scholarly journals IPM reduces insecticide applications by 95% while maintaining or enhancing crop yields through wild pollinator conservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (44) ◽  
pp. e2108429118
Author(s):  
Jacob R. Pecenka ◽  
Laura L. Ingwell ◽  
Rick E. Foster ◽  
Christian H. Krupke ◽  
Ian Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Enhancement Effect ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Specialty Crop ◽  
Flower Visitation

Pest management practices in modern industrial agriculture have increasingly relied on insurance-based insecticides such as seed treatments that are poorly correlated with pest density or crop damage. This approach, combined with high invertebrate toxicity for newer products like neonicotinoids, makes it challenging to conserve beneficial insects and the services that they provide. We used a 4-y experiment using commercial-scale fields replicated across multiple sites in the midwestern United States to evaluate the consequences of adopting integrated pest management (IPM) using pest thresholds compared with standard conventional management (CM). To do so, we employed a systems approach that integrated coproduction of a regionally dominant row crop (corn) with a pollinator-dependent specialty crop (watermelon). Pest populations, pollination rates, crop yields, and system profitability were measured. Despite higher pest densities and/or damage in both crops, IPM-managed pests rarely reached economic thresholds, resulting in 95% lower insecticide use (97 versus 4 treatments in CM and IPM, respectively, across all sites, crops, and years). In IPM corn, the absence of a neonicotinoid seed treatment had no impact on yields, whereas IPM watermelon experienced a 129% increase in flower visitation rate by pollinators, resulting in 26% higher yields. The pollinator-enhancement effect under IPM management was mediated entirely by wild bees; foraging by managed honey bees was unaffected by treatments and, overall, did not correlate with crop yield. This proof-of-concept experiment mimicking on-farm practices illustrates that cropping systems in major agricultural commodities can be redesigned via IPM to exploit ecosystem services without compromising, and in some cases increasing, yields.

Corrigendum to: Conservation agriculture effects on soil properties and crop productivity in a semiarid region of India

Soil Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 200 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Somasundaram ◽  
M. Salikram ◽  
N. K. Sinha ◽  
M. Mohanty ◽  
R. S. Chaudhary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Reduced Tillage ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Residue Retention

Conservation agriculture (CA) including reduced or no-tillage and crop residue retention, is known to be a self–sustainable system as well as an alternative to residue burning. The present study evaluated the effect of reduced tillage coupled with residue retention under different cropping systems on soil properties and crop yields in a Vertisol of a semiarid region of central India. Two tillage systems – conventional tillage (CT) with residue removed, and reduced tillage (RT) with residue retained – and six major cropping systems of this region were examined after 3 years of experimentation. Results demonstrated that soil moisture content, mean weight diameter, percent water stable aggregates (>0.25mm) for the 0–15cm soil layer were significantly (Pmoderately labile>less labile. At the 0–15cm depth, the contributions of moderately labile, less labile and non-labile C fractions to total organic C were 39.3%, 10.3% and 50.4% respectively in RT and corresponding values for CT were 38.9%, 11.7% and 49.4%. Significant differences in different C fractions were observed between RT and CT. Soil microbial biomass C concentration was significantly higher in RT than CT at 0–15cm depth. The maize–chickpea cropping system had significantly (P–1 followed by soybean+pigeon pea (2:1) intercropping (3.50 t ha–1) and soybean–wheat cropping systems (2.97 t ha–1). Thus, CA practices could be sustainable management practices for improving soil health and crop yields of rainfed Vertisols in these semiarid regions.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Long-Term SOC and Crop Productivity within Conservation Systems Using GFDL CM2.1 and EPIC

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieu N. Le ◽  
Manoj K. Jha ◽  
Jaehak Jeong ◽  
Philip W. Gassman ◽  
Manuel R. Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Upland Rice ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Global Climate Model ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Epic Model

Will soil organic carbon (SOC) and yields increase for conservation management systems in tropical zones in response to the next 100 years? To answer the question, the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to study the effects of climate change, cropping systems, conservation agriculture (CA) and conservation tillage management practices on SOC and crop productivity in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. The EPIC model was successfully calibrated and validated for crop yields, biomass, SOC and nitrogen based on field data from a five-year field experiment. Historical weather (1994–2013) was used for baseline assessment versus mid-century (2046–2064) and late-century (2081–2100) climate projections generated by the Geophysical Fluids Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) CM2.1 global climate model. The simulated results showed that upland rice yield would increase the most under the B1 scenario in mid-century for all treatments, followed by soybean and maize. Cassava yield only increased under CA treatment when cultivated as a continuous primary crop. Carbon sequestration was more sensitive to cropping systems and crop rotation than climate change. The results indicated that the rotated CA primary crop (maize) systems should be prioritized for SOC sequestration as well as for increasing crop productivity. In addition, rice systems may increase SOC compared to soybean and cassava.

scholarly journals Maximizing Yields, Nutrient Uptake and Balance for Mustard-Mungbean-T. Aman Rice Cropping Systems through Nutrient Management Practices in Calcareous Soils

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 210 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Quddus ◽  
M. J. Abedin Mian ◽  
H. M. Naser ◽  
M. A. Hossain ◽  
S. Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Calcareous Soils ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Positive Balance

The experiment was conducted to measure crop yields, nutrient concentration, nutrient uptake and balance by using different nutrient management practices for mustard-mungbean-T. aman rice cropping system in calcareous soil of Madaripur, Bangladesh. Different nutrient management practices were absolute nutrient control (T1); farmer’s practice (T2); AEZ based nutrient application (T3) and soil test based nutrient application (T4). The practices were compared in a randomized completely block design with three replications over two consecutive years. The average yield through application of soil test based nutrient (T4) was showed effective to get highest yields of mustard (1530 kg ha-1), mungbean (1632 kg ha-1) and T. aman rice (4729 kg ha-1). The same practices (T4) exhibited the greatest nutrients uptake by the test crops. The apparent balance of N and K was negative; however it was less negative and less deficiency detect in T4 treatment. Positive balance of P observed in all practices except in T1. There was a positive S balance (7.60 kg ha-1) in T4 but negative in T1, T2 and T3. Zinc balance was found positive in T3 and T4 and negative in T1 and T2. Boron balance in the system was neutral or slightly positive in T1 and negative in T2 but positive in T3 and T4. Organic matter, N, P, S, Zn and B status in soil was improved by T4 treatment. The results suggested that the soil test based nutrient application is viable and sustainable for mustard-mungbean-T. aman rice cropping system in calcareous soils of Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Agronomic and Economic Performance of Maize, Soybean, and Wheat in Different Rotations during the Transition to an Organic Cropping System

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 192 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Cox ◽  
John Hanchar ◽  
Jerome Cherney
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
High Input ◽  
Price Premiums

Crop producers transitioning to an organic cropping system must grow crops organically without price premiums for 36 months before certification. We evaluated red clover-maize, maize-soybean, and soybean-wheat/red clover rotations in organic and conventional cropping systems with recommended and high inputs in New York, USA to identify the best rotation and management practices during the transition. Organic compared with conventional maize with recommended inputs in the maize-soybean rotation (entry crop) averaged 32% lower yields, $878/ha higher production costs, and $1096/ha lower partial returns. Organic maize compared with conventional maize with recommended inputs in the red clover-maize rotation (second transition crop) had similar yields, production costs, and partial returns. Organic compared with conventional soybean with recommended inputs in soybean-wheat/red clover or maize-soybean rotations had similar yields, production costs, and partial returns. Organic compared with conventional wheat with recommended inputs in the soybean-wheat/clover rotation had similar yields, $416/ha higher production costs, and $491/ha lower partial returns. The organic compared with the conventional soybean-wheat/red clover rotation had the least negative impact on partial returns during the transition. Nevertheless, all organic rotations had similar partial returns ($434 to $495/ha) so transitioning immediately, regardless of entry crop, may be most prudent. High input management did not improve organic crop yields during the transition.

Toward Reduced Herbicide Rates and Adapted Weed Management

1994 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 376-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Zoschke
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Weed Dynamics ◽  
Low Rate

Herbicides are an integral part of farmers' cultural practices worldwide. Growing concerns about agrochemical residues in the environment and in the food supply require a critical discussion about how to secure the environmental fitness of any weed management practice. Promising ways to minimize herbicide consumption include the introduction of new (low-rate) chemistries, the low-rate concept, innovative formulations, application timing, and a cropping systems approach. However, many questions with regard to crop/weed dynamics in different agricultural production systems require answers before final recommendations can be made, and the farmer has to occupy a central part of our considerations. Besides conducting more basic weed research to reduce herbicide rates, it will be equally important to integrate the efforts of all parties involved and to improve the communication with our customers, including the public, environmental interest groups, and politicians. To be widely accepted, weed management practices for the future have to be adapted such that the respective requirements of environment, society, and economics are fully met.

scholarly journals A farm systems approach to the adoption of sustainable nitrogen management practices in California

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Rudnick ◽  
Mark Lubell ◽  
Sat Darshan S. Khalsa ◽  
Stephanie Tatge ◽  
Liza Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Fertilizer Management ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Farm Systems ◽  
Farmer Decision Making

AbstractImproving nitrogen (N) fertilizer management in agricultural systems is critical to meeting environmental goals while maintaining economically viable and productive food systems. This paper applies a farm systems framework to analyze how adoption of N management practices is related to different farming operation characteristics and the extent to which fertilizer, soil and irrigation practices are related to each other. We develop a multivariate probit regression model to analyze the interdependency of these adoption behaviors from 966 farmers across three watersheds and diverse cropping systems in the Central Valley of California. Our analysis demonstrates that farmers adopt varying combinations or portfolios of practices, with the most common portfolio featuring a core set of fertilizer-focused practices. Irrigation infrastructure is an especially important farm operation characteristic for encouraging adoption of innovative practice portfolios that integrate water and fertilizer management. These findings highlight the ability for a farm systems approach to improve our understanding of farmer decision-making across diverse agricultural landscapes.

scholarly journals Transition from Conventional to Organic Farming Systems: I. Challenges, Recommendations, and Guidelines for Pest Management

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gladis M. Zinati
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Conventional agricultural systems increase per-area food production, but deplete natural resources and degrade both crop and environmental quality. Many of these concerns are addressed by sustainable agricultural systems, integrated pest management, biocontrol, and other alternative systems. Environmental and social concerns have escalated the need for alternative agricultural systems in the last decade. One alternative, the organic farming system, substitutes cultural and biological inputs for synthetically made fertilizers and chemicals for crop nutrition and pest management. Practices used for crop and pest management are similar during transition from conventional to organic farming systems, but produce is not certified to be organic during the transition period. During the transition from conventional to organic farming, growers may face pest control difficulties and lower yields when conventional practices are abandoned. The objectives of this paper are to 1) give an overview of the reasons for converting to organic farming and the challenges that growers face during the transition period, 2) outline some potential strategies for crop, soil, and pest management, and 3) list guidelines and recommendations for pest management during the transition to organic farming. Implementation of crop and pest management practices depends on geographical location, climate, available onsite resources, and history of the land. During transition, growers rely on cultural mechanisms and on organic and mineral sources to improve soil fertility, to build a population of natural enemies to suppress pest populations. Pest management practices during the transition period that reduce pest populations to economically manageable levels include crop rotation, cultivation, cover crops, mulches, crop diversification, resistant varieties, and insect traps. These practices also enrich the soil biota and increase crop yields before produce is certified organically grown.

scholarly journals Demonstrating an integrated pest management strategy in autumnsown wheat to arable farmers

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
A. Horrocks ◽  
M.M. Davidson ◽  
D.A.J. Teulon ◽  
P.A. Horne
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Pest Management ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Yellow Dwarf Virus ◽  
Farmer Training ◽  
Very High

Six crops of autumnsown wheat managed under integrated pest management (IPM) were compared to six adjacent crops grown under the participating farmers current pest management practices in demonstration trials in Canterbury during the 200809 and 200910 seasons Farmer training with a focus on monitoring and beneficial predator identification was carried out The presence and abundance of key pests and diseases (slugs aphids yellow dwarf virus (YDV)) and beneficial predators was determined Carabid beetles and other beneficial insects capable of contributing to pest control were present in the arable cropping systems There was an increasing trend in the number of beneficial organisms a reduction in pests and a 50 reduction in the number of insecticides applied in the IPM managed crops There were negligible YDV and crop yield differences between the two approaches IPM adoption at these farms was very high after these participatory trials

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