scholarly journals Comparison of the Effect of Perennial Energy Crops and Arable Crops on Earthworm Populations

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feledyn-Szewczyk ◽  
Radzikowski ◽  
Stalenga ◽  
Matyka
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Perennial Energy Crops

The purpose of the study was to compare earthworm communities under winter wheat in different crop production systems on arable land—organic (ORG), integrated (INT), conventional (CON), monoculture (MON)—and under perennial crops cultivated for energy purposes—willow (WIL), Virginia mallow (VIR), and miscanthus (MIS). Earthworm abundance, biomass, and species composition were assessed each spring and autumn in the years 2014–2016 using the method of soil blocks. The mean species number of earthworms was ordered in the following way: ORG > VIR > WIL > CON > INT > MIS > MON. Mean abundance of earthworms decreased in the following order: ORG > WIL > CON > VIR > INT > MIS > MON. There were significantly more species under winter wheat cultivated organically than under the integrated system (p = 0.045), miscanthus (p = 0.039), and wheat monoculture (p = 0.002). Earthworm abundance was significantly higher in the organic system compared to wheat monoculture (p = 0.001) and to miscanthus (p = 0.008). Among the tested energy crops, Virginia mallow created the best habitat for species richness and biomass due to the high amount of crop residues suitable for earthworms and was similar to the organic system. Differences in the composition of earthworm species in the soil under the compared agricultural systems were proven. Energy crops, except miscanthus, have been found to increase earthworm diversity, as they are good crops for landscape diversification.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of weed regulation methods in spring wheat cultivated in integrated, conventional and organic crop production systems

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Feledyn-Szewczyk
Keyword(s):  
Spring Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Integrated Systems ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Weed Communities

Abstract The research was conducted from 2008 to 2010, and compared the influence of different weed control methods used in spring wheat on the structure of the weed communities and the crop yield. The study was carried out at the Experimental Station of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute in Osiny as part of a long-term trial where these crop production systems had been compared since 1994. In the conventional and integrated systems, spring wheat was grown in a pure stand, whereas in the organic system, the wheat was grown with undersown clover and grasses. In the conventional system, herbicides were applied two times in a growing season, but in the integrated system - only once. The effectiveness of weed management was lower in the organic system than in other systems, but the dry matter of weeds did not exceed 60 g/m2. In the integrated system, the average dry matter of weeds in spring wheat was 4 times lower, and in the conventional system 10 times lower than in the organic system. Weed diversity was the largest in spring wheat cultivated in the organic system. In the conventional and integrated systems, compensation of some weed species was observed (Viola arvensis, Fallopia convolvulus, Equisetum arvense). The comparison of weed communities using Sorenson’s indices revealed more of a similarity between systems in terms of number of weed species than in the number of individuals. Such results imply that qualitative changes are slower than quantitative ones. The yield of grain was the biggest in the integrated system (5.5 t/ha of average). It was 35% higher than in the organic system, and 20% higher than in conventional ones.

scholarly journals Assessment of the glomalins content in the soil under winter wheat in different crop production systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 32-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gałązka Anna ◽  
Gawryjołek Karolina ◽  
Gajda Anna ◽  
Furtak Karolina ◽  
Księżniak Andrzej ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Dehydrogenase Activity ◽  
Strong Correlation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Organic System ◽  
System A ◽  
Soil Proteins

The aim of the study was to evaluate the glomalins content (total glomalin (TG), easily extractable glomalin (EEG) and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP)) in the soil under winter wheat from different crop production systems. The experiment involved four different cultivation systems: organic, integrated (INT), conventional (CON), monoculture-conventional (MON). The highest content of TG and GRSP proteins were observed in organic system. A strong positive correlation was observed between the total number of glomalins and dehydrogenase activity and organic matter. A strong correlation between TG and GRSP content was observed (r = 0.93) as well as between EEG and GRSP (r = 0.79). The highest yields of winter wheat were observed in CON (9.12 t/ha) and INT (9.04 t/ha) systems, while the lowest in monoculture (4.47 t/ha).

scholarly journals Comparison of the Effect of Perennial Energy Crops and Agricultural Crops on Weed Flora Diversity

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Feledyn-Szewczyk ◽  
Mariusz Matyka ◽  
Mariola Staniak
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Weed Flora ◽  
Perennial Energy Crops ◽  
The Impact

The cultivation of perennial energy crops is a new agricultural system and so there is limited information available on its effects on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the cultivation of energy crops on the diversity of weed flora and to compare this diversity with that found in crop production systems on arable land. The best habitats for weed flora were created by willow (Salix viminalis), poplar (Populus sp.), false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), and perennial grasses (25–30 species), with the exception of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) (20 species). The lowest diversity and abundance of weed flora were observed on plantations of Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). Weed communities in energy crops included more perennial species (by 11%), ruderal species (by 10%), and those typical for grassland (by 7%) and forests (by 4%), in comparison to arable land. The plantations of energy plants promoted an increase in the density of the invasive species Solidago gigantea (from 1.9 to 6.3 plants m−2 over six years). The introduction of perennial energy crops into an agricultural landscape causes quantitative and qualitative changes in weed flora communities and, therefore, control of the spread of some non-native and invasive species is needed.

A technique for assessing environmental impact risks of agricultural systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olha Sydorovych ◽  
Charles W. Raczkowski ◽  
Ada Wossink ◽  
J. Paul Mueller ◽  
Nancy G. Creamer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Tillage System

AbstractConventional agriculture often aims to achieve high returns without allowing for sustainable natural resource management. To prevent environmental degradation, agricultural systems must be assessed and environmental standards need to be developed. This study used a multi-factor approach to assess the potential environmental impact risk of six diverse systems: five production systems and a successional system or abandoned agronomic field. Assessment factors were soil quality status, amount of pesticide and fertilizer applied and tillage intensity. The assessment identified the best management practices (BMP)–conventional tillage system as a high-risk system mostly because of extensive tillage. The certified organic system was also extensively tilled and was characterized by P build-up in the soil, but performed well based on other assessment factors. Conversely, the BMP–no tillage and the crop–animal integrated system were characterized as low risk mainly because of reduced tillage. The paper discusses assessment strengths and weaknesses, ways to improve indicators used, and the need for additional indicators. We concluded that with further development the technique will become a resourceful tool to promote agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship and assist policy-making processes.

scholarly journals Water footprint of crop production for different crop structures in the Hebei southern plain, North China

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingmin Chu ◽  
Yanjun Shen ◽  
Zaijian Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
North China ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Summer Maize ◽  
The North ◽  
Groundwater Overdraft ◽  
Southern Plain

Abstract. The North China Plain (NCP) is serious lack of fresh water resources, while crop production consumed about 75 % of the region's water. To estimate water consumption of different crops and crop structures in the NCP, the Hebei southern plain (HSP) was selected as a study area because it is a typical region of groundwater overdraft in the NCP. In this study, water footprint (WF) was being used which was consisted of green, blue and grey components. The results showed: (1) the WF of the main crops production was about 51.0 km3 in 2012 and winter wheat, vegetables and summer maize were in the top three leading among the main crops in the HSP, while the water footprint intensity (WFI) of cotton was the largest and vegetables were the smallest; (2) winter wheat and vegetables consumed the main groundwater and their blue water footprint (WFblue) accounted for 66.0 % of the total WFblue in the HSP; (3) the crop structure scenarios analysis indicated that, with about 20 % of arable land cultivating winter wheat-summer maize in rotation, 40 % spring maize, 10 % vegetables and 10 % fruiters can promote the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources, at the same time can ensure sufficient supply of food, vegetables and fruits in the HSP.

scholarly journals Analysis of Areas and Prospects for the Use of Agrobiomass for Energy Production in Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zheliezna ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Agricultural Residues ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Energy Wood ◽  
Biomass Potential

Purpose of the study is to assess the current and prospective energy potential of agribiomass (agricultural residues and energy crops) in Ukraine, to determine its main components and the most effective areas of their use. Methods. The assessment of the current potential of agribiomass is performed using official statistics on crop production in Ukraine. Based on these data, the total amount of crop residues formed and their share available for energy needs is determined. When assessing the potential of energy crops, it is assumed that they are grown on 2 million hectares of unused agricultural land, the total area of which is up to 4 million hectares in Ukraine. The study of the prospective potential of biomass is performed for 2050, based on key growth factors, such as increasing yield of crops, especially cereals; doubling the area under energy crops and increasing their yields, etc. Results of the assessment show that according to 2018 data, the total bioenergy potential in Ukraine is more than 23 Mtoe (the economic potential). Its largest components are agricultural residues (44%) and energy crops (32%). Expert estimates suggest that by 2050, the biomass potential could increase to more than 47.5 Mtoe/yr, in other words almost to double. Forecasting the structure and directions of use of biomass potential by 2050 shows that about 20 Mtoe of biomass/biofuels of the following types will be consumed for energy: wood biomass, primary and secondary agricultural residues, energy crops, biogas/biomethane from different types of raw materials, liquid biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol). Conclusions. Areas of use of biomass/biofuels include the production of heat and electricity from solid biofuels, obtaining of biogas and biomethane, as well as the production of motor biofuels (biomethane, biodiesel, bioethanol). In the near future, it is considered necessary to develop a long-term strategy for the development of bioenergy in Ukraine, taking into account results of the study. In turn, the basic figures of the bioenergy development strategy can be used for the elaboration of the updated Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2050.

scholarly journals An Examination of the Economics of Sustainable and Conventional Horticulture

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-691
Author(s):  
Robin G. Brumfield
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Price Premiums ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
The Cost

Since World War II, U.S. agriculture has reduced production costs by substituting petrochemicals for labor. Adverse impacts from chemical intensive agriculture include increased pest levels, groundwater and surface water contamination, soil erosion, and concerns about harmful levels of pesticide residues. Sustainable farming programs such as integrated crop management (ICM) and organic farming encourage farmers to use systems that reduce the adverse impacts of chemical agriculture. However, before farmers adopt an alternative system, they must determine that economic benefits from the alternative farming activities exceed the costs incurred. Unfortunately, relatively few studies have compared the cost of organic crop production with conventional production systems. Results of these studies are mixed. In some studies, organic systems are more profitable than conventional systems with organic price premiums, but are not economically viable without price premiums. In one long-term study, the organic system was more profitable than a conventional one if the cost of family labor was ignored, but less profitable if it was included. In some studies, net returns were higher for ICM than for conventional or organic systems, but in others, they were higher. Results also vary on a crop by crop basis.

scholarly journals Effect of Production System and Pruning on Temporal Development of Cercospora depazeoides and on Berry Yield in Black Elderberry Orchards

Plant Disease ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 93 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. J. Holb ◽  
J. M. Gáll ◽  
B. Fodor
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Spot ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Disease Development ◽  
Temporal Development ◽  
Cercospora Leaf Spot ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Disease Progress

In a 2-year study, the temporal development of Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora depazeoides) and berry yield were evaluated in two production systems (integrated and organic) and in two winter pruning treatments (trees pruned to four and eight scaffolds) in two black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) orchards in Hungary. Under organic production, leaf spot onset occurred 2 to 4 weeks earlier (mid- and late July) in both years and both orchards compared with the integrated program. Disease then continuously progressed until the final assessment date (late September) in both years, reaching a maximum final disease incidence of 15.9% in the integrated system and of 38.2% in the organic system. In general, disease progress after late August was greater on trees pruned to eight scaffolds than on trees pruned to four scaffolds in both production systems. Both final disease incidence and area under the disease progress curves (AUDPC) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the integrated treatments compared with organic ones. Across all treatments, both disease measures were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on trees pruned to four scaffolds compared with trees pruned to eight scaffolds. However, when the effect of pruning on final disease incidence and AUDPC was analyzed separately for integrated and organic systems, pruning caused uniformly significant differences in disease development only for the organic system. Berry yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the integrated system compared with the organic system, but pruning showed no significant effect on yield. Overall, pruning to four scaffolds resulted in consistently lower disease development in organic production compared to integrated. Thus, winter pruning may be useful as a Cercospora leaf spot management practice in organic elderberry orchards.

Simulation of soil organic carbon stock and greenhouse gases emission from Perennial Energy Crops cultivation cycle in Italy with ECOSSE model: from establishment to removal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Martani ◽  
Marcello Pilla ◽  
Andrea Ferrarini ◽  
Stefano Amaducci ◽  
Astley Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Soil Carbon ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Belowground Biomass ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Soc Stock ◽  
Perennial Energy Crops

&lt;p&gt;Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important carbon pool sensitive to land use change (LUC). There are concerns that at the end of PECs cultivation cycle, the re-conversion of these crops back to arable land could negatively impact the SOC stock. However, a positive effect of reconversion on SOC is possible, due to the high amount of C added to the soil with the disruption of belowground biomass (BGB) during re-conversion process. In this study, C storage potential in SOC and BGB of six perennial energy crops (PECs) was measured in a 11 years old field trial in Italy before its reconversion to arable land. SOC dynamics and greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission were measured in the first two years after the reconversion. SOC and GHG measurements were compared to ECOSSE soil carbon model predictions (run for a LUC from arable land to PECs and re-conversion to arable land) to understand SOC dynamics. After 11 years of cultivation, PECs significantly increased SOC stock respect to arable land. In average, BGB accounted for the 68% of total carbon stocked by PECs. The ECOSSE soil carbon model successfully simulated the dynamics of SOC pool and the GHGs emissions from soil after the re-conversion of PECs.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Water footprint of crop production for different crop structures in the Hebei southern plain, North China

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 3061-3069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingmin Chu ◽  
Yanjun Shen ◽  
Zaijian Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
North China ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Summer Maize ◽  
The North ◽  
Groundwater Overdraft ◽  
Southern Plain

Abstract. The North China Plain (NCP) has a serious shortage of freshwater resources, and crop production consumes approximately 75 % of the region's water. To estimate water consumption of different crops and crop structures in the NCP, the Hebei southern plain (HSP) was selected as a study area, as it is a typical region of groundwater overdraft in the NCP. In this study, the water footprint (WF) of crop production, comprised of green, blue and grey water footprints, and its annual variation were analyzed. The results demonstrated the following: (1) the WF from the production of main crops was 41.8 km3 in 2012. Winter wheat, summer maize and vegetables were the top water-consuming crops in the HSP. The water footprint intensity (WFI) of cotton was the largest, and for vegetables, it was the smallest; (2) the total WF, WFblue, WFgreen and WFgrey for 13 years (2000–2012) of crop production were 604.8, 288.5, 141.3 and 175.0 km3, respectively, with an annual downtrend from 2000 to 2012; (3) winter wheat, summer maize and vegetables consumed the most groundwater, and their blue water footprint (WFblue) accounted for 74.2 % of the total WFblue in the HSP; (4) the crop structure scenarios analysis indicated that, with approximately 20 % of arable land cultivated with winter wheat–summer maize in rotation, 38.99 % spring maize, 10 % vegetables and 10 % fruiters, a sustainable utilization of groundwater resources can be promoted, and a sufficient supply of food, including vegetables and fruits, can be ensured in the HSP.

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