scholarly journals Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) Mediate the Fertilizing Effect of Frass

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent ◽  
Guillaume Daoulas ◽  
Michel-Pierre Faucon ◽  
David Houben
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Lumbricus Terrestris ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Insect Rearing ◽  
Fertilizing Effect ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
The Impact

With the forecasted dramatic growth of insect rearing in the near future, frass (insect excreta) has been increasingly considered a sustainable resource for managing plant nutrition in cropping systems and a promising alternative to conventional fertilizer. However, the impact of soil fauna on its fertilizing effect has not been investigated so far. In this study, we investigated the effect of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) uptake and crop growth in the presence of frass from mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Using a pot experiment, we found that earthworms increased N, P, K and Ca concentration in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the presence of frass, suggesting that earthworm activity enhances the short-term recycling of nutrients from frass. Compared to treatments with and without frass and earthworms, the specific leaf area of barley was the highest in the presence of both earthworms and frass. This confirms that earthworms and frass have a synergistic effect on soil fertility. Overall, our study shows that earthworms may improve the efficiency of organic fertilizers and argues therefore for the importance of developing sustainable agricultural practices that promote earthworm populations.

Heterogeneous Effects of Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Micro-evidence from Malawi

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-374
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Maggio ◽  
Solomon Asfaw
Keyword(s):  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Heterogeneous Effects ◽  
Hybrid Seeds ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Temperature Records ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Abstract Are the effects of sustainable agricultural practices heterogeneous across agro-ecology and wealth in Malawi? Would a wealth-enhancing policy be associated with increased effectiveness of these practices? Focusing on a nationally representative set of Malawian agricultural households, the article answers the above questions by employing plot-level panel data matched with a set of geo-referenced rainfall and temperature records. The findings suggest a positive correlation between aggregate yield and the adoption of organic fertilizer. A similar result holds for legume intercropping and for hybrid seeds, which are associated to reductions in yield volatility between the two waves. Nevertheless, these effects appear heterogeneous across the agro-ecological zone of adoption, since a reduced number of farmers in selected locations can improve yields through the adoption of these practices. Further exploration suggests that less wealthy households show higher returns when adopting hybrid seeds or legume intercropping. Wealthier households, in contrast, report high yield only when treated with technology-enhancing practices, such as organic fertilizers and soil erosion control measures.

scholarly journals Water uptake patterns of pea and barley responded to drought but not to cropping systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Sun ◽  
Valentin H. Klaus ◽  
Raphaël Wittwer ◽  
Yujie Liu ◽  
Marcel G. A. van der Heijden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Uptake ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Plant Water ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Plant Water Uptake ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Water Uptake Patterns

Abstract. Agricultural production is under threat of water scarcity due to increasingly frequent and severe drought events under climate change. Whether a change in cropping systems can be used as an effective adaptation strategy against drought is still unclear. We investigated how plant water uptake patterns of a field-grown pea-barley (Pisum sativum L. and Hordeum vulgare L.) mixture, an important fodder crop, responded to experimental drought under four cropping systems, i.e., organic intensive tillage, conventional intensive tillage, conventional no-tillage, and organic reduced tillage. Drought was simulated after crop establishment using rain shelters. Proportional contributions to plant water uptake from different soil layers were estimated based on stable water isotopes using Bayesian mixing models. Pea plants always took up proportionally more water from shallower depths than barley plants. Water uptake patterns of neither species were affected by cropping systems. Both species showed similar responses to the drought simulation and increased their proportional contributions from shallow soil layer (0–20 cm) in all cropping systems. Our results highlight the impact of drought on plant water uptake patterns for two important crop species and suggest that cropping systems might not be as successful as adaptation strategies against drought as previously thought.

Long-term influence of cropping systems, tillage methods, and N sources on nitrate leaching

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Izaurralde ◽  
Y. Feng ◽  
J. A. Robertson ◽  
W. B. McGill ◽  
N. G. Juma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Nitrogen Loss ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Triticum Aestivum L ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Fertilizer N ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Forest Sites

The extent of nitrate leaching in cultivated soils of Alberta is unknown. We studied how long- and short-term agricultural practices influenced nitrate leaching in a cryoboreal subhumid soil-climate of north-central Alberta. The study used plots from three crop rotation-tillage studies at Breton on an Orthic Gray Luvisol, and from one at Ellerslie on an Orthic Black Chernozem. Soil samples were taken in the fall of 1993 from selected treatments as well as native forest sites in 0.3-m depth increments from 0 to 3.9 m and analyzed for NO3-N. No NO3− were found under native forest vegetation. NO3-N accumulated below 0.9-m depth of agricultural ecosystems cultivated for as long as 64 yr ranged from 0 to 67 kg N ha−1. At Breton, fallow-wheat rotation plots receiving fertilizer N and manure contained eight times more NO3-N below 0.9 m depth than non-fertilized plots. NO3-N levels in an 8-yr legume-based rotation and in continuous-barley plots were similar but greater than in continuous-forage plots. Eighty-seven percent of NO3− found under continuous barley occurred below the root zone compared with only 35% in the 8-yr rotation. At Ellerslie, NO3-N mass was related to fertilizer N and mineralization of soil organic matter. Increased efforts should be directed towards better synchronizing N release from or addition to soils with plant uptake. Evidence of greater nitrate leaching under zero tillage than under conventional warrants further confirmation. Key words: Nitrogen loss, fallow, Hordeum vulgare L., Triticum aestivum L., manure, legumes, synthetic fertilizer

scholarly journals Farmer’s Perception, Agricultural Subsidies, and Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices: A Case from Mongolia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1524
Author(s):  
Buyannemekh Puntsagdorj ◽  
Dulamragchaa Orosoo ◽  
Xuexi Huo ◽  
Xianli Xia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Significant Negative Impact ◽  
Production Behavior ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
The Impact

The farmers’ sustainable production behavior is viewed as the frontline measure that accomplishes sustainable development in agriculture. Finding ways to support farmers’ adoption of sustainable agriculture practices (SAP) has become an issue of concern for researchers and policymakers. The paper aimed to investigate the impact of the current subsidy policy and other key variables on the adoption behavior of the Mongolian wheat growers. The generalized structural equation modeling was employed along with the protection motivation theory framework. The results show that the farmers who perceive high severity and vulnerability of soil erosion are more likely to adopt the SAPs. Moreover, the perceived efficacy of the practices and the farmers’ perceived self competency contribute to the decision. The information and training are positively associated with adoption. We also reveal differences between the regions on adoption. Soil fertility has a significant negative impact. Finally, government subsidies are found to have no effect as these subsidies are not intended to promote sustainability. The study findings suggest that increasing farmers’ awareness of the harmful effects of growth-oriented production practices, giving related information, and providing training and resources for the use of SAPs that are appropriate to the specific region. The results have implications for developing a policy targeted to promote the adoption of SAPs.

scholarly journals The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Organisms: Lessons Learnt from Market-gardens

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Coraline Moulin ◽  
Victor Vaillant ◽  
Jean-Louis Diman ◽  
Valérie Angeon ◽  
Fred Burner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fauna ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Type A ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Intensive Agriculture ◽  
Type B ◽  
Taxonomic Richness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Intensive agriculture practices have an important impact on soil biota, which can affect dramatically soil quality. In order to limit this impact, alternative agricultural practices are more and more applied. However, these practices are still in progress and thus, it is necessary to investigate their impact on soil activity. In this context, we studied the impact of agricultural practices (intensive and agroecological) in vegetable cropping systems in Guadeloupe. The first aim of this study was to identify practices developed in vegetable cropping systems and explain their level of eco-agriculture. We conducted a survey on the whole territory which gave us a better understanding of vegetable cropping systems in Guadeloupe. We selected a representative subset of 18 farms located on vertisols. The second aim of the study was to establish a typology of cropping practices in these vegetable cropping systems in vertisol. We performed a PCA and a HCA on the 18 farms. These methods allowed us to build a typology in which farms were distributed between two types. In type A, farmers are using intensive agricultural practices while in type B, farmers are using alternative agroecological farming practices. Then, we collected soil fauna, during the rainy season in type A and type B farms in order to demonstrate the relationship between cropping systems and the quality of soils proxied by biological indicators. We hypothesized that the use of synthetic fertilizers and herbicides in intensive agriculture affected soil fauna activity. The results showed no significant difference between soil fauna abundance in both types. However, the taxonomic richness and the abundance of litter transformers were higher in type B. Taxonomic richness and soil fauna functional diversity thus strongly depend on agricultural practices in vegetables cropping systems in Guadeloupe.

scholarly journals Impact of Climate Change on Arable Crops among Farmers in Akko Local Government, Gombe State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
I. S. Odeleye ◽  
N. G. Nzohulato ◽  
M. A. Muhamman ◽  
O. O. Akpama ◽  
N. K. Dedan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Drought Period ◽  
Arable Crops ◽  
Cropping Patterns ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
The Impact

The study was conducted on the impact of climate change on arable crops production among farmers in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was adopted selecting one hundred and fifty respondents. Both primary and secondary data were collected covering a period of five years. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics. The research found that male farmers within the age bracket of 20-40 years dominate the farming system, with 62.2% being married and having one form of formal education or the other. The result indicated that 92.9% of the respondents are aware of climate change and are predominantly small land holders. The farmers highlighted increased in drought period, higher temperature, erosion, desert encroachment, loss of vegetation and reduced vegetation as effects of climate change. It was revealed that 92.9% of the respondents’ cropping patterns have been affected by climate change. To cope with these effects, farmers diversify their enterprises. The findings show that farming activities such as deforestation, clean clearing, bush burning, open grazing contributes to climate change. The amount of rainfall experienced from 2015-2019 in the area was moderate. The respondents use farmers’ saved seed as planting materials with 62.2% comprising of improved seed. The result indicates that over 95% of the sampled population uses synthetic and organic fertilizers in soil management. From the result, 52.0% of the respondents obtained good yield during the period under study. However, farmers engaged in different cropping systems to mitigate the effect of climate change. It is recommended that extension services should be improved to educate farmers more on adaptation strategies to increase output; Research Institutes should develop more advance or improved seeds as well as disseminate same to farmers timely and adequately.

scholarly journals Meta-Analysis Approach to Assess the Effects of Soil Tillage and Fertilization Source under Different Cropping Systems

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 823
Author(s):  
Mohamed Allam ◽  
Emanuele Radicetti ◽  
Verdiana Petroselli ◽  
Roberto Mancinelli
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Reduced Tillage ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
The Impact

Crop yield under reduced tillage (RT) practices is a concern for sustainable production worldwide because it is related to different environmental and agronomic factors than conventionally tilled soils. This study aimed to evaluate how climate, soil, and farming practices could affect crop yield under RT, especially under different sources of fertilisation [mineral (M), mineral + organic (MO), and organic (O)]. Multilevel meta-analysis was adopted. The analysis was performed taking into consideration environmental conditions, soil properties, crop rotation, and crop species. Only studies that reported the interaction effect of soil tillage and nutrients management on grain yield were included. The results suggest that the impact of soil tillage and fertilisation sources on crop yield depended on crop species. Using reduced tillage practices, adopting only organic nutrient sources could produce enough grains for legume crops. However, combining both inorganic and organic fertilizers added benefits for cereal crops in terms of grain yield production. This study highlights how conservation tillage practices could be affected by environmental and agronomic factors.

scholarly journals Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Farm Income and Food Security among Rural Households in Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Hanan Abdallah ◽  
Awal Abdul-Rahman ◽  
Gazali Issahaku
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Rural Households ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Welfare Benefits ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Sustainable agriculture has been recognized in the literature as one of the important pathways to ensuring food systems and livelihoods among rural households in Africa. Using data from the ‘Intensification of Food Crops Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (Afrint)’ project, we examine the impact of adoption of multiple sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) - zero-tillage, intercropping, residue incorporation and animal manure - on farm incomes and food security (captures as self-sufficiency in food production-SSF) among African rural households. Multinomial endogenous treatment effect (METE) method is applied to control potential selection bias. In addition, the multivalued treatment effects (MTE) model and dose-response-functions (DRFs) are also used to examine the treatment effects heterogeneity associated with SAPs adoption. The study reveals that joint adoption of SAPs is increased farm income and food security relative to the adoption of a single practice. Households obtain significantly higher farm income (FI) and food security (FS) via adoption of at least three practices relative to households adopting less than three practices. These findings reaffirm the benefits of adopting SAPs as a package rather than single practice, to enable farm households to derive significant welfare benefits.

scholarly journals Genotoxic Evaluation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Different Three Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes to Explore the Stress-Resistant Molecules

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 6710
Author(s):  
Inese Kokina ◽  
Ilona Plaksenkova ◽  
Renata Galek ◽  
Marija Jermaļonoka ◽  
Elena Kirilova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hordeum Vulgare ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Chlorophyll Synthesis ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Yield Enhancement ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Fe3o4 Nps ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
The Relationship

Sustainable agricultural practices are still essential due to soil degradation and crop losses. Recently, the relationship between plants and nanoparticles (NPs) attracted scientists’ attention, especially for applications in agricultural production as nanonutrition. Therefore, the present research was carried out to investigate the effect of Fe3O4 NPs at low concentrations (0, 1, 10, and 20 mg/L) on three genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings grown in hydroponic conditions. Significant increases in seedling growth, enhanced chlorophyll quality and quantity, and two miRNA expression levels were observed. Additionally, increased genotoxicity was observed in seedlings grown with NPs. Generally, Fe3O4 NPs at low concentrations could be successfully used as nanonutrition for increasing barley photosynthetic efficiency with consequently enhanced yield. These results are important for a better understanding of the potential impact of Fe3O4 NPs at low concentrations in agricultural crops and the potential of these NPs as nanonutrition for barley growth and yield enhancement. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of these NPs on the expression of resistance-related genes and chlorophyll synthesis-related gene expression in treated barley seedlings.

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