scholarly journals In Search of Key Soil Functions to Assess Soil Community Management for Sustainable Sweet Cherry Orchards

HortScience ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Moore-Kucera ◽  
Anita Nina Azarenko ◽  
Lisa Brutcher ◽  
Annie Chozinski ◽  
David D. Myrold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sweet Cherry ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Biological Communities ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
N Management

Organic growers are required to maintain or improve soil chemical, biological, and physical properties and thus need to integrate biological processes into fertility management. However, few guidelines exist for satisfying tree nutrient demands ecologically. Sound nitrogen (N) management is a key component for overall orchard productivity whereas poor N management may result in multiple environmental impacts, including runoff to surface or leaching to groundwater sources. Many growers substitute synthetic inputs with rapid-release, approved N fertilizers that have little effect on long-term soil health and fertility. The authors seek an alternative approach for synchronizing nutrient availability with tree demand that relies on managing soil biological communities to attain their maximum potential functionality and thus meet tree nutrient demand. This paper outlines a new conceptual framework with which to evaluate a variety of soil functions that are quantified using biological, microbial, and biochemical properties in relation to overall orchard performance. By combining information gathered from soil faunal indices (nematode community structure and diversity analyses) with data obtained by biochemical and microbial analyses of the soil samples, a new, in-depth view of soil communities and their response to management practices will be obtained. As a result, a better understanding of the effects of differing management practices on soil fertility and community structure will be gained. This approach is currently being investigated by our group in organic and integrative sweet cherry orchards. Our goal is to determine which soil parameters may be used to help orchardists optimize soil health while maintaining orchard productivity. Furthermore, we wish to validate a number of assumptions that are commonly made regarding each soil parameter tested across multiple management, soil, and climate types.

Impacts of switching tillage to no-tillage and vice versa on soil structure, enzyme activities, and prokaryotic community profiles in Argentinean semi-arid soils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
L A Gabbarini ◽  
E Figuerola ◽  
J P Frene ◽  
N B Robledo ◽  
F M Ibarbalz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Prokaryotic Community ◽  
C Cycle

Abstract The effects of tillage on soil structure, physiology, and microbiota structure were studied in a long-term field experiment, with side-to-side plots, established to compare effects of conventional tillage (CT) vs. no-till (NT) agriculture. After 27 years, part of the field under CT was switched to NT and vice versa. Soil texture, soil enzymatic profiles, and the prokaryotic community structure (16S rRNA genes amplicon sequencing) were analysed at two soil depths (0–5, 5–10 cm) in samples taken 6, 18, and 30 months after switching tillage practices. Soil enzymatic activities were higher in NT than CT, and enzymatic profiles responded to the changes much earlier than the overall prokaryotic community structure. Beta diversity measurements of the prokaryotic community indicated that the levels of stratification observed in long-term NT soils were already recovered in the new NT soils thirty months after switching from CT to NT. Bacteria and Archaea OTUs, which responded to NT were associated with coarse soil fraction, SOC and C cycle enzymes while CT responders were related to fine soil fractions and S cycle enzymes. This study showed the potential of managing the soil prokaryotic community and soil health through changes in agricultural management practices.

scholarly journals Identifying Sustainable Nitrogen Management Practices for Tea Plantations

Nitrogen ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-57
Author(s):  
Rhys Rebello ◽  
Paul J. Burgess ◽  
Nicholas T. Girkin
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Nitrification Inhibitors ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
High Yields ◽  
N Management

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. It is mostly grown in the tropics with a heavy dependence on mineral nitrogen (N) fertilisers to maintain high yields while minimising the areas under cultivation. However, N is often applied in excess of crop requirements, resulting in substantial adverse environmental impacts. We conducted a systematic literature review, synthesising the findings from 48 studies to assess the impacts of excessive N application on soil health, and identify sustainable, alternative forms of N management. High N applications lead to soil acidification, N leaching to surface and groundwater, and the emission of greenhouse gases including nitrous oxide (N2O). We identified a range of alternative N management practices, the use of organic fertilisers, a mixture of organic and inorganic fertilisers, controlled release fertilisers, nitrification inhibitors and soil amendments including biochar. While many practices result in reduced N loading or mitigate some adverse impacts, major trade-offs include lower yields, and in some instances increased N2O emissions. Practices are also frequently trialled in isolation, meaning there may be a missed opportunity from assessing synergistic effects. Moreover, adoption rates of alternatives are low due to a lack of knowledge amongst farmers, and/or financial barriers. The use of site-specific management practices which incorporate local factors (for example climate, tea variety, irrigation requirements, site slope, and fertiliser type) are therefore recommended to improve sustainable N management practices in the long term.

Concepts and Practices for Improving Nitrogen Management for Vegetables

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Hochmuth
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Nitrogen Management ◽  
Land Grant ◽  
Land Grant Universities ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
N Management

Efficient N management practices usually involve many potential strategies, but always involve choosing the correct amount of N and the coupling of N management to efficient water management. Nitrogen management strategies are integral parts of improved production practices recommended by land-grant universities such as the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Univ. of Florida. This paper, which draws heavily on research and experience in Florida, outlines the concepts and technologies for managing vegetable N fertilization to minimize negative impacts on the environment.

scholarly journals Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Soil Microorganisms Responsible for N2O Emissions: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 983
Author(s):  
Cristina Lazcano ◽  
Xia Zhu-Barker ◽  
Charlotte Decock
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Microbial Community ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Best Management ◽  
C Stocks ◽  
Denitrifying Microorganisms

The use of organic fertilizers constitutes a sustainable strategy to recycle nutrients, increase soil carbon (C) stocks and mitigate climate change. Yet, this depends largely on balance between soil C sequestration and the emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Organic fertilizers strongly influence the microbial processes leading to the release of N2O. The magnitude and pattern of N2O emissions are different from the emissions observed from inorganic fertilizers and difficult to predict, which hinders developing best management practices specific to organic fertilizers. Currently, we lack a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of OFs on the function and structure of the N cycling microbial communities. Focusing on animal manures, here we provide an overview of the effects of these organic fertilizers on the community structure and function of nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms in upland soils. Unprocessed manure with high moisture, high available nitrogen (N) and C content can shift the structure of the microbial community, increasing the abundance and activity of nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms. Processed manure, such as digestate, compost, vermicompost and biochar, can also stimulate nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms, although the effects on the soil microbial community structure are different, and N2O emissions are comparatively lower than raw manure. We propose a framework of best management practices to minimize the negative environmental impacts of organic fertilizers and maximize their benefits in improving soil health and sustaining food production systems. Long-term application of composted manure and the buildup of soil C stocks may contribute to N retention as microbial or stabilized organic N in the soil while increasing the abundance of denitrifying microorganisms and thus reduce the emissions of N2O by favoring the completion of denitrification to produce dinitrogen gas. Future research using multi-omics approaches can be used to establish key biochemical pathways and microbial taxa responsible for N2O production under organic fertilization.

scholarly journals Tracking Changes on Soil Structure and Organic Carbon Sequestration after 30 Years of Different Tillage and Management Practices

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Ramón Bienes ◽  
Maria Jose Marques ◽  
Blanca Sastre ◽  
Andrés García-Díaz ◽  
Iris Esparza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Triticum Aestivum ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Wilting Point

Long-term field trials are essential for monitoring the effects of sustainable land management strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change. The influence of more than thirty years of different management is analyzed on extensive crops under three tillage systems, conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), and no-tillage (NT), and with two crop rotations, monoculture winter-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wheat-vetch (Triticum aestivum L.-Vicia sativa L.), widely present in the center of Spain. The soil under NT experienced the largest change in organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, macroaggregate stability, and bulk density. In the MT and NT treatments, SOC content was still increasing after 32 years, being 26.5 and 32.2 Mg ha−1, respectively, compared to 20.8 Mg ha−1 in CT. The SOC stratification (ratio of SOC at the topsoil/SOC at the layer underneath), an indicator of soil conservation, increased with decreasing tillage intensity (2.32, 1.36, and 1.01 for NT, MT, and CT respectively). Tillage intensity affected the majority of soil parameters, except the water stable aggregates, infiltration, and porosity. The NT treatment increased available water, but only in monocropping. More water was retained at the permanent wilting point in NT treatments, which can be a disadvantage in dry periods of these edaphoclimatic conditions.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Humic Fertilizers Applied at Full and Reduced Nitrogen Rates on Kentucky Bluegrass Quality and Soil Health

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Alex J. Lindsey ◽  
Adam W. Thoms ◽  
Marshall D. McDaniel ◽  
Nick E. Christians
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Humic Substances ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Turfgrass Quality ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

Soil health and sustainable management practices have garnered much interest within the turfgrass industry. Among the many practices that enhance soil health and sustainability are applying soil additives to enhance soil biological activity and reducing nitrogen (N) inputs—complimentary practices. A two-year study was conducted to investigate if reduced N fertilizer rates applied with humic substances could provide comparable turfgrass quality as full N rates, and whether humic fertilizers would increase biological aspects of soil health (i.e., microbial biomass and activity). Treatments included synthetic fertilizer with black gypsum (SFBG), poly-coated humic-coated urea (PCHCU; two rates), urea + humic dispersing granules (HDG; two rates), urea, stabilized nitrogen, HDG, and a nontreated control. Reduced rates of N with humic substances maintained turfgrass quality and cover, and reduced clipping biomass compared to full N rates. There were no differences in soil physical and chemical properties besides soil sulfur (S) concentration. SFBG resulted in the highest soil S concentration. Fertilizer treatments had minimal effect on microbial biomass and other plant-available nutrients. However, PCHCU (full rate) increased potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC) and N (PMN) by 68% and 59%, respectively, compared to the nontreated control. Meanwhile SFBG and stabilized nitrogen also increased PMC and PMN by 77% and 50%, and 65% and 59%, respectively. Overall, applications of reduced N fertilizer rates with the addition of humic substances could be incorporated into a more sustainable and environmentally friendly turfgrass fertilizer program.

A steady-state N balance approach for sustainable smallholder farming

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (39) ◽  
pp. e2106576118
Author(s):  
Yulong Yin ◽  
Rongfang Zhao ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Qingfeng Meng ◽  
Hao Ying ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
N Balance ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Application Range ◽  
High Yields ◽  
N Management ◽  
On Farm

Hundreds of millions of smallholders in emerging countries substantially overuse nitrogen (N) fertilizers, driving local environmental pollution and global climate change. Despite local demonstration-scale successes, widespread mobilization of smallholders to adopt precise N management practices remains a challenge, largely due to associated high costs and complicated sampling and calculations. Here, we propose a long-term steady-state N balance (SSNB) approach without these complications that is suitable for sustainable smallholder farming. The hypothesis underpinning the concept of SSNB is that an intensively cultivated soil–crop system with excessive N inputs and high N losses can be transformed into a steady-state system with minimal losses while maintaining high yields. Based on SSNB, we estimate the optimized N application range across 3,824 crop counties for the three staple crops in China. We evaluated SSNB first in ca. 18,000 researcher-managed on-farm trials followed by testing in on-farm trials with 13,760 smallholders who applied SSNB-optimized N rates under the guidance of local extension staff. Results showed that SSNB could significantly reduce N fertilizer use by 21 to 28% while maintaining or increasing yields by 6 to 7%, compared to current smallholder practices. The SSNB approach could become an effective tool contributing to the global N sustainability of smallholder agriculture.

scholarly journals Soil Health and Related Ecosystem Services in Organic Agriculture

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette K. Abbott ◽  
David A. C. Manning
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Microbial Transformation ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Chemical Processes ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus

<p>Soil health is dependent upon complex bio-physical and bio-chemical processes which interact in space and time. Microrganisms and fauna in soil comprise highly diverse and dynamic communities that contribute, over either short or long time frames, to the transformation of geological minerals and release of essential nutrients for plant growth. Certified organic soil management practices generally restrict the use of chemically-processed highly soluble plant nutrients, leading to dependence on nutrient sources that require microbial transformation of poorly soluble geological minerals. Consequently, slow release of nutrients controls their rate of uptake by plants and associated plant physiological processes. Microbial and faunal interactions influence soil structure at various scales, within and between crystalline mineral grains, creating complex soil pore networks that further influence soil function, including the nutrient release and uptake by roots. The incorporation of organic matter into soil, as either manure or compost in organic farming systems is controlled to avoid excessive release of soluble nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, while simultaneously contributing an essential source of carbon for growth and activity of soil organisms. The interdependence of many soil physical and chemical processes contributing to soil health is strongly linked to activities of the organisms living in soil as well as to root structure and function. Capitalizing on these contributions to soil health cannot be achieved without holistic, multiscale approaches to nutrient management, an understanding of interactions between carbon pools, mineral complexes and soil mineralogy, and detailed examination of farm nutrient budgets.</p>

scholarly journals Limitations of Improved Nitrogen Management to Reduce Nitrate Leaching and Increase Use Efficiency

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nitrate Nitrogen ◽  
Nitrogen Management ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
N Loss ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Rate Method ◽  
N Management

The primary mode of nitrogen (N) loss from tile-drained row-cropped land is generally nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching. Although cropping, tillage, and N management practices can be altered to reduce the amount of leaching, there are limits as to how much can be done. Data are given to illustrate the potential reductions for individual practices such as rate, method, and timing of N applications. However, most effects are multiplicative and not additive; thus it is probably not realistic to hope to get overall reductions greater than 25 to 30% with in-field practices alone. If this level of reduction is insufficient to meet water quality goals, additional off-site landscape modifications may be necessary.

scholarly journals Application of the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model in the Ronnea catchment of Sweden

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-257
Keyword(s):  
Input Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Calibration And Validation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Water Assessment ◽  
Soil And Water

The subject of this article is the estimation of quantitative (hydrological) and qualitative parameters in the catchment of Ronnea (1800 Km2, located in south western Sweden) through the application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). SWAT is a river basin model that was developed for the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, by the Blackland Research Center in Texas. The SWAT model is a widely known tool that has been used in several cases world-wide. It has the ability to predict the impact of land management practices on water, sediment and agricultural chemical yield in large complex watersheds. The present work investigates certain capabilities of the SWAT model which have not identified up to now. More in specific, the main targets of the work carried out are the following: • Identification of the existing hydrological and qualitative conditions • Preparation - Processing of data required to be used as input data of the model • Hydrological calibration - validation of the model, in 7 subbasins of the Catchment of Ronnea • Estimation and evaluation of the simulated qualitative parameters of the model All available data were offered by the relevant Institutes of Sweden, in the framework of the European program EUROHARP. The existing conditions in the catchment of Ronnea, are described in detail including topography, land uses, soil types, pollution sources, agricultural management practices, precipitation, temperature, wind speed, humidity, solar radiation as well as observed discharges and Nitrogen and Phosphorus substances concentrations. Most of the above data were used as input data for the application of SWAT model. Adequate methods were also used to complete missing values in time series and estimate additional parameters (such as soil parameters) required by the model. Hydrological calibration and validation took place for each outlet of the 7 subbasins of Ronnea catchment in an annual, monthly and daily step. The calibration was achieved by estimating parameters related to ground water movement and evaluating convergence between simulated and observed discharges by using mainly the Nash & Sutcliffe coefficient (NTD). Through the sensitivity analysis, main parameters of the hydrological simulation, were detected. According to the outputs of the SWAT model, the water balance of Ronnea catchment was also estimated. Hydrological calibration and validation is generally considered sufficient in an annual and monthly step. Hydrological calibration – validation in daily step, generally does not lead to high values of the NTD indicator. However, when compared to results obtained by the use of SWAT in Greece, a relatively high value of NTD is achieved in one subbasin. Finally, a comparison between the simulated and observed concentrations of total Phosphorus and Nitrogen was carried out.

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