Research

15 pages, 3447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plough Tillage Maintains High Rice Yield and Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions under Straw Incorporation in Three Rice-Based Cropping Systems

by Frederick Danso, Oluwaseyi Oyewale Bankole, Nan Zhang, Wenjun Dong, Kun Zhang, Changying Lu, Ziyin Shang, Gexing Li, Aixing Deng, Zhenwei Song, Chengyan Zheng, Jun Zhang and Weijian Zhang

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030880 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1233

Abstract

Straw incorporation promotes rice productivity and soil fertility. However, the effects of tillage practice with straw on GHG emissions in paddy fields are not well documented. Under three rice-based cropping systems of China (single rice, double rice and rice-wheat cropping systems), we investigated [...] Read more.

Straw incorporation promotes rice productivity and soil fertility. However, the effects of tillage practice with straw on GHG emissions in paddy fields are not well documented. Under three rice-based cropping systems of China (single rice, double rice and rice-wheat cropping systems), we investigated rice yield, CH₄, N₂O, area and yield-scaled emissions arising from different straw-incorporated tillage patterns. Tillage with straw affected rice yield by −6.8~3.2%, −9.1~9.0% and −9.8~2.1% in single rice, rice-wheat and double rice cropping systems respectively. Straw impacted CH₄ emission but tillage influenced its impact irrespective of the rice cropping system. The highest CH₄ emissions occurred in RedT + S, RoT + S and RoT + S under single rice, rice-wheat and double rice cropping systems respectively. Cumulative CH₄ emission of PT + S decreased by 46.8% (p < 0.05) compared to RedT + S in the single cropping system, while under rice-wheat and double rice cropping systems, cumulative CH₄ emission of PT + S decreased by 19.0% (p < 0.05) and 13.2% (p > 0.05) respectively compared with RoT + S. Lower methanogenic abundance of PT + S translated into the lowest cumulative CH₄, area and yield scaled emissions in single rice and double rice cropping systems. To maintain high rice yield and reduce GHG emissions from straw incorporation, PT + S is recommended for a rice-based cropping system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Aggregates Are Governed by Spacing Configurations in Alfalfa-Jujube Tree Intercropping Systems

by Guodong Chen, Wenxia Fan, Wen Yin, Zhilong Fan, Sumei Wan, Yunlong Zhai and Xiaokang Zhang

Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010264 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

Soil aggregates play an important role in affecting the structural stability of the soil, and it is important to understand the relationship between soil aggregate stability and crop yield in herbage-fruit tree intercropping systems. In this study, we determined the optimal spacing configurations [...] Read more.

Soil aggregates play an important role in affecting the structural stability of the soil, and it is important to understand the relationship between soil aggregate stability and crop yield in herbage-fruit tree intercropping systems. In this study, we determined the optimal spacing configurations for improving aggregate stability while increasing crop yields in alfalfa-jujube intercropping systems. The treatments included three intercropping patterns, i.e., the distances between alfalfa and jujube at 0.5 m (IP_0.5m), 1 m (IP_1m), and 1.45 m (IP_1.45m), along with monoculture alfalfa (CK_AL) and jujube (CK_JU). The results showed that IP_0.5m, IP_1m, IP_1.45m, and CK_JU effectively improved soil aggregate structure compared to CK_AL. The IP_1m spacing significantly increased the amounts of macro-aggregates (8.2%), and improved soil mechanical properties and aggregate stability among the other treatments, which was partly attributable to increased mean weight diameter (13.6%) and decreased soil aggregate destruction rate of water-stable aggregates (2.9%). The results of the principal component analysis showed that IP_1m treatments had a positive effect on PC1. The one-meter spacing of jujube-to-alfalfa intercropping optimized the soil structure while improving the yield (8.3%); thus, it can be considered the most suitable intercropping spacing configuration for growing alfalfa in jujube plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3322 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

New Insights from Soil Microorganisms for Sustainable Double Rice-Cropping System with 37-Year Manure Fertilization

by Jin Li, Kai-Luo Liu, Ji Chen, Jiang Xie, Yu Jiang, Guo-Qiang Deng, Da-Ming Li, Xian-Jiao Guan, Xi-Huang Liang, Xian-Mao Chen, Cai-Fei Qiu, Yin-Fei Qian, Wen-Jian Xia, Jia Liu, Chun-Rui Peng, Stephen M. Bell and Jin Chen

Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010261 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

Long-term intensive use of mineral fertilizers in double rice-cropping systems has led to soil acidification and soil degradation. Manure fertilization was suggested as an alternative strategy to mitigate soil degradation. However, the effects of long-term mineral and manure fertilization on rice grain yield, [...] Read more.

Long-term intensive use of mineral fertilizers in double rice-cropping systems has led to soil acidification and soil degradation. Manure fertilization was suggested as an alternative strategy to mitigate soil degradation. However, the effects of long-term mineral and manure fertilization on rice grain yield, yield stability, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil total nitrogen (TN) content, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Based on a long-term experiment established in 1981 in southern China, we compared four treatments: no fertilizer application (Control); application of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK); NPK plus green manure in early rice (M1); and M1 plus farmyard manure in late rice and rice straw return in winter (M2). Our results showed that 37 years of NPK, M1, and M2 significantly increased rice grain yield by 54%, 46%, and 72%, and yield stability by 22%, 17%, and 9%, respectively. M1 and M2 significantly increased SOC content by 39% and 23% compared to Control, respectively, whereas there was no difference between Control and NPK. Regarding soil TN content, it was significantly increased by 8%, 46%, and 20% by NPK, M1, and M2, respectively. In addition, M2 significantly increased bacterial OTU richness by 68%, Chao1 index by 79%, and altered the bacterial community composition. Changes in soil nutrient availability and bacterial Simpson index were positively correlated with the changes in grain yield, while shifts in bacterial community were closely related to yield stability. This study provides pioneer comprehensive assessments of the simultaneous responses of grain yield, yield stability, SOC and TN content, nutrient availability, and bacterial community composition to long-term mineral and manure fertilization in a double rice-cropping system. Altogether, this study spanning nearly four decades provides new perspectives for developing sustainable yet intensive rice cultivation to meet growing global demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spring Wheat–Summer Maize Annual Crop System Grain Yield and Nitrogen Utilization Response to Nitrogen Application Rate in the Thermal–Resource–Limited Region of the North China Plain

by Meng Liu, Zhiqi Ma, Qian Liang, Yao Zhang, Yong’an Yang, Haipeng Hou, Xidong Wu and Junzhu Ge

Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010155 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Spring wheat–summer maize (SWSM) annual crop systems were formed to satisfy the maize grain mechanized harvest thermal requirement in the thermal–resource–limited region of the North China Plain. However, the nitrogen (N) application rate effect on SWSM annual yield formation, N accumulation and utilization [...] Read more.

Spring wheat–summer maize (SWSM) annual crop systems were formed to satisfy the maize grain mechanized harvest thermal requirement in the thermal–resource–limited region of the North China Plain. However, the nitrogen (N) application rate effect on SWSM annual yield formation, N accumulation and utilization were barely evaluated. Two–year field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the N application rate on the annual yield of SWSM, observe N accumulation and utilization, and identify the optimized N application. The experiments were conducted under 5 N levels of 0 (N0), 180 (N180), 240 (N240), 300 (N300), and 360 (N360) kg ha⁻¹. The results showed that spring wheat, summer maize and annual cereal yield under the N₂₄₀ and N₄₈₀ treatments obtained the highest grain yield (GY) of 5038, 1282 and 16,320 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, and the optimal N application rate was estimated using a linear–plateau model to be 231–307, 222–337 and 463–571 kg ha⁻¹ with maximum GY of 4654–5317, 11,727–12,003 and 16,349–16,658 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. With the increase in the N application rate, the dry matter accumulation (DM) were significantly increased by 16.9–173.5% for spring wheat and 11.1≈–76.8% for summer maize, respectively; and the annual cereal DM was 15.1–179.7% greater than that with N₀ treatment, respectively. Spring wheat, summer maize and the annual cereal total N accumulation (TN) under N₃₆₀ and N₇₂₀ treatments were significantly increased by 5.4–19.1%, 16.6–32.3% and 11.5–26.2%, respectively, compared to the other treatments; however, N use efficiency for biomass and grain production (NUEbms and NUEg) were decreased significantly by 10.9–13.6% and 8.9–20.7%, 6.8–13.8% and 12.2–15.6%, and 5.5–11.7% and 10.0–16.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, the N partial factor productivity (PFPN), N agronomy use efficiency (ANUE), N recovery efficiency (NRE) and N uptake efficiency (NEupk) under the N₂₄₀ treatment for spring wheat and summer maize obtained high levels of 20.99 and 47.01 kg⁻¹, 9.27 and 16.35 kg⁻¹, 32.53% and 32.44%, and 0.85 and 0.72 kg⁻¹, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the N application rate, TN and NEupk played significantly positive roles on GY, spring wheat spilke grain number, summer maize ear grain number and 1000–grain weight, DM LAImax and SPADmax, while NUEbms, NUEg, PFPN and ANUE always played negative effects. These results demonstrate that spring wheat, summer maize and annual cereal obtained the highest GY being 4654–5317, 11,727–12,003 and 16,349–16,658 kg ha⁻¹ with the optimal N application rate 231–307, 222–337 and 463–571 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, which provide N application guidance to farmer for spring wheat–summer maize crop systems to achieve annual mechanical harvesting in the thermal–resource–limited region of the North China Plain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Planting Density on Root Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Yield of Winter Wheat

by Jianguo Zhou, Zhiwen Zhang, Yue Xin, Guodong Chen, Quanzhong Wu, Xueqi Liang and Yunlong Zhai

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 3014; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12123014 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

The root system is the only vital organ for plants to connect with soil moisture and nutrients and obtain feedback information. This research aimed to explore the response of different spike type winter wheat varieties to plant and row spacing configurations. Multi-spike and [...] Read more.

The root system is the only vital organ for plants to connect with soil moisture and nutrients and obtain feedback information. This research aimed to explore the response of different spike type winter wheat varieties to plant and row spacing configurations. Multi-spike and large-spike winter wheat varieties were used as materials. By setting different plant row configurations and planting densities, the spatial and temporal distribution of root length density, root diameter, root dry weight density, and the main control factors of root growth and development of winter wheat during the whole growth period were studied. The results showed that the root system was the most widely distributed and the root diameter was the largest in the 0–40 cm soil depth, with an average root system diameter of more than 0.5 mm. The root length density and root diameter peaked at the heading stage, decreased at the maturity stage, and the root dry weight density peaked at the jointing stage. The jointing stage and heading stage are the most vigorous periods of root growth in winter wheat, when the center of gravity of root growth in winter wheat is gradually moving down. Therefore, the rapid growth and elongation time of a root system can be effectively prolonged at the jointing stage and heading stage, and the root growth rate can be improved. Promoting root thickening can effectively meet the needs for water and nutrients, for the formation and filling of aboveground plants and grains, in the later stage, which is conducive to the formation of aboveground dry matter production and final yield. The root distribution was greatest in the 0–60 cm soil depth, accounting for 95.13–97.84% of the total root length. After the heading stage occurs, the upper roots begin to decline in large quantities. Thus, the jointing stage and heading stage require fertilization and other farmland management operations to increase root nutrients for the ground parts and dry matter accumulation to provide sufficient nutrients so that the number of effective panicles, grain weight, and the number of spike grains coordinate to achieve the highest grain yield. Results showed that the highest yield can be achieved with the planting pattern X2M1. A comprehensive analysis showed that the genetic characteristics of winter wheat varieties were different, and there were some differences in the correlation between wheat yield and root system at the different growth stages. The correlation between the root parameters and yield of multi-spike winter wheat during the overwintering-jointing stage was obvious. For large-spike type winter wheat in the jointing stage, the yield correlation is most obvious. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1968 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Long-Term Effects of Compost Amendments and Brassica Green Manures in Potato Cropping Systems on Soil and Crop Health and Productivity

by Robert P. Larkin

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2804; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112804 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

Beneficial soil and crop management practices, such as longer rotations, cover crops and green manures, organic amendments, and reduced tillage, may improve soil and crop health and productivity when incorporated into cropping systems. Long-term trials are needed to assess the full impacts and [...] Read more.

Beneficial soil and crop management practices, such as longer rotations, cover crops and green manures, organic amendments, and reduced tillage, may improve soil and crop health and productivity when incorporated into cropping systems. Long-term trials are needed to assess the full impacts and effects of these systems. In field trials originally established in 2004, three different 3-yr potato cropping systems focused on management goals of soil conservation (SC), soil improvement (SI), and disease suppression (DS) were evaluated and compared to a standard 2-yr rotation (SQ) and a nonrotation control (PP). After 12–15 years and results compiled over a four-year period (2015–2018), the SI system (with history of compost amendments) increased total and marketable tuber yields relative to all other systems, with yields averaging 26 to 36% higher than the standard SQ system and 36 to 59% greater than PP. SI also improved soil properties such as organic matter and soil water content, nutritional characteristics, and microbial activity compared to the other systems. The SI system continued to provide these improvements several years after compost amendments ended, indicating the long-term benefits. The DS system, which included a disease-suppressive green manure rotation crop and fall cover crops, also improved yield (by 16–20%), had higher organic matter content (by 12%), and increased microbial activity (by 22%) relative to SQ, as well as reducing the soilborne tuber diseases black scurf and common scab by 10–30%. The nonrotation PP system resulted in the notable degradation of soil properties and yield over time. These results demonstrate that soil health management practices can be effectively incorporated into viable potato cropping systems to improve soil properties and crop health, and may enhance long-term sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Leaf Type, Canopy Architecture, and Light and Nitrogen Distribution Characteristics of Two Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties with High Nitrogen-Use Efficiency

by Zhiyong Zhang, Saijun Xu, Qiongru Wei, Yuxiu Yang, Huqiang Pan, Xinlu Fu, Zehua Fan, Butan Qin, Xiaochun Wang, Xinming Ma and Shuping Xiong

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102411 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1832

Abstract

Studies of traits related to nitrogen (N)-use efficiency (NUE) in wheat cultivars are important for breeding N-efficient cultivars. Canopy structure has a major effect on NUE, as it determines the distribution of light and N. However, the mechanism by which canopy structure affects [...] Read more.

Studies of traits related to nitrogen (N)-use efficiency (NUE) in wheat cultivars are important for breeding N-efficient cultivars. Canopy structure has a major effect on NUE, as it determines the distribution of light and N. However, the mechanism by which canopy structure affects the distribution of light and N within the canopy remains unclear. The N-efficient winter wheat varieties YM49 and ZM27 and N-inefficient winter wheat varieties XN509 and AK58 were grown in the field under two N levels. Light transmittance was enhanced, and the leaf area index and photosynthetically active radiation were lower in the N-efficient cultivar population, which was characterized by moderately sized flag leaves, a low frequency of canopy leaf curling, a low light attenuation coefficient (K_L), and high plant compactness. Reductions in the amount of shade increased the distribution of light and N resources to the middle and lower layers. The photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, instant water-use efficiency, and canopy photosynthetic NUE were higher, N remobilization of the upper and middle canopy leaves was reduced, and the leaf N content was high in the N-efficient cultivars. A higher ratio of the N extinction coefficient (K_N) to K_L reflects the assimilation ability of the N-efficient winter wheat cultivars, resulting in improved canopy structure and distribution of light and N, higher 1000-grain weight and grain yield, and significantly increased light and NUE. An improved match between gradients of light and N in the leaf canopy promotes balanced C and N metabolism and reduces energy and nutrient losses. This should be a goal when breeding N-efficient wheat cultivars and implementing tillage regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term P Fertilizer Application Reduced Methane Emissions from Paddies in a Double-Rice System

by Xiangcheng Zhu, Jin Li, Xihuan Liang, Yunfeng Chen, Xianmao Chen, Jianhua Ji, Wenjian Xia, Xianjin Lan, Chunrui Peng and Jin Chen

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092166 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Rice is the main staple food worldwide, yet paddy fields are a primary source of artificial methane (CH₄) emissions. Phosphorus (P) is a key element in the growth of plants and microbes, and P fertilizer input is a conventional agricultural practice [...] Read more.

Rice is the main staple food worldwide, yet paddy fields are a primary source of artificial methane (CH₄) emissions. Phosphorus (P) is a key element in the growth of plants and microbes, and P fertilizer input is a conventional agricultural practice adopted to improve rice yield. However, the impact of long-term P fertilizer addition on CH₄ emissions in rice paddies is still unclear. To test this impact, a 36-yr field experiment with and without P fertilizer application treatments under a double-rice cropping system was used in this study to explore how continuous P application affects CH₄ emissions and related plant and soil properties. The cumulative CH₄ emissions were 21.2% and 28.6% higher without P fertilizer application treatment than with P fertilizer application treatment during the early and late season, respectively. Long-term P fertilizer application increased the rice aboveground biomass by 14.7–85.1% and increased grain yield by 24.5–138.7%. However, it reduced the ratio of root biomass to aboveground biomass. Long-term P fertilizer input reduced the soil NH₄⁺ concentrations in both rice seasons but increased the soil DOC concentrations in the late season. The soil methanogenic abundance and CH₄ production potential were similar without and with P fertilizer application treatments; however, the methanotrophic abundance and soil CH₄ oxidation potential with P fertilizer application treatment were significantly higher than without P fertilizer application treatment. Our findings indicate that long-term P fertilizer input reduces CH₄ emissions in rice fields, mainly by improving CH₄ oxidation, which highlights the need for judicious P management to increase rice yield while reducing CH₄ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Different Proportion Intercropping on Oat and Common Vetch Yields and Nutritional Composition at Different Growth Stages

by Jiahui Qu, Lijun Li, Jianhui Bai, Guangmin Chen, Yanli Zhang and Qing Chang

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081908 - 14 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1533

Abstract

Crop yield mainly depends on environment and cultivation practices that vary according to a growing environment. However, an oat (Avena sativa L.)-common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) intercrop system has not been fully developed in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia, China. [...] Read more.

Crop yield mainly depends on environment and cultivation practices that vary according to a growing environment. However, an oat (Avena sativa L.)-common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) intercrop system has not been fully developed in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia, China. This study evaluated the effects of seven treatments, including five oat-common vetch intercropping patterns, sole oat, and sole vetch on yield and quality performance at different growth periods [75 days after sowing (DAS), 90 DAS, 105 DAS], on the basis of field experiments conducted in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia in 2015 and 2016. The OV3:1 (oat intercropped with common vetch at seeding ratios 3:1) treatment at 105 DAS in 2016 was superior to other treatments, as it achieved the highest shoot dry matter, increasing by 24.1% and 37.1% compared to sole oat and common vetch. The crude fat (CF) contents, CF yield, and crude protein (CP) yield increased under OV3:1, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) decreased under OV3:1, compared to monoculture. The results indicate that intercropping is an efficient cropping system for the agro-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia. The appropriate proportion of oat and common vetch intercropping at 3:1 and harvesting time not only increases crop yield but also improves the crop quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Climatic Conditions Caused by Seasons on Maize Yield, Kernel Filling and Weight in Central China

by Junzhu Ge, Ying Xu, Ming Zhao, Ming Zhan, Cougui Cao, Chuanyong Chen and Baoyuan Zhou

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081816 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1425

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions on maize grain yield (GY), kernel weight (KW), and kernel filling and identify the optimal climatic factors for GY and KW, 2-year field experiments in three seasons, i.e., spring (S_PM), summer (S [...] Read more.

In order to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions on maize grain yield (GY), kernel weight (KW), and kernel filling and identify the optimal climatic factors for GY and KW, 2-year field experiments in three seasons, i.e., spring (S_PM), summer (S_UM), and autumn (A_UM), on maize were conducted in Central China. The results showed that S_UM had more growing degree days (GDDs) than S_PM and A_UM due to the higher mean temperature (MT), and also resulted in higher temperature stress (killing degree days (KDDs)) in maize growth duration. Meanwhile, after silking, S_PM and S_UM had more GDDs and KDDs than A_UM because of the higher MT, and the accumulated solar radiation (Ra) for S_UM was significantly higher than for S_PM and A_UM. The GY of S_PM was significantly higher than that of S_UM and A_UM, while S_UM’s GY was always the lowest, because the GDD_GD, MT_GD, and KDD_GD played significantly negative roles on GY. The final KW for S_UM was always the lowest, with GDD, MT, KDD, and Ra causing significantly negative effects, and M△T and precipitation having significant positive effects, resulting in a lower kernel filling rate during the linear kernel filling period (KFR_lkf) and a lower GDD at the maximum kernel filling rate (GDD_KFRmax). Maize KFR_lkf has significant negative linear dependences on GDD, MT, and Ra. In summary, because of the higher MT, KDD, and GDD during maize growth and kernel filling duration negatively affecting the maize kernel filling rate, the GY and KW for S_PM were the highest, and for S_UM, they were the lowest; therefore, farmers should plant S_PM first and then A_UM in Central China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Accumulation of Biomass Pre- and Post-Silking Associated with Gains in Yield for Both Seasons under Maize–Rice Double Cropping System

by Yuling Han, Dong Guo, Fei Xia, Wei Ma, Akram Salah, Ming Zhan, Cougui Cao, Ming Zhao, Chuanyong Chen and Baoyuan Zhou

Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12061296 - 28 May 2022

Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Due to relatively low yield as well as low resources use efficiency with double rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping systems (RR), exploring new cropping systems to increase yield and resources use efficiency simultaneously has become a large challenge of the middle reaches [...] Read more.

Due to relatively low yield as well as low resources use efficiency with double rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping systems (RR), exploring new cropping systems to increase yield and resources use efficiency simultaneously has become a large challenge of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MRYR). Our previous study demonstrated that the maize (Zea mays L.)–rice cropping system (MR) exhibited higher superiority of yield and resource use efficiency compared with the conventional double-rice cropping system. However, the reason for the yield increases in both maize and rice and the physiological processes involved in those two crops under MR are poorly understood. A 3-year field experiment was conducted at two sites (Wuxue and Jingmen) from 2016 to 2018 to examine the differences in dry matter (DM) accumulation, soil properties, and resources use efficiency between the MR and RR cropping systems. Compared with RR, the annual yield of MR was 18.2–26.3% and 15.4–31.5% higher across three years at Wuxue and Jingmen, respectively. The average yield of maize in MR was 36.5% and 21.9% higher than that of early rice in RR at Wuxue and Jingmen, respectively. The yield increase for maize was mainly attributed to the 29.7% (Wuxue) and 28.5% (Jingmen) increases in post-silking DM accumulation due to the higher plant growth rate promoted by the higher net assimilation rate and radiation use efficiency. For the late rice in MR, the average yield was 10.9% and 14.5% higher than that of late rice in RR at Wuxue and Jingmen, respectively, which was promoted by the 7.8–23.3% increase in pre-anthesis DM accumulation due to improved soil properties. Compared with RR, the MR cropping system exhibited increased soil pH, total organic carbon, and mineral nitrogen, and decreased the bulk density in the late rice season. As a result of greater yield in both seasons under MR, the annual accumulated temperature and radiation use efficiency, partial factor productivity from applied nitrogen, and water use efficiency of MR were 17.7–26.4%, 22.2–25.5%, 5.5–7.8%, and 33.6–48.7% higher than those of RR, respectively. We conclude that the higher yield in the MR than in the RR cropping system was mainly attributed to the accumulation of post-silking biomass due to maximized use of radiation in the maize season, and the accumulation of pre-anthesis biomass due to improved soil nutrients in the late rice season. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Years of Rice Straw Return on Soil Nitrogen Components from Rice–Wheat Cropped Fields

by Siyuan Cui, Xinkai Zhu and Guangqiao Cao

Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12061247 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

Straw return is an important farmland management practice that influences the activity of soil nitrogen. Few studies have examined the distribution of soil nitrogen and its components in wheat–rice cropping fields in subtropical China. This study assesses the influence of different years of [...] Read more.

Straw return is an important farmland management practice that influences the activity of soil nitrogen. Few studies have examined the distribution of soil nitrogen and its components in wheat–rice cropping fields in subtropical China. This study assesses the influence of different years of straw return on the distribution and variation of total soil nitrogen (TN), light fraction nitrogen (LFN), heavy fraction nitrogen (HFN), particulate nitrogen (PN), and mineral-bound nitrogen (MN). We conducted a field experiment with eight years of straw retention treatments in 2017 (no straw retention, NR; 1 year of straw retention, SR1; 2 years of straw retention, SR2; 3 years of straw retention, SR3; 4 years of straw retention, SR4; 5 years of straw retention, SR5; 6 years of straw retention, SR6; 7 years of straw retention, SR7) and one more treatment in 2018 (8 years of straw retention, SR8) in a rice–wheat cropping system at Yangzhou University Experimental Station in China. The results demonstrated that as the number of years of treatment increases, the content of TN, LFN, HFN, PN, and MN at each soil layer gradually increases. Compared with NR, the highest increase in TN, LFN, HFN, PN, and MN under SR1-SR8 in the 0–20 cm soils was 38.10%, 150.73%, 35.61%, 79.97%, and 27.71%, respectively, but increases in TN, HFN, and MN content gradually slowed after six years of straw return. The contents or variation of TN were extremely significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with that of LFN, HFN, PN, and MN, while LFN had the highest variation. In general, straw return could improve the quality of the 0–20 cm nitrogen pool. LFN was the best indicator of changes to the soil nitrogen pool affected by years of straw return. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land-Use Conversion Altered Topsoil Properties and Stoichiometry in a Reclaimed Coastal Agroforestry System

by Shuang Wang, Zhangyan Zhu, Ruiping Yang, Li Yang and Baoming Ge

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051143 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

Reclaimed coastal areas were mostly used for agricultural purposes in the past, while land-use conversion was initiated in recent decades in eastern China. Elucidation of the effects of land-use conversion on soil properties and stoichiometry is essential for addressing climate change and ecological [...] Read more.

Reclaimed coastal areas were mostly used for agricultural purposes in the past, while land-use conversion was initiated in recent decades in eastern China. Elucidation of the effects of land-use conversion on soil properties and stoichiometry is essential for addressing climate change and ecological conservation. In this study, five land-use types in a reclaimed area were chosen to compare the differences of soil properties and stoichiometry, which comprised paddy, upland, upland-forest, forest, and vegetable garden, with a soil age of about 100 years. The results indicated that these land-use types significantly differed in soil water concentration, pH, bulk density, soil salt concentration, soil organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and total phosphorus, as well as C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Positive correlations were found among soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus; and among pH, bulk density, and soil salt concentration. Total phosphorus and soil organic carbon contents were the main factors shaping the topsoil among the land-use types. Contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in paddy and vegetable garden soils were higher than that in upland and upland-forest soils, while bulk density, pH, and soil salt concentration showed the opposite trends. Forest soil demonstrated intermediate values for most properties. And the highest C:N occurred in the upland and vegetable garden, the highest C:P in paddy and vegetable garden, while the lowest C:N and C:P occurred in upland-forest. The highest and lowest N:P occurred in paddy and upland, respectively. The stoichiometric characteristics presented a narrow range of the ratio, and the C:N:P averaged 48:3:1 similar to the stoichiometry of average Chinese cropland soils. Rotations including legume, the use of organic fertilizers, and appropriate fertilization strategies were suggested for improving cropland management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 8130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Warming and Crop Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Changes on Distribution of Suitable Areas for Double Rice

by Shuo Li, Xiaoyu Shi, Jie Lu, Fu Chen and Qingquan Chu

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12050993 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

Understanding the effect of climate warming and technological progress on crop production systems is crucial for developing climate adaptation strategies. This study presents a methodological framework with which to assess the suitability of the double rice cropping system in Southern China and the [...] Read more.

Understanding the effect of climate warming and technological progress on crop production systems is crucial for developing climate adaptation strategies. This study presents a methodological framework with which to assess the suitability of the double rice cropping system in Southern China and the effects of crop management and climate warming on its distribution. The results indicate that the isolated effects of climate warming have led to the northward and westward expansions of double rice northern limits over the past six decades and an increase in suitable areas by 4.76 Mha. Under the isolated effect of crop management, the northern limits of the medium- and late-maturity double rice changed significantly due to the increased accumulated temperature required caused by varietal replacement and planting date change, which moved an average of 123 and 134 km southward, respectively. A combined scenario analysis indicated that crop management could offset the effects of climate warming and push the northern limits southward, reducing the overall suitable area by 1.31 Mha. Varietal replacement and other crop management methods should also be appropriately considered in addition to climate warming to develop locally adapted agricultural management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Rice-Based Double-Cropping System with Conservation Practice Mitigates Carbon Emission While Ensuring Profitability

by Xin Zhang, Tao Chen, Yongkui Qi, Ruiping Yang, Aixing Deng, Tianshu Wang, Chengyan Zheng, Jun Zhang, Ziyin Shang, Zhenwei Song and Weijian Zhang

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040924 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

Including green manure into a rice-based double-cropping system has effects on both crop production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet, few studies have considered the trade-off between crop productivity, profitability, and carbon footprint (CF) in this cropping system of China. Thus, the impacts [...] Read more.

Including green manure into a rice-based double-cropping system has effects on both crop production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet, few studies have considered the trade-off between crop productivity, profitability, and carbon footprint (CF) in this cropping system of China. Thus, the impacts of different cropping regimes on crop productivity, economic benefits, carbon footprint, and net ecosystem economic budget (NEEB) were investigated. The treatments were rice–wheat (R–W), rice–rape (R–R), rice–hairy vetch (R–H), rice–barley (R–B), rice–faba bean (R–F), and rice–fallow (R). Compared to R–W treatment, planting rape (R–R), green manure (R–F, R–H), or fallow (R) in winter season tended to improve rice yield, but they were not conducive to yield stability. Treatments of R–H, R–F, and R reduced both direct and indirect GHG emission, and thus mitigated the area-scaled carbon footprint by 34.4%, 44.2%, and 49.7%, respectively, compared to R–W treatment. The economic benefits under R–R, R–B, or R system were not different from those of R–W treatment, while R–H reduced the economic benefit by 70.1%. In comparison with R–W treatment, R–H treatment reduced the NEEB, while R–F significantly increased the NEEB by USD 4065 ha⁻¹. The present results indicate that as a measure to realize the combination of food security and environmental cost reduction, substituting leguminous crops with wheat can mitigate carbon emissions while ensuring profitability, on the premise of yield stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1997 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Potential Use of Quartzipisamment under Agroforestry and Silvopastoral System for Large-Scale Production in Brazil

by Maria Fernanda Magioni Marçal, Zigomar Menezes de Souza, Rose Luiza Moraes Tavares, Camila Vieira Viana Farhate, Raul Evaristo Monteiro Júnior, Elizeu de Souza Lima and Lenon Henrique Lovera

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040905 - 09 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1727

Abstract

The need to put into practice sustainable agricultural production systems has been supported by agroecology science that seeks to optimize land use to food production with the lowest impact on soil. This study evaluated soil quality, based on physical and chemical attributes, in [...] Read more.

The need to put into practice sustainable agricultural production systems has been supported by agroecology science that seeks to optimize land use to food production with the lowest impact on soil. This study evaluated soil quality, based on physical and chemical attributes, in agroforestry (AGF) and silvopastoral (SILVP) systems developed for large-scale food production. The study was carried out in the municipality of Itirapina, state of São Paulo, in two areas with AGF and SILVP system, compared to an area with a forest fragment and another with pasture in a Quartzipisamment Sand Neosol. The soil collections were carried out in the layers of 0.00–0.05, 0.05–0.10, 0.10–0.20, and 0.20–0.40 m, where physical soil attributes were evaluated (total porosity, microporosity, and microporosity, density, mean diameter of aggregates) as well as chemical attributes (macro- and micronutrients), in addition to carbon and nitrogen storage. To interpret the data, Tukey’s test was applied to compare means, and principal component analysis was used to better characterize the study environments. The results showed that agroforestry and silvopastoral systems developed for large-scale production are efficient in improving chemical and physical attributes that reflect on soil quality, especially in the superficial layers of the soil, overcoming pasture and the natural regeneration process. Carbon and nitrogen storage were the main variables that differentiated the production systems, highlighting the importance of the AGF and SILVP systems as more sustainable agricultural intensification strategies, even in soils of low agricultural suitability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Multiple Cropping Systems for Improving Crop Yield and Soil Quality

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (16 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI