
Author(s):  
Eric D Billman ◽  
S Leanne Dillard ◽  
Kathy J Soder
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Northeastern United States

Abstract In the northeastern United States, winter forage management has traditionally necessitated either: a) feeding conserved forages, or b) stockpiling grazeable perennial forage. Forage brassicas offer a low-cost alternative to these strategies. This project evaluated performance of different annual forage brassicas in northeastern forage production systems. Three brassicas, ‘Barisca’ rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), ‘Inspiration’ canola (B. napus L.), and ‘Appin’ turnip (B. rapa L.) were compared against ‘KB Supreme’ annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) for dry matter yield and nutritive value over two autumn production seasons. Replicated plots were 5.5 × 9.1 m and seeded (brassicas at 5.6 kg/ha; ryegrass at 22.4 kg/ha) in August of 2015 and 2016 in a randomized complete block design. Four harvests occurred each year at two-week intervals following initial harvest. Statistical analyses were conducted using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4; harvest and species were fixed effects, while year and its interactions were considered random. Harvest date had no significant impact on DM yield (P > 0.05). All brassica yields (734 – 861 kg/ha) were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than annual ryegrass (344 kg/ha). This indicated brassica yield was superior under environmental stress conditions that hinder annual ryegrass growth. Nutritive value concentration suggested ryegrass had greater CP (28.1%) than the brassicas (24.2 – 25.4%) and minimal differences in net energy content (< 2%) among species (P < 0.001). However, per-area (kg/ha) values resulted in consistently greater (P < 0.001) CP (176 – 204 kg/ha), and NEL (1.2 – 1.5 Mcal/ha) than annual ryegrass (CP = 88 kg/ha; NEL = 0.56 Mcal/ha). Therefore, the greater yield potential of forage brassicas allows them to supply greater nutrient supplementation during periods of low forage availability, at a reduced feeding cost.

Comparative Effect of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea l.) Genotypes on Yield and N Fixation in Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannahs of Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 61-67
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Pod Yield

Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru-Zaria to assess the yield potential and Biolog- ical N fixation in 15 groundnut genotypes (ICG 4729, ICGV-IS 07823, ICGV-IS 07893, ICGV-IS 07908, ICGV- SM 07539, ICGV- SM 07599, ICGV-IS 09926, ICGV-IS 09932, ICGV-IS 09992, ICGV-IS 09994, SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-22, SAMNUT-25, KAMPALA and KWANKWAS). The groundnut genotypes and reference Maize crop (SAMMAZ 29) were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. N difference method was used to estimate the amount of N fixed. The parameters determined were the number of nodules, nod- ule dry weight, shoot and root dry weights, pod, and haulm yield as well as N fixation. The nodule dry weight, BNF, haulm, and pod yield were statistically significant (P<0.01) concerning genotype and location. Similarly, their interac- tion effect was also highly significant. ICGV-IS 09926 recorded the highest nod- ule dry weight of 2.07mg /plant across the locations while ICGV-IS 09932 had the highest BNF value of 140.27Kg/ha. Additionally, KAMPALA had the high- est haulm yield, while ICGV-IS 07893 had the highest pod yield across the loca- tions with a significant interaction effect. The result shows that ICGV-IS 07893 and ICGV-IS 09932, as well as ICGV-IS 09994 and SAMNUT – 22, were the best genotypes concerning BNF, haulm and pod yield in the Northern Guinea and Sudan Savannahs of Nigeria respectively with the potential for a corresponding beneficial effect.

Nitrate Leaching to a Shallow Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Aquifer as Influenced by Conventional No-Till and Low-Input Sustainable Grain Production Systems

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 691-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Craig ◽  
R. R. Weil
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Atlantic Coastal Plain ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Low Input ◽  
No Till

In December, 1987, the states in the Chesapeake Bay region, along with the federal government, signed an agreement which called for a 40% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to the Bay by the year 2000. To accomplish this goal, major reductions in nutrient loadings associated with agricultural management practices were deemed necessary. The objective of this study was to determine if reducing fertilizer inputs to the NT system would result in a reduction in nitrogen contamination of groundwater. In this study, groundwater, soil, and percolate samples were collected from two cropping systems. The first system was a conventional no-till (NT) grain production system with a two-year rotation of corn/winter wheat/double crop soybean. The second system, denoted low-input sustainable agriculture (LISA), produced the same crops using a winter legume and relay-cropped soybeans into standing wheat to reduce nitrogen and herbicide inputs. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater were significantly lower under the LISA system. Over 80% of the NT groundwater samples had NO3-N concentrations greater than 10 mgl-1, compared to only 4% for the LISA cropping system. Significantly lower soil mineral N to a depth of 180 cm was also observed. The NT soil had nearly twice as much mineral N present in the 90-180 cm portion than the LISA cropping system.

scholarly journals Energy budget and carbon footprint in a wheat and maize system under ridge furrow strategy in dry semi humid areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changjiang Li ◽  
Shuo Li
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Energy Budget ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Energy Productivity ◽  
Carbon Efficiency ◽  
Net Returns

AbstractThe well-irrigated planting strategy (WI) consumes a large amount of energy and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions, endangering the sustainable agricultural production. This 2-year work aims to estimate the economic benefit, energy budget and carbon footprint of a wheat–maize double cropping system under conventional rain-fed flat planting (irrigation once a year, control), ridge–furrows with plastic film mulching on the ridge (irrigation once a year, RP), and the WI in dry semi-humid areas of China. Significantly higher wheat and maize yields and net returns were achieved under RP than those under the control, while a visible reduction was found for wheat yields when compared with the WI. The ratio of benefit: cost under RP was also higher by 10.5% than that under the control in the first rotation cycle, but did not differ with those under WI. The net energy output and carbon output followed the same trends with net returns, but the RP had the largest energy use efficiency, energy productivity carbon efficiency and carbon sustainability among treatments. Therefore, the RP was an effective substitution for well–irrigated planting strategy for achieving sustained agricultural development in dry semi-humid areas.

Corn Forage Production in No‐Till and Conventional Tillage Double‐Cropping Systems 1

1977 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 635-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Nelson ◽  
R. N. Gallaher ◽  
M. R. Holmes ◽  
R. R. Bruce
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Double Cropping ◽  
No Till

Effect of Diethylstilbestrol on Utilization of Energy by the Growing Chick

1958 ◽  
Vol 195 (3) ◽  
pp. 654-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. W. Hill ◽  
L. B. Carew ◽  
A. van Tienhoven
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Linear Function ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Lower Protein ◽  
Energy Gains ◽  
Total Tissue

Increased fat production in diethylstilbestrol-treated chicks was found to be due primarily to increased energy consumption and to a lesser extent to preferential synthesis of fat at the expense of protein tissue. This was shown in experiments comparing normal and estrogen-treated male chicks with respect to gains in live weight, fat and protein at two planes of nutrition, and the yield of metabolizable and productive (net) energy which they obtained from the diet. It was found that the fattening effect could not be due to increased digestibility, increased net energy yield from absorbed nutrients, or lowered heat production. Under the influence of estrogen, total tissue gain expressed in Calories was increased, and was composed of greater fat gain and lower protein gain. Tissue energy gains were a linear function of metabolizable energy consumption. This relationship predicted equal tissue energy gains under pair-feeding conditions, which was confirmed experimentally.

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