Cover Crop Introduction in a Mediterranean Maize Cropping System. Effects on Soil Variables and Yield

Cover crops (CCs) are able to affect subsequent crop behaviour by acting on many soil variables and affecting the dynamics of different ecological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of introducing CC in continuous-maize cropping systems within Mediterranean areas. The experimental site was located in Central Italy, on a sandy loam and the research activity was carried out over two years (2019–2020). The two cropping systems in comparison differed from each other in terms of the CC cultivation: TR (treated, with CC) and CO (control, without CC). In both years, we observed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of soil nitrate and water content for the TR system. In the shallowest layer (0–30 cm), nitrate content was reduced by up −80% and −65% (July 2019 and 2020), whereas soil moisture showed decreases ranging from −13% (July 2019) to −34% (May 2019). In 2019, the TR-maize (Zea mays L.) yield was statistically lower than CO (−443 g dm m−2), whereas in 2020 the yields of the two systems resulted statistically equivalent. This different behaviour can be explained with the serious delay in the CC sowing occurred in 2019 (12 December). Conversely, an increase in the apparent remaining N in the soil (+140 and +133 kg N ha−1 for 2019 and 2020, respectively) and in the C (carbon) inputs (+4.78 and +7.39 t dm ha−1 of biomass) were pointed out for the TR system. The large use of inputs in Mediterranean maize cropping systems limited some of the benefits from CCs, but their suitability has to be evaluated by considering all the involved effects, some of which need a long time to become appreciable.

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Effects of Temporal Crop β Diversification of a Cereal-Based Cropping System on Generalist Predators and Their Biocontrol Potential

Frontiers in Agronomy ◽

10.3389/fagro.2021.704979 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Giovanni Antonio Puliga ◽

Jan Thiele ◽

Hauke Ahnemann ◽

Jens Dauber

Keyword(s):

Crop Rotation ◽

Pest Control ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Generalist Predators ◽

Activity Density ◽

Biocontrol Potential ◽

Natural Pest Control ◽

Predation Rates

In agroecosystems, crop diversification plays a fundamental role in maintaining and regenerating biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as natural pest control. Temporal diversification of cropping systems can affect the presence and activity of natural enemies by providing alternative hosts and prey, food, and refuges for overwintering. However, we still lack studies on the effects of temporal diversification on generalist predators and their biocontrol potential conducted at field scale in commercial agricultural settings. Here, we measured proxies of ecosystem functions related with biological pest control in 29 commercial agricultural fields characterized by cereal-based cropping system in Lower-Saxony, northern Germany. The fields differed in the number of crops and cover crops cultivated during the previous 12 years. Using the Rapid Ecosystem Function Assessment approach, we measured invertebrate predation, seed predation and activity density of generalist predators. We aimed at testing whether the differences in the crop rotations from the previous years would affect activity of predators and their predation rates in the current growing season. We found that the length of the crop rotation had neutral effects on the proxies measured. Furthermore, predation rates were generally lower if the rotation comprised a higher number of cover crops compared to rotation with less cover crops. The activity density of respective taxa of predatory arthropods responded differently to the number of cover crops in the crop rotation. Our results suggest that temporal crop diversity may not benefit the activity and efficiency of generalist predators when diversification strategies involve crops of very similar functional traits. Adding different resources and traits to the agroecosystems through a wider range of cultivated crops and the integration of semi-natural habitats are aspects that need to be considered when developing more diverse cropping systems aiming to provide a more efficient natural pest control.

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Epigeal fauna and soil attributes in a cover-cropped organic vegetable system

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20200842 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (8) ◽

Author(s):

Sandra Santana de Lima ◽

Dérique Biassi ◽

Cyndi dos Santos Ferreira ◽

Priscila Silva Matos ◽

Lucas Vasconcelos Rocha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Secondary Forest ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Block Design ◽

Solanum Melongena ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Cropping System ◽

Positive Association ◽

Forest Site

ABSTRACT: This study assessed the effect of cover crop biomass on the epigeal fauna of an organic eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cropping system. A randomized block design was used, with four cover crop treatments: brachiaria, crotalaria, millet, and cocktail (brachiaria, crotalaria and millet). The epigeal faunal indices were determined at each plot. The epigeal fauna of a secondary forest site was also assessed for comparison. Epigeal individuals were collected using pitfall traps at two sampling periods (110 and 180 days after mowing cover crops). Soil samples were collected for determination of physical and chemic properties. 2032 individuals were captured in the first sampling and 3806 individuals in the second. The highest values of wealth in the first collection were observed in the millet and cocktail areas. Cluster analysis showed similarity of epigeal faunal groups between millet and brachiaria plots at the first sampling and between cocktail and crotalaria sites at the second sampling. Co-inertia analysis showed a significant covariance between epigeal fauna at the second sampling and soil properties. The cover crops management had a beneficial influence on the activity, wealth and ecological indexes, in both sampling periods. The positive association observed between epigeal faunal groups and soil physical and chemical properties demonstrates the efficiency of cover crops in improving soil quality in organic cropping systems.

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Cover crops use in Midwestern US agriculture: perceived benefits and net returns

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170518000194 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 38-48 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alejandro Plastina ◽

Fangge Liu ◽

Fernando Miguez ◽

Sarah Carlson

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Crop Production ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Cost Share ◽

Conservation Practice ◽

Net Returns ◽

Soil Sustainability ◽

Pros And Cons

AbstractDespite being generally accepted as a promising conservation practice to reduce nitrate pollution and promote soil sustainability, cover crop adoption in Midwestern US agriculture is low. Based on focus groups, surveys and partial budgets, we calculated the annual net returns to cover crop use for farmers in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota; and elicited farmers’ perceptions about the pros and cons of incorporating cover crops to their row cropping systems. The novelty of our methodology resides in comparing each farmer's practices in the portion of their cropping system with cover crops (typically small), against their practices in the other portion of their cropping system without cover crops. The resulting comparisons, accounting for farmer heterogeneity, are more robust than the typical effects calculated by comparing indicators across cover crop users and unrelated non-adopters. Our results highlight the complicated nature of integrating cover crops into the crop production system and show that cover crops affect whole farm profitability through several channels besides establishment and termination costs. Despite farmers’ positive perceptions about cover crops and the availability of cost-share programs, calculated annual net returns to cover crops use were negative for most participants.

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Isotopic evidence reveals persistent microbial residues in soil

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-14108 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kirsten Hofmockel ◽

Sheryl Bell ◽

Chris Kasanke

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Research ◽

Sandy Loam ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Bulk Soil ◽

Research Station ◽

Geochemical Reactions ◽

Silty Loam ◽

Selective Preservation ◽

Microbial Residues

Microbial derivatives and necromass are dominant sources of soil organic matter (SOM), yet the specific microbiological and geochemical reactions leading to the persistence of microbial compounds in SOM remains to be discovered. Identification of the microbial taxa and classes of microbial-derived compounds that are selectively preserved may enhance our ability to manage SOM, particularly in agroecosystems. We examined how perennial and annual biofuel cropping systems influence the production and selective preservation of microbial residues. Our experiment was replicated on a sandy and a silty loam to test the relative importance of microbial (biotic) and mineral (abiotic) filters on necromass accumulation and persistence. Using a 13C-labeling incubation experiment, we tested the effects of cropping system and soil texture on the production and persistence of microbial-derived residues. Soils were collected from sandy loams at the Kellogg Biological Station (MI, USA) and silty loams at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station (WI, USA). These soils were amended with 13C-labeled glucose, which was rapidly incorporated into microbial biomass. After 2 months, ~50% of the added 13C remained in the bulk soil. Approximately 30% of the 13C remaining in the bulk soil was recovered in the lipid, protein, and metabolite pools. Lipids contained the most 13C (16%) and the contribution was similar in both soils. Both soils had similar protein pools, but protein from the sandy loam was significantly more enriched than protein from the silty loam. The pool of metabolites was small, but highly enriched, suggesting substantial recycling over the 2-month incubation. The majority (40%) of the whole soil 13C persisted in the SOM even after repeat extractions. The remaining ~30% of the whole soil 13C was recovered in a complex of remaining unknown debris that separates from the soil at the solvent interphase with the protein but could not be solubilized. We provide novel evidence of the carbon pools that contribute to persistent microbial residues in soil. Our results suggest that metabolites may be more important than was previously recognized. Ongoing work is identifying the labeled metabolites and characterizing the chemistry of the highly enriched protein residue fraction.

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Cropping System and Rotational Grazing Effects on Soil Fertility and Enzymatic Activity in an Integrated Organic Crop-Livestock System

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10060803 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 803

Author(s):

Fernando Shintate Galindo ◽

Kathleen Delate ◽

Bradley Heins ◽

Hannah Phillips ◽

Andrew Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

C:N Ratio ◽

Cropping System ◽

Cattle Grazing ◽

Rotational Grazing ◽

Microbial Decomposition

Alternative grazing systems that incorporate cover crops may be useful to achieve a longer grazing season and maximize forage production. However, little is known about their impact on soil properties, especially in the presence or absence of cattle grazing in the early spring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interacting effects of cropping systems with and without cattle grazing in rotation with corn or soybean on the balance and dynamics of soil fertility and enzyme activity. This study was conducted as a system experiment between 2015 and 2019 in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, USA. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included presence or absence of cattle grazing and two types of cropping systems (pasture-rye-soybean-pasture [P-R-SB-P] and pasture-wheat/vetch-corn-pasture [P-W/V-C-P]. Soil samples were collected six times during the study. Soil properties analyzed were soil pH, organic matter, salinity, K, Ca, Mg, cation exchange capacity (CEC), P, β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, aryl-sulfatase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, ammonium, nitrate, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), N%, C%, S%, and C:N ratio. Grazing increased glucosidase activity, available Ca, Mg, NO3−, NH4+, soil pH, soil C%, S%, and the C:N ratio. In the P-W/V-C-P cropping system, soil pH, available Ca, NO3−, and sulfatase activity were found to increase compared with the P-R-SB-P cropping system. In contrast, soil OM, available K, Mg, CEC, glucosidase, phosphatase, POXC, and total C%, N%, and S% were greater in the P-R-SB-P cropping system compared with the P-W/V-C-P cropping system. The results of this study suggested that rotational grazing can increase soil quality and microbial decomposition under the P-W/V-C-P cropping system, and that this result was greater than under the P-R-SB-P cropping system, leading to a faster nutrient cycling. These results show promise for producers who are seeking methods to diversify their farming operation and reduce the need for external inputs.

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Effect of roller-crimper technology on weed management in organic zucchini production in a Mediterranean climate zone

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170515000046 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 111-121 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Corrado Ciaccia ◽

Stefano Canali ◽

Gabriele Campanelli ◽

Elena Testani ◽

Francesco Montemurro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weed Control ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Weed Management ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Central Italy ◽

Competitive Balance ◽

Weed Species ◽

Wide Range ◽

Cropping Seasons

AbstractIntegrating cover crops into vegetable cropping systems can provide a wide range of ecological services, of which weed management is a key component. Cover crop effects on weed control, however, are dependent on termination methods and weed species present in specific cropping seasons. A 2-year weed management experiment with two cultivars of organic zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) in central Italy was carried out to compare the effect of a barley (Hordeum distichum L.) cover crop terminated with a modified roller-crimper (RC) to incorporated barley as green manure (GM) and a tilled control left fallow (FA) in the off-season. The effects of cover-crop management on crop competitiveness, yields and weed populations were evaluated by direct measurement, visual estimation and competition index methods. Results showed a significant reduction in weed biomass (>80%) and weed abundance with the RC compared to the GM and FA treatments. Moreover, the RC barley mulch maintained weed control in zucchini plots even under high weed pressure, as determined by the agronomic tolerance to competition (ATC) value of 67% in the RC treatment compared to 40 and 34% in the FA and GM treatments, respectively, averaged over both years of the experiment. The competitive balance (Cb), which quantified the ability of the zucchini crop to compete with weed populations, was also greater (+0.37) in the RC treatment compared to FA (−0.87) and GM (−0.69) treatments over the same period. Zucchini crop biomass was greatest in the RC treatment in 2011. Zucchini fruit yields varied from an average over both years of 1.4 Mg ha−1 in the RC treatment to 0.7 Mg ha−1 in the GM treatment, but yields in the FA treatment, 1.2 Mg ha−1, did not differ from the RC treatment. No differences in yield between ‘Dietary’ and ‘Every’ zucchini, or any significant interactions between cultivar and cover management related to fruit biomass, were observed. Our findings suggested the viability of the modified RC in creating a barley cover-crop mulch to effectively manage weeds and enhance yields in transplanted zucchini.

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Different Cropping System’s Effect on Available NPK Post-harvest and their Uptake on Sandy Loam Soil of Southern Telangana Zone, India

International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry ◽

10.9734/irjpac/2020/v21i1830271 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 56-65

Author(s):

Ch. Pragathi Kumari ◽

M. Goverdhan ◽

G. Kiran Reddy ◽

Knight Nthebere ◽

S. H. K. Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sandy Loam ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Pigeon Pea ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Available Nitrogen ◽

Available N

The present study was undertaken in the ongoing long-term experiment initiated during 2017 at experimental farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Soil samples collected from a depth of 0–15 cm was analysed for soil fertility parameters namely: available N, P and K. The results indicated that the different cropping systems had positive influence on improving the nutrient status (i.e., available N, P and K) significantly over the initial soil values (N: 112.20, P: 23.40 and K: 170.30 kg ha-1, respectively). These ten cropping systems were grouped in to five categories viz., pre-dominant cropping systems of the zone, ecological cropping systems, household nutritional security giving cropping systems, fodder security giving cropping systems and cropping systems involving high value crops. So that from each category, best cropping system can be identified and can be suggested to different integrated farming systems models. The maximum (221.60 and 221.57 kg ha-1) soil available nitrogen was obtained in Pigeon pea + Greengram (1:3) – Sesame after harvest of kharif and rabi, available phosphorus builds up was profound in Fodder maize – Lucerne (48.27 kg ha-1) and available K (207.63 kg ha-1) was higher in Rice –Maize cropping system after harvest. Fodder crops recorded significantly higher NPK uptake over other cropping systems.

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Soil Physico-chemical Properties Changes under Different Crops in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Asian Soil Research Journal ◽

10.9734/asrj/2018/v1i2653 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G. O. Awe ◽

O. O. Nurudeen ◽

S. O. Omotoso ◽

A. A. Amiola ◽

D. Ojeniyi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Ph ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Sandy Loam ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Phosphate Fertilizer ◽

Soil Chemical Properties ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Classical Statistics

The sustainable soil management necessary to maintain soil quality depends on the understanding of how the soil responds to agricultural practices over time. This paper reports the changes in physicochemical properties that resulted from different cropping systems on a soil in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from sole maize plot (1.0 ha), sole cowpea plot (1.0ha) and cassava/maize intercrop plot (0.6ha) on a land that was previously under fallow. The sand, silt and clay contents of the soil and some selected chemical parameters varied considerably within the study area (different cropping zones). The soil was generally sandy loam and was found to vary from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and generally low in Soil Organic Matter (SOM) and Available P (Av. P) with no salinity problem. High magnitude of variability was observed for Electrical Conductivity (EC), Av. P and SOM while pH had the least magnitude. A geostatistical evaluation of the soil chemical properties showed moderate to strong spatial dependence. The geospatial maps clearly revealed the heterogeneity of the soil chemical properties across the field. Both classical statistics and geo-statistical analyses of the soil of the area provided a better understanding of the spatial variability of soil chemical properties and the influence that such could have on crop performance. The results indicated that the soil pH is slightly acidic and contained low amounts of both SOM and Av. P. It is suggested that planting of cover crops, minimum tillage and controlled application of phosphate fertilizer should be done so as to increase the SOM, improve Av. P and maintain the soil pH. Further studies should be conducted to include other soil chemical properties such that robust site specific management programme could be effected.

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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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Combining Legume Groundcovers and Low Nitrogen Fertilization in a Short-rotation Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri) Cropping System: Effect on Productivity, Soil Fertility, and Nutrient Leaching

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.46.3.481 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 481-486 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yingqian Lin ◽

Alexa R. Wilson ◽

Pascal Nzokou

Keyword(s):

White Clover ◽

Cover Crops ◽

Growth Response ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Cropping System ◽

N Leaching ◽

Abies Fraseri ◽

Nitrate N ◽

Legume Cover Crops

High rates of inorganic fertilizers are used in conventional intensive production systems such as Abies fraseri (fraser fir) cropping systems for Christmas trees. Groundcovers can be used as green mulches, help reduce the use of farm chemicals, and provide several environmental benefits. We investigated the performance of a low-input cropping system by combining two legume cover crops [Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)] in combination with low rates of inorganic fertilizers as a step toward a more sustainable production system. The randomized block design comprised one cover crop and one of three applications of reduced rate inorganic fertilizer (75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended rate). A conventional system using herbicides for weed control and the 100% rate of inorganic fertilizer was used as a control. Parameters measured included tree morphology, foliar nitrogen concentration, soil mineral nitrogen, and nitrate-N leaching below the root zone. A significant positive growth response (height and diameter) was obtained in all alfalfa-based cropping systems. This was accompanied by foliar nutrient concentrations similar to conventional plots and a reduction in nitrate-N leaching. However, in white clover-based cropping systems, the growth response was reduced (both height and diameter), suggesting competition for soil resources. In addition, the total nitrate-N leaching was higher in this system, suggesting an imbalance between mineral nitrogen availability and use in white clover-based cropping systems. We conclude that if the potential competition between cover crops and trees can be properly managed, legume cover crops can be effectively used to make intensive production tree-based systems more sustainable. Further studies related to mineralization and macronutrient flows are needed before any definite recommendation can be made about the use of these systems in large-scale production systems.

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