scholarly journals Belowground Dynamics Influence Nitrogen Cycling and Crop Productivity in Diversified Corn Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tvisha Martin ◽  
Christine D. Sprunger
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Root Production ◽  
No Till ◽  
Perennial Legumes ◽  
Soil Protein

Ecological nutrient management is a strategy that can help create resilient cropping systems and reduce the negative impact that agricultural systems have on the environment. Ecological nutrient management enhances plant-soil-microbial interactions and optimizes crop production while providing key ecosystem services. Incorporating perennial legumes into crop rotations and implementing no-till to enhance organic nitrogen (N) soil pools could reduce the need for inorganic N fertilizer inputs and lead to improved soil health. Plant and soil N pools need to be further quantified to understand how to enhance soil health across a range of agroecosystems. This paper aims to quantify plant and soil N pools in systems contrasting in crop perenniality (corn–corn, corn–soy, and corn–forage–forage) and tillage intensity (chisel till vs. no-till). Key plant, soil, and organismal metrics of N cycling were measured including fine root production, N-Acetyl-B-Gulcosaminidase (NAG) enzyme activity, and soil protein, nematode enrichment opportunist (fungal and bacterial feeding nematodes) and the nematode Enrichment Index. Fine root production was determined using in-growth mesh cores. Findings reveal that monoculture cropping systems with reduced tillage intensity and rotations with perennial legumes had significantly greater fine root N (FRN), soil protein and NAG enzyme activity (p < 0.05) relative to corn-soy. Additionally, nematode bacterivore enrichment opportunists (b1) were significantly reduced in corn-corn systems when compared to all other crop rotation systems. Correlation analyses indicated positive and significant relationships between FRN and soil protein (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that lengthening crop rotations with perennial legumes and incorporating no-till management can increase organic N inputs, N mineralization rates, and organic N storage. Such ecological approaches to management have the potential to reduce the need for inorganic N inputs, while increasing long-term soil health and crop productivity.

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 Optimising Cropping Techniques for Nutrient and Environmental Management in Organic Agriculture

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Kopke ◽  
Miriam Athmann ◽  
Eusun Han ◽  
Timo Kautz
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Ecological Focus Areas ◽  
Perennial Legumes ◽  
Soil Pores

<p>Depth and architecture of root systems play a prominent role in crop productivity under conditions of low water and nutrient availability. The subsoil contains high amounts of nutrients that may potentially serve for nutrient uptake by crops including finite resources such as phosphorus that have to be used in moderation to delay their exhaustion. Biopores are tubular shaped continuous soil pores formed by plant roots and earthworms. Taproot systems especially those of perennial legumes can make soil nutrients plant available from the solid phase and increase the density of vertical biopores in the subsoil thus making subsoil layers more accessible for succeeding crops. Density of larger sized biopores is further enhanced by increased abundance and activity of anecic earthworms resulting from soil rest and amount of provided feed. Nutrient rich drilospheres can provide a favorable environment for roots and nutrient uptake of subsequent crops. Future efficient nutrient management and crop rotation design in organic agriculture should entail these strategies of soil fertility building and biopore services in subsoil layers site specifically. Elements of these concepts are suggested to be used also in mainstream agriculture headlands, e.g. as ‘Ecological Focus Areas’, in order to improve soil structure as well as to establish a web of biodiversity while avoiding constraints for agricultural production.</p>

scholarly journals Soil Health as Influenced by Fertilizer Management in Rice Based Cropping System

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-131
Author(s):  
MM Haque ◽  
MR Islam ◽  
MS Rahman ◽  
MAR Sarkar ◽  
MAA Mamun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Cow Dung ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Cropping Patterns ◽  
Soil C

Nutrient management influences soil health and crop productivity. Sustained crop production re-quires specific nutrient management options after a certain period. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the effects of inorganic and organic fertilization on yields and soil carbon budget under rice based cropping patterns in Bangladesh. The research data and informationhave been gen-erated based on previouslypublished, unpublished sources and own concept.Omission of K or im-balanced K are more influential for reduction in grain yield up to 47% in Boro (dry) season but N was most limiting up to 35% in T. Aman (wet) season. With existing fertilizer rates for growing rice, the balances of N and K are always negative. Balanced chemical fertilizer (NPKSZn) can be an option for improving crop productivity and maintain soil quality. Net ecosystem carbon (C) balances are posi-tive when 3 t ha-1 cow dung (CD), 2 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) and 2 t ha-1 vermicompost (VC) are used in combination with chemical fertilizers. Soil amendments with organic nutrient sources (rice straw, CD, PM, VC, legume crops) and rice based cropping patterns such as T. Aman-Mustard-Boro, Boro-Fallow-Fallow, Jute-T. Aman-Fallow, Wheat-Mungbean-T. Aman, Grass pea- T. Aus-T. Aman and Potato-Boro-T. Aman can be beneficial in improving soil C budget, soil nutrient ratio, total crop production and maintenance of environmental health that will meet SDGs goal. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 119-131, 2021

scholarly journals Stacking Agricultural Management Tactics to Promote Improvements in Soil Structure and Microbial Activities

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Michael Lehman ◽  
Shannon L. Osborne ◽  
Kimberly McGraw
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Agricultural Management ◽  
Residue Management ◽  
No Till ◽  
Management Tactics

Linking agricultural management tactics to quantifiable changes in soil health-related properties is a key objective for increasing adoption of the most favorable management practices. We used two long-term, no-till cropping studies to illustrate the variable patterns of response of soil structure indices and microbial activity to additional management tactics, including crop rotational diversity, residue management and cover cropping. We found that observable effects of management tactics on soil properties were often dependent on the current crop phase sampled, even though the treatments were well-established. In some cases, a single additional management tactic produced a response, two tactics each produced a response and sometimes there were interactions between tactics. However, importantly, we never observed a negative effect for any of the response variables when stacking soil health building practices in no-till cropping systems. The collective results from the two field studies illustrate that soil health improvements with stacking management tactics are not always simply additive and are affected by temporal relationships inherent to the treatments. We conclude that the implementation of multiple positive management tactics increases the likelihood that improvements in soil properties can be documented with one or more of the proxy measures for soil health.

scholarly journals Soil and Crop Management Strategies to Ensure Higher Crop Productivity within Sustainable Environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farooq Shah ◽  
Wei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Crop Management ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Integrated Crop Management

The rising population and reduction in the amount of land and some other resources have created tremendous pressure on current agricultural producers to meet the increasing food demands. To cope with this challenge, certain key inputs, such as fertilizers and other chemicals, are overused, which are worsening the surroundings. This intensive agricultural production without adherence to ecological sustainability has led to declining soil health, land degradation, and severe environmental problems. So, future efforts to feed the growing population should aim for greater agricultural production within sustainable environments. In this regard, innovative steps are needed, as business-as-usual policies lack the potential to cope with these challenges. The concept of agricultural sustainability and various soil and crop management strategies (SCMS) that have been designed to optimize crop yield under sustainable environmental conditions are discussed, including nutrient management, site specific nutrient management (SSNM), integrated nutrient management (INM), integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), integrated soil-crop system management (ISSM), ridge-furrow mulching systems (RFMS), sustainable water management (SWM), conservation agriculture (CA), sustainable land management (SLM), vertical/sky farming, and integrated crop management, and breeding strategies as well as other approaches combined with technological and behavioural changes. The present review suggests that a sustainable production system can be developed by combining the multifaceted efforts under SCMS practices with short- and long-term preventive measures. Reducing chemicals’ usage, such as that of fertilizers and pesticides, plus improvements in the crop input use efficiency could minimize greenhouse gases emissions while protecting the environment. Sustainable agriculture holds promise for humankind and the planet Earth, and it can be successful if all developed and developing nations stand together to seek ‘our common future’ to produce more food while generating less environmental pressure.

scholarly journals Yield maximization of maize through nutrient management

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
NU Mahamood ◽  
Z Ferdous ◽  
M Anwar ◽  
R Ali ◽  
M Sultana
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Negative Impacts

Unbalanced use of chemical fertilizer is a problem in the intensive cropping systems on the Northern part of Bangladesh. Proper nutrient management is essential to maximize maize production and sustain agricultural production while minimizing negative impacts on the soil fertility. The aim of the present study was to investigate nutrient dynamics, maize yields and soil fertility in response to balanced fertilization. A field experiment (2009–2010) was conducted at FSRD site Lahirirhat, OFRD, Rangpur during rabi season 2009-2010 to evaluate Maximizing maize production through nutrient management. Five treatments viz.T1= N300P50K150S30, T2=P50K150S30, T3= N300K150S30, T4= N300P50S30 and T5= N300P50K150were evaluated for this purpose. The result indicated that the highest grain yield (8.37 t/ha) was found from T1= N300P50K150S30 treatment. The lowest grain yield (7.33 t/ha) was obtained from T2=P50K150S30 treatment. The gross return (Tk.100107/ha) and gross margin (Tk.44951/ha) was higher with T1 and T3 treated plot. It may be concluded that proper nutrient management may be the good alternatives for maximizing maize yield and management of soil health at Rangpur region in Bangladesh.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 428-434, 2016

Enhancing Crop Productivity via Weed Suppression in Organic No-Till Cropping Systems in Santa Catarina, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 855-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel A. Altieri ◽  
Marcos A. Lana ◽  
Henrique V. Bittencourt ◽  
André S. Kieling ◽  
Jucinei J. Comin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
No Till

scholarly journals Toward greater sustainability: how investing in soil health may enhance maize productivity in Southern Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Christian Thierfelder ◽  
Eric Paterson ◽  
Lumbani Mwafulirwa ◽  
Tim J Daniell ◽  
Jill E Cairns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Soil C And N ◽  
C And N ◽  
Residue Retention

Abstract Climate change and soil fertility decline are major threats to smallholder farmers' food and nutrition security in southern Africa, and cropping systems that improve soil health are needed to address these challenges. Cropping systems that invest in soil organic matter, such as no-tillage (NT) with crop residue retention, have been proposed as potential solutions. However, a key challenge for assessing the sustainability of NT systems is that soil carbon (C) stocks develop over long timescales, and there is an urgent need to identify trajectory indicators of sustainability and crop productivity. Here we examined the effects of NT as compared with conventional tillage without residue retention on relationships between soil characteristics and maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in long-term on-farm and on-station trials in Zimbabwe. Our results show that relationships between soil characteristics and maize productivity, and the effects of management on these relationships, varied with soil type. Total soil nitrogen (N) and C were strong predictors of maize grain yield and above-ground biomass (i.e., stover) in the clayey soils, but not in the sandy soils, under both managements. This highlights context-specific benefits of management that fosters the accumulation of soil C and N stocks. Despite a strong effect of NT management on soil C and N in sandy soils, this accrual was not sufficient to support increased crop productivity in these soils. We suggest that sandy soils should be the priority target of NT with organic resource inputs interventions in southern Africa, as mineral fertilizer inputs alone will not halt the soil fertility decline. This will require a holistic management approach and input of C in various forms (e.g., biomass from cover crops and tree components, crop residues, in combination with mineral fertilizers). Clayey soils on the other hand have greater buffering capacity against detrimental effects of soil tillage and low C input.

A soil health scoring framework for arable cropping systems in Saskatchewan Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianyi Wu ◽  
Kate A. Congreves
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Scoring Functions ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Weighting Factors ◽  
The Individual

Farmers are looking for appropriate tools for assessing and interpreting the health status of their soils; however, there is no standardized and prairie-based soil health scoring framework. As such, we focused on developing one for arable cropping systems in Saskatchewan. In 2018, soil samples (0-15, 15-30, and 30-60 cm depths) were collected from 55 arable fields across Saskatchewan, along with native prairie samples. Various soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes were measured (23 attributes in total). Based on the data distribution for each attribute, we developed scoring functions. The results from multivariate analyses were used to determine the weighting factors needed to integrate the individual scores from each soil attribute into a single Saskatchewan Assessment of Soil Health (SASH) score. Soil C and N indices (soil organic C, active C, total N, and soil protein) and total P produced the highest weighting factors. We also tested if there were linkages between the soil health and crop productivity by assessing the cereal yields for the past 10 years as reported from the same rural municipalities where the soil samples were collected. A positive relationship between soil health and yields was most apparent during dry years; thus, we recommend further research to explore this linkage at a finer-scale. Overall, this research forms the foundation of a promising framework that can be built upon, and in due course, lead to the development of a tool for producers who are interested in tracking soil health and using the results to inform management.

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