Contribution Of Legumes Research Articles

Territory heterogeneity study on the «number of species – area» curve to research its floristic structure (the Inza physical-geographical area)

The Inza high-plain forested area of the upper plateau is located in the Volga region. It stretches from south to north along the western border of Ulyanovsk Region. The floristic heterogeneity of the area was analyzed at the level of species composition according to the «number of species – area» curve. The zones of the most massive influx of species can be considered as a different floristic region with a different species composition. Taking into account the geographical configuration of the Inza area, the study was carried out in the latitudinal direction: from south to north and from north to south. In addition to tracking the increase in the total species composition, the change in the position of the leading families with an increase in the number of species across the territory is considered. The initial data on the flora of the area are lists of species compiled for individual geographical points. It has been established that the increase in the species composition occurs unevenly in both directions: in addition to the first stage, two subsequent ones are noticeable. The heterogeneity of the flora of the Inza area is confirmed by changes in the arrangement of the leading families of the head part of the total flora spectrum with the accumulation of species composition. The middle part of the area has a pronounced Fabaceae type. In the northern and southern parts, the proportions of the families Fabaceae and Rosaceae are close with a slight predominance of Rosaceae. This is especially noticeable when excluded from the general list of adventitious species. In the composition of the native flora, the Brassicaceae family reduces its share, while Cyperaceae, on the contrary, rises up the spectrum. The role of sedges is somewhat greater in the northern part of the area. In the Inza area, three local floras are identified and considered, which are characterized by the Fabaceae type. However, the gap between Fabaceae and Rosaceae in abundance differs greatly. It is the largest in the local flora in the tract Akulovskaya steppe. In its composition, the proportion of the genus Astragalus is noticeably higher, which increases the contribution of legumes to the flora. The spectrum of the complete composition of the flora of the Inza area is Rosaceae type. In this regard, it is also possible to assume that the three local floras considered do not exhaust the entire diversity of the studied area.

The nitrogen fertilizer replacement values of incorporated legumes residue to wheat on vertisols of the Ethiopian highlands

Soil fertility depletion and continuous cereal cropping are reducing crop production in Ethiopia. Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is a good approach for resource-poor farmers because ISFM can help reduce the need for inorganic fertilizer by increasing nitrogen (N) availability in the soil. The study aimed to investigate the effect of preceding crops, legume residue management practices, and N levels on wheat planted. The experiment was set up using a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The N fertilizer replacement value method was used to estimate the N contribution of legumes to a succeeding wheat crop. The results showed that grain yield and N uptake of wheat crops varied in response to N fertilizer, legume residue management treatments, and tillage practices. Legume residue incorporation positively influenced the agronomic parameters of wheat compared to teff and fallow wheat rotations. The average N fertilizer replacement value from legume rotation was 18–46 kg ha−1. This study showed that a one-year legume-in-biannual wheat rotation is preferable to lying bare fallow during the cropping season. Nevertheless, drainage during legume and wheat cropping is a condition for providing full positive impacts.

Production systems and contributions of grain legumes to soil health and sustainable agriculture: A review

Sustainable development of agriculture is essential, and there is unanimity that diversification of the cropping systems could support sustainable production. Grain legumes are essential in farming systems in terms of food and nutrition security and income generation. Under legume-based cropping systems, these crops are a potential remedy to pest and disease issues, low nutrient supply, biodiversity protection, and food and nutrition insecurity. In this chapter, we highlight the production systems of legumes and their use in sustainable agricultural production. Specifically, we have looked at the benefits of having a legume cropping system in the agroecosystem, production, and farming systems. The function of legumes in improving the potential of crop productivity is a promising approach to tackling the challenges of poor crop yields and improvement in sustainable production. Due to health and environmental benefits, the focus should shift to breeding grain legumes that can fully express their biological nitrogen fixation and other potentials under abiotic and biotic limitations.

Responses in Nodulated Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants Grown at Elevated Atmospheric CO2.

The increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is currently causing metabolomic and physiological changes in living beings and especially in plants. Future climate change may affect crop productivity by limiting the uptake of soil resources such as nitrogen (N) and water. The contribution of legume-rhizobia symbioses to N2 fixation increases the available biological N reserve. Elevated CO2 (eCO2) has been shown to enhance the amount of fixed N2 primarily by increasing biomass. Greater leaf biomass under eCO2 levels increases N demand, which can stimulate and increase N2 fixation. For this reason, bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were used in this work to investigate how, in a CO2-enriched atmosphere, inoculation with rhizobia (Rhizobium leguminosarum) affects different growth parameters and metabolites of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as enzymatic activities of nitrogen metabolism and the oxidative state of the plant, with a view to future scenarios, where the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will increase. The results showed that bean symbiosis with R. leguminosarum improved N2 fixation, while also decreasing the plant's oxidative stress, and provided the plant with a greater defense system against eCO2 conditions. In conclusion, the nodulation with rhizobia potentially replaced the chemical fertilization of bean plants (P. vulgaris L.), resulting in more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. However, further optimization of symbiotic activities is needed to improve the efficiency and to also develop strategies to improve the response of legume yields to eCO2, particularly due to the climate change scenario in which there is predicted to be a large increase in the atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Wild plants in hedgerows and weeds in crop fields are important floral resources for wild flower-visiting insects, independently of the presence of intercrops

The availability of diverse floral resources is crucial for the maintenance of pollinating insects and the pollination service they provide in agricultural landscapes. Ensuring plant diversity is thus essential for the maintenance and even restoration of pollinator communities. Many studies have highlighted the beneficial effects for pollinating insects of the floral resources provided either by uncultivated plants in agroecological infrastructures such as hedgerows and in crop fields, or by the addition of cultivated flowers through intercropping. However, the role of these different co-occurring vegetation types in providing floral resources to wild flower-visiting insects remains unexplored simultaneously, especially regarding their potential interacting effects. Using a paired design sampling approach, we investigated the contribution of floral resources provided by hedgerows, weeds in crop fields, and legumes intercropped with winter cereals, and their interacting effects, to the abundance of different groups of wild flower-visiting insects, plant-insect interactions and insect preferences. Our results show that the abundance of most groups of floral visitors were enhanced by the cover or species richness of floral resources provided by hedgerows or by weeds in crop fields. Interactions between uncultivated plants and insects were driven by the presence of some particular ‘preferred’ plant species offering either abundant, accessible or high-quality floral resources. By contrast, abundance of floral visitors was not enhanced by the addition of legume flowers through intercropping. The positive effects of flowering wild plants in hedgerows and crop fields remained mostly unchanged in the presence of intercrops, because of the limited contribution of legumes in providing attractive floral resources to floral visitors. Our results highlight the critical role of floral resources provided by weeds in crop fields for diverse flower-visiting insects, in addition to the floral resources provided by hedgerows. We recommend that agri-environment schemes should promote a wide diversity of floral resources at field margins through the retention of existing semi-natural elements or the sowing of wildflower mixtures. More importantly, our study encourages the seeking of alternative forms of weed management, which support a trade-off between the maintenance of pollinating insects and pollination service provision on the one hand, and crop yields and incomes for farmers on the other.

Light competition is the key factor determining spatio-temporal variability in legume proportion within Marandu palisadegrass–forage peanut mixed pastures

Context Understanding ecology in grass–legume pastures can help support strategies aimed at maintaining canopy stability in terms of botanical composition. Aims This 2-year study evaluated spatial variability, focusing on plant structural characteristics in a Marandu palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster cv. Marandu]–forage peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. and W.C. Greg. cv. BRS Mandobi) mixed canopy under grazing in continuous stocking management. Methods The pasture was managed with canopy height of 20–25 cm. The experimental area had a permanent sample grid containing 50 pre-established and georeferenced plots. Principal component analysis was performed, and spatial dependence structure of the first principal component and structural variables were separately characterised by geostatistical analysis. Key results There was spatial dependence of the structural characteristics, with marked spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of all variables. Taller grass canopies caused competition for light between species, reducing legume contribution and inducing more erect forage peanut growth habit. Conversely, in areas with lower grass canopy height, forage peanut botanical composition increased to up to 70%, as it propagated more effectively by stoloniferous propagation. Conclusions The canopy structure spatial variability of a Marandu palisadegrass–forage peanut mixed pasture determines the overall average pasture grass/legume proportion. In regions with taller canopies, Marandu palisadegrass was favoured, while in areas with shorter canopy, forage peanut proportion was promoted. Satisfactory legume proportions can be reached in the canopy despite areas with reduced legume contribution. Implications Our findings using geostatistical techniques facilitate the development of useful and innovative tools allowing better comprehension for the management of mixed pastures.

Planting Density and Geometry Effect on Canopy Development, Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Sorghum and Annual Legumes Intercropping

Forage sorghum (FS) (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a major forage in crop–livestock production systems. It has low crude protein (CP) and is rich in fiber. Its forage quality can be improved by mixing with legumes rich in CP. Achieving a greater legume contribution to achieve higher CP over monocrops is a challenge for intercropping. Field trials were conducted with lablab (Lablab purpureus L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), grown with sorghum as mixed 1:1 (sorghum: legumes) and 2:2 (sorghum: legumes) rows. The sorghum plant density was 250,000 and 190,000 plants ha−1. Periodic crop biomass, leaf area index (LAI) and light interception (LI) were measured, together with forage mixture quality at final harvest. The LAI and LI values were greater for lablab and cowpea intercrops in the 1:1 configuration. Legume forage yield contributed up to 10–12% of the total dry matter (DM). A significant improvement in legume biomass was observed for a sorghum population at 190,000 plants ha−1 with paired rows (2:2) of either lablab or cowpea. Sorghum and total forage yields were higher in both 1:1 and 2:2 configurations with 250,000 plants ha−1. The CP concentration of the forage mixture was 62–75 g kg−1 DM. The acid and neutral detergent fibers and the digestibility of the forage mixture were not improved to any great extent. The results suggested that sorghum planted at normal populations with paired rows of lablab or cowpea can improve sorghum–legume intercrop productivity.

Impact of Grazing on Diversity of Semi-Arid Rangelands in Crete Island in the Context of Climatic Change.

The rangelands of Crete island (Greece) are typical Mediterranean habitats under high risk of degradation due to long-term grazing and harsh climatic conditions. We explored the effect of abiotic (climatic conditions, altitude) and biotic factors (long-term grazing by small ruminants) on the floristic composition and diversity of selected lowland (Pyrathi, Faistos) and highland (Vroulidia, Nida) rangelands. In each rangeland, the ground cover was measured, and the floristic composition was calculated in terms of five functional groups: grasses, legumes, forbs, phrygana, and shrubs. The aridity index, species turnover, species richness, Shannon entropy, and Gini–Simpson index (with the latter two converted to the effective number of species) were calculated. Our results reveal that highlands are characterized by the highest aridity index (wetter conditions). Lowland rangelands, compared to highland, exhibited a higher percentage contribution of grasses, legumes, and forbs, while species turnover decreased along the altitudinal gradient. The Shannon entropy index was correlated (a) positively with Gini–Simpson and mean annual temperature and (b) negatively with mean annual precipitation, aridity index, and altitude. Moreover, the Gini–Simpson index correlated positively with mean annual temperature and negatively with altitude. Our results could help to understand the effects of grazing on rangeland dynamics and sustainability in semi-arid regions in the context of climatic change.

Contribution of legume and non-legume trees to litter dynamics and C-N-P inputs in a secondary seasonally dry tropical forest

Many studies have investigated nutrient cycling in seasonally dry tropical forests, but few have assessed the contribution of different functional groups to these processes. Here, we investigated general litter dynamics patterns and the contribution of legume and non-legume trees to litter dynamics and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) inputs in a fragment of secondary seasonally dry tropical forest after half a century of forest succession in the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil. Between 2016 and 2017, we quantified litterfall production, canopy cover, forest floor, and soil C and N storage in 11 permanent plots distributed in the fragment. Vegetation identity and structure had been previously assessed. We quantified the seasonal inputs of leaf litter and C, N, and P separately for each functional group (legume and non-legume tree species). We also analyzed the correlations between the variables measured for each functional group with the variables measured at the plot level. Litter dynamics and nutrient input were affected by climate and functional group. Litterfall production during the two driest months was three times higher than during the other periods of the year, suggesting that species synchronicity is likely to minimize drought-related damage on trees. Legume trees had twice the basal area attained by non-legume trees, but while legumes were larger, non-legumes were more abundant and dominant in the smaller diameter class. Legumes deposited twice as much N during the driest period of the year as non-legumes. Although leaf litter, C, and P inputs by legumes were generally higher than those of non-legumes, these differences during the dry season were not statistically significant. We also found that the legume variables correlated better with the plot-level variables, compared to the non-legume functional group. Our results also indicated potential effects of the leaf litter and nutrient inputs by the legume functional group on the decomposition constant and, consequently, on the time of forest floor decomposition. Further studies should assess the role of different functional groups in litter dynamics and nutrient inputs in seasonally dry tropical forests.

Effect of different pasture legumes on growth profile and forage production of the selected native pasture grasses mix at different growth stages

The present experiment aimed to investigate the effect of introducing different pasture legumes on the growth profile and forage production of the selected native pasture grass species at different stages of growth. In a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications, the mixture of Sorghum plumosum (SP) and Bothriochloa pertusa (BP) was introduced respectively with one of the forage legumes ie. Alysicarpus vaginalis (AV), Pueraria phasoloides (PP), Desmodium incanum (DI), and Clitoria ternatea (CT). Growth profile and forage production were measured at 40, 60, and 80 days after planting. Results showed that CT and PP significantly improved the growth and DM production of SP and suppressed (P<0.05) the growth of BP during the early vegetative stage but did not during the late vegetative stage. Introduction of legumes reduced (P<0.05) DM production of SP and the total forage production but improved (P<0.001) the DM production of B. pertusa as well as a leaf:stem ratio of both types of grass at the generative stage. PP had the highest (P<0.05) contribution of legumes to the total DM forage production during early and vegetative stages, meanwhile AV and DI during the generative stage. In conclusion, the introduction of forage legumes did not improve the DM production of both grass species but modify their growth profile toward a better quality as shown by increased leaf:stem ratio. P. phasoloides provide the highest foliage during the vegetative stage and A. vaginalis and D. incanum during the generative stage.

Harvest Date Effect on Forage Yield, Botanical Composition, and Nutritive Value of Novel Legume-Grass Mixtures

The potential for novel forage mixtures to address reduced herbage for late season grazing was investigated. Forage legumes, sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) (SF) cvs. AC Mountainview, Shoshone, and Nova (MountainSF, ShoshoneSF, and NovaSF), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) cv. AC Veldt (CMV), Canadian milkvetch (Astragalus canadensis L.) cv. Great Plains (CaMV), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv. AC Yellowhead (ALF) were evaluated in binary mixtures with meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) cv. Admiral (MBG), hybrid bromegrass (B. riparius × B. inermis Leyss.) cv. AC Success (HBG) and Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys junceus (Fisch.) Nevski.] cv. Tom (RWR) for yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value on July and September harvest dates at Saskatoon and Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada from 2016 to 2018. Hybrid bromegrass-legume mixture produced 16–38% greater forage compared to RWR-legume (7.5 vs. 5.6 Mg ha−1 in July and 6.1 vs. 5.1 Mg ha−1 in September at Saskatoon, and 3.2 vs. 2.0 Mg ha−1 in July at Swift Current). MountainSF and ALF had the greatest legume contribution to total yield at July harvest at Swift Current (67.7 ± 3.2%) and Saskatoon (62.1 ± 2.1%), respectively, while CaMV had lowest composition at Swift Current (20.2 ± 2.5%) and Saskatoon (12.6 ± 3.5%). The CMV and ALF-grass mixtures at Saskatoon and legume-RWR mixtures at both sites in July had greatest CP content. The July harvest had greatest yield, legume content and nutritive value compared to the September harvest at both sites. Study results suggest if yield is the objective, then either ALF or CMV with HBG may be considered. If nutritive value is the goal, any legume with RWR is an option. Finally, ALF or CMV in mixture with either HBG or RWR could be summer or fall stockpile forage in the Northern Great Plains of western Canada.

Comparative Study on Profitability of Sorghum-Legumes Intercropping Systems in Ethiopia

The imbalance between the crop production and population growth is currently the major issue in Ethiopia. To feed the growing population, increasing the production of food through growing more crop types in the same field as an intercropping is the right strategy. The study was aimed at evaluating the profitability of sorghum-legume intercropping on yield of sorghum. Intercropping sorghum with legumes crops increases the land productivity as its Land Equivalent Ratio is greater than one. In these cases, the land equivalent ratio is greater than one indicating the benefits of intercropping. In general, legume crops contributed to the yield of sorghum either intercropped with legume or grown up using residual contribution of legumes after a year. Therefore, for maximum sorghum production, farmers should plant either as intercrop or after residual effect of legumes crops. In addition to agronomic parameters used to compare the advantages of any cropping system in small scale farming conditions, total gross monetary value is also used to evaluate economic advantages of intercropping system.

Improvement of Maize Productivity and N Use Efficiency in a No-Tillage Irrigated Farming System: Effect of Cropping Sequence and Fertilization Management.

The sequence of the preceding crops in a no-tillage farming system, could interact with the integrated use of mineral and organic nitrogen (N) sources in a way that improves the growth and productivity of the terminal maize crop, meanwhile, enhancing its N use efficiency (NUE). In the current study, six legume-cereal crop sequences, including faba bean, soybean, Egyptian clover, wheat, and maize were evaluated along two experimental rotations that ended up by planting the terminal maize crop. In addition, the effects of applying variable mineral nitrogen (MN) rates with and without the incorporation of farmyard manure (FYM) on the productive performance of maize and its NUE were tested. The field experiments were conducted in a no-tillage irrigated farming system in Northern Egypt, a location that is characterized by its arid, Mediterranean climate. Results revealed that increasing the legume component in the evaluated crop sequences, up to 75%, resulted in improved maize ear leaf area, 1000-grain weight, and harvest index, thus, a higher final grain yield, with the inclusion of Egyptian clover was slightly better than faba bean. Comparing the crop sequences with 50% legume contribution uncovered the positive effects of soybean preceding crop on the terminal maize crop. Substituting 25% of the applied MN with FYM resulted in similar maize yields to the application of the equivalent 100% MN rates. The fertilizer treatments significantly interacted with the crop sequences in determining the maize grain yield, where the highest legume crop contribution in the crop sequence (75%) equalized the effects of the different fertilizer treatments on maize grain yield. The integrated use of FYM with MN in maize fertilization improved the NUE compared to the application of MN alone. Comparing fertilization treatments with similar MN content, with and without FYM, revealed that the difference in NUE was attributed to the additional amount of FYM. In similar conditions to the current study, it is recommended to grow faba bean two years before maize, while Egyptian clover could be grown directly preceding maize growth, with frequent inclusion of soybean in the sequence, this could be combined with the application of an average of 200 kg MN ha−1 in addition to FYM.

Effect of Legumes on Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Wheat in a Short Term Crop Rotation in Njoro Sub-County

Aims: The study determined the effect of legumes in short term crop rotation (cereal – legumes cropping systems) on nitrogen use efficiency of wheat.&#x0D; Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in a split-split-plot arrangement replicated three times. Three factors evaluated included water harvesting (WH), crop rotation (CR) and soil fertility management (SFM). The data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat statistical package while the mean separation was performed using least significance differences (P =.05).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The trial was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) fields based in Njoro for three years between 2014 and 2016 during rainy seasons.&#x0D; Methodology: The treatments consisted of four pre-crops in the rotation systems (CR1 = Dolichos lablab (L. purpureus) as a pre-crop; CR2 = Green pea (Pisum sativum) as a pre-crop; potato (Solanum tuberosum) as a pre-crop; and CR4 = continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum), two water harvesting (WH) strategies (WH = flat beds; and WH= tied ridges) and six soil fertility management (SFM) strategies (SFM1 = untreated control; SFM2 = FYM at 5 t ha-1; SFM3 = Green manure (Leucaena trichandra) at 2.5 t ha-1; SFM4 = inorganic source at 25 kg N ha-1; SFM5 = inorganic source at 50 kg N ha-1; and SFM6 = Inorganic source at 75 kg N ha-1)..&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that the value of NUE significantly (p &lt; 0.001) increased when P. sativum and L. purpureus preceded wheat in the short term crop rotation system. The value of NUE increased by 39% and 44%, when wheat was preceded L. purpureus and P. sativum, respectively, relative to S. tuberosum. Under continuous wheat, NUE value was increased by 54.17% relative to potato as a pre-crop. Overall, the contribution of legumes (L. purpureus and P. sativum) as precursor crops was greater than those observed with potato and wheat as pre-crops.

Evaluation of cool-season binary mixtures as pasture: Herbage yield, nutritive value, and beef cattle performance

• Hybrid bromegrass-legume mixtures produced 54% more biomass than Russian wildrye-legume mixtures at Lanigan site, while biomass did not differ between mixtures at Swift Current site. • Legume contribution to total biomass was greater at Swift Current than at Lanigan site, and alfalfa contributed more to biomass than sainfoing at Lanigan site. • Crude protein tended to be greater for RWR mixtures than HBG mixtures at Lanigan site. • Beef steer gain was similar for all binary mixtures at Swift Current site, however steer gain was greater at Lanigan site for sainfoin mixtures, suggesting inclusion of legume in pasture was beneficial. • Results demonstrate that all four binary mixtures appear to be suitable for late summer and fall grazing. ABSTRACT A 3-year study (2016, 2017, and 2018) was conducted to compare the effects of alfalfa (ALF; cv. Yellowhead) (Medicago falcata L.) or sainfoin (SF; cv. AAC Mountainview) (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) in mixtures with either Russian wildrye (RWR; cv. Tom) (Psathyrostachys junceus [Fisch.]) or hybrid bromegrass (HBG; cv. Success) (Bromus riparius Rehm × B . inermis Leyss) on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value, and beef yearlings performance at two sites: Swift Current (Brown soil zone) and Lanigan (Thin Black soil zone), Saskatchewan, Canada. In 2015, in each site, sixteen 0.7-ha (in Lanigan) or 0.8-ha (in Swift Current) paddocks were established with replicated ( n = 4) ALF-HBG, ALF-RWR, SF-HBG, or SF-RWR binary mixtures. Each year in August, yearling steers (16 ± 1 month and BW = 391 ± 1.7 kg and 350 ± 0.04 kg for Swift Current and Lanigan sites, respectively) were allocated to paddocks for an average 30-d grazing trial to utilize 40–60% of available herbage. The DMY (3629 ± 154 kg/ha) did not differ ( P > 0.05) among mixtures at Swift Current. The HBG included (ALF-HBG and SF-HBG) mixtures produced 54% more ( P < 0.01) DMY than RWR included (ALF-RWR and SF-RWR) mixtures (4542 vs. 2943 kg/ha, SEM = 303) at Lanigan. Legume contribution to DMY was greater at Swift Current than at Lanigan (33.1% ± 2.1% vs. 14.0 ± 1.7%), and ALF contributed more to DMY than SF at Lanigan (18.0 vs. 10.1%). Crude protein tended ( P = 0.10) to be greater for RWR mixtures than HBG mixtures (93.5 vs. 83.4 g/kg DM for RWR and HBG mixtures, respectively) at Lanigan. The yearling steers had similar ( P = 0.25) ADG (0.78 ± 0.03 kg/d) for the treatments at Swift Current. However, at Lanigan, the animal ADG differed ( P < 0.01) with 0.88 and 0.90 kg/d for ALF-RWR and SF-RWR and 0.53 and 0.63 kg/d for ALF-HBG and SF-HBG mixtures, respectively. The HBG mixtures (ALF-HBG and SF-HBG) produced approximately 10 more grazing days (GD) (AUD/ha) than the RWR (ALF-RWR and SF-RWR) mixtures at both, Swift Current (95 vs. 88 AUD/ha, SEM = 9) and Lanigan (112 vs. 101 AUD/ha, SEM = 7) sites. Sainfoin-grass mixtures produced 8 and 3 GD less (AUD/ha) than ALF-grass mixtures at Swift Current and Lanigan, respectively. Overall, these results demonstrate that all 4 binary mixtures appear to be suitable for late summer and fall grazing to provide sufficient nutritive value and beef cattle steer performance in both soil zones of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Improved nutrition and resilience will make conservation agriculture more attractive for Zambian smallholder farmers

AbstractFood and nutrition insecurity in southern Africa call for improvements in traditional agriculture systems. Conservation Agriculture (CA) based on minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop diversification has been implemented as a strategy to maintain yields while safeguarding the environment. However, less focus has been placed on potential synergistic benefits on nutrition security. Maize-based systems may increase household income through selling but may not lead to proportionate reduction in malnutrition. Crop diversification in CA systems can have a direct impact on the nutritional status of farm households due to improved dietary diversity. Here we assess how the integration of grain legumes, cowpeas and soybeans, in maize-based CA systems either as intercrops or rotational crops affects maize grain yield and stability, total energy yield, protein yield and surplus calories after satisfying the daily requirement per household. The experiments were carried out from 2012 to 2020 (nine consecutive cropping seasons) in six eastern Zambian on-farm communities using 966 observations. Results show that intercropping compromises maize yields with marginal yield penalties of −5% compared to no-till monocropping. However, intercropped yields were more stable across environments. Total system caloric energy and protein yield were highest in intercropping systems due to higher productivity per unit land area owing to the additive contribution of both maize and legumes. Total system caloric energy and protein yield reached yearly averages of 60 GJ ha−1 and 517 kg ha−1, respectively, for the intercropping system as compared to 48 GJ ha−1 and 263 kg ha−1 in monocropped maize systems. Tillage-based monocrop resulted in the least stable yields. Our results suggest that intercropping maize with grain legumes in CA systems is a promising option for smallholder farming households to improve dietary diversity, dietary quality and stability of yields thus contributing to sustainable agriculture intensification while maintaining food and nutrition security.

Sustainability of nutrient management in grain production systems of south-west Australia

Balancing nutrient inputs and exports is essential to maintaining soil fertility in rainfed crop and pasture farming systems. Soil nutrient balances of land used for crop and pasture production in the south-west of Western Australia were assessed through survey data comprising biophysical measurements and farm management records (2010–15) across 184 fields spanning 14 Mha. Key findings were that nitrogen (N) inputs via fertiliser or biological N2 fixation in 60% of fields, and potassium (K) inputs in 90% of fields, were inadequate to balance exports despite increases in fertiliser usage and adjustments to fertiliser inputs based on rotations. Phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) balances were positive in most fields, with only 5% returning losses &gt;5 kg P or 7 kg S/ha. Within each of the three agroecological zones of the survey, fields that had two legume crops (or pastures) in 5 years (i.e. 40% legumes) maintained a positive N balance. At the mean legume inclusion rate observed of 20% a positive partial N budget was still observed for the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) of 2.8 kg N/ha.year, whereas balances were negative within the Central Agricultural Region (CAR) by 7.0 kg N/ha.year, and the Southern Agricultural Region (SAR) by 15.5 kg N/ha.year. Hence, N budgets in the CAR and SAR were negative by the amount of N removed in ~0.5 t wheat grain, and continuation of current practices in CAR and SAR fields will lead to declining soil fertility. Maintenance of N in the NAR was achieved by using amounts of fertiliser N similar to other regions while harvesting less grain. The ratio of fertiliser N to legume-fixed N added to the soil in the NAR was twice that of the other regions. Across all regions, the ratio of fertiliser N to legume-fixed N added to the soil averaged ~4.0:1, a major change from earlier estimates in this region of 1:20 under ley farming systems. The low contribution of legume N was due to the decline in legume inclusion rate (now 20%), the low legume content in pastures, particularly in the NAR, and improved harvest index of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), the most frequently grown grain legume species. Further quantifications of the effects of changing farming systems on nutrient balances are required to assess the balances more accurately, thereby ensuring that soil fertility is maintained, especially because systems have altered towards more intensive cropping with reduced legume production.

Yield and nutritive value of grazed complex legume–grass mixtures under increasing nitrogen application rates

Complex pasture mixtures are advantageous, but little information exists on the best forage species and nitrogen (N) management in eastern Canada. We compared under mob stocking four complex mixtures of one of two legume species [alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.)] plus one of two grass mixes [No. 1 — timothy (Phleum pratense L.), meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.); No. 2 — tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem. and Schult.), reed canarygrass, and Kentucky bluegrass] under three N application rates at three sites over the first three post-seeding years. Legume species had little effect on most forage attributes mainly because of their low contribution to forage dry matter (DM) yield (&lt;30%) in second and third years. The grass mix with tall fescue and meadow bromegrass (No. 2) yielded similar or slightly better than the one with timothy and meadow fescue (No. 1) but tended to have a greater neutral detergent fibre concentration, and lower N and total digestible nutrient concentrations. Nitrogen fertilization increased forage DM yield only in second and third years when the legume contribution to forage DM yield was &lt;30%, and it increased N concentration and decreased nonstructural carbohydrate concentration. These results highlight the challenge of maintaining legume species in rotationally grazed pastures of eastern Canada and confirm recommendations of applying no or little N fertilizer on grazed legume–grass mixtures when the legume contribution to forage DM yield is &gt;30%.

Foods contributing to nutrients intake and assessment of nutritional status in pre-dialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFor chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, management of nutritional status is critical for delaying progression to end-stage renal disease. The purpose of this study is to provide the basis for personalized nutritional intervention in pre-dialysis patients by comparing the foods contributing to nutrients intake, nutritional status and potential dietary inflammation of CKD patients according to the diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity and CKD stage.MethodsTwo hundred fifty-six outpatients referred to the Department of Nephrology at SNUH from Feb 2016 to Jan 2017 were included. Subjects on dialysis and those who had undergone kidney transplantation were excluded. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), subjective global assessment (SGA), dietary intake, and biochemical parameters were collected. Subjects were classified into 4 groups according to DM comorbidity (DM or Non-DM) and CKD stage (Early or Late) by kidney function. Two-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed for statistical analysis.ResultsTotal number of malnourished patients was 31 (12.1%), and all of them were moderately malnourished according to SGA. The body mass index (BMI) of the DM-CKD group was significantly higher than the Non-DM-CKD group. The contribution of whole grains and legumes to protein intake in the DM-CKD group was greater than that in the Non-DM-CKD group. The DM- Early-CKD group consumed more whole grains and legumes compared with the Non-DM-Early-CKD group. The subjects in the lowest tertile for protein intake had lower phase angle, SGA score and serum albumin levels than those in the highest tertile. The potential for diet-induced inflammation did not differ among the groups.ConclusionsSignificant differences in intakes of whole grains and legumes between CKD patients with or without DM were observed. Since contribution of whole grains and legumes to phosphorus and potassium intake were significant, advice regarding whole grains and legumes may be needed in DM-CKD patients if phosphorus and potassium intake levels should be controlled. The nutritional status determined by BIA, SGA and serum albumin was found to be different depending on the protein intake. Understanding the characteristics of food sources can provide a basis for individualized nutritional intervention for CKD patients depending on the presence of diabetes.

Contribution of fruit, vegetables, whole cereals, and legumes to total fibre intake in adult Croatian Dalmatian population.

There is compelling evidence that fruit, vegetables, whole cereals, and legumes make about 80 % of the total food fibre intake and have a potential to help in the prevention of a number of diseases. The aim of our study was to estimate total fibre intake from consumption of this fibre-rich food, partly reported in our earlier study in Croatian adult population. Current data analysis involved a non-probabilistic sample of 1,034 adult participants from Dalmatia, Croatia who responded to a validated food frequency questionnaire between October 2014 and March 2015. We also analysed the sales data obtained from three shopping centres in the Zadar area (Croatian coast) to establish a list of most frequently bought fruit, vegetables, whole cereals, and legumes and to calculate dietary fibre (DF) intake for each of the top-selling items and conversion factors for each food group. We then used these conversion factors to calculate individual total fibre intake (TFI) in our population. It was 11.4 g per person per day, which is less than half the recommended dietary requirements. On average, respondents reported to consume one piece of fruit and one meal of vegetables a day, which is less than half the daily recommendation for either. 25.8 % of respondents reported no consumption of whole cereals at all, and only 0.2 % of the population consumed the recommended 3–5 servings of whole grains or legumes a day. We also observed significantly higher consumption of fruit and whole grains/legumes in women than men. Our findings alert to poor dietary fibre intake in Croatian adult population, which is similar to other western countries and points to issues deeply rooted in these economies. However, our findings may be either an over- or under-estimation and need to be verified through longitudinal research on a wider sample using more precise tools.