Earthworm population dynamics under conservation tillage systems in south-eastern Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 425 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Y. Chan ◽  
D. P. Heenan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Aporrectodea Trapezoides ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Earthworm Population

Changes in earthworm abundance, biomass, and diversity were monitored under a range of tillage and stubble management practices in a wheat/alternative crop rotation over 5 years on a Sodosol (Alfisol) in southern New South Wales, Australia. There were 3 tillage and 2 stubble management practices in a completely randomised block design with 3 replications. The 3 tillage treatments were no-tillage (NT), 1 tillage pass (1T), and 3 tillage passes (3T). Stubble management practices were stubble retained (sr) and stubble burnt (sb). Positive responses of earthworm abundance and biomass to stubble retention (>2-fold increase) were evident in the second year and to both stubble and tillage in the third year. In the latter, abundance in NT/sr was 6.6 times that found under 3T/sb (239 v. 36/m2). Higher earthworm abundance in NT/sr compared with 3T/sb prevailed for the remaining duration of the experiment. However, a drastic decline in total population (to a mean of 31/m2) was observed in the fourth year in all the treatments and this was followed by further decline to a mean abundance of 4/m2 in the fifth year. The drastic decline in abundance was also accompanied by a shift in earthworm species composition. The earthworm population was originally dominated by the exotic Lumbrid, Aporrectodea trapezoides (Lumbricidae) (~100% in composition), but by the fifth year, Microscolex dubious (Acanthodrilidae) was the dominant species, making up 75% of the earthworm population in NT/sr. Improvement in soil quality as detected in the fifth year under a conservation tillage system compared with a conventional system included higher transmitting macropores, higher labile carbon, and water-stable aggregation. The reason for the decline in earthworm abundance was not clear but was unlikely related to changes in soil quality, wheat yield, and rainfall. Instead, we suggest that it was related to the changes in insecticide applications during the course of the experiment. The study highlights the importance of judicious use of chemicals in farming systems if earthworm presence is to be encouraged.

Using active fractions of soil organic matter as indicators of the sustainability of Ferrosol farming systems

Soil Research ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Bell ◽  
P. W. Moody ◽  
S. A. Yo ◽  
R. D. Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Critical Concentrations ◽  
Aggregate Breakdown ◽  
Eastern Australia

Chemical and physical degradation of Red Ferrosols in eastern Australia is a major issue necessitating the development of more sustainable cropping systems. This paper derives critical concentrations of the active (permanganate-oxidisable) fraction of soil organic matter (C1) which maximise soil water recharge and minimise the likelihood of surface runoff in these soils. Ferrosol soils were collected from commercial properties in both north and south Queensland, while additional data were made available from a similar collection of Tasmanian Ferrosols. Sites represented a range of management histories, from grazed and ungrazed grass pastures to continuously cropped soil under various tillage systems. The concentration of both total carbon (C) and C1 varied among regions and farming systems. C1 was the primary factor controlling aggregate breakdown, measured by the percentage of aggregates <0·125 mm (P125) in the surface crust after simulated rainfall. The rates of change in P125 per unit change in C1 were not significantly different (P < 0·05) for soils from the different localities. However, soils from the coastal Burnett (south-east Queensland) always produced lower P125 (i.e. less aggregate breakdown) than did soils from the inland Burnett and north Queensland locations given the same concentration of C1. This difference was not associated with a particular land use. The ‘critical’ concentrations of C1 for each region were taken as the C1 concentrations that would allow an infiltration rate greater than or equal to the intensity of a 1 in 1 or 1 in 10 year frequency rainfall event of 30 min duration. This analysis also provided an indication of the risk associated with the concentrations of C1 currently characterising each farming system in each rainfall environment. None of the conventionally tilled Queensland Ferrosols contained sufficient C1 to cope with rainfall events expected to occur with a 1 in 10 frequency, while in many situations the C1 concentration was sufficiently low that runoff events would be expected on an annual basis. Our data suggest that management practices designed both to maximise C inputs and to maintain a high proportion of active C should be seen as essential steps towards developing a more sustainable cropping system.

Biological indicators of soil quality in organic farming systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.A. Stockdale ◽  
C.A. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Biological Quality ◽  
Organic Farming Systems ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe health of the soil, recognized by its active role in the linked processes of decomposition and nutrient supply, is considered as the foundation of agriculture by the organic farming movement. Nutrient management in organically managed soils is fundamentally different from that of conventional agricultural systems. Crop rotations are designed with regard to maintenance of fertility with a focus on nutrient recycling. Where nutrients are added to the system, inputs are in organic and/or non-synthetic fertilizer sources that are mostly slow release in nature. Hence a greater reliance is placed on soil chemical and biological processes to release nutrients in plant-available forms. In this respect, nutrient availability in organically farmed soils is more dependent upon soil processes than is the case in conventional agriculture. The development and use of biological indicators of soil quality may therefore be more important in organic (and other low input) farming systems. The aim of this paper is to evaluate current evidence for the impact of organic farming systems on soil biological quality and consider the identification of appropriate biological indicators for use by organic farmers and their advisors. Organic farming systems are generally associated with increased biological activity and increased below-ground biodiversity. The main impacts on biological fertility do not result from the systemsper sebut are related to the amount and quality of the soil organic matter pool and disruptions of soil habitat via tillage. Even within the constraints of organic farming practices it is possible for farmers to make changes to management practices which will tend to improve soil biological quality. It is, however, by no means clear that distinct indicators of soil biological quality are needed for organic farming systems. It is important not only to identify the most appropriate indicators but also to ensure that farmers and land managers can understand and relate to them to support on-farm management decisions.

scholarly journals Nitrogen efficiency in wheat yield through the biopolymer hydrogel

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 697-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ângela T. W De Mamann ◽  
José A. G. da Silva ◽  
Osmar B. Scremin ◽  
Rubia D. Mantai ◽  
Ari H. Scremin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Nitrogen Efficiency ◽  
Fertilizer N ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
N Efficiency ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

ABSTRACT Nitrogen use efficiency in wheat biomass and grain yields can be favored by the biopolymer hydrogel. The objective of the study was to analyze the use of the biopolymer hydrogel applied to the seed in the optimization of fertilizer-N on wheat biomass and grain yields, under different conditions of agricultural year and succession systems of high and reduced release of residual-N. In the study, two experiments were conducted, with different farming systems, soybean/wheat and maize/wheat, one to quantify the biomass yield rate and the other to determine grain yield. The experiments were conducted in the years 2014 and 2015, in a randomized block design with four replicates in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to hydrogel doses (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1) added in the groove along with the seed and N fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg ha-1), applied as top-dressing. It is possible to improve the fertilizer-N efficiency by wheat using the biopolymer hydrogel for the production of biomass and grains. The highest wheat yield per kilogram of N supplied is obtained with 30 and 60 kg ha-1 of hydrogel, regardless of the year and succession system.

scholarly journals Seedling emergence and yield performance of wheat cultivars depending on seed vigor and sowing density

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Abati ◽  
Cristian Rafael Brzezinski ◽  
José Salvador Simoneti Foloni ◽  
Claudemir Zucareli ◽  
Manoel Carlos Bassoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Wheat Cultivars ◽  
Yield Performance ◽  
Randomized Block Design

Abstract: The use of high quality seeds, the appropriate management practices and the selection of promising genotypes are strategies to exploit the wheat yield potential. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vigor level of wheat seeds submitted to different sowing densities on seedling emergence, tillering and yield performance culture. The experiments were conducted in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, Paraná state, Brazil, with a completely randomized block design, in a 2x2x2 factorial scheme, with four replications. Two levels of seed vigor (high and low), two sowing densities (200 and 400 viable seeds per m2) and two wheat cultivars (BRS Sabiá and CD 150) were evaluated. The conducted tests were: seedling emergence, number of tillers, yield components, grain yield and apparent harvest index. The use of high vigor seeds helps the establishment of the plant stand and yield performance in both locations. The 400 seeds per m2 seedling density results in a lower number of tillers per plant in both locations. BRS Sabiá, in Ponta Grossa, has the highest grain yield.

Comparison of alternative farming systems. II. Earthworm population density and species diversity

1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin C. Berry ◽  
Douglas L. Karlen
Keyword(s):  
Zea Mays L ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Lumbricus Terrestris ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Aporrectodea Trapezoides ◽  
Alternative Farming ◽  
Earthworm Population ◽  
Octolasion Tyrtaeum

Effects of soil fauna on soil quality are largely unknown. Our objective was to learn whether long-term soil management has significantly affected earthworm species and populations at two Iowa locations. Soil cores were collected in fall 1989, spring 1990, and fall 1990 from a long-term tillage study in Polk County, Iowa, involving monoculture of corn (Zea mays L.) with either no-tillage, fall disking, fall chisel plowing, or fall moldboard plowing. Species found were Lumbricus terrestris (L), Octolasion tyrtaeum (Savigny), Aporrectodea trapezoides (Duges), A. turgida (Eisen), and A. tuberculata (Eisen), with O. tyrtaeum dominant across all treatments. As the amount of tillage increased, the number of earthworms generally decreased. InBoone County, Iowa, we compared the populations of mature and immature earthworms and cocoons on two adjacent fields, one managed conventionally, the other managed with an alternative farming system for more than 20 years. The predominant species was A. tuberculata. Regardless of management practice, the most worms were found in Canisteo soil on the toeslope landscape position.

scholarly journals Improvement of Soil Health through Residue Management and Conservation Tillage in Rice-Wheat Cropping System of Punjab, Pakistan

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Zahid ◽  
Sajid Ali ◽  
Mukhtar Ahmed ◽  
Nadeem Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
Straw Management ◽  
Long Run

In South Asia, soil health degradation is affecting the sustainability of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS). Indeed, for the sustainability of the soil quality, new adaptive technologies, i.e., conservation tillage and straw management resource conservation, are promising options. This investigation was focused on the interaction of tillage and straw management practices and their effects on Aridisols, Yermosols soil quality, and nutrients dynamics with different soil profiles within RWCS. The long-term field experiment was started in 2014 with the scenarios (i) conventional tillage (SC1), (ii) residue incorporation (SC2), (iii) straw management practices (SC3 and SC4) and conservation tillage (SC5). Conservation tillage practice (SC5) showed significant impact on properties of soil and availability of nutrients in comparison with that of conventional farmers practice (SC1) at the studied soil depths. The SC5 showed significant results of gravitational water contents (25.34%), moderate pH (7.4), soil organic-matter (7.6 g kg−1), total nitrogen (0.38 g kg−1), available phosphate (7.4 mg kg−1), available potassium (208 mg kg−1) compared to SC1 treatment at 0 to 15 cm soil depth. Whereas, DTPA-extractable-Cu, Mn, and Zn concentration were significantly higher, i.e., 1.12 mg kg−1, 2.14 mg kg−1, and 4.35 mg kg−1, respectively under SC5 than conventional farmer’s practices, while DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) extractable Fe (6.15 mg kg−1) was more in straw management practices (SC4) than conventional and conservation tillage. Therefore, conservation tillage (SC5) can surge the sustainability of the region by improving soil assets and nutrients accessibility and has the potential to minimize inorganic fertilizers input in the long run.

scholarly journals Assessing Forms of Application of Azospirillum brasilense Associated with Silicon Use on Wheat

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Shintate Galindo ◽  
Willian Lima Rodrigues ◽  
Antônio Leonardo Campos Biagini ◽  
Guilherme Carlos Fernandes ◽  
Eduardo Bianchi Baratella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Azospirillum Brasilense ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Magnesium Silicate ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria ◽  
Wheat Grain ◽  
Control Seed

The use of biological techniques such as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can represent a sustainable alternative for cereal growth in tropical areas. Research showing the potential for management practices which optimize PGPB inoculation is of utmost importance. This research was developed to investigate the potential use of Azospirillum brasilense in wheat cropping systems, as well as to assess the potential synergistic interactions between the beneficial use of silicon (Si), principally under abiotic and biotic conditions, and A. brasilense forms of application and how they impact crop development and wheat yield. The study was set up in a Rhodic Hapludox under a no-till system. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with four replicates arranged in a factorial scheme with four inoculation forms (control, seed, groove, and leaf) and two soil acidity corrective sources (Ca and Mg silicate as Si source and dolomitic limestone). Seed inoculation was more effective in promoting wheat growth and development, with higher yield, showing an increase of 26.7% in wheat grain yield. Calcium and magnesium silicate application associated with foliar inoculation and without A. brasilense inoculation can increase wheat grain yield.

Whole farm systems research: An integrated crop and livestock systems comparison study

1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Luna ◽  
Vivien Allen ◽  
Joseph Fontenot ◽  
Lee Daniels ◽  
David Vaughan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Farming System ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Total System ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Systems Research

AbstractTo examine the long-term productivity, profitability, and ecological interactions associated with whole farming systems, we established an interdisciplinary replicated comparison of a conventional and an experimental alternative crop-livestock farming system in southwest Virginia in 1988. The conventional system uses the best management practices commonly used in the mid-Atlantic region. The alternative system puts more emphasis on crop rotation, grazing and forage management, conservation tillage, cover crops, and integrated pest management. Each is managed as a year-round system, with management decisions based on the system's overall goals.The comparison is planned to run for 10 years, so that only preliminary conclusions can be drawn so far. These include the following: 1) similar total productivity can be achieved with either reduced or full use of herbicides and insecticides; 2) the need for N fertilization can be decreased using grazing management and short-rotation alfalfa; and 3) recycling of manure from cattle fed corn silage provides most nutrients needed for the following corn crop. The comparative profitability of the two systems has fluctuated among years, and it is too early to know which system is more profitable. The process of interdisciplinary systems research has increased our knowledge of total system interactions, challenged prior assumptions, and clarified the methodological problems of integrated systems research.

Effects of conservation tillage and rotation on water infiltration in two soils in south-eastern Australia

Soil Research ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJ Bissett ◽  
GJ Oleary
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Zero Tillage ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Stubble Retention ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Loam Soil

The infiltration of water under long-term (8–10 years) conservation tillage (zero and subsurface tillage with stubble retention) and conventional tillage (frequent tined tillage with no surface residues) systems was compared on a grey cracking clay and a sandy loam soil in south-eastern Australia. Potential infiltration rates were higher under conservation tillage on both soil types. On the grey clay soil, stubble retention and zero tillage produced up to an 8-fold increase (from 12–33 to 145–206 mm/h) in saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) compared with the conventional practice of removing stubble by burning or grazing, followed by frequent tillage to control weeds. An annual application of nitrogen at 20–60 kg/ha had no significant effect on Ks. Similarly, on the sandy loam soil a 2-fold increase in Ks was observed from conservation tillage. Increases in Ks from approximately 46 to 96 mm/h occurred in rotations which included an 18-month fallow with conservation tillage (stubble retention and zero tillage) compared with conventional tillage (stubble removed and frequent tillage). A continuous rotation of pasture and wheat under conventional tillage had a significantly lower Ks of 22–23 mm/h which was increased to 47–49 mm/h with stubble retention and zero tillage. These differences in Ks explain an important mechanism for increased water storage on these soil types under reduced tillage.

INFLUENCE OF GREENHOUSE SHADING AND DIFFERENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ALLEVIATING HEAT STRESS, IMPROVING PLANT NUTRIENTS STATUS, FLOWERING GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1014
Author(s):  
Sulaiman & Sadiq
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Reproductive Growth ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Nutrition Programs ◽  
The Impact

The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to evaluate the impact of the shading and various nutrition programs on mitigating heat stress, reducing the use of chemical minerals, improving the reproductive growth and yield of tomato plant. Split-plot within Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in this study. Shading factor was allocated in the main plots and the nutrition programs distributed randomly in the subplots. Results indicate that shading resulted in the decrease of daytime temperature by 5.7˚C as an average for both seasons; thus a significant increasing was found in leaf contents of macro nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium), and micro nutrients (Iron, Zinc and Boron), except the Iron content in 2018 growing season. Furthermore, shading improved significantly the reproductive growth and tomato yield. Among the plant nutrition programs, the integrated nutrient management (INM) including the application of organic substances, bio inoculum of AMF and 50% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers; lead to the enhancement of nutrients content, reproductive characteristics and plant yield. Generally, combination of both shading and INM showed positive effects on plants nutrient status and persisting balance on tomato flowering growth and fruits yield.

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