Article
Environmental Studies
Ida Nadia S. Djenontin, Leo C. Zulu, Robert B. Richardson
Summary: This study analyzes the restoration efforts in Malawi's forest and agricultural landscapes, examining the drivers and barriers of restoration. The findings highlight the diversification and intensification patterns in farmers' land-management practices and the importance of land configuration and gender equality in restoration outcomes. Collective actions and strong local leadership are also important factors in restoration efforts.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jill E. Cairns, Jordan Chamberlin, Pieter Rutsaert, Rachel C. Voss, Thokozile Ndhlela, Cosmos Magorokosho
Summary: Maize production needs to triple in sub-Saharan Africa to meet future needs, but challenges include improving the nutritional density of maize, increasing adoption of new varieties, faster varietal replacement, and increasing fertilizer use. However, low and variable returns on investment may limit these improvements, and adoption of new technologies is lower among female farmers.
JOURNAL OF CEREAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lindumusa Myeni, Mokhele Edmond Moeletsi, Isaiah Nyagumbo, Salome Modiselle, Lebohang Mokoena, Ikalafeng Ben Kgakatsi
Summary: The InnovAfrica project tested and scaled up best-bet Sustainable Agricultural Intensification practices through Multi-Actor Platforms and improved dissemination strategies across six African countries. The project improved food and nutritional security of smallholder farmers by increasing crop yields and building climate-resilient farming communities. Recommendations included supporting SAI practices with enabling institutions and conducive policies to enhance access to inputs, market linkages, credit, agricultural lands and promoting functional farmer groups and participatory learning models.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
A. P. Barnes, T. Muoni, I Oborn, G. Bergkvist, G. Nziguheba, C. A. Watson, B. Vanlauwe, A. J. Duncan
Summary: The study found that the adoption of legumes in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa has been slow. Factors such as age, income, and gender have minimal effects on legume adoption, with household nutrition needs and farm fertility support driving the use of legumes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Eileen Bogweh Nchanji, Cosmas Kweyu Lutomia
Summary: Concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa are widespread. The pandemic has posed significant challenges to bean production and food security in the region, affecting access to seeds, farm inputs, labor, and agricultural finance. Recovery efforts should focus on building sustainable food systems, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in digital input supply systems and short food supply chains.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Dieter J. A. Heylen, Bersissa Kumsa, Elikira Kimbita, Mwiine Nobert Frank, Dennis Muhanguzi, Frans Jongejan, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Alassane Toure, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Nick Juleff, Josephus Fourie, Alec Evans, Joseph Byaruhanga, Maxime Madder
Summary: This study determines the tick species with the highest economic impact on cattle in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The results show that tick diversity and prevalence are higher in East Africa compared to West Africa. Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, R. evertsi evertsi, and R. appendiculatus are the most prevalent tick species of economic importance in East Africa. In West Africa, A. variegatum and R. microplus occur in high numbers. The study also finds that treating cattle with anti-parasiticides can reduce infestation levels of six tick species.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
P. Chivenge, S. Zingore, K. S. Ezui, S. Njoroge, M. A. Bunquin, A. Dobermann, K. Saito
Summary: Increasing fertilizer access and use is crucial for improving crop production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approach, initially developed for rice in Asia, has been successfully applied to rice, maize, and cassava cropping systems in SSA, leading to increased yield, profitability, and nutrient use efficiency. Further research and evaluation are needed to quantify the broader benefits of SSNM in diverse farming systems and environments.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Business
Marcia F. Kwaramba, Srinivas Sridharan, Felix T. Mavondo
Summary: Despite agriculture's significance in sub-Saharan Africa's economy, the region faces the highest global risk for food insecurity due to its rapidly growing population. This study introduces the concept of smallholder market participation as a way to understand how smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe engage with markets. Through a survey of 464 smallholder farmer-entrepreneurs, the study examines the factors that contribute to their success in the market, such as market orientation, access to ancillary services, functional literacy, entrepreneurial abilities, and marketplace metacognition. The findings provide valuable insights for agribusiness marketers and policymakers in understanding smallholder engagement with markets.
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF MARKETING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Devinia Princess Akinyi, Stanley Karanja Nganga, Margret Ngigi, Mary Mathenge, Evan Girvetz
Summary: The study presented a multi-dimensional framework to evaluate resource allocation among competing alternatives. Its main objectives were to identify the prioritized climate-smart agricultural practices adopted among smallholder farmers and assess their economic feasibility.
Article
Ecology
Francisco M. P. Mugizi, Tomoya Matsumoto
Summary: Population pressure on farmlands can have a negative impact on soil quality, leading to soil degradation. In some regions, population growth may also drive agricultural intensification, but farmers have yet to make significant changes in response to land scarcity caused by population growth.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Bekele Hundie Kotu, Oyakhilomen Oyinbo, Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon, Abdul Rahman Nurudeen, Fred Kizito, Benedict Boyubie
Summary: This study examines farmers' preferences for sustainable intensification of maize production technologies in northern Ghana. The findings indicate that farmers are interested in maize-based cropping systems that align with sustainable intensification. The study highlights the importance of considering preference heterogeneities among farmers and adapting to local conditions for development actions to succeed.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
James Hammond, Tim Pagella, Mark E. Caulfield, Simon Fraval, Nils Teufel, Jannike Wichern, Esther Kihoro, Mario Herrero, Todd S. Rosenstock, Mark T. van Wijk
Summary: Based on a survey of 600 households in four sites in East Africa, it was found that almost two thirds of households experienced changes in poverty, but the overall poverty rates remained constant. Households with more resources were more likely to escape poverty through farm and off-farm activities, while the poorest households were trapped in poverty and required different approaches to alleviate poverty.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joost van Heerwaarden
Summary: This study presents a theoretical ex-ante assessment of the economic benefits of adjusting crop nutrient rates to differences in nutrient and water constraints. The results show that matching nutrient rates to indigenous levels may only result in marginal added benefits, but adjusting rates to water limited yields can significantly increase profits.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Solomon Eghosa Uhunamure, Zongho Kom, Karabo Shale, Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe, Jacobus Steyn
Summary: This study aims to capture smallholder farmers' opinions on organic farming in Limpopo Province, South Africa, revealing that while organic farming is gaining recognition and seen as profitable, the stringent standards and difficulty in certification are major challenges. The results suggest the need for more awareness, training, and simplified certification processes to change farmers' perceptions in the province.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dilys S. MacCarthy, Myriam Adam, Bright S. Freduah, Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, Peter A. Y. Ampim, Mouhamed Ly, Pierre S. Traore, Samuel G. K. Adiku
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of climate change on cereal production in smallholder settings in Navrongo, Ghana and Nioro du Rip, Senegal, finding a high variability in the impact among smallholders.
Review
Education & Educational Research
Godwin Liambunde Atser, Alfred Dixon, Friday Ekeleme, Stefan Hauser, Olushola Fadairo, Adegbenga Adekoya, Adeolu Babatunde Ayanwale, Mary Agada, Ibukunoluwa Oladokun, Patrick Akpu, Lateef Sanni, Pieter Pypers, Theresa Ampadu-Boakye, Bernard Van lauwe
Summary: Demonstrations can enhance farmers' adoption of agricultural innovations and improve weed management practices. This study provides important data that emphasize the significance of communication and media choices, and highlights the need for technology to be effectively communicated to farmers for uptake.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & EXTENSION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gatien N. Falconnier, Louise Leroux, Damien Beillouin, Marc Corbeels, Robert J. Hijmans, Camila Bonilla-Cedrez, Mark van Wijk, Katrien Descheemaeker, Shamie Zingore, Francois Affholder, Santiago Lopez-Ridaura, Eric Malezieux, David Makowski, Jairos Rurinda, Martin K. van Ittersum, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller, Sabine-Karen Lammoglia, Katharina Waha
Summary: This study estimated the impact of increasing maize yields with mineral fertilizer on household food security and regional/national maize supply in Uganda and Tanzania. Results showed that increasing fertilizer input could significantly improve food security in both countries, but the regions with the highest potential for increased maize supply did not align with the regions where household food security was most improved.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Moritz Laub, Marc Corbeels, Samuel Mathu Ndungu, Monicah Wanjiku Mucheru-Muna, Daniel Mugendi, Magdalena Necpalova, Marijn Van de Broek, Wycliffe Waswa, Bernard Vanlauwe, Johan Six
Summary: Integrated soil fertility management, using a combination of organic and mineral fertilizer, is crucial for improving crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study highlights the long-term effectiveness of using farmyard manure and mineral nitrogen fertilizer to sustain maize yields. The findings also emphasize the importance of mixed crop-livestock systems for smallholder agriculture in the region.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriel Y. K. Moinet, Renske Hijbeek, Detlef P. van Vuuren, Ken E. Giller
Summary: The role of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration as a 'win-win' solution to both climate change and food insecurity is critically examined in this article. The inclusion of SOC saturation in estimations significantly reduces the potential contribution of SOC sequestration to climate change mitigation, and the observed yield effects of increasing SOC are inconsistent. The article argues for a shift towards soil-smart agriculture that takes into account specific local conditions and quantifies multiple soil functions for land sustainability and food security.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ilse de Jager, Gerrie W. J. van de Ven, Ken E. Giller, Inge D. Brouwer
Summary: This study examines the gap between food availability and dietary needs in rural sub-Saharan Africa during the 'hunger season'. Findings highlight the importance of considering seasonality in nutrition-sensitive farming and the necessity of increasing yields of staple crops to free up space for nutritious foods like vegetables. Additionally, small farms rely on income from agriculture and other sources to meet their dietary needs. Overall, the results emphasize the value of modeling dietary effects from agricultural interventions in specific contexts, considering a local feasible nutritious diet and seasonality.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rodrigue Yossa, Rose Komugisha Basiita, Janvier Mushagalusa Namegabe, Trong Quoc Trinh, Doline Matempa, Priscile Manzwanzi, Leon Bwamayama, Steven M. Cole, Paul Matungulu, Paul Martin Dontsop Nguezet, Bernard Vanlauwe, Malu Ndavi, John A. H. Benzie
Summary: The performance of two strains of Nile tilapia fed different types of feed was evaluated in Bukavu, DR Congo. The commercial feed showed the best growth results for both strains, while the fishmeal-free formulated feed had similar or better growth depending on the strains. In Kinshasa, the performance of three other strains of Nile tilapia fed a single commercial feed was also evaluated, with significant differences observed in weight and condition factor among the strains.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Dries Roobroeck, Geoffrey Kimutai, Fred Kanampiu, Wilson Ng'etich, Kristina Roing de Nowina, Bernard Vanlauwe
Summary: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of non-herbicide treated maize and herbicide treated maize, with or without nitrogen fertilizer, in controlling Striga infestation and enhancing yields. The results show that herbicide treated maize reduces the emergence of Striga, while nitrogen fertilizer increases grain harvests. The optimal use of these tools depends on field conditions and management goals.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Chloe MacLaren, Wycliffe Waswa, Kamaluddin Tijjani Aliyu, Lieven Claessens, Andrew Mead, Christian Schob, Bernard Vanlauwe, Jonathan Storkey
Summary: This study examines the relationship between two functional traits (plant height and specific leaf area) and intercrop productivity. The results show that these two traits have limited explanatory power, indicating the need to consider other factors to better understand intercrop productivity.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wytze Marinus, Katrien Descheemaeker, Gerrie W. J. van de Ven, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. E. Giller
Summary: Crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa need to increase to keep up with the growing population, but many smallholder farmers live in poverty and cannot afford to invest in inputs to increase yields. To address this paradox, whole-farm experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of providing farmers with input vouchers on maize yields and overall farm-level production in two locations in western Kenya. The results showed that the provision of vouchers significantly increased maize yields and had a positive effect on household income, but additional institutional changes are needed to lift smallholder farmers out of poverty.
Article
Agronomy
Joao Vasco Silva, Joost van Heerwaarden, Pytrik Reidsma, Alice G. Laborte, Kindie Tesfaye, Martin K. van Ittersum
Summary: The performance of statistical and machine learning methods in explaining and predicting crop yield variability was assessed in this study. The results showed that big data from farmers' fields can to some extent explain on-farm yield variability, but not predict it across time and space.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joost van Heerwaarden, Esther Ronner, Frederick Baijukya, Samuel Adjei-Nsiah, Peter Ebanyat, Nkeki Kamai, Endalkachew Wolde-meskel, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller
Summary: Grain legumes are crucial for sustainable production systems in sub-Saharan Africa, but nutrient deficiencies limit their yields. While nitrogen requirements can be met through symbiosis with N2-fixing bacteria, other nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients may still be lacking and need supplementation. Response to phosphorus is generally positive but variable, while other nutrients show weak or localized effects.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Wivine Munyahali, Damas Birindwa, Pieter Pypers, Rony Swennen, Bernard Vanlauwe, Roel Merckx
Summary: This study investigates the effects of improved variety and fertilizer use on cassava growth and yields. The results show that the use of an improved variety and fertilizer significantly increase the height, stem diameter, and biomass yield of cassava. The economic benefits of these practices are also demonstrated.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Urcil Papito Kenfack Essougong, Maja Slingerland, Syndhia Mathe, Ken E. Giller, Cees Leeuwis
Summary: This study assessed cocoa farmers' access to, demand for, and satisfaction with five innovation support services in Central Cameroon. The results showed that farmers mostly received training and advice, while inputs, credit, and equipment were the most demanded services. Farmers' satisfaction with service outcomes increased with the number of services received, and location, certification involvement, seniority, and leadership position in farmers' organizations significantly influenced access and demand for services.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & EXTENSION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Sjoerd Hermes, Joost van Heerwaarden, Pariya Behrouzi
Summary: Improving crop yields is a major goal in agronomy, but yield variation is influenced by complex interactions between genotypic, environmental, and management factors (G×E×M) that vary across time and space. This article introduces the use of graphical models, specifically copula graphical models, to analyze yield variation in heterogeneous mixed data. These models provide a graphical representation of conditional independence relationships within non-normally distributed data with multiple groups. The method is applied to Ethiopian maize and wheat yield under drought stress, using the R package heteromixgm.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jiarui Zhao, Xiaohu Yuan, Zhanjun Liu, Haotian Shi, Bingnian Zhai, Yuanjun Zhu
Summary: Overfertilization is common in rainfed apple orchards on China's Loess Plateau, but its impacts on soil physicochemical properties in deep soil profiles are poorly understood. This study found that different land-use types showed divergent distribution patterns in soil properties, with low variability for SWC and pH, moderate variability for NH4+-N, AP, and AK, and high variability for SOC, NO3--N, and EC. The results also showed that fertilization influenced soil water content, NO3--N, AP, and AK, and NO3--N played a crucial role in regulating pH and EC. Soil profiles were useful for studying the evolution of soil quality.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Nyfeler, Olivier Huguenin-Elie, Emmanuel Frossard, Andreas Luscher
Summary: Grass-legume mixtures combine high yields, low fertiliser requirements, and low nitrate leaching better than either pure grass or pure legume swards, both during the intact plant cover and after tilling for the subsequent crop.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Martin Faucher, Seraphine Grellier, Clemence Chaudron, Jean-Louis Janeau, Gabrielle Rudi, Fabrice Vinatier
Summary: The Mediterranean region is expected to experience more intense rainfall events and severe droughts due to climate change, leading to an increase in runoff and erosion rates in agrosystems. Vegetation cover can help reduce erosion and the soil seed bank can provide cost-effective vegetation. This study assessed the effect of vegetation cover on seed loss in vineyards and evaluated the differences in the soil seed bank along a transect. The results suggest that vegetation may not protect interrows from runoff-induced seed loss.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Christian Thierfelder, Blessing Mhlanga, Isaiah Nyagumbo, Kelvin Kalala, Esau Simutowe, Mazvita Chiduwa, Chloe Maclaren, Joao Vasco Silva, Hambulo Ngoma
Summary: The performance of different maize-legume diversification strategies was compared in southern Africa. Intercropping systems showed significant nutritional and economic benefits, but had higher labor requirements compared to other cropping systems. Soil organic carbon content and pH were not affected by the tested cropping systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Han Chen, Han Li, Yizhao Wei, Edward Mcbean, Hong Liang, Weimin Wang, Jinhui Jeanne Huang
Summary: This research introduces a hybrid four-sub-deep neural network (HFSD) model for partitioning NEE into GPP and ER. The HFSD employs dual sub-deep neural networks to estimate ERa and ERb and incorporates GPP and environmental variables to predict vegetation transpiration. The results of the model show that the dual sub-DNNs architecture enhances the accuracy of ER simulations, while using EC-derived T as a constraint improves the accuracy of GPP simulations. Correlation analyses suggest that solar radiation and air temperature primarily influence the seasonal variations in GPP and ER, while soil moisture has a strong impact during dry seasons. This study advances the biophysical description of data-driven models for NEE partitioning and enhances the accuracy of GPP and ER estimates.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Michael Glaser, Stefan Dullinger, Dietmar Moser, Johannes Wessely, Milan Chytry, Zdenka Lososova, Irena Axmanova, Christian Berg, Jana Buerger, Serge Buholzer, Fabrizio Buldrini, Alessandro Chiarucci, Swen Follak, Filip Kuezmic, Stefan Meyer, Petr Pysek, Nina Richner, Urban Silc, Siegrid Steinkellner, Alexander Wietzke, Franz Essl
Summary: This study investigated changes in vascular plant species in Central European arable fields and their edges from 1930 to 2019. The results showed a small decline in overall species occupancy, but a more pronounced species turnover. Species with environmental preferences for nutrient-rich sites with neutral pH increased in occupancy, while species typical for arable fields decreased. No response to climate change was observed, and there was a decrease in archaeophytes and native species and an increase in neophytes.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Abrell, Krishna Naudin, Felix J. J. A. Bianchi, Debora Veiga Aragao, Pablo Tittonell, Marc Corbeels
Summary: This study demonstrates that reducing fallow periods in shifting cultivation systems in the Eastern Amazon region has negative effects on soil fertility and weed pressure, posing a threat to the sustainability and productivity of local farming systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jun Wang, Lu Lv, Ronggui Hu, Haiyang Ma, Bo Liu, Wenju Zhang, Lei Wu
Summary: Nitrification and denitrification are crucial for nitrogen losses in agricultural soils and are affected by soil properties. This study investigated the patterns and controlling factors of nitrification and denitrification potentials in paddy soils in major rice-producing areas of Hubei Province, China. The results showed that soil pH and SOC were the primary factors regulating nitrification and denitrification potentials, respectively.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Olga Fishkis, Jessica Weller, Jorn Lehmhus, Franz Pollinger, Jorn Strassemeyer, Heinz -Josef Koch
Summary: The Farm to Fork strategy of the European Union aims to reduce pesticide use and replace chemical measures with mechanical methods in weed control. However, there is currently no comprehensive evaluation of the ecological and economic parameters of mechanical methods. This study quantified these parameters for different weed control methods in sugar beet and found that no method can be considered fully environmentally friendly.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mercedes Guerrero-Brotons, Nuria Perujo, Anna M. Romani, Rosa Gomez
Summary: Proper bed substrate selection is crucial for the performance of constructed wetlands, especially when treating drainage water with high nitrogen and low carbon and phosphorus concentrations. In a field-scale pilot plant, adding a carbon-rich substrate such as soil or biochar increased phosphorus availability in beds. Beds with soil displayed higher microbial density and activity, as well as better plant growth compared to gravel. These findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable substrates for treating irrigated agricultural water.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Beatrice Giannetta, Cesar Plaza, Giorgio Galluzzi, Iria Benavente-Ferraces, Juan Carlos Garcia-Gil, Marco Panettieri, Gabriel Gasco, Claudio Zaccone
Summary: This study examines the long-term effects of biochar application on soil organic C protection and finds that biochar, especially when combined with other amendments, has the potential to increase the content of particulate organic C and mineral-associated organic C in soils. The presence of ferrihydrite may mediate the positive effects on mineral-associated organic matter.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Emily Rose Waring, Carl Pederson, Ainis Lagzdins, Chelsea Clifford, Matthew J. Helmers
Summary: Addressing the global problem of eutrophication requires better management of inorganic nitrogen in the agricultural landscape. This study compares the effects of different tillage practices and cover crops on soil and water quality. The results show that the conventional tillage system is more effective in improving water quality and maintaining crop yields compared to other tillage practices. Additionally, the study reveals that the impact of tillage practices and cover crop growth methods on water and soil quality changes over time.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Annalisa Stevenson, Yakun Zhang, Jingyi Huang, Jie Hu, Keith Paustian, Alfred E. Hartemink
Summary: Considerable advances have been made in the assessment and mapping of soil organic carbon stocks. However, the rates of change in carbon stocks are influenced by various factors and need to be quantified. This study found that sandy soils under cultivation and forests have different organic carbon stocks. Factors such as tillage, irrigation, and nitrogen applications contribute to the decline in soil organic carbon stocks. Afforestation of abandoned cultivated fields can increase soil organic carbon, but it is still lower than soils under forest that have never been cultivated.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Yao, Chuanxiong Huang, Huiling Hu, Tao Wang, Yulong Li, Xiaoming Sune, Sina Adl, Bo Zhu
Summary: Enhancing soil organic carbon levels through improved fertilization strategies is important for soil health and sustainable crop production. This study found that the relative abundance of organisms from higher trophic levels and increased network complexity in the soil micro-food webs are vital contributors to effective SOC accumulation.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qing Qu, Lei Deng, Zhouping Shangguan, Jian Sun, Jinsheng He, Kaibo Wang, Zhengchao Zhou, Jiwei Li, Josep Penuelas
Summary: Grazing exclusion is a widely implemented strategy for restoring degraded grassland ecosystems and increasing carbon stocks. This study analyzed data from 199 experiments to understand the temporal responses and factors influencing plant and soil carbon stocks following grazing exclusion in different grassland ecosystems. The results showed that plant biomass carbon stocks and soil organic carbon stocks decreased exponentially or rationally with years since enclosure. Grazing exclusion had positive effects on aboveground biomass carbon, but the effects on belowground biomass and soil carbon were influenced by climate, initial carbon levels, and grazing exclusion duration. The response of carbon stocks to grazing exclusion stabilized after approximately 40 years, with soil carbon sequestration showing a lagged pattern compared to plant biomass carbon. The study highlighted the effectiveness of grazing exclusion in regions with low carbon content and non-water limited conditions. However, it might not be an effective measure to increase soil organic carbon stocks in water-limited areas like desert grasslands.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)