Crop Biomass Research Articles

Can Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Crop Productivity and Quality in Hydroponics? A Meta-Analysis

Finding environmentally friendly solutions for crop growth and productivity has been gaining more attention recently. This meta-analysis aims to understand the combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and hydroponic systems compared to AMF in conventional (soil) systems. The analysis of up-to-date studies revealed that the root colonization, calculated as the proportion of colonized root segments relative to the total root length, by AMF in conventional (soil-based) culture exceeded hydroponic (or soilless) culture systems by 16.8%. The mean root colonization by AMF was determined to be 52.3% in hydroponic systems and 61.1% in conventional systems. Within hydroponic systems, the root colonization ranged from 2% to 20% after 10 days of inoculation, and notably, it exceeded 50% after 30 to 65 days, depending on the growing substrate and species. Under hydroponics, AMF application had a higher (compared to none-inoculated) positive effect on crop biomass and yield than fruit and leaf quality (antioxidants, phenols, and sugars) as well as leaf nutrients. However, AMF do not always have the potential to improve crop growth, quality and productivity in hydroponics. Among the studies analyzed in this review, approximately 34% (no effect: 29%; negative: 5%) reported no discernible positive effect on biomass or yield, 37% (no effect: 16%; negative: 21%) on fruit or leaf quality, and 60% (no effect: 47%; negative: 13%) on nutrient levels within plant tissues. To improve the performance of AMF in hydroponic systems, the meta-analysis recommended maintaining phosphorus levels in the nutrient solution within the range of 0.15 to 15.5 mg L−1 as elevated levels (40–75 mg L−1) were found to significantly reduce AMF colonization. Additionally, it was observed that certain hydroponic techniques, such as the presence of air bubbles generated by air pumps in floating hydroponic systems (Deep Flow technique) and continuous circulation of the nutrient solution (Ebb and Flow systems), may create dynamic conditions that could potentially hinder the introduction of AMF spores into hydroponic systems and potentially compromise the integrity of the spores and hyphae.

Biodegradation Study of Styrene-Butadiene Composites with Incorporated Arthrospira platensis Biomass.

The preparation of polymer composites that incorporate material of a biogenic nature in the polymer matrices may lead to a reduction in fossil polymer consumption and a potentially higher biodegradability. Furthermore, microalgae biomass as biogenic filler has the advantage of fast growth and high tolerance to different types of culture media with higher production yields than those provided by the biomass of terrestrial crops. On the other hand, algal biomass can be a secondary product in wastewater treatment processes. For the present study, an SBS polymer composite (SBSC) containing 25% (w/w) copolymer SBS1 (linear copolymer: 30% styrene and 70% butadiene), 50% (w/w) copolymer SBS2 (linear copolymer: 40% styrene and 60% butadiene), and 25% (w/w) paraffin oil was prepared. Arthrospira platensis biomass (moisture content 6.0 ± 0.5%) was incorporated into the SBSC in 5, 10, 20, and 30% (w/w) ratios to obtain polymer composites with spirulina biomass. For the biodegradation studies, the ISO 14855-1:2012(E) standard was applied, with slight changes, as per the specificity of our experiments. The degradation of the studied materials was followed by quantitatively monitoring the CO2 resulting from the degradation process and captured by absorption in NaOH solution 0.5 mol/L. The structural and morphological changes induced by the industrial composting test on the materials were followed by physical-mechanical, FTIR, SEM, and DSC analysis. The obtained results were compared to create a picture of the material transformation during the composting period. Thus, the collected data indicate two biodegradation processes, of the polymer and the biomass, which take place at the same time at different rates, which influence each other. On the other hand, it is found that the material becomes less ordered, with a sponge-like morphology; the increase in the percentage of biomass leads to an advanced degree of degradation of the material. The FTIR analysis data suggest the possibility of the formation of peptide bonds between the aromatic nuclei in the styrene block and the molecular residues resulting from biomass biodegradation. It seems that in industrial composting conditions, the area of the polystyrene blocks from the SBS-based composite is preferentially transformed in the process.

Increased global cropland greening as a response to the unusual reduction in atmospheric PM₂.₅ concentrations during the COVID-19 lockdown period

The devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic have widely affected human lives and economy across the globe. There were significant changes in the global environmental conditions in response to the lockdown (LD) restrictions made due to COVID-19. The direct impact of LD on environment is analysed widely across the latitudes, but its secondary effect remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we examine the changes in particulate matter (PM₂.₅) during LD, and its impact on the global croplands. Our analysis finds that there is a substantial decline in the global PM₂.₅ concentrations during LD (2020) compared to pre-lockdown (PreLD: 2017–2019) in India (10–20%), East China (EC, 10%), Western Europe (WE, 10%) and Nigeria (10%), which are also the cropland dominated regions. Partial correlation analysis reveals that the decline in PM₂.₅ positively affects the cropland greening when the influence of temperature, precipitation and soil moisture are limited. Croplands in India, EC, Nigeria and WE became more greener as a result of the improvement in air quality by the reduction in particulates such as PM₂.₅ during LD, with an increase in the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) of about 0.05–0.1, 0.05, 0.05 and 0.05–0.1, respectively. As a result of cropland greening, increase in the total above ground biomass production (TAGP) and crop yield (TWSO) is also found in EC, India and Europe. In addition, the improvement in PM₂.₅ pollution and associated changes in meteorology also influenced the cropland phenology, where the crop development stage has prolonged in India for wet-rice (1–20%) and maize (1–10%). Therefore, this study sheds light on the response of global croplands to LD-induced improvements in PM₂.₅ pollution. These finding have implications for addressing issues of air pollution, global warming, climate change, environmental conservation and food security to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Optimizing Vermicomposting Methods Involves Improving Efficiency, Maximizing Nutrient Retention and Minimizing Environmental Impacts: A Review

Vermicomposting is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to organic waste management and fertilizer production. Earthworms are fundamental to the delivery of a range of soil ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and water management, which in turn affects crop development and yield.In fact, one study states the presence of earthworms in soils can increase crop yields by an average of 25% and total crop biomass by 21%. Comparing the production efficiency between the upper pit and windrow method for vermicomposting involves considering several factors including processing capacity, labor requirements, processing time, and resource utilization.

Time Series Field Estimation of Rice Canopy Height Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based RGB/Multispectral Platform

Crop plant height is a critical parameter for assessing crop physiological properties, such as above-ground biomass and grain yield and crop health. Current dominant plant height estimation methods are based on digital surface model (DSM) and vegetation indexes (VIs). However, DSM-based methods usually estimate plant height by growth stages, which would result in some discontinuity between growth stages due to different fitting curves. Additionally, there has been limited research on the application of VI-based plant height estimation for multiple crop species. Thus, this study investigated the validity and challenges associated with these methods for estimating canopy heights of multi-variety rice throughout the entire growing season. A total of 474 rice varieties were cultivated in a single season, and RGB images including red, green, and blue bands, DSMs, multispectral images including near infrared and red edge bands, and manually measured plant heights were collected in 2022. DSMs and 26 commonly used VIs were employed to estimate rice canopy heights during the growing season. The plant height estimation using DSMs was performed using different quantiles (50th, 75th, and 95th), while two-stage linear regression (TLR) models based on each VI were developed. The DSM-based method at the 95th quantile showed high accuracy, with an R2 value of 0.94 and an RMSE value of 0.06 m. However, the plant height estimation at the early growth stage showed lower effectiveness, with an R2 < 0. For the VIs, height estimation with MTCI yielded the best results, with an R2 of 0.704. The first stage of the TLR model (maximum R2 = 0.664) was significantly better than the second stage (maximum R2 = 0.133), which indicated that the VIs were more suitable for estimating canopy height at the early growth stage. By grouping the 474 varieties into 15 clusters, the R2 values of the VI-based TLR models exhibited inconsistencies across clusters (maximum R2 = 0.984; minimum R2 = 0.042), which meant that the VIs were suitable for estimating canopy height in the cultivation of similar or specific rice varieties. However, the DSM-based method showed little difference in performance among the varieties, which meant that the DSM-based method was suitable for multi-variety rice breeding. But for specific clusters, the VI-based methods were better than the DSM-based methods for plant height estimation. In conclusion, the DSM-based method at the 95th quantile was suitable for plant height estimation in the multi-variety rice breeding process, and we recommend using DSMs for plant height estimation after 26 DAT. Furthermore, the MTCI-based TLR model was suitable for plant height estimation in monoculture planting or as a correction for DSM-based plant height estimation in the pre-growth period of rice.

Validating APSIM for the Northern Territory of Australia: An environment with challenging weather and soils

AbstractExtreme weather (high rainfall and temperatures) and challenging soils are sources of uncertainties in the use of current crop models that have been developed for more favorable environments. This may limit their applicability to guide and support decision making for the development of new agricultural regions in tropical environments. We evaluated the accuracy of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) framework in representing yield and development of a range of crops across multiple locations in the Northern Territory of Australia, a tropical region with large potential for agricultural development. Observations of yield, biomass, and phenology for a range of crops from 28 experiments undertaken at three locations were compiled and used to develop simulations undertaken using APSIM version 7.10. Model performance varied with coefficients of determination and concordance correlation coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.98 and 0.37 to 0.93, respectively. Instances where model performance was less than ideal were associated with conditions presenting a limited number of observed values. Deviations by the model from yield observations were larger for situations with high‐yielding crops and low daily maximum temperatures during vegetative growth stages. Deviations in phenology were larger for conditions associated with water and N stress. APSIM was capable of representing the yield, biomass, and development of cereal and pulse crops and can be used with confidence to assist the expansion of agriculture in tropical environments such as the Northern Territory of Australia.

A wastes-based hierarchically structured cellulose membrane: Adsorption performance and adsorption mechanism

It was imperative to expeditiously investigate novel avenues for the valorization of agricultural waste biomass crop straws. The straws represented promising substrates to design eco-friendly adsorbents for the effective treatment of complex dyeing wastewater owing to their widespread availability, low cost, easy production, and environmental friendliness. Despite the advantages, developing adsorbents with versatile uses, antibacterial properties, and strong mechanical qualities remained a challenge. Herein, a sustainable waste treatment strategy is put forward by developing multifunctional adsorbents derived from agricultural waste. The adsorbents are designed to synchronously adsorb the typical contaminants such as organic molecule (methylene blue, MB) and heavy metal ions (cadmium ion, Cd2+) in dyeing wastewater. Through the assembly of cellulose fibers, multiscale cellulose membrane (MCM) substrates with enhanced two-dimensional (2D) structure were simply fabricated from biomass crop straws. Coating functional copper phosphate (CP) nanoflakes on the MCM substrate effectively constructed the hierarchical structure to achieve the synchronous adsorption. The synergistic effects of electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and coordination greatly prompted the adsorption process. Furthermore, the multifunctional adsorbents were imparted with satisfactory antibacterial properties, thereby expected to solve the problem of membrane fouling in wastewater. Hierarchically structured copper phosphate @ cellulose antibacterial adsorbents (CP@MCM) exhibit huge application potential in the resource utilization of agricultural waste and effective treatments for dyeing wastewater.

Assessing the effectiveness of cover crops on ecosystem services: a review of the benefits, challenges, and trade-offs

ABSTRACT While it is crucial to consider the ecological trade-offs of cover crop effects to promote sustainable agricultural production, there has been limited analysis of the combined effects of cover crops on various ecosystem services. For this purpose, we synthesized 43 meta-analysis and review studies comparing cover crops to monocropping in order to investigate benefits, challenges, and trade-offs among ecosystem services under cover crop implementation. We summarized the current state of knowledge of cover crops effectiveness across 11 ecosystem services in three categories (regulating, provisioning and supporting). We identified the factors influencing the relative benefits and risks of integrating cover crops into crop production systems. These factors include farm practices, planting and termination season, species of cover and main crop, climatic zone and soil properties, cover crop biomass, and residue management. Our findings highlight that compared to monocropping, in general, cover cropping enhances soil biodiversity and nutrient cycling, prevents runoff and Nitrogen leaching, improves soil physical properties and carbon sequestration over the long term, and suppresses pests and weeds. However, trade-offs comprise inconsistencies in primary crop yields and soil water provision. Overall, our result highlighted that a multifunctional cover crop implementation provides substantially more regulating and supporting than other ecosystem services.

An Intermittent Exposure Regime Did Not Alter the Crop Yield and Biomass Responses to an Elevated Ozone Concentration

The intermittent ozone (O3) exposure of crops to alternating high and low concentrations is common in fields, but its impact on crop production has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, two widely planted and O3-sensitive crops, winter wheat and soybean, were intermittently exposed to elevated O3 concentrations in open-top chambers. The results showed that the winter wheat and soybean yields significantly decreased with O3 exposure (AOT40, cumulative hourly O3 concentration above 40 ppb) (p < 0.001). The relative yield losses were 0.99% per AOT40 for winter wheat and 1.2% per AOT40 for soybean, respectively. The responses of the crop biomasses to elevated O3 concentrations were lower than that of crop yield. Although the O3-induced crop yield and biomass losses under continuous O3 exposure were greater than those under intermittent O3 exposure, the differences were not statistically significant. Therefore, we can conclude that the effects of elevated O3 concentrations on crops are closely related to the exposure dose but not significantly related to the temporal distribution of elevated O3 concentrations. This study improves our understanding of how crop production responds to intermittent O3 exposure.

Intercomparison of Same-Day Remote Sensing Data for Measuring Winter Cover Crop Biophysical Traits.

Winter cover crops are planted during the fall to reduce nitrogen losses and soil erosion and improve soil health. Accurate estimations of winter cover crop performance and biophysical traits including biomass and fractional vegetative groundcover support accurate assessment of environmental benefits. We examined the comparability of measurements between ground-based and spaceborne sensors as well as between processing levels (e.g., surface vs. top-of-atmosphere reflectance) in estimating cover crop biophysical traits. This research examined the relationships between SPOT 5, Landsat 7, and WorldView-2 same-day paired satellite imagery and handheld multispectral proximal sensors on two days during the 2012-2013 winter cover crop season. We compared two processing levels from three satellites with spatially aggregated proximal data for red and green spectral bands as well as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We then compared NDVI estimated fractional green cover to in-situ photographs, and we derived cover crop biomass estimates from NDVI using existing calibration equations. We used slope and intercept contrasts to test whether estimates of biomass and fractional green cover differed statistically between sensors and processing levels. Compared to top-of-atmosphere imagery, surface reflectance imagery were more closely correlated with proximal sensors, with intercepts closer to zero, regression slopes nearer to the 1:1 line, and less variance between measured values. Additionally, surface reflectance NDVI derived from satellites showed strong agreement with passive handheld multispectral proximal sensor-sensor estimated fractional green cover and biomass (adj. R2 = 0.96 and 0.95; RMSE = 4.76% and 259 kg ha-1, respectively). Although active handheld multispectral proximal sensor-sensor derived fractional green cover and biomass estimates showed high accuracies (R2 = 0.96 and 0.96, respectively), they also demonstrated large intercept offsets (-25.5 and 4.51, respectively). Our results suggest that many passive multispectral remote sensing platforms may be used interchangeably to assess cover crop biophysical traits whereas SPOT 5 required an adjustment in NDVI intercept. Active sensors may require separate calibrations or intercept correction prior to combination with passive sensor data. Although surface reflectance products were highly correlated with proximal sensors, the standardized cloud mask failed to completely capture cloud shadows in Landsat 7, which dampened the signal of NIR and red bands in shadowed pixels.

CsRAXs negatively regulate leaf size and fruiting ability through auxin glycosylation in cucumber.

Leaves are the main photosynthesis organ that directly determines crop yield and biomass. Dissecting the regulatory mechanism of leaf development is crucial for food security and ecosystem turn-over. Here, we identified the novel function of R2R3-MYB transcription factors CsRAXs in regulating cucumber leaf size and fruiting ability. Csrax5 single mutant exhibited enlarged leaf size and stem diameter, and Csrax1/2/5 triple mutant displayed further enlargement phenotype. Overexpression of CsRAX1 or CsRAX5 gave rise to smaller leaf and thinner stem. The fruiting ability of Csrax1/2/5 plants was significantly enhanced, while that of CsRAX5 overexpression lines was greatly weakened. Similarly, cell number and free auxin level were elevated in mutant plants while decreased in overexpression lines. Biochemical data indicated that CsRAX1/5 directly promoted the expression of auxin glucosyltransferase gene CsUGT74E2. Therefore, our data suggested that CsRAXs function as repressors for leaf size development by promoting auxin glycosylation to decrease free auxin level and cell division in cucumber. Our findings provide new gene targets for cucumber breeding with increased leaf size and crop yield.

Estimation of Corn Net Primary Productivity and Carbon Sequestration Based on the CASA Model: A Case Study of the Fen River Basin

The utilization of remote sensing technology to assess changes in crop net primary productivity (NPP), biomass, and carbon sequestration within the Fen River Basin, a crucial agricultural region in China, is important for achieving agricultural modernization, enhancing ecological environment quality, and obtaining carbon neutrality objectives. This study employed satellite remote sensing and the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model as research methods to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of corn NPP in the Fen River Basin. Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the response of corn NPP to various environmental factors in the region, while aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration of corn were estimated using a biomass inversion model driven by NPP and principles of photosynthesis in green plants. The findings revealed that, from a temporal perspective, corn NPP in the Fen River Basin exhibited a unimodal variation pattern, with an average value of 368.65 gC/m2. Spatially, the corn NPP displayed a discernible differentiation pattern, with the highest values primarily observed in the middle reaches of the Fen River Basin. Throughout the spatial and temporal variations in corn NPP during 2011–2020, the carbon sequestration capacity of corn exhibited an upward trend, particularly since 2017. The corn NPP displayed a positive correlation with temperature and precipitation. The response to solar radiation was mildly negative and a mildly positive correlation. In 2020, the aboveground biomass and carbon sequestration of corn followed a normal distribution, with the highest values concentrated in the northwestern part of the lower Fen River.

Timing Termination of a Biofumigant Cover Crop for Weed Suppression in Chile Pepper

Overwinter mustard cover crops incorporated into soil may suppress early-season weeds in chile pepper (Capsicum annuum). However, the potential for mustard cover crops to harbor beet leafhoppers (Circulifer tenellus) is a concern because beet leafhoppers transmit beet curly top virus to chile pepper. The objectives of this study were to determine the amounts of a biopesticidal compound (sinigrin) added to soil from ‘Caliente Rojo’ brown mustard (Brassica juncea) cover crops ended on three different days before beet leafhopper flights during spring and to determine the effects of the cover crop termination date on weed densities and hand-hoeing times for chile pepper. To address these objectives, a field study was conducted in southern New Mexico. In 2019–20, the cover crop was ended and incorporated into soil 45, 31, and 17 days before beet leafhopper flights. In 2020–21, cover crop termination occurred 36, 22, and 8 days before beet leafhopper flights. Treatments also included a no cover crop control. Cover crop biomass and sinigrin concentrations were determined at each termination. Chile pepper was seeded 28 days after the third termination date. Weed densities and hand-hoeing times were determined 28 and 56 days after chile pepper seeding. In 2019–20, the third termination (17 days before beet leafhopper flights) yielded the maximum cover crop biomass (820 g⋅m−2) and greatest sinigrin addition to soil (274 mmol⋅m−2). However, only the second termination (31 days before beet leafhopper flights) suppressed weeds in chile pepper. In 2020–21, the third termination (8 days before beet leafhopper flights) yielded the maximum cover crop biomass (591 g⋅m−2) and greatest sinigrin addition to soil (213 mmol⋅m−2), and it was the only treatment that suppressed weeds. No cover crop treatment reduced hand-hoeing times. These results indicate that overwinter mustard cover crops can be ended to evade beet leafhopper flights and suppress weeds in chile pepper.

Assessing Nitrate Leaching and Runoff Coefficients in the Dynamic Interplay of Seasonal Crop Biomass: A Study of Surface and Groundwater Nitrate Contamination in the Bilate Cropland Watershed

Effective water resource management and sustainable agricultural practices are contingent upon a thorough understanding of nitrate dynamics. This study investigates the utilization of seasonal average cropland runoff observations to improve the prediction accuracy of nitrate runoff loads to surface water originating from cropping zones. By integrating data from various sources, including seasonal rainfall/runoff observations and cropland parameters, the study explores the complex relationship between crop biomass growth, nitrogen fertilizer application, and seasonal rainfall over cropland. Monthly average observations of cropping zone rainfall/runoff in the cropping zone are analyzed to understand the response of seasonal crop biomass to nitrogen fertilizer application and seasonally calibrated rainfall/runoff in the cropland watershed. The study demonstrates the prototypical runoff observation from cultivated areas and statistically estimates seasonal runoff at downstream stream outlets. This shows a strong correlation with an R² of 0.9742 with a p-value less than 0.001 for seasonal rainfall climate parameters. Seasonal cropland runoff observations from EWX lite are presented for model calibration at downstream outlets, based on regional crop calendars, facilitating the estimation of nitrate loading to surface water and nitrate contamination from cropping zones. The findings reveal distinct cropping zones, particularly zones 5, 6, 11, and 13, which significantly contribute, each exceeding 50 mg/l of leaching load to groundwater. Moreover, more than ten zones surpass the threshold of 50mg/l in nitrate loading to surface water. These quantitative insights provide valuable spatial information regarding nitrate runoff relationships within the watershed, enabling the identification of specific zones with heightened nitrate contributions and offering actionable solutions for promoting sustainable agriculture and refining water resource management strategies.

A new approach for modelling weed suppression of cover crops

AbstractCover cropping plays an important role in Integrated Weed Management (IWM). Weed suppression of cover crops occurs by competition, physical barrier on the soil and allelopathy. Under favourable growing conditions, cover crops can provide similar weed suppression in the autumn‐to‐spring period as repeated stubble tillage and non‐selective herbicides. The objective of this study was to test if cover crop species with higher allelopathic potential can suppress weeds in the field with less shoot biomass than cover crop species with lower allelopathic effects. Data of cover crop shoot biomass, percentage of weed suppression in the field and reduction of weed seed germination in petri‐dish bioassays treated with cover crop extracts were analysed from 11 experiments. Weed suppression in relation to cover crop biomass was better predicted by a Weibul three‐parameter model than with the Cousens model. Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus, Sinapis alba, Fagopyrum esculentum and Phacelia tanacetifolia needed at least three‐fold more biomass than Avena strigosa for 80% weed suppression. Vicia sativa had the lowest weed reduction of only 62%. Aqueous extracts of A. strigosa had the highest inhibiting effect on weed seed germination followed by R. sativus. The lowest effect was observed for P. tanacetifolia. It is assumed that for A. strigosa allelopathy strongly contributes to weed suppression whereas for P. tanacetifolia and other cover crops, competition plays the major role for weed suppression. The model can help growers and consultants to mix cover crop species for the autumn‐to‐spring period. Under dry conditions, species such as A. strigosa can provide high weed suppression with low biomass. Under moist conditions, rapidly growing cover crops such as S. alba suppress most weeds and deliver high biomass.

Сравнительная агротехнологическая оценка возделывания яровой пшеницы в южной лесостепи Западной Сибири

Abstract. Long-term (more than 20 years) studies were carried out on meadow – chernozem soil in the southern forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. In a stationary grain-steam crop rotation (steam-wheat-wheat-wheat-barley), a comparative assessment of fertility, the state of agrophytocenosis, yield and quality of spring wheat grain, depending on the placement of the crop in the crop rotation, the tillage system, and complex chemicalization was carried out. The purpose of the research is to establish the influence and effectiveness of multi-level agricultural technologies of spring wheat on the elements of soil fertility, the state of agrophytocenosis, productivity and technological properties of grain in the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia. Research methods. In the southern forest-steppe agricultural landscapes, the effectiveness of multi-level agricultural technologies of spring wheat cultivation has been established, with an increase in yield from 1.51 to 3.24 t/ha (2.1 times) and a decrease in technological parameters of grain. For the first time, the share contribution of chemicalization components in increasing the productivity of spring wheat cultivated by steam and in the grain-steam crop rotation has been established. Two-factor experience: factor A – tillage system (dump-plowing on the head of 20–22 cm, annually; combined-plowing in the fallow field and under the third wheat after steam for 20–22 cm and flat-cut on the head of 10–12 for the second wheat after steam barley; flat-cut on the head of 10–12 cm for all crops annually; minimal – in the fallow field cultivation on the 8–10 cm. in other fields without autumn treatment); factor B – means of intensification (control – without chemicals, the option of complex application of chemicals included the combined use of fertilizers (N24 P36 per 1 ha of arable land), recommended herbicides, fungicides and retardants). Results. It was found that intensive agrotechnology with the use of fertilizers and plant protection products makes the main contribution to increasing the yield and technological parameters of grain – 30–35 %, precursors – up to 20–25 %, weather conditions of the growing season – 18–20 %, the system of tillage in crop rotation – 10–12 %. The complex application of chemicals contributes to an increase in crop biomass to 2080 g/m2 (by 49 %), reduces water consumption to 73 mm per 1 t\ of grain (2.7 times), optimizes the nutrient regime of the soil and the phytosanitary state of agrophytocenosis, which ultimately increases yields from 1.51 to 3.27 t/ha while improving the technological properties of grain gluten content up to 26.4 – 29.4 %. Long-term rational use of chemicals does not lead to the accumulation of ecotoxicants in soil and grain. The scientific novelty was revealed for the conditions of Western Siberia with the long-term rational use of chemicals, the accumulation of ecotoxicants in the soil and grain was not observed.

Soil C:N impacts on soil biological health and consequences on weed control in soybean and corn systems

Abstract Nitrogen availability has an important influence on agricultural weed growth, because many weeds in annual cropping systems are more competitive in high-nitrogen soils. A potential method to control nitrogen availability is through soil carbon amendments, which stimulate soil microbial growth and immobilize nitrogen. Additionally, carbon amendments may alter soil microbial community composition, increase soil biological functioning, and improve soil health. In a 2-yr field experiment in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], we implemented five amendment treatments to test their ability to alter weed and crop growth through soil nitrogen availability and soil biological functioning. The treatments included: an untreated control, an unamended weed-free control, rye hay adding 3,560 kg C ha−1 and 3,350 kg C ha−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, sawdust adding 5,030 kg C ha−1 and 4,350 kg C ha−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and a rye hay and sawdust combined treatment adding 8,590 kg C ha−1 and 7,700 kg C ha−1 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Each treatment was replicated five times in corn and six times in soybean. Each season, we explored correlations between crop and weed biomass and weed community composition and nitrogen immobilization measured through soil respiration and nitrogen availability. We also explored changes to the soil microbial community composition and soil health as a secondary result of the carbon amendment treatments. Nitrogen availability was lowest in plots treated with the highest C:N amendment. Increasing carbon improved soil health metrics, but the microbial community composition was most affected by the rye hay treatment. Amendments with high C:N reduced weed growth in both soybean and corn plots but only selected for specific weed communities in soybean, leading to improved soybean competitiveness against weeds. In corn, crop growth and weed community composition remained consistent across amendment treatments. Targeted nitrogen immobilization may improve leguminous crop competition in some weed communities as part of an integrated weed management program.

Adapting service crop termination strategy in viticulture to increase soil ecosystem functions and limit competition with grapevine

Soil management and particularly service crops are a promising solution for addressing current challenges in viticulture as they limit the use of herbicides while increasing potential ecosystem services. Scientific literature barely considers the importance of service crop management to reach trade-offs between ecosystem services and disservices. This study evaluates during a three-year experiment, 6 service crop termination strategies for winter service crops, combining two service crops termination periods (early termination in February vs. termination at grapevine budburst) and three termination methods (mower (M), mower + tillage (T), roller-crimper (R)). Service crop (biomass, C:N ratio, weeds, and mulch following termination), soil ( soil organic matter, microbial biomass, and water and nitrogen stocks), and grapevines (predawn leaf water potential, yield components, δ13C, yeast assimilable nitrogen in juice, and pruning weight) were monitored from 2019 to 2022. Allowing service crops to develop until the budburst of the vine resulted in a two to three-fold increase in biomass compared to early destruction. Termination involving soil tillage was the most effective method, as treatments destroyed early with soil tillage exhibited almost no regrowth. Soil tillage termination led to the lowest biomass of weeds at the grapevine flowering two years out of three, and prevented the regrowth of certain sown plants, especially Poaceae. The roller was less effective in destroying service crop species but was the best method for maintaining plant residues on the soil surface. A higher soil microbial biomass was observed with termination at budburst, combined with no-till termination methods. Termination involving soil tillage was notably more effective in stopping service crop transpiration, increasing soil water stocks and improving grapevine water status. In 2020 and 2022, soil inorganic nitrogen stocks were almost 4 times higher in the T treatments compared to the other two termination methods, achieving a level of approximately 61 kg ha−1 that closely corresponds to the annual nitrogen requirements of grapevines. The yeast-assimilable nitrogen (YAN) content in grape juice mirrored this trend. Pruning weight varied significantly between different termination methods, with T treatments exhibiting a higher pruning weight per vine in comparison to R and M treatments. In general terms, the T treatment had a significantly higher number of bunches, the M treatment had the lowest, and the R treatment exhibited intermediate values. Overall, the average grapevine yield ranged from 7.25 to 13.7 t ha−1, corresponding to 52–98 hL ha−1 (with 4000 vines ha−1, 140 kg hL−1). This level of production may be accepted for Protected Designations of Origin that limit grapevine yield to 40 or 60 hL ha−1, but it could be a limitation for Protected Geographical Indications, which permit 90 hL ha−1, or unlabeled productions without yield limitations. Given the Mediterranean climate context, with rising frequencies of dry winters due to climate change, termination involving soil tillage appears to be the least risky strategy to preserve grapevine vigor and production while improving soil-based ecosystem functions. However, this might be contingent on the targeted yield and wine valuation.

Effects of cultural practices on weed community and seedbank dynamics in a potato rotation

ContextStagnant yields and declining soil health are common characteristics of high-intensity, low-residue cropping systems, such as potato, particularly in northeastern North America. Incorporating cultural practices including cover cropping and manure application is a way to combat declines in agroecosystem health and potato productivity. However, manure application and the use of cover crops may exacerbate weed issues through seedbank additions. ObjectiveThis study was aimed at investigating how the cultural practices of cover cropping and manure application and their associated management activities can alter weed community dynamics and weed seedbank composition in a northeastern North American potato rotation. MethodsThe study evaluated the use of eight cover crop mixtures—annual and perennial grasses and legumes—grown over two years with/without manure added in year one of the rotation. It also examined the effects of the cover crop mixtures and the presence/absence of manure on the weed community and on seedbank dynamics within a three-year potato rotation between 2019 and 2021. ResultsIn year one of the study and directly after application, manure plots had greater weed seedbank density and species richness; however, this did not result in greater in-season weed biomass. Manure application resulted in a gradual decline in weed seedbank density over time regardless of cover crop treatment. Further, manure application increased the in-season competitive ability of cover crops, resulting in greater weed suppression per unit of cover crop biomass. In contrast, in the absence of manure, weed seedbank density remained largely unchanged through time regardless of cover crop treatment. We found that management practices associated with annual and perennial cover crops had distinct ecological filtering effects throughout the rotation on the weed community and prevented the dominance of any particular species. ConclusionTogether, our results demonstrate that combining the cultural practices of annual or perennial cover cropping and manure application contributes to weed suppression and should be considered an important component of sustainable potato production.

Effects of Grazing on vegetation in the Gobi desert region of Mongolia

Mongolia is a massive, semi-arid country in Central Asia with a huge territory of 1,500,000 km2, with rangeland making up around 75% of the country's territory. These rangelands have supported herders and grazing animals for millennia. The transition from nomadic to stationary livestock husbandry in Mongolia’s rangeland has resulted in major changes in vegetation communities due to increased livestock numbers. The primary objective of this study is to examine the impacts of grazing on the vegetation of rangelands in the desert steppe ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of livestock grazing by measuring vegetation standing crop biomass, vegetation cover, and species' richness. The study was carried out in Khanbogd soum (district), Umnugovi aimag, the southern province of Mongolia. To assess the grazing impact, we sampled fourteen winter camps of herders who are members of the four herder groups, who were located at 1000 m and 2000 m from each. In total, we sampled 28 plots in two consecutive years. Our results indicate that aboveground biomass, cover, and species' richness did not differ with increasing distance from winter camps. Similar grazing pressures were shown at 1,000 and 2,000 meters away from the winter camps as well.