Article
Plant Sciences
Yubo Yao, Hongmei Yuan, Guangwen Wu, Chunmei Ma, Zhenping Gong
Summary: This study investigated the effect of phosphorus on soybean nodule nitrogen fixation. It was found that phosphorus stress induced structural changes in ribosomal proteins, altered protein synthesis profiles, and up-regulated expression of peroxidase. Phosphorus transporter and purple acid phosphatase were also up-regulated to maintain phosphorus balance and nitrogen fixation function in phosphorus-stressed root nodules.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lulu Deng, Shaopeng Zhao, Guoling Yang, Shengnan Zhu, Jiang Tian, Xiurong Wang
Summary: The study shows that the soybean sucrose transporter GmSUT1 plays a crucial role in promoting soybean nodulation by facilitating sucrose transport to nodules. Overexpression of GmSUT1 led to increased nodule number and dry weight in soybean transgenic composite plants.
PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Shaojing Yin, Fengyue Suo, Qingxian Kong, Xiangwei You, Xin Zhang, Yuan Yuan, Xueyang Yu, Yadong Cheng, Ruixue Sun, Hao Zheng, Chengsheng Zhang, Yiqiang Li
Summary: The study found that the moderate use of wood waste biochar can significantly increase the biomass and plant height of wild soybeans, improve photosynthesis and biological nitrogen fixation, enhance soil properties, promote bacterial community shift, and favor the growth of wild soybeans.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Fan, Chunjiao Xia, Shixiang Wang, Jing Liu, Lijun Deng, Shiyong Sun, Xuelu Wang
Summary: The symbiotic relationship between legumes and rhizobia leads to the formation of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. This study reveals that infected cells and uninfected cells in the developing nodules both have 4C nuclei, and the 4C cells primarily invaded by rhizobia undergo endoreduplication. Moreover, the function of the 4C cells in the nodules changes at different time points after infection.
Article
Plant Sciences
Bethany L. Holland, Megan L. Matthews, Pedro Bota, Lee J. Sweetlove, Stephen P. Long, George C. Dicenzo
Summary: Efforts are being made to bioengineer nitrogen fixation into nonleguminous crops, requiring a quantitative understanding of its energetic costs and the relationship between metabolic variations and symbiotic efficiency. A whole-plant metabolic model for soybean with its associated microsymbiont was developed and used to predict the cost-benefit of nitrogen fixation under different soil nitrogen availability. The model predicted a nitrogen-fixation cost of approximately 4.13 g C g(-1) N and a grain yield reduction of 27%, compared to non-nodulating plants receiving their nitrogen from the soil.
Review
Plant Sciences
Gustavo Ribeiro Xavier, Ederson de Conceicao Jesus, Anelise Dias, Marcia Reed Rodrigues Coelho, Yulimar Castro Molina, Norma Gouvea Rumjanek
Summary: Pulses have distinct health benefits with low fat content, high protein and fiber contents. Their annual grain production reaches approximately 93,210 x 10(3) tons. The symbiosis between pulses and atmospheric N-2-fixing bacteria increases productivity and reduces the need for N fertilizers, contributing to environmental impact mitigation. Additionally, a diverse microbial community in the root region enhances plant growth promotion and stress tolerance. The identification of microbial taxa with plant growth-promoting traits and new insights into the microbiomes of pulse systems provide opportunities for developing biofertilizers and highlight the importance of microorganisms.
Article
Soil Science
Jerri Edson Zilli, Rafael Sanches Pacheco, Vicente Gianluppi, Oscar Jose Smiderle, Segundo Urquiaga, Mariangela Hungria
Summary: The performance of soybean inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains is influenced by cropping history, with re-inoculation generally leading to increases in grain yield. However, the effects are less pronounced in areas previously cropped with soybean. The use of N-fertilizer can impair nodulation, but annual inoculation is important to ensure efficient nodulation and persistence of Bradyrhizobium strains in savanna soils.
NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas Mawira Gitonga, Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru, Richard Cheruiyot, John M. Maingi
Summary: The study found that bradyrhizobia inoculation and organic farming have significant effects on increasing soybean nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight, and seed dry weight. Organic farming out-performed conventional systems in nodulation, shoot dry weight, and seed dry weight. Different soybean varieties showed significant differences in growth parameters and yield quality.
COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xingwu Lin, Zubin Xie, Tianlong Hu, Hui Wang, Zhe Chen, Rong Zhou, Penghui Jin
Summary: This study examined the effects of biochars derived from different feedstocks on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in soybean and soil properties in Ultisols. The results showed that manure biochar and straw biochar increased BNF in soybean by 130% and 79% respectively, but the improvement in BNF decreased with the increase in application rates. Only the application of manure biochar at 48 t ha(-1) significantly stimulated N uptake in soybean by 89%. Manure biochar also significantly increased soil pH, total nitrogen, and soil available nutrients, while reducing soil available aluminum to a greater extent than straw biochar.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liqun Xiu, Weiming Zhang, Di Wu, Yuanyuan Sun, Honggui Zhang, Wenqi Gu, Yuning Wang, Jun Meng, Wenfu Chen
Summary: The study found that biochar can improve the properties of Albic soil and promote soybean growth, with increases in nitrogen contents of the soil and soybeans being key aspects. Biochar may enhance soybean biological nitrogen fixation by affecting soybean root growth, leading to increased crop yield.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Tilahun Amede, Gizachew Legesse, Getachew Agegnehu, Tadesse Gashaw, Tulu Degefu, Gizaw Desta, Kindu Mekonnen, Steffen Schulz, Peter Thorne
Summary: The study showed that the application of green manures can improve soil fertility and increase wheat yield. Specific types of green manures and treatment methods have a significant impact on yield, as well as improving soil water content, P availability, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, and pH levels.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Yuxiao Zhang, Qing Xu, Gejiao Wang, Kaixiang Shi
Summary: This study found that non-nodulating microbes positively affected rhizobium nodulation in soybeans. By increasing the levels of flavonoids, indoleacetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), and taurine in the rhizosphere soil, the non-nodulating microbes enhanced nitrogenase activity, nodule production, and chlorophyll content in soybeans, thus promoting nitrogen fixation.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingshu Li, Peng Zhang, Zhiling Guo, Weidong Cao, Li Gao, Yuanbo Li, Chang Fu Tian, Qing Chen, Yunze Shen, Fazheng Ren, Yukui Rui, Jason C. White, Iseult Lynch
Summary: A single application of low-dose molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles (MoS2 NPs) can enhance soybean biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and yield by 30%, compared to conventional molybdate fertilizer. MoS2 NPs can sustainably release molybdenum and enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Article
Agronomy
Wenhai Huang, Yuhao Yang, Haoyu Zheng, Jorgen Eivind Olesen, Robert M. Rees, Jun Zou, Li Zhang, Suya Hu, Bowen Qiao, Xiaohui Wang, Shuaijie Shen, Biaoding Yang, Zhiyuan Bai, Axiang Zheng, Wenjie Li, Zhenwei Song, Xinya Wen, Fu Chen, Xiaogang Yin
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different fertilizer nitrogen inputs on the yield and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of summer peanut in the North China Plain (NCP). The results showed that the optimal nitrogen application rate for achieving high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and low nitrogen losses without sacrificing yield was 150 kg N ha-1, which resulted in a yield of 3915 kg ha-1 and NUEoi of 73.0% in the summer-peanut production. These findings have important implications for the sustainable development of summer-peanut systems.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Soil Science
Maureen O'Callaghan, Ross A. Ballard, David Wright
Summary: The growing global market for soil microbial inoculants in agriculture is driven by the need to increase sustainable crop production without harming the environment. A better understanding of the ecology and modes of action of inoculant strains is crucial to optimize their efficacy and targeted use.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matti Barthel, Marijn Bauters, Simon Baumgartner, Travis W. Drake, Nivens Mokwele Bey, Glenn Bush, Pascal Boeckx, Clement Ikene Botefa, Nathanael Deriaz, Gode Lompoko Ekamba, Nora Gallarotti, Faustin M. Mbayu, John Kalume Mugula, Isaac Ahanamungu Makelele, Christian Ekamba Mbongo, Joachim Mohn, Joseph Zambo Mandea, Davin Mata Mpambi, Landry Cizungu Ntaboba, Montfort Bagalwa Rukeza, Robert G. M. Spencer, Laura Summerauer, Bernard Vanlauwe, Kristof Van Oost, Benjamin Wolf, Johan Six
Summary: The Congo Basin, the second largest tropical forest region, is not a hotspot of N2O emissions, and different forest types in the region vary in their uptake and release of CH4 and N2O.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Eva S. Thuijsman, Harmen J. den Braber, Jens A. Andersson, Katrien Descheemaeker, Frederic Baudron, Santiago Lopez-Ridaura, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller
Summary: This study examines the differentiated impacts of agricultural technology interventions on poor and relatively better-off users. The findings show that the number of studies assessing impact differentiation is limited, with absolute benefits being larger for the better-off and relative benefits among the poor often due to low baseline performance. The study also highlights the lack of consideration for household interconnections and the explanations for impact differentiation are mainly based on existing distributions of structural household characteristics. Future research should focus on recognizing the poor among the poor, acknowledging unequal impacts, and mitigating negative consequences.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. T. Aliyu, A. Y. Kamara, E. J. Huising, J. M. Jibrin, B. M. Shehu, J. Rurinda, A. M. Adam, I. B. Mohammed, B. Vanlauwe
Summary: The absence of specific nutrient recommendation for each site and the high variability of soil fertility are major factors affecting the response of maize to applied nutrients in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the response of maize to applied nutrients and nutrient use efficiency in different management zones (MZs) in order to design site-specific nutrient management recommendations for maize in Nigeria. The results showed that the response of maize to nitrogen and phosphorus application was positive in all zones, but the magnitude of the response varied for phosphorus. The average nitrogen and phosphorus requirement differed among the zones, indicating the variation in the degree to which these nutrients limit maize production. Therefore, developing nutrient management strategies based on the specific nutrient requirements of different zones can reduce risks and uncertainties in crop production.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Nackoney, M. Demol, H. A. Akpona, M. Bauters, P. Boeckx, J. Dupain, C. Facheux, M. C. Hansen, J-C Kalemba, A. G. Kehbila, P. Potapov, A. Tabu Senga, J. Six, S. Turubanova, D. Williams, B. Vanlauwe
Summary: Combining agricultural interventions with participatory forest zoning can improve food security and promote forest conservation. However, agricultural expansion persists and there is a risk of a rebound effect even with interventions. Strengthening governance structures for community-based monitoring and enforcement is crucial.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
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
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
Wytze Marinus, Gerrie W. J. van de Ven, Katrien Descheemaeker, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller
Summary: Sustainable intensification aims to increase production and improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. It requires support such as input subsidies and learning about new options, as well as understanding of farmers' responses to incentives.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(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
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
Soil Science
Moritz Laub, Marc Corbeels, Antoine Couedel, Samuel Mathu Ndungu, Monicah Wanjiku Mucheru-Muna, Daniel Mugendi, Magdalena Necpalova, Wycliffe Waswa, Marijn Van de Broek, Bernard Vanlauwe, Johan Six
Summary: Maize cropping with low external inputs leads to loss of soil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Adding high-quality organic resources combined with mineral fertilizer can alleviate this issue, but the long-term effectiveness and interactions with site properties require further study. This research examined the impact of different quantities and qualities of organic resource addition with mineral nitrogen on soil organic carbon (SOC) contents over time in four long-term experiments in Kenya. The results showed that adding Calliandra or Tithonia limited the loss of SOC, while adding sawdust, maize stover, and sole mineral N did not significantly reduce SOC loss. The study suggests the need for better understanding of site-specific factors and additional agronomic interventions to maintain or increase SOC.
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)