Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Liping Ren, Pingping Liu, Fei Xu, Yanchao Gong, Xiangmei Zhai, Ming Zhou, Jiajia Wang, Zimeng Wang
Summary: High-input, modern rice farming has led to severe soil degradation globally, urging a shift towards more sustainable practices. The study investigated the effects of long-term agricultural conversion to traditional rice-fish coculture (RFC) and manure fertilization on microbial community structure, soil fertility, and food supply. Results showed that agricultural conversions had a greater impact on bacterial community structure compared to rice growing stages. RFC demonstrated the highest modularity and robustness in the bacterial network, along with diverse keystone taxa. Additionally, RFC significantly improved soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus preservation, and increased soil pH. However, adopting traditional practices, particularly manure fertilization, decreased rice yields. The findings highlight the importance of bacterial network structure and keystone taxa diversity as indicators for sustainable agriculture and support the integration of traditional RFC in developing novel sustainable agricultural practices.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ke Zhang, Haoyu Wei, Yu Wang, Yage Xu, Yue Wang, Shirong Guo, Jin Sun
Summary: This study explores the effects of different vegetable-rice rotation systems on soil and evaluates soil fertility levels. The results show that vegetable-rice cropping systems improve soil physico-chemical characteristics, promote organic matter decomposition and transformation, and enhance soil fertility and rice yield. Additionally, these systems significantly increase economic benefits.
Article
Agronomy
Lin Li, Longxin He, Yingqi Li, Yifei Wang, Umair Ashraf, Yousef Alhaj Hamoud, Xu Hu, Tiaoyan Wu, Xiangru Tang, Shenggang Pan
Summary: Deep nitrogen fertilization combined with straw incorporation can improve the yield and nitrogen use efficiency of mechanically transplanted rice, enhance lodging resistance ability, and improve soil properties.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Binh Thanh Nguyen, Vinh Ngoc Nguyen, Tong Xuan Nguyen, My Hoang Nguyen, Hao Phu Dong, Gai Dai Dinh, Binh Trung Phan, Tan-Viet Pham, Nam Van Thai, Huong Thu Thi Tran
Summary: The addition of biochar can improve soil properties and positively impact rice growth. Biochar has a stronger effect on increasing rice biomass in sandy soils. Additionally, biochar addition can raise the base and nutrient ratios of the soils while reducing the potentially phytotoxic index.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuang Huang, Xiaoqing Zhang, Josep Penuelas, Jordi Sardans, Qiang Jin, Chun Wang, Liuming Yang, Yunying Fang, Zimin Li, Weiqi Wang
Summary: Adding industrial and agricultural wastes to farmland can increase soil available phosphorus (P) pool and boost crop production. Different amendments have varying effects on the transformation of soil P fractions, and biochar application improves microbial status and the transformation of soil unavailable-P into available-P, making it the most beneficial method for promoting phosphorus use and production sustainability in rice fields.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenqi Gu, Yuning Wang, Zhibo Feng, Di Wu, Honggui Zhang, Hechong Yuan, Yuanyuan Sun, Liqun Xiu, Wenfu Chen, Weiming Zhang
Summary: The co-application of rice-straw biochar and chemical fertilizers can improve the physical and chemical properties of paddy soil, enhance soil fertility, and increase crop yield. It reduces soil bulk density, increases porosity, and improves soil aggregation stability, leading to the accumulation of organic matter and efficient nutrient utilization for rice growth and productivity.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Md Mahamudul Haque, Juel Datta, Tareq Ahmed, Md Ehsanullah, Md Neaul Karim, Mt Samima Akter, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Alaa Baazeem, Adel Hadifa, Sharif Ahmed, Ayman El Sabagh
Summary: The study found that applying 75% recommended fertilizer (RF) + 2 t biosolid (ha-1) (T3) was the most effective treatment in terms of rice productivity and soil fertility, while also showing moderate reduction in CH4 emissions.
Article
Agronomy
Emmanuel Amoakwah, Jeon Sangho, Jae-Hong Shim, Seong-Heon Kim, Yun-Hae Lee, Soon-Ik Kwon, Seon-Jin Park
Summary: This study investigates the temporal variations in soil properties and changes in carbon stocks and soil fertility under intensively managed rice paddy fields over a 12-year period. The findings show that intensive rice cultivation leads to an increase in soil organic matter and available phosphorus, contributing to soil fertility improvement.
Article
Microbiology
Tengfei Ma, Xiaohui He, Shanguo Chen, Yujia Li, Qiwei Huang, Chao Xue, Qirong Shen
Summary: The effects of long-term fertilization treatments on rice yield and soil microbial communities were assessed. Organic-inorganic fertilizer treatment showed the highest rice yield and bacterial richness. Fertilization treatments altered the beta diversity of communities, species composition, and structure of soil microbial networks. The research provides insights on the effects of different fertilization regimes on soil microbial communities and their contributions to crop yield.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Shaaban, Ronggui Hu, Yupeng Wu, Ling Song, Peng Xu
Summary: Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced by abiotic and biotic processes and consumed by denitrifying microbes-encoded by nosZ genes. The response of nosZ (Clade I and Clade II) to pH management in acidic soils needs further research.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ma Xin-ling, Liu Jia, Chen Xiao-fen, Li Wei-tao, Jiang Chun-yu, Wu Meng, Liu Ming, Li Zhong-pei
Summary: Parent materials and fertility levels of paddy soils in subtropical China exhibit high variability. Soil properties, particularly soil organic carbon, are key factors shaping bacterial community composition in paddy soils. Bacterial interactions tend towards cooperation leading to shifts in dominant bacterial species when the soil environment improves.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nozomi Kaneko Sato, Takeshi Tsuji, Yoshihiro Iijima, Nobuhito Sekiya, Kunio Watanabe
Summary: Rice lodging causes a loss of yield and leads to lower-quality rice. This study investigated the relationship between rice lodging and soil absorbable nitrogen (SAN) content using unmanned aircraft system (UAS) images. The results showed a correlation between rice inclination angle and estimated SAN, and suggested that the amount of one-shot basal fertilizer should be reduced when SAN exceeds 200 mg N kg-1.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Van Sinh Nguyen, Minh Khoi Chau, Quang Minh Vo, Van Khoa Le, Thi Kim Phuong Nguyen, Masaaki Araki, Roland N. Perry, Anh Duc Tran, Duy Minh Dang, Ba Linh Tran, Gyu Lee Chol, Koki Toyota
Summary: Saltwater intrusion reduces the abundance of nematodes in soil, with differences in impacts between alluvial and acid sulfate soils. Omnivorous nematodes were found more in nonsalt-affected alluvial soil, while certain genera like Mesodorylaimus were dominant in salt-affected acid sulfate soil. Bacterivorous nematodes were dominant in both non-salt affected and salt-affected alluvial soils, but less prevalent in salt-affected acid sulfate soil, indicating tolerance differences to salinity levels.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tahir Nazia, Aman Ullah, Adnan Tahir, Haroon Ur Rashid, Talmiz Ur Rehman, Subhan Danish, Babar Hussain, Hanife Akca
Summary: Globally, uncontrolled industrialization, intensive agricultural practices, and unsustainable urbanization have led to widespread environmental issues of cadmium contaminated soil and food crops. The article critically discusses the effective and economical combination for remediating cadmium for rice safety.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hsin-Fang Chang, Puu-Tai Yang, Yohey Hashimoto, Kuo-Chen Yeh, Shan-Li Wang
Summary: This study investigated the speciation and fractionation of indium in rice paddy soils at different growth stages using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and a sequential extraction method. The results showed that indium was mainly associated with Fe hydroxides, hydroxides, and phosphate precipitates. Under continuous submergence conditions, the reductive dissolution of indium-associated Fe hydroxides released indium into the soil solution, and the released indium concentration decreased over time. In the rice rhizosphere, indium hydroxide was the predominant species, and the depletion of indium-associated Fe hydroxides was attributed to low mobility and root uptake. Consequently, indium uptake by rice roots was lower during the reproductive and grain ripening stage.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Seifu A. Tilahun, Debebe L. Yilak, Petra Schmitter, Fasikaw A. Zimale, Simon Langan, Jennie Barron, Jean-Yves Parlange, Tammo S. Steenhuis
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Cao Truong Son, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, Trieu Phuong Thao, Nguyen Hai Nui, Nguyen Thanh Lam, Vo Huu Cong
JOURNAL OF WATER SUPPLY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-AQUA
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sisay A. Belay, Tewodros T. Assefa, P. V. Vara Prasad, Petra Schmitter, Abeyou W. Worqlul, Tammo S. Steenhuis, Manuel R. Reyes, Seifu A. Tilahun
Article
Water Resources
Meseret B. Addisie, Getaneh K. Ayele, Nigus Hailu, Eddy J. Langendoen, Seifu A. Tilahun, Petra Schmitter, J-Yves Parlange, Tammo S. Steenhuis
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY AND HYDROMECHANICS
(2020)
Article
Horticulture
Paul Reuben Mwinuka, Boniface P. Mbilinyi, Winfred B. Mbungu, Sixbert K. Mourice, Henry F. Mahoo, Petra Schmitter
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of irrigation and nitrogen levels on African eggplant, showing that optimal irrigation for the crop is around 80% of total water requirement and nitrogen application at 75%. Plant growth variables had a good correlation with fruit yield, indicating that monitoring growth variables can help assess yield.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Paul Reuben Mwinuka, Boniface P. Mbilinyi, Winfred B. Mbungu, Sixbert K. Mourice, H. F. Mahoo, Petra Schmitter
Summary: The study evaluated the feasibility of using mobile phone-based thermal and UAV-based multi-spectral imaging to assess the irrigation performance of African eggplant. The results showed that CWSI, NDVI, and OSAVI can be used to predict eggplant yields accurately under different irrigation conditions. Depending on the irrigation level, different imaging technologies can be used at different growth stages to monitor and predict crop performance.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Son Truong Cao, Ha Phuong Tran, Huong Thi Thu Le, Hoa Phung Khanh Bui, Giang Thi Huong Nguyen, Lam Thanh Nguyen, Binh The Nguyen, Anh Duc Luong
Summary: The study comprehensively assessed water pollution in and nearby different types of livestock farms in Vietnam for the first time. It found significant variations in effluent quality among farm types, with high levels of organic matter and microorganisms. Improperly treated livestock waste could impact the quality of ground and surface water sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Economics
Nicole Lefore, Alvar Closas, Petra Schmitter
Summary: Off-grid solar photovoltaic irrigation is being rapidly adopted in developing countries to enhance agriculture and provide sustainable energy sources. Improved policies and institutions are needed to coordinate stakeholders and promote environmentally sustainable and socio-economically inclusive solar irrigation investments.
Article
Development Studies
Kashi Kafle, Oluwatoba Omotilewa, Mansoor Leh, Petra Schmitter
Summary: The study in Ethiopia found that high-value crop producers and wealthier farmers are more likely to invest in and benefit from farmer-led irrigation expansion when investments align with areas suitable for irrigation. Cultivation of high-value crops was common in areas suitable for irrigation, while staple crop cultivation was negatively associated with irrigation suitability. Wealth status was positively correlated with irrigation suitability, with a 10 per cent increase in groundwater irrigation suitability score associated with a 2 per cent increase in per-capita consumption expenditure. The results suggest that policies for farmer-led irrigation development should consider both biophysical information on land and water suitability as well as household socio-economic characteristics.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Habtamu M. Fenta, Misbah A. Hussein, Seifu A. Tilahun, Prossie Nakawuka, Tammo S. Steenhuis, Jennie Barron, Abera Adie, Michael Blummel, Petra Schmitter
Summary: The study evaluates the effectiveness of soil mechanical or biological interventions to improve soil water management and crop yield in rainfed maize systems while reducing soil erosion and runoff. Results showed that certain methods can increase maize yield and reduce soil erosion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sisay A. Belay, Tewodros T. Assefa, Abeyou W. Worqlul, Tammo S. Steenhuis, Petra Schmitter, Manuel R. Reyes, P. V. Vara Prasad, Seifu A. Tilahun
Summary: Agriculture in Africa is negatively affected by the loss of soil fertility. Conservation agriculture practices can enhance soil quality and nutrient levels, but there is limited information on this in sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Water Resources
Meron Teferi Taye, Girma Yimer Ebrahim, Likimyelesh Nigussie, Fitsum Hagos, Stefan Uhlenbrook, Petra Schmitter
Summary: This study evaluates the water availability in the Meki catchment in Ethiopia using an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model. The results show that the basin is already facing water scarcity, but there is potential for agricultural intensification in the second irrigation season.
HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feleke K. Sishu, Seifu A. Tilahun, Petra Schmitter, Getachew Assefa, Tammo S. Steenhuis
Summary: The study conducted in the highlands of Ethiopia revealed high concentrations of pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and endosulfan, in surface and groundwater in a rural watershed. These pesticides were found to be toxic to aquatic life, especially fish. Pesticides with weak adsorption properties were detected in groundwater only after the rain phase, indicating preferential transport to groundwater at depths up to 9 meters.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amare Haileslassie, Wolde Mekuria, Petra Schmitter, Stefan Uhlenbrook, Eva Ludi
Article
Anthropology
Nerea Turreira-Garcia, Soren Brofeldt, Henrik Meilby, Martin Reinhardt Nielsen, Deden Girmansyah, Do Thi Xuyen, Nguyen Lam, Iskandar Z. Siregar, Ida Theilade
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)