Soil Particulate and Mineral-Associated Organic Matter Increases in Organic Farming under Cover Cropping and Manure Addition

This study aimed to investigate the soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration rate and soil organic matter (SOM) composition in conventional rotational cropping with mineral fertilization compared with organic cover cropping with and without composted manure addition during 2008–2018 to specify the SOM stabilization under different farming systems. The SOC proportion in particulate organic matter (POM) (63–2000 µm) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) (<63 µm) fractions were estimated in different treatments, and the SOM composition in the fractions was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The SOC sequestration rate was treatment-dependent, with the higher SOC sequestration rate (1.26 Mg ha−1 y−1) in the organic treatment with cover crop and composted manure. Across all treatments, 57.3%–77.8% of the SOC stock was in the MAOM fraction. Mineral N fertilization increased POM-C concentration by 19%–52% compared with the unfertilized control. Under the organic treatments, the POM-C concentration was 83%–95% higher than the control. The MAOM-C concentration increased by 8%–20%. The mineral N fertilization and organic treatments (with and without cover crops and composted manure) increased the SOC stock proportion of POM. The highest proportion of SOC stock related to POM was in the cover cropping system, reducing the proportion of C related to the MAOM fraction, but the addition of composted manure with cover cropping also increased the proportion of C in MAOM. Compared with MAOM, the POM had a less resistant organic matter composition, and the POM resistance was higher in organic than conventional treatments. In general, the recalcitrance of SOM increased with SOC concentration. The POM fraction had higher aromaticity (or degree of decomposition) than the MAOM fraction. The aromaticity in POM and MAOM fractions was higher in the organic farming system and depended on mineral N fertilization and cover cropping, but the effect of manure was not significant. Although the SOC sequestration rate was higher under manure addition, resulting in the highest formation of both POM and MAOM in the soil, manure addition had little effect on overall SOM composition compared with cover crops.

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Production of cabbage grown in pots containing legumes' root and shoot

Revista CERES ◽

10.1590/s0034-737x2012000500015 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 59 (5) ◽

pp. 689-694 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thiago de Oliveira Vargas ◽

Ellen Rúbia Diniz ◽

Ricardo Henrique Silva Santos ◽

Alysson Roberto de Almeida ◽

Segundo Urquiaga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Block Design ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Dry Weight ◽

N Fertilization ◽

Recommended Dose ◽

Legume Species ◽

Mineral Fertilization ◽

Mineral N ◽

Plant Parts ◽

Whole Plant

Roots effect is not generally considered in studies assessing the performance of crops in response to green manuring. However, such effect can contribute to a better understanding of crop rotation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of root and shoot of two legumes on the production of cabbage. The experiment was conducted in pots of 10 liters containing substrate of 2:1 soil/sand. The experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme (2x3 + 2) in a randomized block design with five replicates using two legume species (Crotalaria juncea L. and Canavalia ensiformis L), three plant parts (root, shoot, or whole plant), and two additional treatments (mineral fertilization with 100% and 50% of the recommended dose of N for growing cabbage). Pots with legume treatments received mineral fertilizer with 50% of the recommended dose of N for growing cabbage. The experimental plot consisted of a pot containing one plant of cabbage. Legumes were grown in pots and harvested at 78 days. The root biomass was determined in extra pots. Production was assessed using head fresh and dry weight. The application of the whole plant of both legume species reduced cabbage production. However, root or shoot of both legume species was equivalent to 50% of mineral N fertilization required for the cultivation of cabbage.

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Maize productivity in succession to cover crops, nitrogen fertilization and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense

Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental ◽

10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v23n12p966-971 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (12) ◽

pp. 966-971

Author(s):

Antônio C. dos Santos Júnior ◽

Marco A. C. de Carvalho ◽

Oscar M. Yamashita ◽

Tauan R. Tavanti ◽

Renan F. R. Tavanti

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Nitrogen Fertilization ◽

Azospirillum Brasilense ◽

Block Design ◽

Nitrogen Concentration ◽

Pigeon Pea ◽

N Fertilization ◽

Mineral N ◽

Maize Production ◽

Maize Productivity

ABSTRACT The use of microorganisms in agriculture such as Azospirillum brasilense and the cultivation of cover crops in the off season, together with nitrogen fertilization, may be interesting alternatives to increase crop yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, production and nitrogen concentration of maize grown in succession to cover crops and their interactions with A. brasilense inoculation and topdressing mineral N fertilization. The experiment was conducted on Oxisol, in randomized block design in split-split-plot scheme with four repetitions. The plots consisted of four cover crops: jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis), dwarf pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilis) and spontaneous vegetation. In the subplots, with or without inoculation of A. brasilense in maize seeds, and in the sub-subplots: with or without topdressing N fertilization. It was verified that jackbean can generate increments of up to 8.3% in grains per ear, 6.9% in length of ear and 15.2% in mass of one hundred grains. Consequently, the grain yield was higher in this treatment (18%). The inoculation with A. brasilense and topdressing N fertilization did not generate significant increments in maize production components, as observed for cover crops.

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Cover Crops

Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Investments in the Green Economy - Advances in Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-2075-7.ch009 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 257-281 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vladan Ugrenović ◽

Vladimir Filipović

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Organic Farming ◽

Soil Quality ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Crop Rotations ◽

Multiple Role ◽

Pests And Diseases ◽

Organic Farming Systems

The use of cover crops is widespread practice in organic farming systems. Cover crops can be defined as crops that are usually not grown commercially, and can have a multiple role in crop rotations. The benefit of cover crops has been known since long. Legumes are used as biological fixer of nitrogen for the next crop, and are established during periods when the soil is without major crops in order to reduce erosion. In recent years, the role of cover crops has been extended to the biocontrol of weeds, pests and diseases, as well as to the overall improvement of soil quality by increasing organic matter, encouraging the circulation of nutrients and reducing soil compaction. At the same time, their use tends to reduce costs and even create new sources of income on the farm.

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640 Sustainable Cropping Systems

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.34.3.558a ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 558A-558

Author(s):

Chad M. Hutchinson ◽

Milton E. McGiffen

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Organic Soil ◽

Reduced Tillage ◽

Conventional Agriculture ◽

Green Waste

The goals of sustainable agriculture include decreased reliance on synthetic nutrients and pesticides and improved environmental quality for the long-term benefit of the land, livelihood of growers, and their communities. Cropping systems that maximize these goals use alternative fertility and pest control options to produce crops with minimal soil erosion and nutrient leaching. Cropping system elements that can help achieve these goals include: reduced tillage, cover crops, and organic soil amendments. Cover crops are grown before the cash crop and used to replenish the soil with nitrogen and organic matter. Cover crops often also influence pest populations and can be selected based on site-specific growing conditions. Cover crops can be mulched on the soil surface to prevent erosion and weed emergence or can be tilled directly into the soil to incorporate nitrogen and organic matter. Green waste mulch is an increasingly used soil amendment. Many municipalities are encouraging farmers to use green waste mulch in farming systems as an alternative to green waste disposal in landfills. Reduced tillage was once restricted to large-seeded field crops but recent technical advances have made it a feasible option for vegetables and other horticultural crops. Alternative farming practices; however, are still only used by a small minority of growers. Increases in price for organic produce and changes in laws governing farming operations may increase adoption of alternatives to conventional agriculture.

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Long-term organic farming on a citrus plantation results in soil organic carbon recovery

Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica ◽

10.18172/cig.3794 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 271 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

A. Novara ◽

M. Pulido ◽

J. Rodrigo-Comino ◽

S. Di Prima ◽

P. Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Organic Farming ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Organic Management ◽

Soil C ◽

Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration ◽

Sequestration Rate ◽

Mediterranean Conditions

It has been shown that soil management under organic farming can enhance soil organic carbon, thereby mitigating atmospheric greenhouse gas increases, but until now quantitative evaluations based on long term experiments are scarce, especially under Mediterranean conditions. Changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) content were examined in response to organic management with cover crops in a Mediterranean citrus plantation using 21 years of survey data. Soil organic carbon increase was more apparent 5 years after a land management change suggesting that, for citrus plantations on Mediterranean conditions, studies should be longer than five years in duration. Soil organic carbon sequestration rate did not significantly change during the 21 years of observation, with values ranging from -1.10 Mg C ha-1 y-1 to 1.89 Mg C ha-1 y-1. After 21 years, 61 Mg CO2 ha-1 were sequestered in long-lived soil C pools. These findings demonstrate that organic management is an effective strategy to restore or increase SOC content in Mediterranean citrus systems.

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Evolution of Soil Biochemical Parameters in Rainfed Crops: Effect of Organic and Mineral Fertilization

Applied and Environmental Soil Science ◽

10.1155/2012/826236 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marta M. Moreno ◽

Carmen Moreno ◽

Carlos Lacasta ◽

Ramón Meco

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Microbial Biomass ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Crop Residues ◽

Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽

Cropping System ◽

Biomass Carbon ◽

Biological Fixation ◽

Mineral Fertilization

In organic farming, crop fertilization is largely based on the decomposition of organic matter and biological fixation of nutrients. It is therefore necessary to develop studies conducted to know and understand the soil biological processes for the natural nutrient supplies. The effect of three fertilizer managements (chemical with synthetic fertilizers, organic with 2500 kg compost ha−1, and no fertilizer) in a rainfed crop rotation (durum wheat-fallow-barley-vetch as green manure) on different soil biochemical parameters in semi-arid conditions was investigated. Soil organic matter, microbial biomass carbon, organic matter mineralization, CO2production-to-ATP ratio, and NO3-N content were analysed. Fertilization was only applied to cereals. The results showed the scarce effect of the organic fertilization on soil quality, which resulted more dependent on weather conditions. Only soil organic matter and NO3-N were affected by fertilization (significantly higher in the inorganic treatment, 1.28 g 100 g−1and 17.3 ppm, resp.). Soil organic matter was maintained throughout the study period by the inclusion of a legume in the cropping system and the burying of crop residues. In fallow, soil microbial biomass carbon increased considerably (816 ng g−1), and NO3-N at the end of this period was around 35 ppm, equivalent to 100 kg N ha−1.

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Soil Fertility, N2 Fixation and Yield of Chickpea as Influenced by Long-Term Biochar Application under Mung–Chickpea Cropping System

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12219008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (21) ◽

pp. 9008

Author(s):

Shadman Khan ◽

Zahir Shah ◽

Ishaq Ahmad Mian ◽

Khadim Dawar ◽

Muhammad Tariq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Cropping System ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Mineral Nitrogen ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Soil Parameters ◽

Mineral N ◽

Total N

A research study was established at the research farm of the University of Agriculture, Peshawar during winter 2018–2019. Commercial biochars were given to the experimental site from 2014 to summer 2018 and received 0.95, 130 and 60 tons ha−1 of biochar by various treatments viz., (Biochar1) BC1, (Biochar2) BC2, (Biochar3) BC3 and (Biochar4) BC4, respectively. This piece of work was conducted within the same study to find the long-term influence of biochar on the fertility of the soil, fixation of N2, as well as the yie1d of chickpea under a mung–chickpea cropping system. A split plot arrangement was carried out by RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) to evaluate the study. Twenty-five kilograms of N ha−1 were given as a starter dosage to every plot. Phosphorous and potassium were applied at two levels (half (45:30 kg ha−1) and full (90:60 kg ha−1) recommended doses) to each of the four biochar treatments. The chickpea crop parameters measured were the numbers and masses of the nodules, N2 fixation and grain yield. Soil parameters recorded were Soil Organic Matter (SOM), total N and mineral N. The aforementioned soil parameters were recorded after harvesting. The results showed that nodulation in chickpea, grain yield and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced by phosphorous and potassium mineral fertilizers. The application of biochar 95 tons ha−1 significantly enhanced number of nodules i-e (122), however statistically similar response in terms of nodules number was also noted with treatment of 130 tons ha−1. The results further revealed a significant difference in terms of organic matter (OM) (%) between the half and full mineral fertilizer treatments. With the application of 130 tons ha−1 of biochar, the OM enhanced from 1.67% in the control treatment, to 2.59%. However, total and mineral nitrogen were not statistically enhanced by the mineral fertilizer treatment. With regard to biochar treatments, total and mineral N enhanced when compared with the control treatment. The highest total N of 0.082% and mineral nitrogen of 73 mg kg−1 in the soil were recorded at 130 tons ha−1 of biochar, while the lowest total N (0.049%) and mineral nitrogen (54 mg kg−1) in the soil were recorded in the control treatment. The collaborative influence of mineral fertilizers and biochars was found to be generally non-significant for most of the soil and plant parameters. It could be concluded that the aforementioned parameters were greater for treatments receiving biochar at 95 tons or more per hectare over the last several years, and that the combination of lower doses of mineral fertilizers further improved the performance of biochar.

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Weeds Management In Organic Farming Through Conservation Agriculture Practices

Journal of Agriculture and Environment ◽

10.3126/aej.v13i0.7589 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 60-66 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Khagendra Raj Baral

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Organic Farming ◽

Weed Control ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Weed Management ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Plant Production ◽

Soil Protection ◽

Weed Seed ◽

Agriculture And Environment

Despite weeds are a serious threat to promotion of organic farming, relatively less attention is given to research on weed management. This article explores a scope of integration of conservation agriculture for weed control and soil protection under organic farming. Limitation in the use of agro-chemicals under OF promotes intensive tillage for weed control. Mostly, tillage leads to depletion of organic matter and proneness to erosion in inclined geography. Adoption of conservation agriculture reduces the intensity of soil manipulation thereby creates an unfavourable condition for weed seed germination, reduces the organic matter depletions and soil erosions. Residues on the surface invite weed and pest predators thereby reduced the weed and pest infestations in organic field. Appropriate crop rotations and cover crops management suppress weeds populations with smothering and allopathic effects. Thus, CA integration under OF could be an option for weed, pest and soil management which leads to sustainable organic plant production. The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:13, Jun.2012, Page 60-66 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/aej.v13i0.7589

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Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping enhances soil fertility and weed seedbank dynamics in a Mediterranean apricot orchard

Agronomy for Sustainable Development ◽

10.1007/s13593-021-00721-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Aurelio Scavo ◽

Alessia Restuccia ◽

Cristina Abbate ◽

Sara Lombardo ◽

Stefania Fontanazza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Quality ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Soil Health ◽

Soil Surface ◽

Trifolium Subterraneum ◽

Management Control ◽

Exchangeable K ◽

Cover Cropping ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe soils of Mediterranean semiarid environments are commonly characterized by low levels of organic matter and mineral elements, as well as severe weed infestations, which, taken together, cause an intensive use of auxiliary inputs (tillage, fertilizers, herbicides). Although cover crops are recognized to sustainably improve soil health, the impact of Trifolium subterraneum L. cover cropping needs specific attention. This research investigates for the first time the effects over 4 years of T. subterraneum and spontaneous flora cover crops, after either incorporating their dead mulches into the soil or leaving them on the soil surface, on soil organic matter (SOM), macroelements, mineral nitrogen, microelements, and weed seedbank dynamics as indicators of soil quality in an apricot orchard. Compared to a conventional management control, the T. subterraneum cover crop with the burying of dead mulch into the soil increased the amount of SOM (+ 15%), ammoniacal (+ 194%) and nitric (+ 308%) nitrogen, assimilable P2O5 (+ 5%), exchangeable K2O (+ 14%), exchangeable Na (+ 32%), exchangeable K (+ 16%), Fe (+ 15%), Mn (+ 28%), Zn (+ 36%), and Cu (+ 24%), while it decreased the weed seedbank size (‒ 54%) and enhanced weed biodiversity. These findings suggest that T. subterraneum cover cropping may be an environment-friendly tool to enhance soil quality and limit auxiliary input supply in Mediterranean orchards.

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Effects of long-term fertilisation on soil organic carbon sequestration after a 34-year rice-wheat rotation in Taihu Lake Basin

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/478/2020-pse ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (No. 1) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Fang He ◽

Lin-lin Shi ◽

Jing-cheng Tian ◽

Li-juan Mei

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Cropping System ◽

Lake Basin ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Mineral N ◽

Organic Fertiliser ◽

Sequestration Rate ◽

Soc Fractions

To evaluate the long-term effects of fertilisation on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in rice-wheat cropping ecosystems, SOC dynamics, stocks and fractionation were determined. The treatments included no fertiliser, mineral N and P, mineral N, P and K, organic fertiliser (OF), OF plus NP and OF plus NPK. The results showed that the average carbon inputs that derived from crop stubble, root residues and organic fertilisers were between 1.47 and 4.33 t/ha/year over the past 34 years. The average SOC stocks measured in the samples collected in 2011–2013 ranged from 31.20 to 38.52 t/ha. The range of the SOC sequestration rate was 0.11–0.40 t/ha/year with a SOC sequestration efficiency of 6.3%. Overall, organic fertilisation significantly promoted C-input, SOC and the sequestration rate compared to mineral fertilisation. The "active pool" (very labile and labile fractions) and "passive pool" (less labile and recalcitrant fractions) accounted for about 71.0% and 29.0% of the SOC fractions, respectively. Significant positive relationships between C-inputs and SOC fractions indicated that SOC was not saturated in this typical rice-wheat cropping system, and fertilisation, especially organic amendment, is an effective SOC strategy sequestration.

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