Integrated Crop-livestock Systems Research Articles

Efficiency of Desiccation, Biomass Production, and Nutrient Accumulation in Zuri and Quênia Guinea Grasses in Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems and Second-Crop Maize.

Modern agriculture faces the challenge of increasing production without expanding cultivated areas, promoting sustainable practices that ensure food security and environmental preservation. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLSs) stand out as an effective strategy, diversifying and intensifying agricultural production in a sustainable manner, ensuring adequate soil cover, and improving nutrient cycling efficiency. Thus, this study aimed to explore and compare integrated crop-livestock systems with Zuri guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri) and Quênia guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Quênia) against the conventional soybean/maize succession method in a tropical region, and how these systems affect biomass decomposition, C:N ratio, nutrient cycling, and fertilizer equivalents. A field experiment was conducted in two phases: the first in the second-crop season and the second in the main season, using a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two ICLS systems, one with Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses established after soybean, and a succession system with maize established after soybean. The results indicated that Quênia guinea grass showed greater desiccation efficiency, with an injury rate of 86.5% at 21 days, 8.5% higher compared to Zuri guinea grass. In terms of biomass, Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses had average productions of 7021.1 kg ha-1, which was 43.25% higher compared to maize biomass. The biomass decomposition of the grasses was faster due to their lower C:N ratio, resulting in greater nutrient release into the soil. Both forage grasses (Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses) are suitable for integrated crop-livestock systems, as they showed similar biomass production and nutrient accumulation. Soybean yield was not influenced by the different cropping systems, showing similar results between the biomass of Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses and maize. However, grass biomass enriches the soil more through the return of fertilizer equivalents, which in future studies could be considered for the reduction of mineral fertilizers, ensuring greater sustainability of agricultural systems.

Effect of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems on Soil Properties and Microbial Diversity in Soybean Production

Integrated crop and livestock systems (ICLSs) have been considered an important management-based decision to improve soil health by carbon sequestration. A two-year study (2019–2021) at CPBES in Newton, MS, was conducted to evaluate the effect of an ICLS on soil microbial diversity in the southeastern region of the USA, representing agroclimatic conditions that are warm and humid. Amplicons targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS2 regions were sequenced. Taxonomic assignment and characterization of microbial diversity were performed using QIIME2®. Soil fungal diversity pattern showed significant difference (alpha diversity, p = 0.031 in 2020 and beta diversity, p = 0.037 in 2021). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in bacterial diversity. However, there were several beneficial bacterial phyla, such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and fungal phyla such as Ascomycota, which were dominant in both years and did not show significant differences due to cover crop treatments. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Mantel test showed significant influence on fungal diversity due to carbon (rm = 0.2581, p = 0.022), nitrogen (rm = 0.2921, p = 0.0165), and electrical conductivity (rm = 0.1836, p = 0.0583) in 2021, and on bacterial diversity due to EE-GRSP (rm = 0.22, p = 0.02) in 2020. However, the results showed that there were no significant differences between the cover crop treatments that were consistent over a two-year study period. However, the mix of different cover crops such as oats (Avena sativa L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and tillage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) demonstrated higher positive correlation and lower negative correlation with different bacterial and fungal phyla. Long term study of ICLS is suggested to understand the shift in microbiome that would help in understanding the role of cover crops and grazing in improving crop production sustainably.

Principles, barriers and enablers to agroecological animal production systems: a qualitative approach based on five case studies

Agroecology is among the most promising options to alleviate the negative impacts of animal farming on the environment and build local food systems based on ethically-acceptable production methods. So far, most of the research on agroecological animal production systems was conducted at farm scale, and the potential of agroecological principles addressing social dimensions and food system level approaches has been underexplored. Here, we analyze how the whole set of agroecological principles was mobilized in five case studies on grassland-based, silvopastoral or integrated crop-livestock systems in Switzerland, Guadeloupe, French uplands, Bulgaria and Andalucía. Following a multilevel perspective, we propose a new eight-category framework to categorize barriers and enablers in these different socioecological contexts, and discuss the implications of these results for scaling out and scaling up agroecological niche innovations in animal production areas. Though we could observe activities related to each agroecological principle in each case study, the relative importance of each principle differed. For instance, in Switzerland the focus was on ecological processes operating in multi-species mixtures, and therefore on mobilizing principles of input reduction, synergy, soil health and biodiversity, while in Andalucía, a civil society organization, a regional agricultural office, researchers, and farmers mainly mobilized transformational principles at the food system level, e.g. social values, connectivity and participation. Such contrasts highlight how agroecology allows different equilibria among principles, adapting to the needs of farmers and local communities. Inadequate infrastructure and lack of technology were frequently reported as barriers to agroecological transitions. Policy needs to go beyond the mere support of agroecological practices on livestock farms and adopt a systems approach looking downstream and upstream if it is to enable a large-scale agroecological transition with EU public policies. Market as an enabler was linked to direct sales and short distribution circuits, generating added value to the benefit of local communities. Most agroecological systems benefited from a positive image among citizens and consumers, but cultural barriers resulted from change in product characteristics, e.g. veal meat color in dairy system that promote long-lasting cow-calf contact. All case studies were very advanced in the social dimensions of agroecology, and cooperation networks were always reported among the enablers for scaling out. The multi-actor network approach fostered knowledge exchange between farmers, researchers and citizens, and allowed participants to share values. Long-term commitment from local practitioners is required so that co-designed solutions are implemented, which can strengthen the economic and social viability of animal production areas.

The Use of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems as a Strategy to Improve Soil Organic Matter in the Brazilian Cerrado

This study aimed to analyze the carbon (C) stock and stabilization of soil organic matter in particulate- and mineral-associated fractions across different land use systems after 32 years of experimentation in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was established in 1991 and was performed in Planaltina-DF. The treatments evaluated included continuous pasture with monoculture grasses; integrated crop–livestock systems under no tillage; continuous cropping under no tillage; minimum tillage; and the preservation of the native Cerrado biome in its original condition. Soil sampling was performed to a depth of 30 cm. Carbon and nitrogen (N) stocks were quantified for the years 2001, 2009, 2013, and 2023, with soil organic matter fractionation performed on samples from 2023. Land use change resulted in significant losses of soil C and N in areas managed with conventional soil preparation practices. Systems that promote plant diversity, such as integrated crop–livestock systems, enhanced soil C and N stocks (72.8 and 5.5 Mg ha−1, respectively) and increased both particulate organic matter and mineral-associated fractions, most of which were in more stabilized forms. Integrated crop–livestock systems are management practices that offer an effective alternative to present methods in terms of combating climate change and supporting ecosystem sustainability.

Lowland Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems with Grass Crops Increases Pore Connectivity and Permeability, Without Requiring Soil Tillage

Enhancing integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLSs) to improve land-use efficiency is a critical goal. Understanding the ICLS impacts on lowland soils is key to sustainable agricultural practices. Our objective was to test whether adopting ICLSs in lowlands improves soil structure, pore connectivity, and water and air permeability. This study was conducted in a long-term field trial, consisting of the following production systems with flood-irrigation rice: rice–fallow–rice, under conventional tillage and absence of grazing (RFR-ct); rice-grazed ryegrass–rice, under no-tillage and grazing (RGrR-nt); rice-grazed ryegrass–soybean-grazed ryegrass–rice, under no-tillage and grazing (RGrS/RGrR-nt); and a grazed pasture-consortium (winter) and succession field (summer), with no-till rice every 4 years (P4R-nt). Core samples were collected after grazing (October 2018), harvesting (March 2019), and grazing (October 2019). We analyzed soil air permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, pore connectivity by computed tomography. Soil tillage in a semi-direct system generated discontinuous porosity. Systems with intense trampling or less surface protection are affected by shearing on topsoil, reducing pore continuity. ICLSs are mainly composed of ryegrass–rice mitigated the harmful effects of trampling, and improved soil structure and functioning. Systems without soil tillage exhibited higher pore connectivity and pores with vertical orientation. Finally, soil tillage is not required to improve structural quality in ICLSs.

Soybean production and net revenue variability in an integrated crop–livestock system

Soybean production and net revenue variability in an integrated crop–livestock system

Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems as a Strategy for the Sustainable Production of Corn and Soybean Grain in Tropical Sandy Soils

Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS) have sustainably intensified modern agricultural practices worldwide. This research assessed how production systems and crop types impact the chemical properties of an Oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado, the grain yield of corn intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa) in the off-season in an ICLS, and the grain yield (GY) of soybean in succession. Intercropped and monocropped systems were assessed in a three-year field experiment: corn + Urochloa ruziziensis–soybean; corn + U. brizantha cv. Piatã–soybean; corn + U. brizantha cv. Paiaguás–soybean (ICL–Paiaguás); corn–soybean under a no-tillage system (NTS); corn–soybean under a conventional tillage system (CTS); Piatã grass–continuous grazing (Perennial Piatã); and Paiaguás grass–continuous grazing (Perennial Paiaguás). The residual impact of phosphate fertilization was more pronounced in the ICLS treatments. In the soil layer from 0.0 to 0.2 m depth, ICLS–Paiaguás and Perennial Piatã had the most positive effects on soil chemical quality. In the last year, grain yield was highest in corn monoculture under the NTS and soybean in succession under the ICLS. ICL–Paiaguás improved soil chemical properties for soybean in succession. These results confirm that an intermittent pasture system for legume crops in sequence is an alternative that can maintain or improve soil chemical composition, and that CTS should be avoided in tropical sandy soils.

Nutrient Dynamics in Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems: Effects of Stocking Rates and Nitrogen System Fertilization on Litter Decomposition and Release

Current fertilizer recommendations often neglect nutrient cycling across crop rotations. This study aimed to assess the decay rate and nutrient (N, P, K) release patterns of sorghum, black oat, and corn residues (omitido) in an integrated crop–livestock system. The experiment used factorial treatments based on two sward heights (high and low) and two nitrogen fertilization levels (N-pasture at 200 kg N ha−1 and N-corn at 0 kg N ha−1). Litter bags were collected at various intervals from each crop to measure nutrient release patterns and decomposition rates. The results showed that pasture height and nitrogen fertilization significantly influenced decomposition and nutrient release, affecting the subsequent grain crop phase. Potassium was released rapidly and in high amounts. Nitrogen fertilization during the pasture phase prevented nitrogen and phosphorus immobilization in black oat residue and reduced immobilization in corn residue. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for nutrient cycling and decomposition rates in fertilization strategies to enhance the sustainability of integrated crop–livestock systems.

Understanding residents’ choice of urban farming systems in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana: Land use policy implications

The heightened food insecurity in urban settings has rekindled the debate over the promotion of urban agriculture (UA) as a sustainable alternative food supply source across the globe. This study, therefore, examines the determinants of urban residents’ decisions to engage in UA and their choice of agriculture practices. Cross-sectional data was solicited from 430 urban dwellers through a multi-stage sampling technique. The data was analysed using descriptive as well as binary and multinomial logit regression models. The descriptive analysis shows that the cultivation of crops (34.7 %) predominates urban agricultural practices before crop-livestock integration (32.6 %) and livestock farming (32.6 %). The study identifies gender, age, religious affiliation, years of formal education, location of residence, household size, food insecurity status, availability of vacant land, extension access, and household income as significant determinants of urban households’ decision to participate in UA. The multinomial logit regression analysis revealed that urban farmers’ decision to practice only crop production is invariant between livestock-only production and integrated crop-livestock systems. When compared to the base category of the integrated crop-livestock system, the findings indicate that farmers’ educational background, food insecurity, engagement in salaried jobs, location, extension, and credit access are the main drivers of the decision to practice either crop-only or sole livestock production systems. The findings of this study have useful implications for the formulation of UA programs based on the different farming systems practiced in the study location.

Performance and grazing behavior of Gyr dairy heifers in integrated production systems in the Cerrado biome

The study aimed to assess the performance of Gyr dairy heifers in four pasture systems: renovated pasture (RP), non-renovated pasture (NRP), crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI). For our study, we used a Marandu Palissadegrass pasture with a slight to moderate stage of degradation. The experimental area had 7.5 hectares which were divided into 3 blocks with four grazing systems: RP, NRP, CLI and CLFI. Thirty-four Gyr dairy heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 206.9 kg were used. There was no difference in total forage production between the grazing systems. The RP system had a higher % of leaves, while the NRP showed a lower % of leaves and a higher % of dead material. The CLFI showed the highest % of crude protein (CP) in the forage, and lowest levels in the NRP. There was no difference between the grazing systems in the % of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). When the BW factor was analyzed in isolation, it was observed that the NRP had a higher BW and there was a linear increase in BW as the grazing cycles progressed. There was an interaction between grazing systems and evaluation periods for the variables related to grazing behavior, with emphasis on the heifers in the NRP system, which ruminated for longer and grazed for less time during the evaluation period. The RP, CLI, and CLFI systems, when established, promoted a pasture of better morphological and nutritional quality for rearing Gyr dairy heifers.

Factors Affecting the Innovation of Crop-Livestock Integration System (SITT) Adoption in North Minahasa Regency

The adoption of beef cattle crop-livestock integration system (SITT) innovations in North Minahasa Regency still faces various obstacles. As a result, beef cattle development tends to experience a decline in population, productivity, and competitiveness. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing farmers' attitudes and adoption of SITT technology innovations for beef cattle in North Minahasa Regency. Mixed-method research was conducted from March to May 2024, where 25 extension agents and cattle farmers were selected purposively. The variables used were farmer characteristics, extension worker performance, nature of innovation, communication channels, attitudes, and farmer adoption of SITT. Data analysis used the Spearman rank method. The study revealed a strong correlation between extension worker performance and the nature of innovation on farmers' attitudes and SITT adoption. In contrast, communication behavior exhibited a negligible impact. These findings underscore the critical role of extension agents in facilitating technology adoption. To maximize the effectiveness of extension programs, efforts should focus on enhancing extension worker capabilities and creating innovative solutions tailored to farmers' needs.

Socialization of Crop-Livestock Integration System to Increase Farmer-Livestock Income in the Framework of Community Empowerment

Socialization of Crop-Livestock Integration System to Increase Farmer-Livestock Income in the Framework of Community Empowerment

Pursuing circular economics through the integrated crop-livestock systems: An integrative review on practices, strategies and challenges post Green Revolution in Indonesia

The Green Revolution, driven by advanced technology, substantially increased food production in Asian developing countries, including Indonesia. Nevertheless, it also resulted in environmental consequences, notably soil fertility degradation, threatening future agricultural productivity. As an alternative approach, the Integrated Crops-Livestock System (ICLS) holds promise for simultaneously enhancing crop and livestock yields while upholding environmental sustainability. This article investigates the significance of ICLS as a sustainable agricultural solution in the context of circular economics post Green Revolution era in Indonesia. This study employs an integrative literature review, encompassing secondary data analysis, research findings, and publications, to underscore the potential of ICLS in Indonesia and beyond. Despite its potential, the limited adoption of ICLS among Indonesian farmers is attributed to factors such as inadequate knowledge and skills, insufficient policy support, and inadequate dissemination and promotion efforts. To promote widespread ICLS implementation, robust dissemination strategies are imperative, encompassing technical guidance, counseling, training, and on-farm demonstrations. In addition, policy support, including accessible credit and price incentives, is essential to incentivize farmers to embrace ICLS practices. This article underscores the relevance of circular economics within the context of integrated farming and provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable agriculture in Indonesia's post Green Revolution era.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization from Pasture after Cattle Dung and Urine Applications in the Dry and Rainy Seasons of the Brazilian Cerrado

An important source of greenhouse gases in Brazil is the nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from pasture, and microorganisms play an important role in nitrogen transformations in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate N2O emission and NH3 volatilization from bovine excreta in pasture in an integrated crop–livestock system (ICL) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three treatments (urine, dung and control) were performed in two pastures (Area 1—three-year pasture of Urochloa ruziziensis and Area 2—one-year pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã), with two application times of the excreta (dry and rainy season), during two successive years of application. Compared to the control, the excreta deposition on ICL increased soil N2O and NH3 fluxes. In the dry season, N2O fluxes were associated with higher ammonium (NH4+) availability. In the rainy season, these fluxes were related to NO3− availability and water-filled pore space (WFPS). In both areas, NH3 volatilization was higher after urine than dung application, especially in the dry season. The highest N2O emission factors were obtained for urine (0.32%), the rainy season (0.36%), and older pasture (Area 1: 0.24%). All these values were below the mean IPCC default values (0.77%). These results indicate that N2O emissions in pasture should be evaluated in regional conditions.

Energy supplementation of beef steers or inclusion of legumes in temperate pastures in crop-livestock integration area

The most common way of using the crop-livestock integration system in subtropical regions is cultivating soybeans or corn during the summer and temperate pastures in the winter. The objective of this study was to evaluate different beef cattle finishing systems in an area of crop-livestock integration. The inclusion of legumes and supplementation on black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and ryegrass pastures (Lolium multiflorum L.) were evaluated. Data from three years of research (2017, 2018 and 2020) were evaluated. Thus, 54 steers (18 per year) were used, with initial age of 22 ± 3 months and 413.08 ± 4.56 kg of initial live weight. They were randomly divided into nine paddocks of 0.7 hectares. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates (paddock with two animals). Supplementation provided greater carrying capacity (1406.0 vs. 1269.6 kg/ha), average daily weight gain (1.4 vs. 1.1 kg/day), and, consequently, greater gain per area (384.5 vs. 302 kg BW/ha). Animals that received energy supplementation presented higher slaughter weight (536 vs. 510 kg), weight (287.1 and 286.2 vs. 266.2 and 265.3 kg), and hot (53.6 vs. 52.1%) and cold (53.4 vs. 52%) carcass yield, as well as higher fat content in the carcass (265 vs. 234 g/kg). The legume in the pasture did not affect the performance or characteristics of the animal carcasses. The supplementation increased the performance and carcass parameters, but did not influence the qualitative characteristics of the meat. In addition to individual performance, supplementation increased the pasture's carrying capacity, improving the system's productivity.

Case study analysis of innovative producers toward sustainable integrated crop-livestock systems: trajectory, achievements, and thought process

Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) are more complex to properly manage than specialized farming systems due to multiple interactions between crops, livestock, and grassland. Despite individual and structural barriers to adopting sustainable ICLS, some innovative producers have successfully conducted integrated production practices. In this context, a research gap exists in understanding the motivations and incentives for transitioning to such systems. This study aims to address ICLS adoption barriers by analyzing the trajectory, achievements, and thought processes of 15 producers practicing ICLS. Our objectives were to (1) highlight producers’ perceptions of ICLS levers and barriers and (2) identify turning point factors that enabled producers to overcome the barriers. We used a unique set of cases in three continental regions (southern Brazil, the northern Great Plains region in the United States, and southern France) and conducted semi-structured interviews. Interviewees emphasized that ICLS imply dealing with barriers ranging from mindset change to operational adaptations, but they also emphasized the rewarding nature of ICLS when properly managed. All their trajectories had important turning points, such as programs or initiatives, human influence, and broader social and economic reasons that resulted in shifts in their production practices and thought processes. The cases also highlighted that integrating crops and livestock positively impacted family producers’ business outcomes, soil health, and livelihood options. Still, individual barriers, including operational management, and structural barriers, including stakeholder awareness and commitment, must be overcome. Encouraging initiatives that offer a systemic approach and promote knowledge exchange can address part of ICLS adoption barriers. Initiatives must embrace a broader innovation ecosystem, having extension teams in close contact with researchers and stakeholders to assist producers in providing support for a more sophisticated level of management that ICLS require. Overall, we found commonalities in consciousness and proactiveness in remarkable cases that could inspire broader sustainability transitions.

Dairy cattle grazing compacts soil surface without reducing subsequent crop yield

Integrated crop-livestock systems are being increasingly used to intensify food production and make it more sustainable. On the other hand, most studies have focused on extensive systems. This paper analyzed the effects of different managements on soil and plants in an intensive integrated system for milk production. An experiment of management systems was installed in southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, on a Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol), in 2015 to evaluate: rotational grazing of dairy cows in the winter; rotational grazing of dairy cows in winter followed by soil chiseling; and ungrazed area (control). Soil physical properties and yields of crops were evaluated. Trampling by dairy cows increased soil bulk density by 24 % (0.0-0.05 m), but did not influence yields of subsequent soybean or maize. Chiseling reduced the bulk density of the uppermost layer by 19 %, but did not affect the yields of subsequent crops. It was concluded that in years with abundant water, dairy cattle grazing in an integrated crop-livestock system in Southern Brazil compacts the soil surface, but does not compromise the soil physical processes related to the growth and development of subsequent crops.

Mapping Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems Using Fused Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope Time Series and Deep Learning

Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS) are among the main viable strategies for sustainable agricultural production. Mapping these systems is crucial for monitoring land use changes in Brazil, playing a significant role in promoting sustainable agricultural production. Due to the highly dynamic nature of ICLS management, mapping them is a challenging task. The main objective of this research was to develop a method for mapping ICLS using deep learning algorithms applied on Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) data cubes, which consist of Sentinel-2 (S2) and PlanetScope (PS) satellite images, as well as data fused (DF) from both sensors. This study focused on two Brazilian states with varying landscapes and field sizes. Targeting ICLS, field data were combined with S2 and PS data to build land use and land cover classification models for three sequential agricultural years (2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021). We tested three experimental settings to assess the classification performance using S2, PS, and DF data cubes. The test classification algorithms included Random Forest (RF), Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (TempCNN), Residual Network (ResNet), and a Lightweight Temporal Attention Encoder (L-TAE), with the latter incorporating an attention-based model, fusing S2 and PS within the temporal encoders. Experimental results did not show statistically significant differences between the three data sources for both study areas. Nevertheless, the TempCNN outperformed the other classifiers with an overall accuracy above 90% and an F1-Score of 86.6% for the ICLS class. By selecting the best models, we generated annual ICLS maps, including their surrounding landscapes. This study demonstrated the potential of deep learning algorithms and SITS to successfully map dynamic agricultural systems.

Crop, livestock, and forestry integration to reconcile soil health, food production, and climate change mitigation in the Brazilian Cerrado: A review

Integrated crop–livestock (ICL) and crop–livestock–forestry (ICLF) systems have been widely adopted in the Brazilian Cerrado. In this study, we gathered the publications regarding the effects of the ICL and ICLF systems on soil health, plant and animal production, and carbon (C) balance and then synthesized them in comparable terms, aiming to evaluate the sustainability of these systems in a broader and comprehensive approach. On the basis of the evidence from 65 peer-reviewed publications, it was observed that adopting integrated systems can improve soil health in the Brazilian Cerrado. With a few exceptions, positive effects on chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil health were observed in most of the studies that comprised our data. Accordingly, the results showed that the ICL and ICLF systems can improve plant yield and animal production, but special attention regarding the grazing regime and tree management (e.g., spacing, pruning, and thinning) is required. Moreover, soil C accumulation fully offsets soil N2O emissions, underscoring the feasibility of using the ICL and ICLF systems for decreasing the C footprint of agricultural commodities in this region. The research assembled in this review has undoubtedly advanced our knowledge regarding integrated systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps that should be addressed, such as their effects on soil physics and biology. Despite these shortcomings, our literature review demonstrates that the ICL and ICLF systems are essential strategies to intensify agricultural production in the Brazilian Cerrado while ensuring sustainability.

Soil management shapes bacterial and archaeal communities in soybean rhizosphere: Comparison of no-tillage and integrated crop-livestock systems

Sustainable agricultural systems play a crucial role in improving soil properties and enhancing crop yields. Particularly for soybean, a vital agricultural commodity, no-tillage (NT) and integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems have been employed in tropical regions. Despite the recognized benefits of using NT and ICL, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding their impact on the rhizosphere microbiome of soybean. Therefore, this field study aimed to explore and compare the responses of the bacterial and archaeal communities within the soybean rhizosphere in both NT and ICL systems. To address this objective, in addition to sampling the soybean rhizosphere, we collected samples from the bulk soil in the NT area and the rhizospheres of grass (Urochloa brizantha) and corn (Zea mays L.) in the ICL system, covering the typical land use in this region. The results revealed distinct bacterial and archaeal communities in the soybean rhizosphere under NT and ICL. Specifically, the ICL system enriched the soybean rhizosphere with KD4_96 (score 3), Vicinamibacteraceae (score 3), Candidatus Nitrocosmicus (score 2.5), and Methylobacterium (score 2.5). In contrast, NT led to an enrichment of Solirubrobacter (score 3), Amycolatopsis (score 2.8), Sphingomonas (score 2.8), and Nitrososphaeraceae (score 2.5). Microbial community interactions exhibited greater complexity in the soybean rhizosphere under NT (676 nodes and 7095 edges). Notably, both bacterial and archaeal communities in the soybean rhizosphere under NT and ICL demonstrated potential functionality in nitrogen fixation. Thus, this study showed that NT and ICL promoted different responses of bacterial and archaeal communities within the soybean rhizosphere which, can influence the plant's performance.