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19 pages, 2535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term No-Till Conservation Agriculture and Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil Micronutrients in a Semi-Arid Region of South Africa

by Samukelisiwe G. Zulu, Lembe S. Magwaza, Nozipho M. Motsa, Nkanyiso J. Sithole and Khayelihle Ncama

Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12061411 - 12 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Knowledge of the long-term complex relationship between soils, crops, and management practices, such as conservation agriculture, is critical in developing nutrient management strategies to optimise crop yields. This study examined the concentration, and the distribution of, soil micronutrients along the soil profile (0–10, [...] Read more.

Knowledge of the long-term complex relationship between soils, crops, and management practices, such as conservation agriculture, is critical in developing nutrient management strategies to optimise crop yields. This study examined the concentration, and the distribution of, soil micronutrients along the soil profile (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths) under different tillage practices: no-till (NT), rotational tillage (RT), and conventional tillage (CT), and nitrogen fertilizer application rates (0, 100, 200 kg/ha) in a semi-arid environment after 17 years of implementation of the trial. The results found the lowest concentration (p < 0.05) of copper (Cu) (1.254 mg/kg) and iron (Fe) (22.671 mg/kg) in CT compared to NT [Cu (1.447 mg/kg), Fe (41,156 mg/kg)] and RT [Cu (2.389 mg/kg), Fe (120,437 mg/kg)] treatments. This correlated with the lower soil pH in NT compared to CT treatment, and slightly higher (p > 0.05) under NT (1.782 mg/g) compared to RT (1.715 mg/g) and CT (1.750 mg/g). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in zinc (Zn) in NT (2.856 mg/kg) and RT (2.782 mg/kg) but CT (2.010 mg/kg) treatment was significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to these treatments. Manganese (Mn) also followed a similar trend whereby CT still had the lowest concentration (p < 0.05) of Mn (8.01 mg/kg) compared to RT (10.71 mg/kg) and NT (11.98 mg/kg). The concentration of Mn, Zn, and Fe was found to be similar (p > 0.05) with an increase in sampling depths. On the other hand, Cu was found to be different (p < 0.05) at different sampling depths. Manganese (10.46 mg/kg) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) (2.026 mg/g) were found to be concentrated near the 0–10 cm soil surface depth while Zn (2.558 mg/kg), Fe (66,217 mg/kg) and Cu (1.867 mg/kg) were more at the 20–30 cm depth in reduced tillage treatments. The results also showed no differences (p > 0.05) in the concentration of Cu, Mn, and Zn at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer under all tillage treatments. It was concluded that NT and rational tillage with mulch, favoured the availability of micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) in the studied cropping system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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16 pages, 2801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral Composition of Soil and the Wheat Grain in Intensive and Conservation Cropping Systems

by Željko Dolijanović, Svetlana Roljević Nikolić, Vesna Dragicevic, Jelena Mutić, Srđan Šeremešić, Zoran Jovović and Jelena Popović Djordjević

Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12061321 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2039

Abstract

Tillage methods and intensity can be used as means of improving macronutrient and trace element concentration in soil and crops. A two-year field experiment was conducted to examine the impact of two cropping systems—intensive (ICS) and conservation (CCS), on the macro- and microelements [...] Read more.

Tillage methods and intensity can be used as means of improving macronutrient and trace element concentration in soil and crops. A two-year field experiment was conducted to examine the impact of two cropping systems—intensive (ICS) and conservation (CCS), on the macro- and microelements in the soil and their accumulation in the grain of two cultivars of winter wheat. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications of each tillage treatment. The results showed that the content of available N (0.7 kg ha⁻¹) and organic matter (0.04%) slightly increased in CCS compared to ICS. The concentrations of Ca, K, and S macroelements and microelements such as Ba, Cr, Hg, and Sr in the soil were significantly higher in CCS than in ICS. Higher concentrations of macroelements K and P, microelements such as Fe, Zn, and As, and the greater value of the bioaccumulation factor for elements essential to humans such as P, Cu, Fe, and Zn, were also found in CCS compared to ICS. On the other hand, wheat cultivars grown in ICS were more efficient at accumulating macroelements and some trace elements than ones grown in CCS. While it is not without challenges, the conservation cropping system could represent an important part of the long-term strategy to sustainably improve soil fertility and the nutritional quality of the wheat grain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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14 pages, 3333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Macrofauna Abundance and Taxonomic Richness under Long-Term No-Till Conservation Agriculture in a Semi-Arid Environment of South Africa

by Samukelisiwe G. Zulu, Nozipho M. Motsa, Nkanyiso J. Sithole, Lembe S. Magwaza and Khayelihle Ncama

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030722 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

Soil macrofauna are a critical component for ecosystem function and strongly affect production sustainability. The effect of fertiliser management practices, in different cropping systems, on soil macrofauna communities remains poorly understood in semi-arid to arid regions. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.

Soil macrofauna are a critical component for ecosystem function and strongly affect production sustainability. The effect of fertiliser management practices, in different cropping systems, on soil macrofauna communities remains poorly understood in semi-arid to arid regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tillage practices i.e., no-till (NT), rotational tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) and nitrogen fertiliser application rates (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha N) (urea) on abundance and order diversity of soil macrofauna in a maize continuous monocropping system. The sampling of macrofauna in the trial was conducted in April 2019, August 2019 and March 2020 using 25 cm × 25 cm × 25 cm steel monoliths in randomly selected positions, and this was replicated four times. The study found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the abundance of soil macrofauna in NT (127 ind/m²) and RT (110 ind/m²) compared to CT (51 ind/m²) treatment. The abundance of macrofauna was also negatively affected by increasing the rate of fertiliser, with 0, 100 and 200 kg/ha resulting in 133, 94 and 62 ind/m². Orders Haplotaxida and Diplopoda were found to be sensitive to increases in the fertiliser application rate. Haplotaxida (48.4%) was the most abundant order, followed by Coleoptera (18.2%). Other orders included Diplopoda (9.2%), Gastropoda (6.3%), Isoptera (4.7%), Chilopoda (4.7%), Araneae (4%), Hymenoptera (3.2%), Orthoptera (0.9%) and Dermaptera (0.3%). No-till (NT) and rotational tillage (RT) with mulch favoured the establishment of various macrofauna communities in the studied cropping system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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10 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Planting Density and Row Spacing on the Yielding and Morphological Features of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

by Janusz Prusiński and Magdalena Borowska

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030715 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2902

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of planting density and row spacing in pea on the plant growth, yield, structural seed yield components, and some plant indices in the central-and-northern part of Poland. Field experiments were performed in 2016–2019. [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of planting density and row spacing in pea on the plant growth, yield, structural seed yield components, and some plant indices in the central-and-northern part of Poland. Field experiments were performed in 2016–2019. The study involved a Polish pea cultivar, Batuta (semi-leafless). Three planting densities were applied (70, 90, and 110 seeds per 1 m²), with two row spacings (16 and 32 cm), in four replications on 20 m² plots There was considerable pea sensitivity to precipitation deficit; in higher precipitation years, the seed yield was almost half higher than in the dry years. There was no recorded effect of planting density or the row spacing (except in 2019) on pea yield, and their variation in successive research years was nonsignificant. Similar conclusions also applied to the protein yield; however, its significantly highest value was recorded in the hottest vegetation period with the lowest total precipitation. The deteriorating precipitation conditions across the years were accompanied by a lower number of pods per plant, the number of seeds and their weight per pod, and 1000 seed weight. Moreover, those results were not significantly correlated with the factors under study except for the planting density in HI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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23 pages, 2615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control of Gas Emissions (N₂O and CO₂) Associated with Applied Different Rates of Nitrogen and Their Influences on Growth, Productivity, and Physio-Biochemical Attributes of Green Bean Plants Grown under Different Irrigation Methods

by Hossam S. El-Beltagi, Fadl A. Hashem, Mona Maze, Tarek A. Shalaby, Wael F. Shehata and Noura M. Taha

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020249 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture can cause uncontrolled gas emissions, such as N₂O and CO₂, leading to global warming and serious climate change. In this study, we evaluated the greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that are concomitant with [...] Read more.

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture can cause uncontrolled gas emissions, such as N₂O and CO₂, leading to global warming and serious climate change. In this study, we evaluated the greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that are concomitant with applied different rates of N fertilization, such as 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of the recommended dose in green beans grown under three irrigation systems (surface, subsurface, and drip irrigation). The obtained results showed that GHGs were positively correlated with increasing the rate of N fertilization. Meanwhile, the subsurface irrigation system followed by drip irrigation achieved the highest significant (p ≤ 0.05) values regarding the growth and pod yield attributes. Furthermore, N supplements at 90% and/or 100% of the recommended dose under the subsurface irrigation system led to the highest concentration of chlorophyll, vitamin C, total protein, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX). Proline and pod fibers were decreased in parallel with increasing the N rate, while water use efficiency (WUE) was improved with increasing the rate of N supplements up to 100% or 110% of the recommended dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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18 pages, 1907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Sunflower-Legume Intercropping: A Way Forward in Sustainable Production of Sunflower in Temperate Climatic Conditions

by Brankica Babec, Srđan Šeremešić, Nada Hladni, Nemanja Ćuk, Dušan Stanisavljević and Miloš Rajković

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122381 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3805

Abstract

The ongoing climate change, coupled with the transformations of cultivation practices and land use in sole crop production, may cause a significant decline in sunflower yield stability. Considering that the sunflower is the third oilseed in the world oilseed market, with 45 million [...] Read more.

The ongoing climate change, coupled with the transformations of cultivation practices and land use in sole crop production, may cause a significant decline in sunflower yield stability. Considering that the sunflower is the third oilseed in the world oilseed market, with 45 million tons of grain per year, and that it takes the fourth position in the vegetable oil market, the implementation of sustainable growing technology in sunflower production is a necessity. Considering the above, the goal of the research was to analyze and recommend sustainable sunflower production technology in intercropping systems. A four-year trial was conducted in Serbia’s agroecological conditions (45

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E) using a split-plot design. Two oil-type hybrids and one confectionary-type hybrid were intercropped with common vetch, red clover, and alfalfa. Common vetch × sunflower intercropping resulted in the decrease in almost all sunflower traits. Moreover, sunflower × alfalfa intercropping proved to be the most appropriate. The yield of NS Gricko and Rimi PR were statistically on the same level with sole cropping, while alfalfa biomass had better results after alfalfa was intercropped with NS Gricko, as compared to sole cropping. In view of the prevailing belief that yields are more stable in intercropping than in sole cropping, further research is needed in this respect, in addition to further research of the time and method of sowing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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18 pages, 1639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Crops to Conservation Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization under Different Agroecological Conditions

by Irena Jug, Bojana Brozović, Boris Đurđević, Edward Wilczewski, Vesna Vukadinović, Bojan Stipešević and Danijel Jug

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112156 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

Effects of soil tillage (CTconventional, SS-subsoiling, CH-chiselling, DH-disk-harrowing and NT-no-till) and nitrogen rate (reduced N1, optimal N2 and luxury N3) on yield and yield components of maize and winter wheat in two different agricultural subregions of Croatia (Magadenovac and Cacinci site), were studied [...] Read more.

Effects of soil tillage (CTconventional, SS-subsoiling, CH-chiselling, DH-disk-harrowing and NT-no-till) and nitrogen rate (reduced N1, optimal N2 and luxury N3) on yield and yield components of maize and winter wheat in two different agricultural subregions of Croatia (Magadenovac and Cacinci site), were studied in the years 2013–2014 as part of a long-term experiment. Maize yield and yield components were influenced by site properties, tillage and nitrogen treatments. The highest yields and yield components were recorded at the Magadenovac site with N2 and N3. The lowest values of the yield and yield components of maize were recorded on NT and were significantly lower than CT, SS, CH and DH, among which no significant differences were recorded. Winter wheat yield and yield components were affected by site properties and nitrogen rates while soil tillage treatments only had an influence on grain and straw yield and plant height. Winter wheat achieved maximum yield and yield components on a N3 and N2 and at the Magadenovac site. Winter wheat grain yield decreased in the following order: SS > DH > CH > NT > CT. The obtained results indicate the importance of optimal nitrogen fertilization and the possibility of the implementation of conservation tillage for maize and winter wheat production in different agroecological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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15 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Winter Wheat and Barley Cultivars to Climate Change via Soil Respiration in Continental Croatia

by Darija Bilandžija, Željka Zgorelec, Nikola Bilandžija, Zvonimir Zdunić and Tajana Krička

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112127 - 23 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1774

Abstract

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by the cultivation of cultivars with lower carbon footprint. Considering the hypothesis that there are differences in soil respiration, due to differences in physiological and morphological characteristics of wheat and barley, the aim of this study [...] Read more.

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by the cultivation of cultivars with lower carbon footprint. Considering the hypothesis that there are differences in soil respiration, due to differences in physiological and morphological characteristics of wheat and barley, the aim of this study is an assessment of soil respiration rates and microclimate under different cover (bare soil, wheat, and barley) and cultivar (four barley and four wheat) types. Soil respiration was determined by in situ closed static-chamber method in continental Croatia, during the 2020/2021 season. The seasonal pattern of the soil respiration was similar for all cultivars, respiration was increasing with crop development stages until maturity, when it decreased until the harvest. Cover type did not have influence on soil microclimate but did have on soil respiration. Bare soil had significantly lower annual respiration rates, compared to the barley/wheat covers. Average annual respiration rates were similar between the barley and wheat covers, as well as between all studied barley cultivars. A significant difference between winter wheat cultivars have only been determined between the Renata (9.78 kg C-CO₂ ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) and El Nino (12.67 kg C-CO₂ ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) cultivars. However, the determination of the total carbon budget is needed, in order to determine the most suitable cultivar, in the light of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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19 pages, 1341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar and Fertilization Effects on Weed Incidence in Winter Wheat

by Bojana Brozović, Irena Jug, Danijel Jug, Bojan Stipešević, Marija Ravlić and Boris Đurđević

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102028 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1650

Abstract

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, is highlighted to improve soil fertility, simultaneously mitigating climate change by carbon sequestration. Combined with mineral fertilizer, it can increase weediness, the major source of yield loss in agricultural production. Research with biochar was conducted in Eastern Croatia in [...] Read more.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, is highlighted to improve soil fertility, simultaneously mitigating climate change by carbon sequestration. Combined with mineral fertilizer, it can increase weediness, the major source of yield loss in agricultural production. Research with biochar was conducted in Eastern Croatia in 2016, with the aim to investigate the influence of biochar and mineral fertilizer on weed infestation and winter wheat yield. Field experiments were set up as a split-plot where biochar (B) was the main factor and fertilization was the sub factor. The main treatments were: B0 (control without biochar), B1-5 t ha⁻¹, B2-10 t ha⁻¹ and B3-15 t ha⁻¹. Fertilization sublevels were F0) without fertilizer and F1) optimal dose of fertilizer. Weediness was determined by counting and measuring aboveground biomass. The treatments with the greatest effect on weediness were B3 and F1 in the winter wheat tillering stage. In the winter wheat ripening stage, treatment B3 obtained the highest weediness and F1 significantly reduced weed density. Biochar treatment B3 increased winter wheat yield by 77% in relation to the control. The application of biochar combined with fertilization affected the level of weediness depending on agroecological conditions, but with a significant increase in yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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15 pages, 2527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Year Investigation of Tillage Management on the Soil Physical Environment, Earthworm Populations and Crop Yields in Croatia

by Igor Dekemati, Barbara Simon, Igor Bogunovic, Szergej Vinogradov, Maimela Maxwell Modiba, Csaba Gyuricza and Márta Birkás

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050825 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the environmental suitability of conservation tillage systems. A 3-year experiment was conducted in Croatia, to study the effects of different tillage treatments on soil properties, with the following: deep (DC), shallow tine cultivation (SC) and [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the environmental suitability of conservation tillage systems. A 3-year experiment was conducted in Croatia, to study the effects of different tillage treatments on soil properties, with the following: deep (DC), shallow tine cultivation (SC) and ploughing (P). Soil penetration resistance (SPR) was significantly greater in P compared to DC in all three years. In 2016, it was found at 30–40 and 40–50 cm; in 2017 at 10–20 cm; in 2018 at 0–10 and 10–20 cm. However, SC was significantly greater at 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm compared to P and DC in 2017. The greater surface coverage in DC and SC (>30%) as compared to P (<1%) provided significantly higher soil moisture content (SMC) in maize (2016) and soybean (2018). In 2017, SMC in SC was significantly lower than in P and DC. Regarding all the 3 years, the agronomic structure in DC and SC had significantly greater crumb ratio compared to P, whereas P had significantly higher dust ratio than DC and SC. Throughout the 15 measurements, DC provided the most favorable soil habitat (11 occasions out of 15). In 2017, the earthworm abundance was significantly higher in DC compared to SC. In all the three years, DC resulted the highest yield, however the difference was not significant. Higher surface coverage and SMC positively impacted the ratio of agronomic structure (decreased dust and increased crumb ratio) and earthworm abundance. It can be concluded that DC and SC provided greater soil coverage which positively affected SPR, SMC, agronomic structure and earthworm abundance as compared to P. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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15 pages, 2011 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cover Crop Contributions to Improve the Soil Nitrogen and Carbon Sequestration in Almond Orchards (SW Spain)

by Miguel A. Repullo-Ruibérriz de Torres, Manuel Moreno-García, Rafaela Ordóñez-Fernández, Antonio Rodríguez-Lizana, Belén Cárceles Rodríguez, Iván Francisco García-Tejero, Víctor Hugo Durán Zuazo and Rosa M. Carbonell-Bojollo

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020387 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4132

Abstract

Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill. [D.A. Webb]) is the third most widely spread crop in Spain and has traditionally been cultivated in marginal areas and shallow soils under rainfed conditions. However, it recently has been progressively introduced in flat irrigated areas. The implementation [...] Read more.

Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill. [D.A. Webb]) is the third most widely spread crop in Spain and has traditionally been cultivated in marginal areas and shallow soils under rainfed conditions. However, it recently has been progressively introduced in flat irrigated areas. The implementation of cover crops in the inter-rows of woody crops has been proven as a suitable strategy to reduce the runoff and soil erosion but they also can boost soil quality and health. A field experiment was conducted during two-monitoring seasons to examine the soil nitrogen and carbon sequestration potential of three seeded cover crops [barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and a mixture of 65% barley and 35% vetch] and a control of spontaneous flora in irrigated almond orchards (SW Spain). Here, we show that barley provided the highest biomass amount, followed by mixture covers, vetch, and the control treatment. Also, vetch covered the soil faster in the growing stage, but its residues were decomposed easier than barley and mixture treatments during the decomposition period after mowing, providing less soil protection when the risk of water erosion with autumn rainfall is high. On the other hand, vetch improved soil nitrate content by over 35% with respect to barley and mixture treatments at 0–20 cm soil depth throughout the studied period. In addition, a greater carbon input to the soil was determined in the barley plot. That is, the mixture and barley cover crops had higher potential for carbon sequestration, augmenting the soil organic carbon by more than 1.0 Mg ha⁻¹ during the study period. Thus, taking into consideration the findings of the present experiment, the establishment of a seeded cover crop would be more advisable than spontaneous flora to mitigate soil erosion, enhancing soil fertility and carbon sequestration in irrigated almond plantations in Mediterranean semi-arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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18 pages, 7237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geostatistical Analysis of Soil C/N Deficiency and Its Effect on Agricultural Land Management of Major Crops in Eastern Croatia

by Mladen Jurišić, Dorijan Radočaj, Stjepan Krčmar, Ivan Plaščak and Mateo Gašparović

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121996 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2527

Abstract

Interpolation accuracy of the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) has a direct impact on soil maps for agricultural land management planning, affecting the financial gains of farmers and environmental contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ordinary kriging parameters on the [...] Read more.

Interpolation accuracy of the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) has a direct impact on soil maps for agricultural land management planning, affecting the financial gains of farmers and environmental contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ordinary kriging parameters on the interpolation accuracy and spatial variability of soil C/N. These values were necessary to determine the effect of potential soil C/N deficiency on five major crops in the study area during 2017–2019, containing maize, wheat, sunflower, rapeseed and soybean parcels. The Gaussian model with logarithmic transformation produced the higher outer accuracy, representing the prediction accuracy. Average values of final soil C/N rasters resulted as 11.35 at 0–10 cm soil depth and 12.60 at 20–30 cm soil depth, representing values 11.0% higher at a deeper soil layer. The moderate soil N deficiency was observed for all major crops, having soil C/N values mainly higher than 12:1, compared to the optimal value range of 9:1 to 12:1. These observations suggest a need for the adjustment of agricultural land management plans through the regionalization of agricultural production to prevent further soil degradation and ensure optimal crop development conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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15 pages, 6236 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Potato Zero-Tillage and Mulching Is Promising in Achieving Agronomic Gain in Asia

by David A. Ramírez, Cecilia Silva-Díaz, Johan Ninanya, Mariella Carbajal, Javier Rinza, Suresh K. Kakraliya, Marcel Gatto and Jan Kreuze

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071494 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4285

Abstract

Rice-based systems have recently been recognized as the most critical plant source of C emissions worldwide. Globally, rice production is highest in Asia. Actions to introduce sustainable intensification practices into existing rice lands or diversifying with lower C-emitting crops such as potatoes will [...] Read more.

Rice-based systems have recently been recognized as the most critical plant source of C emissions worldwide. Globally, rice production is highest in Asia. Actions to introduce sustainable intensification practices into existing rice lands or diversifying with lower C-emitting crops such as potatoes will be crucial to mitigate climate change. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of potato cultivation under zero/minimum-tillage and/or organic mulching (with emphasis on rice-straw) (PZTM) on key performance indicators that are crucial to achieving agronomic gains in Asia. Forty-nine studies were selected and systematically reviewed to address the study objective. Studies reveal a consensus of increase in yield, profitability, nutrient-use efficiency, and water productivity, promoted by the significant soil moisture conservation in PZTM. There is inconsistent evidence that zero-tillage benefits weed control, but its effectiveness is enhanced by mulching. Even if soil organic matter is increased (+13–33%) and zero-tillage is the main factor driving the reduction in C footprint, no values of kg CO₂ eqha⁻¹ have been reported in PZTM to date. Only a small fraction (∼2%) of the rice-cultivated areas (RCA) is intensified with potato cultivation. That way, scaling-up PZTM among rice farmers has large potential (∼24% RCA) to increase the sustainable intensification of rice-based systems in Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agriculture as a Key Challenge for Sustainable Agroecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation)

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