Article
Agronomy
Vladimir Langraf, Kornelia Petrovicova, Janka Schlarmannova
Summary: The research demonstrates that soil moisture, pH, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen levels influence the abundance of epigeic arthropods, with a higher number of individuals found in ecotones compared to field plots.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xabier Cabodevilla, Francois Mougeot, Gerard Bota, Santi Manosa, Francesc Cusco, Julen Martinez-Garcia, Beatriz Arroyo, Maria J. Madeira
Summary: This study used a metabarcoding approach to analyze the diet composition of six significant farmland birds in European cereal pseudo-steppes, revealing that they mainly consume plants with some species also consuming arthropods. The study highlights the importance of natural and semi-natural vegetation in providing a diverse food source for these declining species throughout the year.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gerardo Jimenez-Navarro, Javier Rodriguez-Perez, Nereida Melguizo-Ruiz, Bruno Silva, Sasha Vasconcelos, Pedro Beja, Francisco Moreira, Rui Morgado, Silvia Barreiro, Jose M. Herrera
Summary: Assessing the impact of agricultural intensification on species and communities is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study investigated the seasonal effects of olive grove intensification on birds and bats at both local and landscape scales. The findings showed that olive grove intensification had a negative impact on the abundance of the majority of species analyzed, especially birds, and the effect varied across seasons.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xabier Cabodevilla, Alexander D. Wright, Diego Villanua, Beatriz Arroyo, Elise F. Zipkin
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of irrigation on bird species occurrence patterns in a 100 km(2) area in northern Spain. It found that irrigation had an overall negative impact on the local bird community, with the majority of species decreasing in occurrence rates and only a small fraction increasing. This negative impact was particularly detrimental to farmland birds.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
David Gonzalez del Portillo, Beatriz Arroyo, Guillermo Garcia Simon, Manuel B. Morales
Summary: Agricultural intensification poses a threat to farmland bird populations by decreasing food resources. The study found that different agricultural habitats impact the availability of key food resources for farmland birds, with dry alfalfa fields playing a crucial role during critical times of the breeding season. The management of alfalfa fields and stubbles is essential for the breeding success of the little bustard.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
David Giralt, Javiera Pantoja, Manuel B. Morales, Juan Traba, Gerard Bota
Summary: Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation pose significant threats to biodiversity. In Europe, the spread of irrigation negatively impacts farmland birds, leading to a replacement of specialist species by generalist species.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Philip E. Hulme
Summary: This study investigated the drivers of herbicide resistance in barley, maize, rice, and wheat crops worldwide using a macroecological approach. The results showed that the global prevalence of herbicide-resistant weeds is likely underestimated, and agricultural intensification and expansion of crop harvested area are the primary drivers of future herbicide-resistant weeds. Developing countries, in particular, may face a higher number of herbicide-resistant weeds due to under-reporting and the growth of their economies. A global strategy for increasing national capability in herbicide resistance research is needed.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lionel R. Hertzog, Sebastian Klimek, Norbert Roeder, Claudia Frank, Hannah G. S. Boehner, Johannes Kamp
Summary: Fallow agricultural land plays an important role in supporting threatened and declining farmland biodiversity. The relationship between farmland biodiversity and fallow area is influenced by landscape factors and varies among species.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rocio Tarjuelo, Elena D. Concepcion, Irene Guerrero, Ana Carricondo, Yolanda Cortes, Mario Diaz
Summary: Agri-environment schemes (AES) play an important role in conserving declining farmland birds in Europe. This study evaluated the impact of AES on taxonomic and functional responses of farmland birds in Spain, showing that an increased proportion of food prescriptions led to higher species richness and Shannon diversity, while balanced AES increased bird abundance. The length of field boundaries increased both taxonomic and functional diversity, while the proportion of herbaceous crops decreased diversity.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jerome Moreau, Karine Monceau, Gladys Gonnet, Marie Pfister, Vincent Bretagnolle
Summary: This study found that organic farming has a positive impact on the behavior of passerine birds compared to conventional farming, regardless of species. These findings suggest that observing the behavior of passerine birds can provide valuable insights into the state of the environment and serve as an early warning for specific environmental changes in agricultural areas.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Ivana N. Macri, Diego E. Vazquez, Eduardo A. Pagano, Jorge A. Zavala, Walter M. Farina
Summary: The study evaluated honeybee foraging activity and cytochrome expression profiles before and after herbicide administration in agricultural environments. The results showed that larvae were more harmed than adult bees and significant differences existed between different apiaries. Additionally, positive correlations were found between pollen collection and pesticide detoxification genes, suggesting that nutrition may modify herbicide impact on honeybees.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose O. Valdebenito, Naerhulan Halimubieke, Adam Z. Lendvai, Jordi Figuerola, Gotz Eichhorn, Tamas Szekely
Summary: The study found that immune system in birds exhibit both sex differences and seasonal variations, with males showing higher immune responses and abilities during the breeding season. The study also revealed that sex differences in immune status are more pronounced during the breeding period compared to the non-breeding period.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Md Nurealam Siddiqui, Jens Leon, Ali A. Naz, Agim Ballvora
Summary: Root systems play a crucial role in plant adaptation to stress conditions, especially drought, and studying their variations and trait selection can enhance cereal crop yield and sustainability. Utilizing cross-species relationships and genomic analysis to explore genetic diversity for genome editing, as well as implementing innovative breeding strategies, are key to developing resilient crop varieties.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tanja Sumrada, Primoz Kmecl, Emil Erjavec
Summary: The paper explores the impact of landscape characteristics, production intensity, and EU agricultural policy interventions on farmland bird diversity in Slovenia. The study found that farmland bird diversity is highest in open, diversely cropped landscapes with low to moderate management intensity in Natura 2000 sites with low average payment amounts.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Telmo Portugal-Baranda, Francois Mougeot, Manuel E. Ortiz-Santaliestra, Maria J. Madeira, Elena Fernandez-Vizcaino, Xabier Cabodevilla
Summary: The intensification of agriculture has had a significant impact on the Red-legged Partridge population in farmland landscapes. This study provides a detailed description of their plant diet, highlighting the variation in diet composition across seasons.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ute Bradter, Jerome O'Connell, William E. Kunin, Caroline W. H. Boffey, Richard J. Ellis, Tim G. Benton
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Editorial Material
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tim G. Benton
AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Prajal Pradhan, Steffen Kriewald, Luis Costa, Diego Rybski, Tim G. Benton, Guenther Fischer, Juergen P. Kropp
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jessica Fanzo, Coral Rudie, Iman Sigman, Steven Grinspoon, Tim G. Benton, Molly E. Brown, Namukolo Covic, Kathleen Fitch, Christopher D. Golden, Delia Grace, Marie-France Hivert, Peter Huybers, Lindsay M. Jaacks, William A. Masters, Nicholas Nisbett, Ruth A. Richardson, Chelsea R. Singleton, Patrick Webb, Walter C. Willett
Summary: Food systems are facing challenges with a changing climate, hunger and malnutrition, and social inequities, but there are opportunities for improvement. The global community can work together to transform food systems and address issues like malnutrition, climate change, and social inequalities. The nutrition and health communities play a key role in this transformative process.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher B. Barrett, Jessica Fanzo, Mario Herrero, Daniel Mason-D'Croz, Alexander Mathys, Philip Thornton, Stephen Wood, Tim G. Benton, Shenggen Fan, Late Lawson-Lartego, Rebecca Nelson, Jianbo Shen, Lindiwe Majele Sibanda
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Matthew N. Bond, Stuart B. Piertney, Tim G. Benton, Tom C. Cameron
Summary: The study demonstrates that phenotypic plasticity in life history traits increases with adaptive evolution in response to environmental variation, thereby helping to reduce survival pressure for offspring in competitive environments.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly L. Rippin, Janet E. Cade, Lea Berrang-Ford, Tim G. Benton, Neil Hancock, Darren C. Greenwood
Summary: This study linked over 3000 foods to GHG emissions, finding that meat, drinks, dairy, and cakes/biscuits/confectionery contributed significantly to diet-related GHG emissions. Non-vegetarian diets had higher GHG emissions than vegetarian diets, with men having higher emissions than women. Individuals meeting nutritional requirements had lower GHG emissions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Qiao, Xuhui Wang, Pete Smith, Jinlong Fan, Yuelai Lu, Bridget Emmett, Rong Li, Stephen Dorling, Haiqing Chen, Shaogui Liu, Tim G. Benton, Yaojun Wang, Yuqing Ma, Rongfeng Jiang, Fusuo Zhang, Shilong Piao, Christoph Mueller, Huaqing Yang, Yanan Hao, Wangmei Li, Mingsheng Fan
Summary: Soil quality plays a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on crop yields, with high-quality soils reducing yield sensitivity and improving stability.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stewart A. Jennings, Andrew J. Challinor, Pete Smith, Jennie I. Macdiarmid, Edward Pope, Sarah Chapman, Catherine Bradshaw, Heather Clark, Sylvia Vetter, Nuala Fitton, Richard King, Sithembile Mwamakamba, Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, Ian Mashingaidze, Christian Chomba, Masiye Nawiko, Bonani Nyhodo, Ndumiso Mazibuko, Precious Yeki, Pamela Kuwali, Alfred Kambwiri, Vivian Kazi, Agatha Kiama, Abel Songole, Helen Coskeran, Claire Quinn, Susannah Sallu, Andrew Dougill, Stephen Whitfield, Bill Kunin, Nalishebo Meebelo, Andrew Jamali, Dhaquirs Kantande, Prosper Makundi, Winfred Mbungu, Frank Kayula, Sue Walker, Sibongile Zimba, Joseph Hubert Galani Yamdeu, Ndashe Kapulu, Marcelo Valadares Galdos, Samuel Eze, Hemant G. Tripathi, Steven M. Sait, Stefan Kepinski, Emmanuel Likoya, Henry Greathead, Harriet Elizabeth Smith, Marcelin Tonye Mahop, Helen Harwatt, Maliha Muzammil, Graham Horgan, Tim Benton
Summary: The article introduces a novel integrated assessment framework called iFEED, which combines models with in-country knowledge and expert academic judgement to explore climate-smart and nutrition-secure food system futures. The framework was applied in Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. The iFEED process involves participatory scenario workshops, integrated modeling of climate change and food production, and workshops with academic experts to incorporate in-country expertise and generate country-level recommendations. iFEED provides comprehensive reporting of model results and uncertainty, considers climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and quantifies future population-level nutrition security.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zia Mehrabi, Adriana Ignaciuk, Christian Levers, Ruth Delzeit, Ginni Braich, Kushank Bajaj, Araba Amo-Aidoo, Weston Anderson, Roland A. Balgah, Tim G. Benton, Martin M. Chari, Erle C. Ellis, Narcisse Z. Gahi, Franziska Gaupp, Lucas A. Garibaldi, James S. Gerber, Cecile M. Godde, Ingo Grass, Tobias Heimann, Mark Hirons, Gerrit Hoogenboom, Meha Jain, Dana James, David Makowski, Blessing Masamha, Sisi Meng, Sathaporn Monprapussorn, Daniel Mueller, Andrew Nelson, Nathaniel K. Newlands, Frederik Noack, MaryLucy Oronje, Colin Raymond, Markus Reichstein, Loren H. Rieseberg, Jose M. Rodriguez-Llanes, Todd Rosenstock, Pedram Rowhani, Ali Sarhadi, Ralf Seppelt, Balsher S. Sidhu, Sieglinde Snapp, Tammara Soma, Adam H. Sparks, Louise Teh, Michelle Tigchelaar, Martha M. Vogel, Paul C. West, Hannah Wittman, Liangzhi You
Summary: Extreme events, such as climate change, economic or geopolitical shocks, and pest or disease epidemics, pose significant challenges to global food security. By prioritizing threats and identifying research gaps, this study aims to guide research funding and resources towards transforming resilient food systems to mitigate major risks and food insecurity caused by extreme events.
Letter
Food Science & Technology
Tim G. Benton, John Beddington, Sandy M. Thomas, Derek J. Flynn, Shenggen Fan, Patrick Webb
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mario Herrero, Philip K. Thornton, Daniel Mason-D'Croz, Jeda Palmer, Benjamin L. Bodirsky, Prajal Pradhan, Christopher B. Barrett, Tim G. Benton, Andrew Hall, Ilje Pikaar, Jessica R. Bogard, Graham D. Bonnett, Brett A. Bryan, Bruce M. Campbell, Svend Christensen, Michael Clark, Jessica Fanzo, Cecile M. Godde, Andy Jarvis, Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Alexander Mathys, C. Lynne McIntyre, Rosamond L. Naylor, Rebecca Nelson, Michael Obersteiner, Alejandro Parodi, Alexander Popp, Katie Ricketts, Pete Smith, Hugo Valin, Sonja J. Vermeulen, Joost Vervoort, Mark van Wijk, Hannah H. E. van Zanten, Paul C. West, Stephen A. Wood, Johan Rockstrom
Summary: Food system innovations are crucial in achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, but they can lead to profound changes that impact different parts of the global food system simultaneously. It is important to embed innovations as part of systemic changes to avoid unintended negative consequences and address emerging trade-offs involving social aspects like inequality and social justice. Well-planned transition pathways, careful monitoring of key indicators, and transparent science targets at the local level are essential in managing trade-offs with undesirable outcomes.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2021)
Letter
Food Science & Technology
Patrick Webb, Tim G. Benton, John Beddington, Derek Flynn, Niamh M. Kelly, Sandy M. Thomas
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mario Herrero, Philip K. Thornton, Daniel Mason-D'Croz, Jeda Palmer, Tim G. Benton, Benjamin L. Bodirsky, Jessica R. Bogard, Andrew Hall, Bernice Lee, Karine Nyborg, Prajal Pradhan, Graham D. Bonnett, Brett A. Bryan, Bruce M. Campbell, Svend Christensen, Michael Clark, Mathew T. Cook, Imke J. M. de Boer, Chris Downs, Kanar Dizyee, Christian Folberth, Cecile M. Godde, James S. Gerber, Michael Grundy, Petr Havlik, Andrew Jarvis, Richard King, Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Mauricio A. Lopes, C. Lynne McIntyre, Rosamond Naylor, Javier Navarro, Michael Obersteiner, Alejandro Parodi, Mark B. Peoples, Ilje Pikaar, Alexander Popp, Johan Rockstrom, Michael J. Robertson, Pete Smith, Elke Stehfest, Steve M. Swain, Hugo Valin, Mark van Wijk, Hannah H. E. van Zanten, Sonja Vermeulen, Joost Vervoort, Paul C. West
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ute Bradter, Jerome O'Connell, William E. Kunin, Caroline W. H. Boffey, Richard J. Ellis, Tim G. Benton
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)