Impact of improved fallow periods on soil properties and productivity of maize ( Zea mays L.) in major and minor seasons of Asian humid tropics

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Sangakkara ◽  
P. Stamp
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Improved Fallow ◽  
Improved Fallows ◽  
Maize Yields ◽  
The Impact

Improved fallows are considered an easy, low cost and suitable method of increasing the productivity and sustainability of smallholder tropical rainfed cropping systems, although most farmers allow weeds to grow when the environmental conditions are not conductive for crop production. Field studies were carried out over the minor and major seasons, to evaluate the impact of a preceding improved fallow using Crotalaria or Tithonia , two popular tropical green manures, on selected soil properties, and on the growth and yield of maize. Improved fallows enhanced chemical soil properties significantly and the impact was most prominent at the onset of the minor maize season. Thus, the growth and yield of maize was also increased to a greater extent in this season, when yields are generally lower due to the suboptimal climatic conditions of lower rainfall and higher temperatures. However, fallows in the minor season also improved soil characteristics and maize yields in the major season, the most significant impact being increased seed yields and harvest indices. Although farmers may not grow fallow crops in major seasons, the potential of these green manure fallows in increasing maize yields in minor seasons and possible strategies to include the fallows in the cropping sequences of tropical rainfed upland cropping systems are discussed on the basis of this field study.

scholarly journals The Pitfalls of Relating Weeds, Herbicide Use, and Crop Yield: Don't Fall Into the Trap! A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colbach ◽  
Sandrine Petit ◽  
Bruno Chauvel ◽  
Violaine Deytieux ◽  
Martin Lechenet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
The Impact

The growing recognition of the environmental and health issues associated to pesticide use requires to investigate how to manage weeds with less or no herbicides in arable farming while maintaining crop productivity. The questions of weed harmfulness, herbicide efficacy, the effects of herbicide use on crop yields, and the effect of reducing herbicides on crop production have been addressed over the years but results and interpretations often appear contradictory. In this paper, we critically analyze studies that have focused on the herbicide use, weeds and crop yield nexus. We identified many inconsistencies in the published results and demonstrate that these often stem from differences in the methodologies used and in the choice of the conceptual model that links the three items. Our main findings are: (1) although our review confirms that herbicide reduction increases weed infestation if not compensated by other cultural techniques, there are many shortcomings in the different methods used to assess the impact of weeds on crop production; (2) Reducing herbicide use rarely results in increased crop yield loss due to weeds if farmers compensate low herbicide use by other efficient cultural practices; (3) There is a need for comprehensive studies describing the effect of cropping systems on crop production that explicitly include weeds and disentangle the impact of herbicides from the effect of other practices on weeds and on crop production. We propose a framework that presents all the links and feed-backs that must be considered when analyzing the herbicide-weed-crop yield nexus. We then provide a number of methodological recommendations for future studies. We conclude that, since weeds are causing yield loss, reduced herbicide use and maintained crop productivity necessarily requires a redesign of cropping systems. These new systems should include both agronomic and biodiversity-based levers acting in concert to deliver sustainable weed management.

scholarly journals How will future climate depending agronomic management impact the yield risk of wheat cropping systems? A regional case study of Eastern Denmark

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
J. Macholdt ◽  
J. Glerup Gyldengren ◽  
E. Diamantopoulos ◽  
M. E. Styczen
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Catch Crops ◽  
Agronomic Management ◽  
The Future ◽  
Yield Risk ◽  
Management Factors ◽  
The Impact

Abstract One of the major challenges in agriculture is how climate change influences crop production, for different environmental (soil type, topography, groundwater depth, etc.) and agronomic management conditions. Through systems modelling, this study aims to quantify the impact of future climate on yield risk of winter wheat for two common soil types of Eastern Denmark. The agro-ecosystem model DAISY was used to simulate arable, conventional cropping systems (CSs) and the study focused on the three main management factors: cropping sequence, usage of catch crops and cereal straw management. For the case region of Eastern Denmark, the future yield risk of wheat does not necessarily increase under climate change mainly due to lower water stress in the projections; rather, it depends on appropriate management and each CS design. Major management factors affecting the yield risk of wheat were N supply and the amount of organic material added during rotations. If a CS is characterized by straw removal and no catch crop within the rotation, an increased wheat yield risk must be expected in the future. In contrast, more favourable CSs, including catch crops and straw incorporation, maintain their capacity and result in a decreasing yield risk over time. Higher soil organic matter content, higher net nitrogen mineralization rate and higher soil organic nitrogen content were the main underlying causes for these positive effects. Furthermore, the simulation results showed better N recycling and reduced nitrate leaching for the more favourable CSs, which provide benefits for environment-friendly and sustainable crop production.

scholarly journals Trends in crop production as a factor of ensuring food security of the Perm Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 213 (10) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Lyudmila Shalaeva
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sown Area ◽  
Perm Region

Abstract. Goal. The assessment of the main trends in the activity of agricultural producers in crop production was carried out in order to substantiate the possibilities of the Perm Region for self-sufficiency with the main types of food resources in the presence of adverse effects of natural and climatic conditions. Methods. A statistical analysis was carried out using grouping and comparison methods based on the official statistics of the Perm Region for 2016-2020. Results. In accordance with the social and geographical specifics of the Perm Region, on the territory of which rural areas predominate, the largest volume of crop production is produced in the households of the population (up to 58 %), whose activities are characterized by the lowest level of stability and are more susceptible to the negative impact of natural and climatic conditions. The activity of agricultural organizations (share up to 36 %) and farms (share up to 8 %) is more stable. A higher level of dependence on natural and climatic conditions was revealed in the field of potato production, a lower level – in the field of grain and vegetables production of protected soil. The risk is reinforced by the fact that up to 70 % of the natural volume of potatoes and more than 80% of vegetables are produced in households. With a decrease in the total sown area by 1.2 %, there is a decrease in the sown area of potatoes by 15 % and vegetables by 6 %. The identified trends allowed us to identify the risk of reducing the level of food self-sufficiency of the Perm Region with potatoes and vegetables. The insecurity of domestic potato consumption in the Perm Region is, according to preliminary data, 13 % in 2020. The presence of risk was also revealed for vegetables, the internal consumption of the region was provided with vegetable products of its own production by an average of 56% during the study period. The results obtained allow us to identify the directions of optimization of the Perm Region strategy in solving the problems of food self-sufficiency. Scientific novelty. The dynamics of factors of crop production (structure, yield, acreage, intensification) is assessed taking into account the social, geographical, natural and climatic specifics of the Perm Region through the prism of the impact on the regional food balance and the level of self-sufficiency of the region with potatoes and vegetables.

scholarly journals A Control Theory Approach to Optimal Irrigation Scheduling in the Oklahoma Panhandle

1980 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Harris ◽  
Harry P. Mapp
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
The Past

Climatic conditions in semiarid regions like the Oklahoma Panhandle result in wide fluctuations in rainfall, dryland crop yields, and returns to agricultural producers in the area. Irrigated crop production increases peracre yields and significantly reduces fluctuations in yields and net returns.Irrigated production of food and fiber in the Oklahoma Panhandle has developed rapidly during the past three decades, increasing from 11,500 to 385,900 acres since 1950 (Schwab). The primary source of irrigation water in the area is the Ogallala Formation, an aquifer underlying much of the Great Plains region. Until the past couple of years, the presence of relatively low cost natural gas led producers to expand irrigated production and apply high levels of water to crops irrigated in the area.

Potential and realities of enhancing rapeseed- and grain legume-based protein production in a northern climate

2012 ◽  
Vol 151 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. PELTONEN-SAINIO ◽  
A. HANNUKKALA ◽  
E. HUUSELA-VEISTOLA ◽  
L. VOUTILA ◽  
J. NIEMI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Grain Legumes ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grain Legume ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Realistic Potential ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Self Sufficiency

SUMMARYCrop-based protein self-sufficiency in Finland is low. Cereals dominate the field cropping systems in areas that are also favourable for legumes and rapeseed. The present paper estimated the realistic potential for expanding protein crop production taking account of climatic conditions and constraints, crop rotation requirements, field sizes, soil types and likelihood for compacted soils in different regions. The potential for current expansion was estimated by considering climate change scenarios for 2025 and 2055. By using actual regional mean yields for the 2000s, without expecting any yield increase during the expansion period (due to higher risks of pests and diseases), potential production volumes were estimated. Since rapeseed, unlike grain legumes, is a not a true minor crop, its expansion potential is currently limited. Thus, most potential is from the introduction of legumes into cropping systems. The current 100000 ha of protein crops could be doubled, and areas under cultivation could reach 350000 and 390000 ha as a result of climate warming by 2025 and 2055, respectively. Such increases result mainly from the longer growing seasons projected for the northern cropping regions of Finland. Self-sufficiency in rapeseed could soon increase from 0·25 to 0·32, and then to 0·50 and 0·60 by 2025 and 2055, respectively. If legume production expands according to its potential, it could replace 0·50–0·60 of currently imported soybean meal, and by 2025 it could replace it completely. Replacement of soybean meal is suitable for ruminants, but it presents some problems for pig production, and is particularly challenging for poultry.

Intercropping fava bean with broccoli can improve soil properties while maintaining crop production under Mediterranean conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariano Marcos-Pérez ◽  
Virginia Sánchez-Navarro ◽  
Raúl Zornoza
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
External Fertilization ◽  
Fava Bean

<p>Including legumes in intercropping systems may be regarded as a sustainable way to improve soil quality, fertility and land productivity, mostly due to facilitation processes and high rhizospheric activity which can mobilize soil nutrients for plants. Improvements in production and soil quality depend on inherent soil properties, climatic conditions, adopted management practices and fertilization, among others. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the association between broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) and fava bean (Vicia fava) grown under different intercropping patterns on crop production, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (Nt), soil aggregate stability (SAS) and soil fertility, compared to a broccoli monocrop. We defined a randomised block field experiment with three replications assessing the effect of monocropping, row 1:1 intercropping, row 2:1 intercropping and mix intercropping, with 30% reduction in fertilization in intercropped systems compared to monocrop. Soil sampling took place at harvest in February 2019. Results showed that the broccoli-fava bean intercropping significantly increased the general land production, with similar broccoli yield of 20000 kg ha<sup>-1 </sup>in all treatments, plus 8000 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> coming from fava bean. Crop diversification and fava bean cultivation even in monocrop significantly increased SOC and Nt compared to broccoli monocrop. SOC and Nt were 1.06% and 0.09%, respectively, for broccoli monocrop, while they had average values of 1.29% and 0.12%, respectively for the intercropped systems. SAS was also significantly affected by crop diversification, with increases in the proportion of the macroaggregates (size >2 mm) with intercropping. Broccoli monocrop showed an average proportion of these macroaggregates of 9.19%, while they increased up to 17.51% in intercropped systems. CEC was not significantly affected by intercropping SAS showing almost same percentage of aggregates independently of the treatment. Available P significantly increased in intercropped systems, likely due to increased microbial activity with the simultaneous growth of the two crop species. However, no significant effect of intercropping was observed with any other nutrient (Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn and B), suggesting that microbial communities activated by the crop association are highly related to P mobilization but not so intensively involved in other nutrients. Thus, intercropping systems like broccoli-fava bean association can be regarded as a viable alternative for sustainable crop production while increasing soil fertility despite reducing the addition of external fertilization. However, more crop cycles are needed to confirm this trend.</p>

scholarly journals Impact of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Cultivation on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Food Security of Rural Households within Mundemba Sub-division, Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-46
Author(s):  
Usongo P. Ajonina ◽  
Bekumaka B. Okanyene
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
The Impact

Oil palm cropping is rapidly expanding within Mundemba. Although they have the potential to contribute to employment and economic development, the effect of their rapid expansion on soil properties and food security is largely unknown. The objective of the study is to analyze the trend in the surface area occupied by palms and farmlands between 1980 to 2020, assess the impact of oil palm cultivation on soil properties and food security. Ground Control Points (GCPs) were taken to evaluate land-use changes and soil samples were collected from palm plantations for analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were administered to household heads to gather information on food security. Results revealed that palm plantations experienced a rapid increase from 35.52ha in 1980 to 119,171.49 in 2020. Arable land also shows a progressive increase of 101.39 ha in 1980 to 518.55 ha in 2020. A significant deterioration of soil nutrients status under palm plantations compared to the adjacent farm lands was observed. Palm cultivation has resulted in food security issues in the area due to its lucrative nature and impact on soils properties. To improve food security farmers should be educated on sustainable crop production methods and soil management techniques.

scholarly journals Soil Testing A Panacea to Crop Yield and Agricultural Sustainability – A Case for Farmers of South Eastern, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. p7
Author(s):  
Nweke, I. A.
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Residual Effect ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Nutrient Elements ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Increasing Demand

Increasing human population is closely related with the increasing demand of food and pressure on available land with the rising demand on fertilizer that has not been sustainable at the farmer’s level. This causes soil fertility decline, nutrient imbalance and low residual effect which are constraint affecting agricultural production in south eastern soils of Nigeria in particular and to large extent in tropical environment. Land available to be used for intensive crop production activities is limited and this demand for adequate soil testing that will x-ray the fertility status of the soil before crop planting. The characteristics and amount of nutrient elements of a soil and soil biodiversity is influenced by climatic conditions, erosion/leaching, drought, cultivation history/land use system, cropping history, kinds of pesticides/herbicides applied, type and methods of inorganic and organic fertilizer applied. Soil testing quantifies the total value of plant nutrient elements available in a sampled soil that will directly promote crop growth and yield. Due to its biophysical, biochemical, biological and physiochemical results, soil testing when appropriately interpreted and applied may be used effectively to promote sustainable crop production and environmental health in a tropical soil like south eastern, Nigeria.

Changing Climatic Conditions and Agricultural Livelihoods: An Impact Study in Jagatsinghpur District, Odisha

Social Change ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 004908572092436
Author(s):  
Prasanta Moharaj ◽  
Satyapriya Rout
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Climatic Variations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Human Social Life

This article attempts to examine the negative impact of climate change on agricultural livelihood and human social life. Natural climatic variations have always been a challenge for human sustenance as they are predicated on a host of factors that include natural, human-made and unbalanced environmental conditions. India too, with its geographic zones such as mountains, small islands, wetlands, coastal areas, deserts, semi-arid lands and plains, is exposed to challenges of climatic change. The impact of climate is particularly severe on the livelihoods of the rural poor. For instance, people living near coastal regions are constantly prone to severe floods. This study specifically focusses on coastal Odisha and the impact of floods which have been triggered by climate change. The study, looking at the effect on crop production and socio-economic conditions, has followed a two-pronged approach, conducting a field survey and collecting data from secondary sources.

Agroresource potential and rationale for irrigation North-Central Steppe of Ukraine

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (90) ◽  
pp. 71-76
Author(s):  
Y. Soroka ◽  
Y.A. Tarariko ◽  
R.V. Saydak
Keyword(s):  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Hydrothermal Conditions ◽  
North Central ◽  
Intensive Farming ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of research - a comprehensive assessment of the potential agroresource North-Central Steppe of Ukraine, set limitipuyuschie factors to improve the productivity of agriculture. During the robot conventional research methods were used: field, laboratory, analytical, comparative, kompyuternoy simulation modeling, and system generalization of the results. Experiental part held in a stationary field experiment Zaporozhye experimental station Of Institute oil culture NAAS Studies have shown that the systematic application of fertilizers on a range of agro, chemical, physical, agrohimichesih indicators studied soil has Visokiy potential fertility. Surfacing Systems of soil on crop rotation productivity impact is immaterial. One can only note the trend for the most minor ways of loosening the soil with mulch. The test crop rotation composition simulates one of the most intensive farming options. Indicators of productivity and the variation coefficient of variation it indicates a fairly low level of realization of the potential fertility of chernozem ordinary, which is explained on the one hand, the steady downward trend in the annual water balance, on the other hand, promotion of a balance of humus, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers at the studied systems. The dependence of the yield of the agro-climatic conditions considered by the example of the main cereal region - winter wheat. It was found that the greatest impact on the implementation of crop production potential are hydrothermal conditions of May - June. Analysis of the results of research allowed to evaluate the potential agroresource North Steppe and to establish the impact of the major factors in the formation of crop yields. Irrigation in this zone is the most important factor for improving productivity of crops, and its implementation in 70% of rotations may increase the productivity of not less than 1.8 times.

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