Article
Environmental Sciences
Xia Zhang, Sixu Lu, Chenguang Wang, Afeng Zhang, Xudong Wang
Summary: Balanced fertilization, no-tillage and subsoiling rotation were found to be effective strategies for increasing soil organic carbon stock and labile carbon contents in a wheat-maize cropping system in the Loess Plateau. These practices led to higher soil quality, improved crop yields, and increased carbon pool management index. Among the treatments, the combination of balanced fertilization with no-tillage and subsoiling rotation (BF + NS) showed the highest SOC stock and crop yields, making it the best strategy for enhancing SOC sequestration and improving soil quality in semiarid regions.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Onurcan Ozbolat, Virginia Sanchez-Navarro, Raul Zornoza, Marcos Egea-Cortines, Jessica Cuartero, Margarita Ros, Jose A. Pascual, Carolina Boix-Fayos, Maria Almagro, Joris de Vente, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Maria Martinez-Mena
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of reduced tillage and green manure on soil properties and bacterial community structure in a rainfed Mediterranean almond orchard. The results showed that a combination of reduced tillage and green manure increased soil organic matter and total nitrogen content, as well as the presence of beneficial bacteria associated with soil productivity.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wentian He, Brian B. Grant, Qi Jing, Reynald Lemke, Mervin St Luce, Rong Jiang, Budong Qian, Con A. Campbell, Andrew VanderZaag, Guoyuan Zou, Ward N. Smith
Summary: The study found that diverse crop rotations including canola and legume crops have the potential to store more soil organic carbon (SOC) than traditional wheat-based cropping systems in semi-arid prairies of Canada. When coupled with no-tillage (NT) and residue management, these diverse rotations can enhance crop yields and maximize SOC sequestration.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Laike Kebede, Melesse Temesgen, Abebe Fanta, Asfaw Kebede, Johan Rockstroem, Assefa M. Melesse
Summary: An on-farm field experiment was conducted in Ethiopia to evaluate the impact of a locally adapted conservation tillage method on soil erosion, surface runoff, and agronomic factors. Results showed that the minimized contour ploughing (MT) system significantly reduced surface runoff and soil loss by 30-60% and 49-76% respectively, compared to the conventional tillage (CT) system. Additionally, the MT system also resulted in higher grain yields in both cropping seasons.
Article
Plant Sciences
Majid Jami Al-Ahmadi, Parastoo Byranvand, Abdolmajid Mahdavi Damghani, Mohammad Hasan Sayyari Zahan
Summary: Increasing soil carbon stocks is a crucial strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and mitigating climate change. A study was conducted in almond orchards in Borujerd, Iran to evaluate the effects of soil properties on soil carbon sequestration. The results showed that carbon sequestration rates were higher both under tree canopies and on bare ground in floodplains compared to piedmont plains, and increased with depth in both regions. Soil bulk density and sand percentage had a negative relationship with soil carbon stocks, while clay and silt percentages had a positive relationship. Increases in saturation moisture and nitrogen content had a positive effect on soil carbon sequestration. Establishing almond plantations, especially in sloping lands, can help mitigate soil erosion and enhance carbon sequestration.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luhong Yuan, Yue Gao, Ying Mei, Jiaren Liu, Yusef Kianpoor Kalkhajeh, Hongxiang Hu, Jieying Huang
Summary: Straw returning combined with compound fertilizer was found to enhance soil structure, carbon and nitrogen contents, and the richness of soil bacterial diversity. It increased the content of larger aggregates (> 2 mm) and decreased the content of smaller aggregates (0.053-0.25 mm). Straw returning also increased the activity of urease in soil aggregates, while decreasing the activities of phosphatase and invertase. The relative abundances of Chloroflexi and Nitrospirotain in soil aggregates also increased with straw returning.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Ioanna S. Panagea, Antonios Apostolakis, Antonio Berti, Jenny Bussell, Pavel Cermak, Jan Diels, Annemie Elsen, Helena Kusa, Ilaria Piccoli, Jean Poesen, Chris Stoate, Mia Tits, Zoltan Toth, Guido Wyseure
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of inversion tillage on topsoil stability and organic carbon content, and finds that reducing tillage intensity or adding organic materials can mitigate the negative effects.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Liangang Xiao, Nikolaus J. Kuhn, Rongqin Zhao, Lianhai Cao
Summary: Despite strong recommendations from scientists, many farmers worldwide are still unsure about whether to till or not due to concerns about crop yield decline and negative impacts on soils and the environment. A review of 49 recent meta-analyses found that no-tillage led to a significant decrease in crop yield, while residue retention was key for improving crop production. In conservation agriculture, residue retention may play a more critical role than no-tillage in achieving sustainable land use.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Suying Chen, Peipei Yang, Yuming Zhang, Wenxu Dong, Chunsheng Hu, Oene Oenema
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices on crop yield and soil quality. The results showed that moldboard ploughing with maize straw return resulted in higher wheat yields and soil organic carbon content compared to other treatments.
Article
Agronomy
Miguel A. Repullo-Ruiberriz de Torres, Manuel Moreno-Garcia, Rafaela Ordonez-Fernandez, Antonio Rodriguez-Lizana, Belen Carceles Rodriguez, Ivan Francisco Garcia-Tejero, Victor Hugo Duran Zuazo, Rosa M. Carbonell-Bojollo
Summary: Planting barley cover crops or mixtures can improve soil quality and carbon sequestration potential in irrigated almond orchards, helping to reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yves N'Dri Bohoussou, Yi-Hong Kou, Wei-Bao Yu, Bai-jian Lin, Ahmad Latif Virk, Xin Zhao, Yash Pal Dang, Hai-Lin Zhang
Summary: Conservation agriculture (CA) is an important strategy for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content. Research shows that CA practices can significantly increase SOC and TN stock compared to conventional practices, particularly in the 0-15 cm soil depth. The use of manure and manure mixed with mineral-N has shown greater potential for SOC sequestration than mineral-N alone. Additionally, cropping systems that include legume residue can decrease the C/N ratio, but adequate mineral-N fertilizer addition may be necessary to improve SOC and TN content.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
M. Martinez-Mena, M. Perez, M. Almagro, N. Garcia-Franco, E. Diaz-Pereira
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of three conservation agriculture practices on almond orchards under semiarid conditions, finding that green manure and no-tillage have positive effects on soil water availability and infiltration rate.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rahmatullah Hashimi, Nobuhiro Kaneko, Masakazu Komatsuzaki
Summary: No-tillage is a promising practice to improve soil quality and potentially increase crop yield. Meta-analysis of 64 peer-reviewed articles demonstrated that no-tillage significantly increased soil organic carbon content and storage compared to conventional tillage. It also improved soil physical and chemical properties and had slight positive effects on crop yield.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Xin Qin, Yan Zhang, Ronggang Yu, Xingchen Chang, Yuefei Yao, Quan Qiu, Haiqiang Li, Xiaorong Wei
Summary: This study examined the effects of biological and engineering measures on soil quality in eroded orchards in southern China. The results showed that biological measures were more effective in improving soil quality and nutrient content, while engineering measures increased soil pH but decreased the content of available iron and manganese.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath, Kumar Abbhishek, Girish Chander, Sreenath Dixit, Ajay Singh, Debabrata Das, Shiladitya Dey
Summary: Climate and agriculture experts advocate for the development of a carbon sink in soil to mitigate the impacts of climate change. A two-year field experiment in semi-arid tropical drylands tested sustainable nutrient management approaches to sequester carbon in the soil. The study found that biochar treatments resulted in higher organic carbon stock in the top layer of soil compared to compost treatments, and the biochar-based integrated nutrient management showed the maximum residual effect in chickpea crops. The findings suggest that an integrated approach of need-based fertilizer with biochar application could be a sustainable strategy for carbon sequestration and food security in semi-arid tropical drylands.
Article
Agronomy
M. Martinez-Mena, M. Perez, M. Almagro, N. Garcia-Franco, E. Diaz-Pereira
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of three conservation agriculture practices on almond orchards under semiarid conditions, finding that green manure and no-tillage have positive effects on soil water availability and infiltration rate.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lourdes Luna Ramos, Albert Sole Benet, Roberto Lazaro Suau, Amaia Arzadun Larrucea, Luis Hens del Campo, Antonio Urdiales Matilla
Summary: This study investigates how combinations of residues can become useful Technosols for landscape restoration, showing that these Technosols have physical and chemical properties similar to natural soils in arid-semiarid environments, and positively impact plant growth.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Correction
Horticulture
B. Martin-Gorriz, J. F. Maestre-Valero, M. Almagro, C. Boix-Fayos, M. Martinez-Mena
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Antje Bettermann, Jeroen H. T. Zethof, Doreen Babin, Erik L. H. Cammeraat, Albert Sole-Benet, Roberto Lazaro, Lourdes Luna, Joseph Nesme, Soren J. Sorensen, Karsten Kalbitz, Kornelia Smalla, Cordula Vogel
Summary: In this study, the effects of different plant species on microbes, EPS production, and soil aggregation were investigated in two sites in southern Spain. It was found that plant species and site influenced the microbial communities in the rhizoplane, with site being the most important factor. Higher carbonate content in soil reduced the plant-specific effects on microbial communities and subsequent soil aggregation. This study highlights the importance of plant-microbe interactions in soil ecosystem dynamics and the role of soil properties in moderating these interactions.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Maria Almagro, Antonio Ruiz-Navarro, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Juan Albaladejo, Maria Martinez-Mena
Summary: This study found that the chemical composition of plant residues controls the microbial community response, mediating decomposition and the incorporation of OC and N in stable aggregates. Therefore, the incorporation of labile and N-rich plant residues into the soil by reduced tillage is recommended since mixing roots and shoots from green manure increased the formation of free micro-aggregates and improved OC and N stabilization in our semiarid agroecosystem.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Roberto Lazaro, Adolfo Calvo-Cases, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Eva Arnau-Rosalen, Roy Alexander, Consuelo Rubio, Yolanda Canton, Albert Sole-Benet, Juan Puigdefabregas
Summary: Catchment asymmetry is a common global phenomenon, influenced by topography, vegetation, and abiotic factors. In the Tabernas Desert, biocrusts play a crucial role in stabilizing the surface, promoting vegetation growth, and protecting against water erosion, resulting in the formation of asymmetry.
Article
Ecology
Rudolf de Groot, Simon Moolenaar, Joris de Vente, Vincent De Leijster, Maria Eugenia Ramos, Ana Belen Robles, Yanniek Schoonhoven, Pita Verweij
Summary: In order to prevent landscape degradation and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, decisions about landscape restoration should consider the true costs and benefits, including all externalities. This paper presents a framework consisting of nine steps to analyze and quantify the effects of changes in land use and management on the true costs and benefits. Using this framework, the study applied the Social or Integrated Cost-Benefit Analysis approach to compare the costs and benefits of different land use systems in a dryland region in SE Spain. The findings suggest that conventional financial analysis favors short-term non-sustainable land use, while integrated cost-benefit analysis provides a more realistic insight into the welfare effects of landscape restoration.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Joris P. C. Eekhout, Joris de Vente
Summary: This study provides a global assessment of the impact of climate change on soil erosion and the potential for adaptation through land use change and soil conservation. The results show a global increasing trend in soil erosion, with the highest increase projected in semi-arid regions. Land use change characterized by agricultural expansion and deforestation aggravate the impact, while reforestation, agricultural land abandonment, and soil conservation practices can entirely compensate for the impact of climate change on soil erosion. Therefore, soil conservation and integrated land use planning are crucial.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lourdes Luna, Roberto Lazaro, Isabel Miralles, Albert Sole-Benet
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of organic amendments on vegetation growth and soil properties in a restored quarry. The results showed that organic amendments significantly influenced vegetation cover, diversity, and pine growth.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Virginia Sanchez-Navarro, Vajihe Shahrokh, Silvia Martinez-Martinez, Jose A. Acosta, Maria Almagro, Maria Martinez-Mena, Carolina Boix-Fayos, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Raul Zornoza
Summary: This research evaluated the short-term effects of alley cropping with reduced tillage on soil CO2 and N2O emissions and soil total organic carbon (TOC) in an almond orchard. The results showed that alley cropping can increase farm productivity and reduce CO2 emissions, but the growth of evergreen alley crops is essential for short-term increases in soil organic matter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Francaviglia, Maria Almagro, Heikki Lehtonen, Roman Huppi, Jesus Rodrigo-Comino
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Virginia Sanchez-Navarro, Silvia Martinez-Martinez, Jose A. Acosta, Maria Almagro, Maria Martinez-Mena, Carolina Boix-Fayos, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Abdelmalek Temnani, Pablo Berrios, Alejandro Perez-Pastor, Raul Zornoza
Summary: This study assessed the potential of alley cropping in mitigating soil greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing C sequestration, and increasing land productivity in a semiarid Mediterranean orchard. The findings showed that alley cropping did not significantly increase soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, but contributed to complementary commodities and overall land productivity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Onurcan Ozbolat, Virginia Sanchez-Navarro, Raul Zornoza, Marcos Egea-Cortines, Jessica Cuartero, Margarita Ros, Jose A. Pascual, Carolina Boix-Fayos, Maria Almagro, Joris de Vente, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Maria Martinez-Mena
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of reduced tillage and green manure on soil properties and bacterial community structure in a rainfed Mediterranean almond orchard. The results showed that a combination of reduced tillage and green manure increased soil organic matter and total nitrogen content, as well as the presence of beneficial bacteria associated with soil productivity.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maria Almagro, Elvira Diaz-Pereira, Carolina Boix-Fayos, Raul Zornoza, Virginia Sanchez-Navarro, Paula Re, Cristina Fernandez, Maria Martinez-Mena
Summary: Soils are important for ecosystem services and climate change mitigation. Crop diversification is a promising strategy to combat soil erosion, degradation, and ensure food security. This study found that crop diversification improved soil health without compromising crop yields, highlighting its importance in semiarid Mediterranean conditions.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Soil Science
Rosa Francaviglia, Maria Almagro, Jose Luis Vicente-Vicente
Summary: Intensive agriculture causes land degradation and other environmental problems. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as reduced tillage, growing cover crops, and implementing crop residue retention measures, have been proposed as cost-effective solutions. However, there are still technical and socio-economic barriers that restrict their adoption.
