Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Cao, Guohui Chen, Song Zhang, Shangshu Huang, Yan Wu, Fangjin Dong, Yuming Guo, Jianhao Wang, Fahui Jiang
Summary: Soil erosion is a global threat, especially in China. No-tillage (NT) and mulching (NTS) are effective soil management techniques for reducing erosion, but their utilization is limited. This study evaluated the impact of NT and NTS on water erosion in China's croplands from 2000 to 2018 and found that they significantly reduced soil loss, especially in southern regions. However, considering economic losses and ecosystem benefits, NT and NTS should be primarily implemented in northern parts of China.
Article
Ecology
Muhammad Adil, Cheng Zhang, Zijie Yao, Siqi Lu, Ziyuan Qin, Jingcao Wang, Arshad Mahmood, Muhammad Waheed Riaz, Heli Lu
Summary: Climate change jeopardizes food security, as evidenced by recent floods in Pakistan. To address this issue, there is a need for methods that enhance crop productivity and reduce food insecurity in low-yield areas. A field experiment in Pakistan evaluated the effects of intercropping and straw mulching on soil health and cotton productivity. It was found that no tillage (NT) significantly increased plant height, chlorophyll content, boll weight, and seed yield compared to conventional tillage (CT). Straw mulching under NT further improved these indicators and enhanced soil physicochemical properties. The practice of straw mulching under NT holds promise for increasing cotton yield, productivity, and soil health in low-productivity areas.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Morad Mirzaei, Manouchehr Gorji Anari, Ehsan Razavy-Toosi, Hossein Asadi, Ebrahim Moghiseh, Nermina Saronjic, Jesus Rodrigo-Comino
Summary: The study showed that applying crop residue can improve soil quality and yield, especially at higher rates of residue application. Different proportions of residue had varying effects on wheat yield and soil properties, with slight differences between the no-till and conventional systems.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caichun Yin, Wenwu Zhao, Paulo Pereira
Summary: Soil conservation service plays a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by mitigating soil erosion and supporting multiple goals through regulating ecological processes, food production, and social and cultural values.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Lu Li, Jiexi Guan, Suying Chen, Xiying Zhang
Summary: Soil management practices, such as improving tillage practice, are crucial for sustainable agriculture. A four year field experiment investigated the effects of deep tillage incorporated into minimum tillage on soil physical properties and crop performance. The results showed that introducing deep tillage reduced soil compactness and nutrient stratification, leading to more even distribution of nutrients in the top soil layer. The improved root growth in the deep soil layer resulted in better soil water uptake and increased crop growth and grain production. Intermittent deep tillage every two or three years was found to be effective in improving soil physical properties and ensuring high grain production.
Article
Agronomy
Gang He, Zhaohui Wang, Xiaoli Hui, Tingmiao Huang, Laichao Luo
Summary: Plastic film mulching systems can increase crop yield and water use efficiency, but shorten crop phenology; compared with transparent film mulching, black film mulching can lower soil temperature, extend crop phenology, increase maize yield, and improve marketable tuber rate of potato.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Xing Wang, Cong He, Bai-Jian Lin, Xin Zhao, Ran Zhang, Ling-Tao Zhong, Xiao-Ping Xiao, Hai-Lin Zhang
Summary: Periodic targeted tillage can improve soil management problems such as soil stratification and reduced yield. This method can enhance soil physicochemical properties, increase nutrient availability, and decrease soil acidification. In double-cropped rice systems in southern China, periodic targeted tillage is a more sustainable method compared to continuous no-tillage and ploughing tillage, as it can improve yield and increase the seed setting rate.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Honghong Lin, Xingwu Duan, Yifan Dong, Ronghua Zhong, Li Rong, Jiangcheng Huang
Summary: Environmental changes on the Tibetan Plateau have led to a decrease in soil water-holding capacity, particularly in the topsoil. This decrease in soil productivity exacerbates vegetation degradation and increases the vulnerability of the alpine ecosystem.
Article
Soil Science
A. A. Jacobs, R. Stout Evans, J. K. Allison, E. R. Garner, W. L. Kingery, R. L. McCulley
Summary: Conservation agriculture is marketed as a sustainable solution to increase soil productivity and mitigate the effects of climate and price fluctuations. However, the adoption of cover crops remains low. Implementing conservation practices may take time to show measurable soil quality improvement, but it can provide short-term economic benefits by reducing production costs.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
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
Soil Science
V. K. Choudhary, Ram Swaroop Meena
Summary: Improving soil manipulation, water efficiency, and input efficiency is crucial for enhancing crop productivity and soil organic carbon stability in the eastern Himalayan agricultural ecosystem.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Adarsh Kumar, K. S. Rana, Anil K. Choudhary, R. S. Bana, V. K. Sharma, Gaurendra Gupta, Sudhir K. Rajpoot, Ingudam Bhupenchandra, Mukesh Choudhary, Praveen Jakhar, Amit Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Prabhat Kishore, Amaresh Pradhan, Vishal Tyagi, Kuldeep Kumar
Summary: In semi-arid ecologies of south Asia, residue mulching in a pigeonpea-wheat cropping system and zinc fertilization practices can enhance crop productivity and soil health.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Abdul Wahab, Murad Muhammad, Asma Munir, Gholamreza Abdi, Wajid Zaman, Asma Ayaz, Chandni Khizar, Sneha Priya Pappula Reddy
Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with land-dwelling plants, improving growth and productivity, especially during abiotic stress. AMF enhances nutrient acquisition and plant tolerance to abiotic stress through nutrient exchange at the arbuscular mycorrhizal interface. AMF also affects plants' antioxidant defense systems, osmotic adjustment, and hormone regulation, promoting plant performance in abiotic stress conditions. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and responses of AMF-plant interactions to abiotic stresses.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jucimare Romaniw, Joao Carlos de Moraes Sa, Rattan Lal, Ademir de Oliveira Ferreira, Thiago Massao Inagaki, Clever Briedis, Daniel Ruiz Potma Goncalves, Lutecia Beatriz Canalli, Alessandra Padilha, Pamela Thaisa Bressan
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of organic waste biofertilizer from chicken slaughterhouses on soil organic carbon stock, carbon dioxide mitigation, crop energy efficiency, and environmental pollution. Results showed that continuous use of biofertilizer increased crop energy efficiency, CO2eq stock, and offset compared to mineral fertilizer, indicating a positive impact on energy balance and SOC sequestration. The findings support the use of poultry waste biofertilization as a viable alternative to minimize environmental impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Etiendem Achankeng, Wim Cornelis
Summary: This study investigates the impact of ridge tillage (RT) and strip tillage (ST) on crop yields in Europe in comparison with no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). The results show that, on average, NT leads to a 5.1% reduction in crop yields, while RT and ST each result in a 5% increase in crop yield over CT.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tesfaye Yaekob, Lulseged Tamene, Solomon G. Gebrehiwot, Solomon S. Demissie, Zenebe Adimassu, Kifle Woldearegay, Kindu Mekonnen, Tilahun Amede, Wuletawu Abera, John W. Recha, Dawit Solomon, Peter Thorne
Summary: The government of Ethiopia introduced a yearly mass campaign to address soil erosion and moisture stress, implementing various soil and water conservation (SWC) and water harvesting (WH) practices. This study assessed the impacts of different land uses, SWC, and WH interventions on water and suspended sediment yield in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The results showed that SWC practices reduced runoff and soil loss at both plot and watershed scales, although the effectiveness declined over time due to a lack of maintenance.
RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fred Kizito, Jane Gicheha, Abdul Rahman Nurudeen, Lulseged Tamene, Kennedy Nganga, Nicholas Koech
Summary: This study used the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF) to demonstrate the link between environmental benefits and other components like productivity, social, human, and economic aspects in landscape restoration initiatives. Results showed that when sustainable land management practices were used in combination, they effectively reduced soil erosion, increased soil moisture storage, and improved maize and forage production. The study also emphasized the importance of a participatory approach with farmers in implementing and assessing the sustainability of interventions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Assefa Abegaz, Ashenafi Ali, Lulseged Tamene, Wuletawu Abera, Jo U. Smith
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution and influencing factors of soil organic carbon in the highlands of Ethiopia, and to simulate and evaluate SOC sequestration under different improved land management practices.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Gudeta W. Sileshi, Job Kihara, Lulseged Tamene, Bernard Vanlauwe, Elijah Phiri, Bashir Jama
Summary: This study examines the lack of response to applied nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in different soil types in sub-Saharan Africa. The results show that iron-rich and aluminum-rich soils, as well as erosion-prone soils, are more likely to show no response to fertilizers. On the other hand, certain soil types such as Cambisols, Fluvisols, Luvisols, and Nitisols are highly responsive to NPK fertilizer. Furthermore, the risk of no response is higher on farmers' fields compared to research stations. These findings have implications for future agronomic trials and the targeting of fertilizer subsidies.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Teklu Erkossa, Fanuel Laekemariam, Wuletau Abera, Lulseged Tamene
Summary: Meeting the global demand for food and energy requires increasing crop yields through efficient use of fertilizers. Integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can improve crop yield and economic benefits. However, it is not widely adopted in the national agricultural extension system. Soil surveys have shown deficiency of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and boron. Data mining and machine-learning methods can be used to generate evidence for better decision-making and resource use efficiency.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Tadele Amare, Erkihun Alemu, Zerfu Bazie, Asmare Woubet, Selamyihun Kidanu, Beamlaku Alemayehu, Abrham Awoke, Assefa Derebe, Tesfaye Feyisa, Lulseged Tamene, Bitewlgn Kerebh, Sefinew Wale, Aweke Mulualem
Summary: Inappropriate soil nutrient management practices in most parts of Ethiopia hinder the full realization of the potential yield of improved maize varieties. This study aimed to determine the maximum achievable yield potential of maize, identify the most yield-limiting nutrients, and create a database of maize responses to applied nutrients. The results showed that nitrogen (N) was the most yield-limiting nutrient, followed by phosphorus (P), while potassium (K) was not limiting. The study emphasized the importance of site-specific fertiliser recommendations.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Ecology
L. Tamene, W. Abera, B. Demissie, G. Desta, K. Woldearegay, K. Mekonnen
Summary: This study reviews existing knowledge on the extent and spatial distribution of soil erosion in Ethiopia, documenting the methods used to assess soil erosion. The findings show significant variations in soil erosion rates across different regions, primarily influenced by factors such as land cover and management. This information can inform targeted conservation efforts.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Z. Adimassu, L. Tamene
Summary: This study assessed the benefits of land management practices in relation to ecosystem services in Ethiopia and found that these practices can improve provisioning, supporting, and regulating services. It showed that land management is crucial for enhancing ecosystem services on degraded lands in Ethiopia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zerihun Chere, Assefa Abegaz, Lulseged Tamene, Wuletawu Abera
Summary: This study aims to model and map the spatiotemporal patterns, status, and trends of agricultural drought in Ethiopia's highlands using satellite-derived vegetation health index (VHI). The study found that VHI can effectively detect agricultural drought and showed good correlations with crop yields in most areas of Ethiopia. The results highlight the importance of using VHI to map agricultural drought and establish early warning and decision-making systems.
MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fentanesh H. Buruso, Zenebe Adimassu, Linda L. Sibali
Summary: Conversion of natural vegetation into farm and grazing land results in soil quality loss, and the response of soil properties to land use/land cover changes (LULC) shows both spatial and temporal variations. This study aimed to assess the impacts of LULC changes on the physical and chemical properties of soil in the Rib watershed. Soil samples were collected from natural forest, grazing, and cultivated lands in two agro-ecological belts. The analysis revealed significant differences in soil texture, bulk density, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and pH among different LULC types. The study suggests the implementation of integrated soil fertility management practices and conservation-based production systems in collaboration with regional and local authorities and the farming community.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zenebe Adimassu, Marloes Mul, Afua Owusu
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of dryspells on crop yields in northern Ghana and found that longer dryspells significantly reduced maize and sorghum yields. Early maturing maize and millet had a 50% probability of experiencing dryspells greater than seven days during the mid and late stages of crop growth. Late maturing maize had higher crop water deficit than early maturing maize and experienced significant yield reduction if planted before May 21.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Abera Assefa Biratu, Bobe Bedadi, Solomon Gebreyohannis Gebrehiwot, Assefa M. Melesse, Tilahun Hordofa Nebi, Wuletawu Abera, Lulseged Tamene, Anthony Egeru
Summary: This study modeled future land use and land cover change scenarios and estimated ecosystem service values in Central Ethiopia for the year 2051. The results showed changes in land use and cover across different scenarios, with an increase in forest cover and total ecosystem service values under the scenarios of ecosystem protection and agricultural development and landscape ecosystems restoration and conservation.
Article
Agronomy
Lulseged Tamene, Wuletawu Abera, Eduardo Bendito, Teklu Erkossa, Meklit Tariku, Habtamu Sewnet, Degefie Tibebe, Jemal Sied, Gudina Feyisa, Menale Wondie, Kindie Tesfaye
Summary: This study used machine learning algorithms to identify similar areas for agricultural technology targeting in Ethiopia. The concept of SRUs, which show improved clustering for targeting interventions, was proposed and validated. The study also developed an operational framework for generating SRUs.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Abera Assefa Biratu, Bobe Bedadi, Solomon Gebreyohannis Gebrehiwot, Assefa M. Melesse, Tilahun Hordofa Nebi, Wuletawu Abera, Lulseged Tamene, Anthony Egeru
Summary: This study estimated the values of ecosystem services (ES) based on past and future land use and land cover (LULC) changes in central Ethiopia. The results showed a continuous decline in forest, wetland, and grazing land areas over the past few decades, with a projected continuation of this decline in the future. Meanwhile, cultivated land and built-up areas are expected to increase. Overall, the value of ecosystem services shows a downward trend.
Article
Agronomy
Wuletawu Abera, Lulseged Tamene, Kindie Tesfaye, Daniel Jimenez, Hugo Dorado, Teklu Erkossa, Job Kihara, Jemal Seid Ahmed, Tilahun Amede, Julian Ramirez-Villegas
Summary: The use of chemical fertilizers in the Green Revolution has played a significant role in increasing yields. However, in Ethiopia, the generic recommendations for fertilizer application have not taken into account soil requirements, resulting in suboptimal or excessive use. It is important to develop site-specific fertilizer recommendations that consider climate, soil, and topographic characteristics to maximize yield and economic returns.
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Elise Audouin, Mariana Odru, Dominique Masse, Gualbert Seraphin Dorego, Valerie Delaunay, Philippe Lecomte, Jonathan Vayssieres
Summary: Agricultural intensification is important for food security and limiting rural exodus in sub-Saharan Africa. Livestock farming has the potential to improve the sustainability of farming systems, but landscape-level studies are rare. By considering the interactions between animals, crops, and trees, the landscape level is the only level where the impacts of livestock farming can be fully understood. This study developed a methodology to compare different livestock systems based on territorial metabolism and sustainability indicators.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Idsert Jelsma, Turinah, Frederic Gay, Jean Ollivier, Bruno Rapidel
Summary: Our study aims to analyze the resilience of farmer organizations in the Ophir plantation during replanting. By examining a 40-year period in five farmer cooperatives, we provide unique insights on the dynamics that influence the resilience of farmer organizations, shed light on smallholder oil palm replanting strategies, and draw several key lessons from this case.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maria Rodriguez-Barillas, Laurens Klerkx, P. Marijn Poortvliet
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alexis Thoumazeau, Romane Mettauer, Turinah, Heri Junedi, Victor Baron, Cecile Cheron-Bessou, Jean Ollivier
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fertilization and understory vegetation management on soil health and oil palm performances. It aimed to isolate and decipher the specific effects of some key practices on the overall plantation performances.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Pritha Datta, Bhagirath Behera, Dil Bahadur Rahut
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the potential of South Asian agroforestry systems as a viable agroecological approach for ensuring farmers' food security. A systematic literature review found that out of 95 reviewed studies, only nine focused on food security and none of them examined all four dimensions of food security simultaneously. Moreover, the majority of studies were skewed towards the Himalayan belt and lacked quantitative measurement, making it challenging to determine the significance of this field.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Octave Lacroix, Francoise Lescourret, Michel Genard, Mohamed-Mahmoud Memah, Gilles Vercambre, Pierre Valsesia, Daniele Bevacqua, Isabelle Grechi
Summary: In this study, a pest-crop model was developed to examine the impact of multiple pests on fruit tree functioning and ecosystem services provided by orchards. Through simulations and analysis, it was found that pests significantly affected indicators such as fruit sugar content, marketable yield, carbon sequestration, and water drainage.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Malve Heinz, Valeria Galetti, Annelie Holzka
Summary: This paper presents an innovative approach for identifying climate-adapted alternative food crops that can help diversify existing cropping systems, increase their climate resilience, and contribute to nutritious plant-based regional diets with reduced emissions.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Vianny Ahimbisibwe, Eliza Zhunusova, Habtemariam Kassa, Sven Guenter
Summary: This study examines the technical efficiency levels of home gardens and woodlot systems in Ethiopia and investigates the factors that contribute to technical efficiency.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Robert Huber, Bartosz Bartkowski, Calum Brown, Nadja El Benni, Jan-Henning Feil, Pascal Grohmann, Ineke Joormann, Heidi Leonhardt, Hermine Mitter, Birgit Mueller
Summary: Farm typologies help identify patterns in farm systems and support agricultural policy design, but they are often developed without much connection to previous studies and policy making.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mina Devkota, Krishna Prasad Devkota, Gokul Prasad Paudel, Timothy J. Krupnik, Andrew James McDonald
Summary: Wheat production in the Terai region of Nepal has not met the increasing demand, with low average productivity and high spatial and temporal variability. This study identifies strategies for closing yield gaps through field surveys, on-farm experiments, and simulation models. The results suggest that improving agronomic practices, such as fertilization and irrigation management, can significantly increase wheat productivity.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Angie Haslem, Andrew F. Bennett, James Q. Radford
Summary: This study integrates knowledge on the benefits and disbenefits of (semi)natural vegetation on farms for achieving six objectives, and develops a conceptual model of the relationships between these objectives and different types of vegetation. The results show that (semi)natural vegetation provides more benefits than disbenefits, with greater support for the benefits of native vegetation. Farm-level restoration contributes towards reversing vegetation loss, but the process takes time. Management practices play a role in enhancing the benefits of (semi)natural vegetation.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Aymeric Mondiere, Michael S. Corson, Julie Auberger, Daphne Durant, Sylvain Foray, Jean-Francois Glinec, Penny Green, Sandra Novak, Frederic Signoret, Hayo M. G. van der Werf
Summary: This study assessed the productivity and environmental impacts of different livestock production systems and found that biodiversity-friendly systems perform better in terms of environmental impact. The results emphasize the importance of considering the multiple functions and overall environmental performance of these systems.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nadine Andrieu, Elodie Dorey, Steewy Lakhia, Paul Meynard, Esther Hatil, Loic Normand, Jean-Luc Gourdine, Jean-Christophe Bambou
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Philipp Loew, Bernhard Osterburg
Summary: This study evaluated the nitrogen performance of the German agricultural sector and identified the potential for nitrogen utilization in different farm types. The study also revealed the relationships between nitrogen performance and independent variables such as soil fertility, crop selection and diversity, production type, operating profit, and consulting services received.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rika Ratna Sari, Lisa Tanika, Erika N. Speelman, Danny Dwi Saputra, Arief Lukman Hakim, Danae M. A. Rozendaal, Kurniatun Hairiah, Meine van Noordwijk
Summary: This study aims to clarify the design principles of the FORCES game and apply it to diverse watershed contexts. The game design balances generic and site-specific information, and the performance and impact of the game are evaluated through testing and assessment.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2024)
