Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Peng Pan, Zhiming Qi, Anita Koehn, April Leytem, Dave Bjorneberg, Liwang Ma
Summary: With the expansion of the dairy industry, the use of phosphorus-enriched dairy manure as a replacement for chemical fertilizer has increased. However, this practice can lead to excessive accumulation of total phosphorus in the soil and increase the risk of environmental phosphorus pollution. To improve the simulation of total soil phosphorus, the P module in the RZWQM2-P model was modified using the soil P pool structure from the EPIC model. The modified model showed satisfactory simulation results for labile soil P, total soil P, plant P uptake, and crop yield.
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jinsen Zheng, Alberto Canarini, Kazumichi Fujii, William N. N. Mmari, Method M. M. Kilasara, Shinya Funakawa
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa needs to intensify cropland practices to increase crop yields and mitigate climate impacts. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and soil organic carbon change in maize systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Results show that nitrogen application reduces soil organic carbon loss, while residue return leads to soil organic carbon gain. Sandy soils outperform clayey soils in sequestering carbon, suggesting a need for re-evaluation of soil potential in Sub-Saharan Africa. These findings have important implications for sustainable intensification practices in the region.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
M. M. Biassoni, H. Vivas, F. H. Gutierrez-Boem, F. Salvagiotti
Summary: Phosphorus fertilization can alter the availability of phosphorus in soil, and it is important to understand the bioavailability of different phosphorus pools for crops. This study evaluated changes in various phosphorus fractions in soil and their relationship with bioavailability in a test crop, as well as the interaction with sulfur fertilization. The results showed that certain soil phosphorus fractions increased in response to phosphorus fertilization and were related to phosphorus uptake in the test crop, indicating their importance in sustaining phosphorus availability in the long term.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bruna Cristina Gallo, Paulo Sergio Graziano Magalhaes, Jose A. M. Dematte, Walter Rossi Cervi, Joao Luis Nunes Carvalho, Leandro Carneiro Barbosa, Henrique Bellinaso, Danilo Cesar de Mello, Gustavo Vieira Veloso, Marcelo Rodrigo Alves, Elpidio Inacio Fernandes-Filho, Marcio Rocha Francelino, Carlos Ernesto Goncalves Reynaud Schaefer
Summary: This research presents a new approach to evaluate soil loss by water erosion in cropland using the RUSLE model and Synthetic Soil Image. By analyzing remote sensing data and satellite images, it predicts and assesses soil erosion and proposes conservation measures.
Article
Soil Science
Hailong He, Lanmin Liu, Miles Dyck, Bingcheng Si, Jialong Lv
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive review of available Adry models, compiled a large dataset of Adry measurements, and evaluated 48 models, all of which performed unsatisfactorily. It was suggested that models should be chosen based on the availability of soil information.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Aiwen Li, Chengji Li, Yuanyuan Zhang, Qian Deng, Hongyan Fang, Bin Zhao, Min Ran, Liangying Song, Jingling Xue, Qi Tao, Rong Huang, Yiding Li, Wei Zhou, Jingting Wang, John P. Wilson, Qiquan Li
Summary: This study analyzed the influencing factors of cropland soil acidification using the example of cropland in the Sichuan Basin of China. The results showed that precipitation was the main factor causing soil acidification. Additionally, soil pH decrease was primarily buffered by soil carbonates and secondarily by soil CEC, with soil carbonates becoming the main buffering agent when their content exceeded 36.76 g kg(-1). These findings emphasize the importance of formulating precipitation-based optimizing agronomic management practices to prevent or mitigate cropland soil acidification.
Article
Environmental Studies
Yu Wang, Ruonan Li, Mei Liang, Jinfeng Ma, Yanzheng Yang, Hua Zheng
Summary: Soil moisture is a crucial variable for both natural ecosystems and human managed regions. Downscaling coarse spatial-resolution soil moisture data is important for obtaining high-spatial-resolution data and conducting precise agricultural management. However, the spatial heterogeneity of agricultural management poses challenges in improving the accuracy of downscaling in croplands.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Wei Wan, Zhong Liu, Baoguo Li, Haiyan Fang, Hanqing Wu, Haoyu Yang
Summary: This study verified the feasibility of improving the C-factor of croplands in areas where cropland is the dominant land-use type. Moreover, our method will contribute to the use of RUSLE with higher precision in other regional-scale soil erosion assessments worldwide.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyuan Yao, Qian Xu, Yupei Chen, Na Liu, Yangyang Li, Suiqi Zhang, Weidong Cao, Bingnian Zhai, Zhaohui Wang, Dabin Zhang, Sina Adl, Yajun Gao
Summary: The study investigated the impact of introducing leguminous green manure to replace summer fallow on nitrogen distribution in soil and organic matter fractions. It found that leguminous green manure mainly expands the soil organic nitrogen pool by regulating the nitrogen content of coarse particulate organic matter and intra-microaggregate organic matter.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Giacomo Squeo, Vittoria Latrofa, Francesca Vurro, Davide De Angelis, Francesco Caponio, Carmine Summo, Antonella Pasqualone
Summary: The increase in vegetarian and vegan diets has led to a higher demand for vegetable protein and plant-based foods. This study explores the use of defatted durum wheat cake as a food ingredient for a vegan snack bar. The formulated snack bar with defatted durum wheat cake had a denser texture, more intense yellow hue, and a stronger caramel flavor compared to the control bar. It also met the low-fat and fiber source nutritional claims.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Liisa Kulmala, Kenneth Peltokangas, Jussi Heinonsalo, Mari Pihlatie, Tuomas Laurila, Jari Liski, Annalea Lohila
Summary: Organic soil amendments, such as manure, biochar, and compost, are effective methods for increasing soil carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. However, their use in Nordic agriculture is limited due to a lack of incentives and knowledge. This study examined the effects of wood-derived soil amendments on greenhouse gas exchange, plant growth, and soil properties in a clay soil in southern Finland. The results showed that the amendments increased soil porosity and water holding capacity, leading to potential improvements in crop yield and biomass production. However, further research is needed to fully understand the specific effects of organic soil amendments on greenhouse gas exchange and plant growth.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xucheng Zhang, Huizhi Hou, Yanjie Fang, Hongli Wang, Xianfeng Yu, Yifan Ma, Kangning Lei
Summary: Plastic mulching combined with supplementary irrigation and organic fertilizer application significantly increased yield and water productivity of wheat and maize, and had a positive effect on soil water balance. Long-term effects of plastic mulching on soil organic carbon balance still need further investigation for sustainable agricultural production.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shiqi Chen, Guanghui Zhang, Chengshu Wang
Summary: This study quantified the relationships between straw-incorporation rate and cropland runoff and erosion through field observations in the black soil region of Northeast China. The findings showed that straw-incorporation could effectively mitigate runoff and erosion, with the best benefits observed at a straw-incorporation rate of 9 t hm-2. Plant coverage, root mass density, leaf area index, and rainfall intensity were identified as the main factors influencing the reduction in runoff and erosion.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Crespo Cecilia, Wyngaard Nicolas, Sainz Rozas Hernan, Studdert Guillermo Alberto, Barraco Mirian, Gudelj Vicente, Barbagelata Pedro, Barbieri Pablo
Summary: Intensification practices in soybean-based cropping sequences can improve soil physical quality and mitigate degradation, especially in more degraded soils. Soil aggregate stability responds significantly to intensification practices, with differences among treatments not driven by soil texture but by initial soil degradation levels.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bai-Jian Lin, Ruo-Chen Li, Ke-Chun Liu, Olatunde Pelumi Oladele, Zhi-Yu Xu, Rattan Lal, Xin Zhao, Hai-Lin Zhang
Summary: Path analysis based on meta-analysis and machine learning was conducted to investigate the effects of site-specific best management practices (BMPs) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yield in China. The results showed that BMPs could significantly enhance SOC and maintain or increase crop yield, with the highest benefits observed when mineral fertilizer was combined with organic inputs. The study also highlighted the importance of initial SOC level, nitrogen input level, soil pH, and climate conditions in determining SOC and crop yield response to BMPs.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Tomohiro Nishigaki, Soh Sugihara, Method Kilasara, Shinya Funakawa
Summary: Crop residue management strategies need to be adapted for improving carbon balance and soil carbon stock in sub-Saharan Africa. In a 2-year field experiment in Tanzania, the effects of crop residue application methods and quality on soil respiration rate and carbon stock were studied, showing that mulching practice in sandy soils increased soil moisture, enhanced organic carbon decomposition, and may lead to long-term depletion of soil carbon stock.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Han Lyu, Tetsuhiro Watanabe, Method Kilasara, Arief Hartono, Shinya Funakawa
Summary: This study investigated the factors controlling soil organic carbon pools with differing stabilities in volcanic regions of Tanzania and Indonesia using a three-pool kinetic model. The intermediate SOC pool was found to be responsible for controlling total SOC stability, with nanocrystalline minerals and organo-mineral complexes playing key roles. Climatic factors primarily influence labile SOC pools, while geochemical factors have a greater influence on stable SOC pools.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hidetoshi Asai, Michel Rabenarivo, Andry Andriamananjara, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Tomohiro Nishigaki, Toshiyuki Takai, Tovohery Rakotoson, Njato Mickael Rakotoarisoa, Tantely Razafimbelo
Summary: The study found that farmyard manure can effectively replace mineral phosphorus fertilizer in low-phosphorus soils at high altitudes, improving rice yield. This effect may be due to the application of farmyard manure and mineral phosphorus fertilizer reducing flowering time, avoiding issues caused by low temperatures in late growth stages. Further monitoring is needed to assess the impact of consecutive farmyard manure use on rice yield and plant nutrient uptake.
PLANT PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aung Zaw Oo, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Mana Mukai, Tomohiro Nishigaki, Toshiyuki Takai, Yusaku Uga
Summary: The study found that by combining genetic traits of root system architecture (RSA) with localized phosphorus (P) application, the efficiency of phosphorus utilization in crop production can be further increased.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mayuko Seki, Soh Sugihara, Hidetoshi Miyazaki, Muniandi Jegadeesan, Pandian Kannan, Isabelle Bertrand, Haruo Tanaka
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biochar application on CO2 flux, microbial responses, and carbon budget in tropical alkaline cropland of southern India. The results showed that biochar application increased soil moisture but did not affect CO2 flux, resulting in a positive carbon budget. Combined application of biochar and farmyard manure did not increase CO2 flux but contributed to the largest increase in soil organic carbon.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jeannette Aduhene-Chinbuah, Soh Sugihara, Masakazu Komatsuzaki, Tomoyasu Nishizawa, Haruo Tanaka
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of no tillage (NT) on soil organic matter (SOM) content and distribution, and found that NT increased SOM content in the surface layers and improved the quality of labile organic matter.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hinako Sugiura, Shunsuke Miyaji, Saki Yamamoto, Michiko Yasuda, Jean Louise Cocson Damo, Maria Daniela Artigas Ramirez, Shin-Ichiro Agake, Takehiro Kamiya, Toru Fujiwara, Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura, Haruo Tanaka, Soh Sugihara, Naoko Ohkama-Ohtsu
Summary: Sulfur fertilization increases the secretion of organic acids in soybean roots, improving phosphorus acquisition. Sulfur nutrition induces the expression of the GmMATE13 gene and promotes the excretion of citric acid from soybean roots.
SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Lorene Siegwart, Christophe Jourdan, Gabin Piton, Soh Sugihara, Karel Van den Meersche, Isabelle Bertrand
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of understory vegetation strip and crop roots to soil C stocks in a young agroforestry system. The results showed heterogeneous root biomass and properties in the system, and no horizontal variation in soil microbiological properties and organic C stocks at this stage.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hobimiarantsoa Rakotonindrina, Naoki Moritsuka, Kensuke Kawamura, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Tomohiro Nishigaki, Haja Bruce Andrianary, Tantely Razafimbelo, Herintsitohaina Razakamanarivo, Andry Andriamananjara
Summary: The study evaluated the potential use of soil color parameters and magnetic susceptibility (MS) values to predict soil properties in rice fields in Madagascar using different statistical methods. The results showed that the combination of soil color and MS parameters can be used to accurately assess soil properties in a cost-effective and rapid manner.
SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Mayuko Seki, Soh Sugihara, Hidetoshi Miyazaki, Muniandi Jegadeesan, Pandian Kannan, Haruo Tanaka
Summary: The study found that using biochar in croplands in South India can improve soil moisture, and combining it with chemical fertilizer can increase crop productivity, especially during the rainy season. However, using biochar alone does not increase soil nitrogen dynamics and crop productivity.
NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Saki Yamamoto, Shin Okazaki, Nakei D. Monica, Naoko Ohkama-Ohtsu, Haruo Tanaka, Soh Sugihara
Summary: In strongly weathered soil, the combination of Rhizobium inoculation and 50SSP (single superphosphate) fertilization effectively improves phosphorus use efficiency in pigeon peas.
Article
Soil Science
Yuri Ichinose, Tomohiro Nishigaki, Makoto Shibata, Method Kilasara, Hitoshi Shinjo, Shinya Funakawa
Summary: Sustainable land management of smallholder farms is essential for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. This study focused on quantifying the carbon and nutrient budgets of a home garden system in the Kilimanjaro highlands, revealing the importance of intensive livestock dung application for maintaining agricultural productivity and the reliance on external inflow for meeting feed demands. Increasing livestock density improved nutrient balance, but nitrogen and potassium balance were still insufficient. The results highlight the need for sustainable and efficient nutrient management in smallholder farming systems for long-term food security.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tomohiro Nishigaki, Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Hobimiarantsoa Rakotonindrina, Andry Andriamananjara
Summary: The study found that stabilizing the water content of air-dried soils by keeping them with a saturated sodium chloride solution in a closed desiccator can accurately predict phosphorus retention capacity across different soil types.
SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Ruohan Zhong, Han Lyu, Monika Kumari, Ajay Kumar Mishra, M. L. Jat, Randy A. Dahlgren, Shinya Funakawa, Tetsuhiro Watanabe
Summary: This study investigates the factors controlling organic carbon stabilization in neutral-to-alkaline soils and reveals the important role of active Al/Fe and SOC saturation degree in promoting the aggregation and retarding the degradation of organic carbon. The results suggest that higher active Al/Fe content and SOC saturation degree contribute to the stabilization of organic carbon in these soils, providing insights for assessing carbon sequestration potential.
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)