The performance of organic and conventional cropping systems in an extreme climate year

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.W. Lotter ◽  
R. Seidel ◽  
W. Liebhardt
Keyword(s):  
Root Zone ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Lower Yield ◽  
Crop Season ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Primary Mechanism ◽  
Crop Root ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Water Holding

AbstractThe 1999 severe crop season drought in the northeastern US was followed by hurricane-driven torrential rains in September, offering a unique opportunity to observe how managed and natural systems respond to climate-related stress. The Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial has been operating since 1981 and consists of three replicated cropping systems, one organic manure based (MNR), one organic legume based (LEG) and a conventional system (CNV). The MNR system consists of a 5-year maize–soybean–wheat–clover/hay rotation, the LEG of a 3-year maize–soybean–wheat–green manure, and the CNV of a 5-year maize-soybean rotation. Subsoil lysimeters allowed quantification of percolated water in each system. Average maize and soybean yields were similar in all three systems over the post-transition years (1985–1998). Five drought years occurred between 1984 and 1998 and in four of them the organic maize outyielded the CNV by significant margins. In 1999 all crop systems suffered severe yield depressions; however, there were substantial yield differences between systems. Organic maize yielded 38% and 137% relative to CNV in the LEG and MNR treatments, respectively, and 196% and 152% relative to CNV in the soybean plots. The primary mechanism of the higher yield of the MNR and LEG is proposed to be the higher water-holding capacity of the soils in those treatments, while the lower yield of the LEG maize was due to weed competition in that particular year and treatment. Soils in the organic plots captured more water and retained more of it in the crop root zone than in the CNV treatment. Water capture in the organic plots was approximately 100% higher than in CNV plots during September's torrential rains.

Recharge estimation for the Liverpool Plains

Soil Research ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Abbs ◽  
M. Littleboy
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Dryland Salinity ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Cropping Rotation

Dryland salinity is recognised as a major environmental concern on the Liverpool Plains in north-eastern New South Wales. Previous hydrogeological and dryland salinity studies have highlighted the importance of adopting appropriate farming systems to reduce recharge into shallow aquifers. In this study, we applied the cropping systems model PERFECT to investigate the effects of climate, soil, and land use on recharge. Model inputs were derived from a range of sources including historical weather data, soil survey data, and information from landholder surveys. We investigated 47 different soils identified in a published soil survey covering approximately 280 000 ha of the Liverpool Plains. This study demonstrated a significant variation in soil physical properties and estimated recharge within soil types and illustrates the dangers of generalising soils into broad groupings. For example, under a wheat-sorghum rotation, predicted average annual recharge for soils classified as black earths ranged from 28 to 80 mm. Similar variability of predicted drainage is evident within other Great Soil Groups. The results reveal that response cropping alone will not significantly reduce recharge for all soils. Considering one black earth soil, average annual recharge is predicted to be 48 mm for a wheat-sorghum rotation, 22 mm for a response cropping rotation, and 8 mm for a lucerne{response cropping rotation. Therefore, including lucerne within a response cropping system is of benfit in reducing recharge. For all soil types, least recharge is predicted for permanent pasture but this land use is not an attractive option to farmers given the diversity of farming systems in the region. However, for some soils, continuous pasture is appropriate because excessive recharge is estimated for all cropping systems. This study has extended previous modelling work in the region as it considered a much wider range of soil types and cropping systems than previously investigated. Such a modelling approach permits the quantification of the effects of climate, soil type, and land use on recharge below the root-zone.

scholarly journals 450 Impacts of Alternative Cropping Systems on Soil Physical Properties, Crop Productivity and Quality, and Water Management in California's Sacramento Valley

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 522B-522
Author(s):  
J.P. Mitchell ◽  
G. Colla ◽  
B.A. Joyce ◽  
L.M. Huyck ◽  
W.W. Wallender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Water Holding Capacity ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Low Input ◽  
Sacramento Valley ◽  
Water Holding

The Sustainable Agriculture Farming Systems (SAFS) Project was established in 1988 to study the transition from conventional to low-input and organic farm management in California's Sacramento Valley. We evaluated the effects of these alternative farming systems on soil compaction, water-holding capacity, infiltration, and water storage in relation to tomato yield and fruit quality within the SAFS cropping systems comparison 10 years after it had been established. Soil bulk density (0-15, 15-30, 30-45, and 45-60 cm) was not significantly different among the farming systems. In situ water-holding capacity at 24, 48 and 72 h after water application was significantly higher in the organic system at all times and depths except 45-60 cm. Cumulative water infiltration after 3 h in the organic and low-input cover crop-based plots was more than twice that of the conventional system. The more rapid infiltration in the low-input and organic systems resulted in increased total irrigation needs, more water stored in the soil profile throughout the 30 days before harvest, and lower fruit soluble solids and titratable acidity in these systems relative to the conventional system. Yields were not significantly different in the organic, low-input, and conventional systems during either 1997 or 1998.

scholarly journals Influence of Organic and Conventional Farming on Grain Yield and Protein Composition of Chickpea Genotypes

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Michele Andrea De Santis ◽  
Michele Rinaldi ◽  
Valeria Menga ◽  
Pasquale Codianni ◽  
Luigia Giuzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
2S Albumin ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
Water Holding

Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a −50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality.

scholarly journals Camelina, an ancient oilseed crop actively contributing to the rural renaissance in Europe. A review

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Zanetti ◽  
Barbara Alberghini ◽  
Ana Marjanović Jeromela ◽  
Nada Grahovac ◽  
Dragana Rajković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Oilseed Crop ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
European Farming ◽  
European Agriculture

AbstractPromoting crop diversification in European agriculture is a key pillar of the agroecological transition. Diversifying crops generally enhances crop productivity, quality, soil health and fertility, and resilience to pests and diseases and reduces environmental stresses. Moreover, crop diversification provides an alternative means of enhancing farmers’ income. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) reemerged in the background of European agriculture approximately three decades ago, when the first studies on this ancient native oilseed species were published. Since then, a considerable number of studies on this species has been carried out in Europe. The main interest in camelina is related to its (1) broad environmental adaptability, (2) low-input requirements, (3) resistance to multiple pests and diseases, and (4) multiple uses in food, feed, and biobased applications. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out in Europe (compared with the rest of the world) on camelina in the last three decades, including genetics and breeding, agronomy and cropping systems, and end-uses, with the aim of making camelina an attractive new candidate crop for European farming systems. Furthermore, a critical evaluation of what is still missing to scale camelina up from a promising oilseed to a commonly cultivated crop in Europe is also provided (1) to motivate scientists to promote their studies and (2) to show farmers and end-users the real potential of this interesting species.

scholarly journals Nitrogen fertility in semiarid dryland wheat production is challenging for beginning organic farmers

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew J. Lyon ◽  
Gary W. Hergert
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Green Manure ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Cattle Manure ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
N Fertility ◽  
Summer Fallow

AbstractOrganic farming systems use green and animal manures to supply nitrogen (N) to their fields for crop production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of green manure and composted cattle manure on the subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) crop in a semiarid environment. Dry pea (Pisum sativumL.) was seeded in early April and terminated at first flower in late June. Composted cattle manure was applied at 0, 11.2 or 22.5 Mg ha−1just prior to pea termination. Winter wheat was planted in mid September following the green manure or tilled summer fallow. No positive wheat response to green manure or composted cattle manure was observed in any of the 3 years of the study. In 2 of the 3 years, wheat yields and grain test weight were reduced following green manure. Green manure reduced grain yields compared with summer fallow by 220 and 1190 kg ha−1in 2009 and 2010, respectively. This may partially be explained by 40 and 47 mm less soil water at wheat planting following peas compared with tilled summer fallow in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Also, in 2008 and 2009, soil nitrate level averaged 45 kg ha−1higher for black fallow compared with green manure fallow when no compost was added. Organic growers in the semiarid Central Great Plains will be challenged to supply N fertility to their winter wheat crop in a rapid and consistent manner as a result of the inherently variable precipitation. Growers may need to allow several years to pass before seeing the benefits of fertility practices in their winter wheat cropping systems.

scholarly journals Yam: a neglected and underutilized crop in Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
MVBM Siqueira
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Traditional Farming ◽  
Local Varieties ◽  
Adequate Information ◽  
Brazil Current ◽  
Underutilized Crop ◽  
Dioscorea Species ◽  
Colonization Period ◽  
Traditional Communities

In Brazil current studies and investments on yams are incipient. Similarly, the literature in recent decades lacks adequate information on this group of plants. The existing literature, on its turn, requires more than ever to be revised and organized. Yams have joined the so-called "neglected" group of crops for several reasons, but particularly because they are associated with poor and traditional communities. Many vegetables introduced in Brazil during the colonization period have adapted to different cropping systems, yams being an excellent example. This diversity resulted very widespread, yet poorly recognized in the country. In turn, the gardens using traditional farming systems continue to maintain and enhance yam local varieties. Studies from other countries, with an emphasis on characterization and genetic breeding, brought to light an urgent need for Brazil to invest in yams as a food rich in carbohydrates, even to the point of alterations in food public policy. Reversal of the yam's current stigma is both a challenge to the scientific community and to the population as a whole. This paper aims to raise pertinent questions about Dioscorea species, an important key group for many communities in tropical countries, yet still unrecognized as so in Brazil.

LONG-TERM TILLAGE AND CROP ROTATION EFFECTS ON RESIDUAL NITRATE IN THE CROP ROOT ZONE AND NITRATE ACCUMULATION IN THE INTERMEDIATE VADOSE ZONE

1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1321-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Katupitiya ◽  
D. E. Eisenhauer ◽  
R. B. Ferguson ◽  
R. F. Spalding ◽  
F. W. Roeth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Nitrate Accumulation ◽  
Crop Root ◽  
Residual Nitrate

scholarly journals Identification of Economically Viable Cropping Systems for Vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone

2020 ◽  
pp. 98-106
Author(s):  
Firdoz Shahana ◽  
M. Goverdhan ◽  
S. Sridevi ◽  
B. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Bt Cotton ◽  
Black Gram ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Randomized Block Design

A field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur to diversify existing rice-rice cropping system with less water requiring crops under irrigated dry conditions for vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone. The experiment was laid out with twelve cropping systems as treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The twelve combinations of cropping systems tested during kharif and rabi seasons were rice – rice (check), maize + soybean (2:4) – tomato, maize + soybean (2:4) - rice, maize - sunflower + chickpea (2:4), maize - chickpea, Bt cotton + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + groundnut (2:4), Bt cotton - sesame + blackgram (2:4), soybean – wheat, soybean – sunflower + chickpea (2:4), turmeric – sesame, turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on broadbed – sesame + blackgram (2:4). On system basis, significantly higher productivity in terms of rice equivalent yield (REY) of 23830 kg ha-1 was recorded with turmeric+soybean (1:2) BBF– sesame+blackgram (2:4) turmeric – sesame cropping sequence. However it was on par with turmeric – sesame and turmeric + soybean (1:2) on flat bed – bajra crop sequence with productivity of 23332 kg ha-1 and 21389 kg ha-1 respectively. Lower productivity was recorded with rice-rice cropping system (10725 kg ha-1). Significantly higher system net returns were recorded with Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) on BBF (Rs222838 ha-1) closely followed by Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF) - Sesamum + Groundnut (2:4) (Rs221160 ha-1) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato (Rs212909 ha-1). Lower system net returns were recorded in conventional rice-rice system (Rs88179 ha-1). Bt. cotton – sesame + black gram (2:4) and Bt Cotton + Soybean (1:2) (BBF)- Sesamum + Groundnut ((2:4) and Maize+soybean (2:4)–tomato were economically superior with REE of 152.71%, 150.81% and 141.45%. Rice- Rice cropping adopted by majority of farmers is less productive and economically inferior indicating wider scope of diversifying existing rice- rice cropping system with high productive, economically viable cropping systems in vertisols of Northern Telangana Zone.

scholarly journals Soil nitrate accumulation and leaching in conventional, optimized and organic cropping systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 156-163
Author(s):  
Wang Dapeng ◽  
Zheng Liang ◽  
Gu Songdong ◽  
Shi Yuefeng ◽  
Liang Long ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
N Accumulation ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Grain Yields

Excessive nitrogen (N) and water input, which are threatening the sustainability of conventional agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP), can lead to serious leaching of nitrate-N (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N). This study evaluates grain yield, N and water consumption, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation and leaching in conventional and two optimized winter wheat-summer maize double-cropping systems and an organic alfalfa-winter wheat cropping system. The results showed that compared to the conventional cropping system, the optimized systems could reduce N, water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching by 33, 35 and 67–74%, respectively, while producing nearly identical grain yields. In optimized systems, soil NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation within the root zone was about 80 kg N/ha most of the time. In the organic system, N input, water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching was reduced even more (by 71, 43 and 92%, respectively, compared to the conventional system). However, grain yield also declined by 46%. In the organic system, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N accumulation within the root zone was generally less than 30 kg N/ha. The optimized systems showed a considerable potential to reduce N and water consumption and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>-N leaching while maintaining high grain yields, and thus should be considered for sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.  

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