Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Cattle Dung and Nutrient Cycling in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems

Sandoval Carpinelli,Adriel Ferreira Da Fonseca,Pedro Henrique Weirich Neto,Laíse Da Silveira Pontes,Santos Henrique Brant Dias

doi:10.3390/agronomy10050672

Sandoval Carpinelli, Adriel Ferreira Da Fonseca + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050672

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Abstract

Residue decomposition from cattle dung is crucial in the nutrient cycling process in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems (ICLS). It also involves the impact of the presence of trees exerted on excreta distribution, as well as nutrient cycling. The objectives of this research included (i) mapping the distribution of cattle dung in two ICLS, i.e., with and without trees, CLT and CL, respectively, and (ii) quantification of dry matter decomposition and nutrient release (nitrogen—N, phosphorus—P, potassium—K, and sulphur—S) from cattle dung in both systems. The cattle dung excluded boxes were set out from July 2018 to October 2018 (pasture phase), and retrieved after 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 84 days (during the grazing period). The initial concentrations of N (~19 g kg−1), P (~9 g kg−1), K (~16 g kg−1), and S (~8 g kg−1) in the cattle dung showed no differences. The total N, P, K and S released from the cattle dung residues were less in the CLT system (2.2 kg ha−1 of N; 0.7 kg ha−1 of P; 2.2 kg ha−1 of K and 0.6 kg ha−1 of S), compared to the CL (4.2 kg ha−1 of N; 1.4 kg ha−1 of P; 3.6 kg ha−1 of K and 1.1 kg ha−1 of S). Lesser quantities of cattle dung were observed in the CLT (1810) compared to the CL (2652), caused by the lower stocking rate, on average, in this system (721 in the CL vs. 393 kg ha−1 in the CLT) because of the reduced amount of pasture in the CLT systems (−41%), probably due to light reduction (−42%). The density of the excreta was determined using the Thiessen polygon area. The CL system revealed a higher concentration of faeces at locations near the water points, gate and fences. The CLT affects the spatial distribution of the dung, causing uniformity. Therefore, these results strengthen the need to understand the nutrient release patterns from cattle dung to progress fertilisation management.

Highlights

Sustainable Intensification (SI) is the process in which agricultural production is expanded or saved while advancing environmental improvements [1]
Among the strategies for the SI of land use, we highlight Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems (ICLS) [2], including agroforestry systems [1], which are linked to the management of the soil conservation practices, such as the no-till system
Differences in the sward height were observed between the two ICLS (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Sustainable Intensification (SI) is the process in which agricultural production is expanded or saved while advancing environmental improvements [1]. Among the strategies for the SI of land use, we highlight Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems (ICLS) [2], including agroforestry systems [1], which are linked to the management of the soil conservation practices, such as the no-till system. ICLS include the development of a diversity of agricultural pursuits in the same area, ensuring several medium- and long-term advantages [3]. Through ICLS, soil fertility and nutrient cycling can be improved, while promoting the sustainable intensification of land, like low fossil energy inputs, diversification of the producer’s income sources, high biodiversity and biomass production, consideration for animal welfare, and rational water use [2,3].

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