Article
Agronomy
Elizabeth Christenson, Virginia L. Jin, Marty R. Schmer, Robert B. Mitchell, Daren D. Redfearn
Summary: Diversifying agronomic production systems through Integrated Crop Livestock systems can help mitigate environmental impacts. Harvesting crop residues and perennial biomass can increase system functionality for bioenergy feedstock. Research shows that incorporating perennial grasses into Integrated Crop Livestock systems is effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mbali Mahlayeye, Roshanak Darvishzadeh, Andrew Nelson
Summary: Cropping patterns are crucial for crop production and land-use intensity, but they are rarely reported in agricultural statistics. Remote sensing enables mapping of cropping patterns, but research on intercropping patterns is limited and the use of microwave remote sensing for intercropping mapping is not fully explored.
Article
Agronomy
Inka Notz, Cairistiona F. E. Topp, Johannes Schuler, Sheila Alves, Leonardo Amthauer Gallardo, Jens Dauber, Thorsten Haase, Paul R. Hargreaves, Michael Hennessy, Anelia Iantcheva, Philippe Jeanneret, Sonja Kay, Juergen Recknagel, Leopold Rittler, Marjana Vasiljevic, Christine A. Watson, Moritz Reckling
Summary: Legume-supported cropping systems have the potential to increase protein self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impacts in European agriculture. Using the DEED framework, we collaborated with scientists and advisors in 17 study areas to describe, explain, explore, and redesign cropping systems. The results showed that legume integration reduced N fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions, decreased nitrate leaching, and increased protein yield per hectare. However, energy yields were lower in legume-supported systems, and economic criteria were identified as important for feasibility and adaptation. Overall, the close stakeholder interactions and large-scale application of the DEED framework demonstrated the benefits of redesigning legume-supported cropping systems in Europe.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ignacio R. Hisse, Fernando Biganzoli, Alberto M. Peper, Santiago L. Poggio
Summary: Annual productivity of croplands can be increased by intensifying cropping sequences and fine-tuning agronomic management. This study evaluated the effects of different crop sequences and agronomic practices on grain yield and energy of grain yield, and found that intensified management systems led to higher annual yield and energy.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2022)
Review
Horticulture
Huan Zhang, Carol Miles, Beverly Gerdeman, Deirdre Griffin LaHue, Lisa DeVetter
Summary: This review paper discusses the use of plastic mulch in perennial fruit systems, comparing non-biodegradable plastic mulches like PE and PP with soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs). The choice of plastic mulch impacts plant growth, soil environment, and pest/disease management, with mulch selection dependent on crop type, horticultural goals, climate, and production system. Researchers should continue exploring different plastic mulch options and investigate long-term impacts in perennial fruit cropping systems.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Miguel Oliveira, Carlos Castro, Joao Coutinho, Henrique Trindade
Summary: Legume-based cropping systems have the potential to reduce nitrous oxide emissions in Mediterranean agroecosystems, but may not always be effective in dry years. Efficient supplementary nitrogen fertilization may be necessary to achieve reduced greenhouse gas emissions without compromising crop yields.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Nityananda Khanal, Rahman Azooz, Noabur Rahman, Henry Klein-Gebbinck, Jennifer K. Otani, Calvin L. Yoder, Talon M. Gauthier
Summary: The study found that cropping sequences based on creeping red fescue had the highest economic benefits and crop yields, while continuous canola sequences ranked lower. Sequences based on clover were found to improve the performance of subsequent wheat and canola crops.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Joseph E. Iboyi, Michael J. Mulvaney, Ramon G. Leon, Kipling S. Balkcom, Mahesh Bashyal, Pratap Devkota, Ian M. Small
Summary: Row croppers in the Southeast United States are interested in diversifying their cropping systems and increasing revenue by growing a winter cash crop between summer crops, especially cotton and peanut. Double-cropping carinata between summer crops has potential to boost grower revenue and increase land use efficiency in the region. Research was conducted to quantify the effects of summer cropping history on the performance of carinata as part of diversified crop rotations in the SE US.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ausra Arlauskiene, Danute Jablonskyte-Rasce, Lina Sarunaite, Monika Toleikiene, Laura Masilionyte, Viktorija Gecaite, Zydre Kadziuliene
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of using legume swards to improve nitrogen cycling and control weediness, as well as the impact of different management methods on crop growth and weed competition. The results show that proper planting and management of legume swards can effectively reduce weediness and increase crop competitiveness.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Keunbae Kim, Erin J. Daly, Thomas K. Flesch, Trevor W. Coates, Guillermo Hernandez-Ramirez
Summary: This study compared the carbon dioxide and water fluxes between perennial and annual crops and found that perennial crops have a greater carbon sink capacity and higher carbon use efficiency compared to annual crops. Although perennial crops have higher evapotranspiration at the beginning of the growing season, the overall water use efficiency is similar between the two crops.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pascaline Diale Dioh Lobe, Gunda Schulte auf 'm Erley, Frank Hoeppner, Stefan Schrader
Summary: Despite efforts to conserve and increase awareness, soil biodiversity continues to decline across various ecosystems. Soil quality assessment and disturbance in different cropping systems were done using indicators such as nematodes, which play a crucial role in soil function and structure. A field experiment assessed the impact of annual and perennial energy crops on nematode communities. Results showed that sainfoin had the highest nematode abundance, followed by mixed cultures and maize. Nematode abundance was lower in annual plots compared to perennial plots, and the perennial plots were dominated by plant-parasitic nematodes. These findings highlight the importance of considering soil nematodes in soil quality indices and suggest that energy crops like sainfoin can enhance agricultural ecosystem functionality and productivity.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Andrea K. Clemensen, Michael A. Grusak, Sara E. Duke, John R. Hendrickson, Jose G. Franco, David W. Archer, James N. Roemmich, Mark A. Liebig
Summary: The study found that integrating a perennial forage phase into continuous wheat cropping system may influence the crude protein concentration of wheat, while there were negative correlations between wheat grain yield and concentrations of crude protein, potassium, magnesium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc. Differences in crude protein and mineral concentration in wheat grain were largely influenced by the year of wheat harvest, likely due to timely precipitation during spikelet development at critical Growth Stage 3.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mir Zaman Hussain, Stephen K. Hamilton, G. Philip Robertson, Bruno Basso
Summary: The study found that leaching losses of phosphorus from croplands were not significantly affected by the type of crops planted, and both fertilized and unfertilized cropping systems may leach legacy phosphorus from past cropland management.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Roberta Q. Cavalcanti, Mario M. Rolim, Renato P. de Lima, Pedro F. S. Ortiz, Elvira M. R. Pedrosa, Joez A. de Moraes Rodrigues
Summary: The study found that the burned and unburned harvesting systems had no impact on the number and length of row gaps in sugarcane fields. However, row gaps significantly increased after the second harvest in both systems, indicating that row gaps in sugarcane fields increase as the number of harvests increases.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ji Chen, Poul Erik Laerke, Uffe Jorgensen
Summary: Conversion from annual to perennial crops can significantly increase biomass yield and yield stability, as well as enhance soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content. Selecting proper perennial crops has the potential to promote sustainable development of green biorefineries.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Richard C. Hayes, Matthew T. Newell, Anthony D. Swan, Mark B. Peoples, Keith G. Pembleton, Guangdi D. Li
Summary: This study examined the prospects of improving species mixture productivity by changing row configuration at sowing. The results showed that spatially separating species in drill rows did not provide a significant advantage.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gordon Refshauge, Matthew T. Newell, David L. Hopkins, Stephen Morris, Richard C. Hayes, Benjamin W. B. Holman
Summary: The addition of lucerne to the diet can increase the intake of calcium, magnesium, and sodium, but it cannot solve the mineral imbalance problem of high potassium and low sodium in cereal forages.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ketema Zeleke, Jeff McCormick
Summary: Land and water are crucial for crop production. Simulation modelling helps determine optimal crop sequences. The yield of summer crops increases with irrigation, while winter crops do not. Water productivity differs between summer and winter crops. Positive gross margins are achieved with affordable or moderate water prices, with continuous wheat scenario being profitable at high water prices. Deficit irrigation causes significant yield loss in summer crops, while supplemental irrigation benefits winter crops.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. C. Hayes, M. Rohan, G. D. Li, S. E. Orgill, G. J. Poile, A. A. Oates, M. K. Conyers
Summary: A poor understanding of soil property variation can lead to improper management decisions with negative consequences for productivity and the environment. This study examines the variability of several soil properties in two locations in southern New South Wales, Australia and highlights the importance of correctly interpreting soil test results for agricultural and environmental purposes.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jessica Wyse, Sajid Latif, Saliya Gurusinghe, Jeffrey McCormick, Leslie A. Weston, Cyril P. Stephen
Summary: Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites that have various effects on livestock, including reproduction, metabolism, immunological functions, and growth and performance. Understanding the potential health and reproductive effects of grazing phytoestrogenic pastures is important in mitigating risks and improving livestock management. Legume species commonly used for grazing livestock in Australia have been found to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds, especially isoflavones and coumestans, can affect reproductive functions at certain concentrations. Recent research has also shown potential benefits of phytoestrogens on metabolism, immune capacity, and growth and performance of grazing livestock.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mark R. Norton, Denys L. Garden, Maheswaran Rohan, Beverley A. Orchard, Philip Armstrong, Trent Brassil
Summary: This 10-year experiment studied the effects of different rates of surface-applied lime, two types of superphosphate, and different stocking rates on grazing sheep in acidic soils. The results showed that lime improved soil acidity and increased pasture and animal productivity, while also providing benefits in terms of ground cover and sustainability.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiang Li, Jibo Shi, Guangdi Li, Juan Hu, Ruonan Ma
Summary: Grassland restoration in abandoned croplands has a significant impact on soil enzyme stoichiometry and microbial resource limitation, ultimately affecting carbon sequestration progress in the soil. Different restoration strategies result in varying changes in soil enzyme activities and microbial resource limitation, with grass-based grasslands and grass-legume mixed grasslands having the most significant effects. Shift from microbial carbon (C) limitation to phosphorus (P) limitation during grassland restoration reduces microbial C use efficiency and hinders ecosystem carbon sequestration potential. Increased biomass input and soil C:P ratio are key factors in shifting microbial resource limitation from C to P, suggesting the need for moderate harvest and phosphorus supplementation during grassland restoration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jude Jessie Bond, Gordon Refshauge, Matthew T. Newell, Benjamin W. B. Holman, David Wheeler, Serey Woodgate, Karthik S. Kamath, Richard C. Hayes
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different diets on the membrane-bound proteins in the rumen epithelium. The results showed that conventional wheat had the highest average daily gain and metabolisable energy intake in lambs. There were significant differences in protein abundance related to fatty acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and biosynthesis of cofactors pathways between perennial wheat and perennial wheat with lucerne diets.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
R. W. Smith, B. Penrose, A. D. Langworthy, A. W. Humphries, C. A. Harris, M. E. Rogers, P. G. H. Nichols, R. C. Hayes
Summary: Strawberry clover is an alternative perennial pasture legume for temperate regions of Australia, known for its tolerance of waterlogging and mildly saline conditions. This paper reviews its taxonomy, breeding system, distribution, and ecology, and discusses its potential use in a wider range of environments. It also emphasizes the need for breeding focus, commercialization, and marketing to surpass the currently popular cultivar.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Richard C. C. Hayes, Matthew T. T. Newell, Guangdi D. D. Li, Rebecca E. E. Haling, Carol A. A. Harris, Richard A. A. Culvenor, Warwick B. B. Badgery, Neil Munday, Andrew Price, Rebecca S. S. Stutz, Richard J. J. Simpson
Summary: This study assessed the persistence of various legume species in order to inform legume choice for pasture improvement and identify priority species for further development. The results suggest that yellow serradella, white clover, and subterranean clover are the most promising perennial legume species for tableland environments. Selecting and improving legume species based on their performance is crucial for grassland improvement and mitigating risks posed by drought.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Warwick Badgery, Guangdi Li, Aaron Simmons, Jennifer Wood, Rowan Smith, David Peck, Lachlan Ingram, Zoey Durmic, Annette Cowie, Alan Humphries, Peter Hutton, Emma Winslow, Phil Vercoe, Richard Eckard
Summary: In Australia, the majority of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions come from enteric methane produced by grazing sheep and cattle. This study aims to assess the reduction of methane emissions by introducing low methane yielding legumes and herbs, considering the overall system-level emissions. Results show that reducing emissions intensity is crucial, but livestock productivity is also important. Biserrula, a pasture species, has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize pasture species mixtures for reduced methane emissions and equal or greater livestock production.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Matthew T. Newell, Rebecca E. Haling, Richard C. Hayes, Adam Stefanski, Guangdi D. Li, Richard J. Simpson
Summary: This study investigated the seed softening of serradella and subterranean clover in two regions of eastern Australia and found diverse patterns of seed softening among serradella cultivars, which differ from subterranean clover. This has implications for the management and suitability of serradella cultivars in permanent pastures.
CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Benjamin W. B. Holman, Stephanie M. Fowler, Gordon Refshauge, Richard C. Hayes, Matthew T. Newell, Edward H. Clayton, Kristy L. Bailes, David L. Hopkins
Summary: This study investigated the fatty acid profile and oxidative status of lamb meat fed with a novel perennial wheat or a conventional annual wheat. The results showed that lucerne inclusion in the diet affected fatty acid concentrations, while meat from lambs fed a cereal monoculture had higher concentrations of oxidative substances and vitamin E. Additionally, regardless of the dietary treatment, the concentration of health claimable fatty acids was higher in the semimembranosus muscle.
VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)