Crop Rotation Research Articles

Soil Nematode Community Analysis of Four Chickpea Cultivated Areas in Aksaray, Türkiye

Soil Nematode Community Analysis of Four Chickpea Cultivated Areas in Aksaray, Türkiye This study investigates soil nematode communities in four distinct chickpea cultivation areas in Aksaray, Türkiye, to understand their composition, ecological functions, and impact on soil health. Chickpeas, as a nitrogen-fixing crop, play a vital role in sustainable agriculture, supporting soil health and providing economic benefits in rural areas. Soil nematodes, however, including plant-parasitic types like root-knot and lesion nematodes, pose risks to chickpea yield by damaging root systems, thus necessitating effective management strategies. The research took place from May to December 2023 at Düzce University’s Nematology Laboratory. Soil samples from four locations (Akgulu, Baginbasi, Camili and Gollu) in Aksaray were collected and using the Baermann funnel technique to extract nematodes. Nematode identification and ecological parameter analyses were performed with light microscopy and a structured taxonomic key. The study categorized nematodes based on feeding behaviors, showing distinct profiles across locations: bacterivores dominated in Akgulu, while Baginbasi had a higher prevalence of plant-parasitic nematodes, suggesting soil biodiversity challenges. Analysis of soil food webs indicated a stressed ecosystem in Akgulu and enriched, structured soil in Baginbasi, as shown by higher enrichment and structure index values. These patterns highlight the effects of soil management on nematode communities, with biodiversity directly linked to soil health and chickpea productivity. Findings emphasize that integrated pest management, including crop rotation and resistant chickpea varieties, is essential to mitigate the effects of nematodes. The study provides insights into nematode-driven soil dynamics and underscores the need for further research on nematode impacts in Turkish agroecosystems, particularly for sustainable chickpea cultivation. Keywords: Community analysis , Ecology, Nematode diversity

Productive moisture dynamics in sod-podzolic soil under spring barley cultivation

The article presents the results of a long-term two-factor stationary experiment in the conditions of the Republic of Mari El, which was conducted in 1996–2021 in two plots. The aim of the research was to study the dynamics of productive moisture in the 0–20 cm layer of sod-podzolic soil depending on the predecessors of spring barley in six-field crop rotations. The predecessors were potatoes with application of 60 t/ha of manure, spring grain crops (oats, spring wheat) and winter cereals (winter wheat and winter rye). In the course of study a correlation and regression data analysis was carried out between the corresponding hydrothermal coefficient of Selyaninov (HTC) and the reserves of available soil water in barley sowings during “shooting” and “wax ripeness” phases after various predecessors. As a result, it was found out that sowing barley after oats led to one unit increase of HTC, that raised the amount of soil water available to plants by 17.45±7.95 mm by the time of barley harvesting. Dead moisture reserves were possible at HTC less than 0.79 in this case. Correlation and regression analysis data for other predecessors were less evident, but retained the noted trend. It was established that the weather conditions of 1996-2021 in the Republic of Mari El to the time of spring barley sowing mainly provided "satisfactory" (20–30 mm) amount of productive soil moisture in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Potatoes were the best predecessors in the experiment. After that during the vegetation of barley the reserves of available water in the soil were least determined by the HTC – R-squared (R2 ) was 0.306±0.096, the amount of productive moisture decreased by 34.6 % on average. After cereal crops, mainly oats, HTC affected significantly the variability of the “amount of productive moisture” indicator by the time of harvesting (R2 up to 0.802±0.028) reducing the yield twice from the moment of sowing (up to 15.1±5.1 mm).

Sustainable Agriculture and It’s Practices: A Review

Sustainable agriculture, a holistic approach to farming, offers a promising solution to the global challenge of balancing food production with environmental preservation. Sustainability is based on the idea that we should fulfill current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to fulfill their requirements. It involves the farming practices that maintain the health of our land, water, and air while producing sufficient food necessary for the growing population. This comprehensive review explores diverse sustainable agricultural practices essential for balancing productivity, economic viability, and social equity. Key principles of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing environmental health, financial feasibility, and social justice, underpin a multifaceted approach. Permaculture, emphasizing biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration, aligns with nature’s principles. Crop rotation and diversification mitigate pests and diseases, and enhance soil health. Water management through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting optimizes water usage. Innovative practices including aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and agroforestry ensure year-round, efficient food production. Climate-smart agriculture adapts to climate change, while precision agriculture enhances resource efficiency. Organic farming, relying on natural processes, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Challenges like excessive chemical usage, climate-related disruptions, and knowledge gaps persist despite promising outcomes. Overcoming these hurdles requires collaborative efforts, policy support, and education initiatives. Sustainable agriculture represents the path toward a resilient and food-secure future for our growing global population.

Short Term Impact of Andropogon gayanus Kunth. on Soil Fertility and Legume Crop Rotation in West Central Region of Koudougou, Burkina Faso

Short Term Impact of Andropogon gayanus Kunth. on Soil Fertility and Legume Crop Rotation in West Central Region of Koudougou, Burkina Faso

THE EFFECT OF DIVERSIFIED CROP ROTATIONS ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON DYNAMICS IN A CLAYEY TROPICAL SOIL

This study assessed the impact of crop diversification within no-till crop rotations on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks, as well as on labile (Carbon and Nitrogen in the particulate organic matter) and persistent (Carbon and Nitrogen in the mineral-associated organic matter) Organic matter fractions. The objective was to identify practical indicators for monitoring public policies promoting low carbon emission agriculture. Field experiment was conducted in 2014/2015 cropping season using a complete random block design. Seven treatments were evaluated: soybean/cotton (CONTROL); maize/soybean (M/Sb); soybean/maize+brachiaria (Sb/M+Br); soybean/millet+brachiaria/crotalaria spectabiliscotton (Sb/Mt+Br/CrsCt); soybean/cotton/common beans/millet+ brachiaria (Sb/Ct/Cb/Mt+Br); millet-cotton/ soybean/maize/crotalaria spectabilis (Mt-Ct/Sb/M/Crs); crotalaria-cotton/soybean/ sorghum+brachiaria/crotalaria ochroleuca+ brachiaria (Cr-Ct/Sb/Sg+Br/Cro+Br). Sampling was done in May 2020 on an Oxisol in a neotropical savanna of the Central West region of Brazil (Capivara Experimental Research Farm of Embrapa Rice and Beans, Santo Antônio de Goiás, Goiás State, Brazil). Treatment comparisons were made after correction for equivalent soil mass per soil layer. The C-POM, N-POM, C-MAOM, and N-MAOM fractions were obtained through granulometric physical fractionation. Total SOC and SOC stocks were inadequate indicators of the impact of crop rotations on SOC. However, the distribution of C and N among the soil organic matter (SOM) fractions (C-POM, N-POM, C-MAOM, and N-MAOM) was influenced by crop rotations. Rotations with greater crop diversity, including gramineae, had higher concentration of C and N in the particulate SOC (C-POM and N-POM). Differences in rotation composition also affected the C to N ratio, particularly in the POM fraction, which was higher in rotations involving brachiaria grass and maize. Most diversified rotations contributed to maintaining higher C-POM stocks.

Wheat productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in no-till systems: a comparative analysis of crop-pasture and continuous cropping rotations in Uruguay

IntroductionUruguayan agriculture’s transition to no-till farming and intensified practices, replacing crop-pasture (CP) systems with continuous cropping (CC) rotations, has disrupted biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Despite this, diversified cropping sequences, including C4 species, have maintained the soil organic carbon (SOC) balance under no-till management, with limited overall impacts on productivity and sustainability. The effects of these changes on wheat productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) need to be further investigated.MethodsThis study, conducted within a long-term experiment (LTE) under rainfed conditions, compared wheat productivity in CP and CC rotations. Wheat following CP and CC were analyzed over three seasons. Variables measured included soil nitrogen (N) concentration, wheat grain yield (WGY), grain protein concentration (GPC), and NUE. Four N fertilizer levels were applied to each rotation system to assess their impact.ResultsCC rotation consistently outperformed CP in WGY, with 2425 and 1668 kg ha−1 averages, respectively. CP showed slightly higher GPC (10.92%) than CC (10.48%). Nitrate-N levels at tillering positively correlated with WGY and negatively with GPC, but the relationship differed by rotation. Soil NUE indices were higher in CC rotations.DiscussionThe study’s findings highlighted the potential of CC rotation, especially when including C4 species in the crop sequence, to achieve higher wheat productivity in the short term due to healthier soil conditions compared to wheat seeded after post-pasture in CP. Additionally, our study highlights that the effect of the previous crop on yield and NUE in wheat was more relevant than the expected residual effect of the pasture phase in CP, primarily due to the quality of residues and the temporary adverse effects of soil compaction caused by livestock trampling.

Evaluation of Agricultural Measures to Safeguard the Vulnerable Karst Groundwater Habitat of the Black Olm (Proteus anguinus parkelj) from Nitrate Pollution

The black olm (Proteus anguinus parkelj Sket & Arntzen) is an endemic species found exclusively in the Dobličica River subterranean water systems of the Dinaric karst in southern Slovenia. These unique habitats are vulnerable to contamination due to rapid water flow, primarily from nitrates from agricultural fertilisers and untreated urban wastewater. The safe limit of nitrate concentration for olms is 9.2 mg NO3−/L, yet measurements in karst springs have shown levels ranging from 3 mg to over 20 mg NO3−/L. The SWAT modelling tool assessed agri-environmental and land use scenarios for their impact on nitrate leaching. Using the model, we identified hotspots with high nitrogen leaching potential that require immediate attention and implementation of better agricultural practices for fertiliser use. For these hotspots, the most effective approach combines scenarios of cover crops (R2), reduced fertilisation (R3), crop rotation (R4), and conversion of cropland to grassland (E2, E4, E5), potentially decreasing nitrate leaching by up to 60%. Implementing the best scenarios is expected to reduce nitrogen levels below the limit value of 9.2 mg NO3−/L, essential for maintaining the black olm habitat.

Legumes and cereal crop rotation effect on soil fertility under selected agronomic practices in central farming region, Mongolia

The experimental study aimed at identifying the effects on soil fertility and resources using five different treatments, fallow, non-cultivated land, serial plants, leguminous plants, and grass, was conducted in a central agricultural region of Mongolia. The findings highlight the beneficial effects of cooperative agriculture for food and fodder on the restoration of soil fertility and its resulting useful effect on wheat crop yield. To ensure the stability of soil fertility in the central agricultural region, the key results of the suggest that mobile macro element nitrogen in the soil increased by 45-75.9 per cent over a 3-year rotation with spring soft wheat as the major crop grown along with leguminous plants. Furthermore, the implementation of a two-year rotation of Melilotus albus as intercropping for fodder and food purposes has been found to enhance the rate of soil cellulose decomposition. Furthermore, it has been observed that the continuation of favorable weather conditions and availability of moisture directly correlate with the extent of cellulose decomposition. The aggregate structure of the soil with a diameter of 1-3 mm, which is crucial for growing perennial grass (Agropyron cristatum), is improved by 11.87 per cent to enhance the field's soil structure and reduce erosion. In our research, it was found that legumes have a high protein content and are important role in meeting the needs of livestock and human food, while enriching the soil with nitrogen and increasing the yield of other crops. However, the practical importance of our research lies in the fact that it was established that perennial plants improve the structure of the soil. Legumes, according to our research, are rich in protein and contribute significantly to the provision of food for humans and livestock, as well as to the enhancement of soil nitrogen levels and the growth of other crops. Nevertheless, our study holds practical significance because it proves that grasses enhance the soil's structure as well.

Monitoring and Mapping a Decade of Regenerative Agricultural Practices Across the Contiguous United States

Satellite remote sensing enables monitoring of regenerative agriculture practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage to allow tracking and quantification at unprecedented scales. The Monitor system presented here capitalizes on the scope and scale of these data by integrating crop identification, cover cropping, and tillage intensity estimations annually at field scales across the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 2014 to 2023. The results provide the first ever mapping of these practices at this temporal fidelity and spatial scale, unlocking valuable insights for sustainable agricultural management. Monitor incorporates three datasets: CropID, a deep learning transformer model using Sentinel-2 and USDA Cropland Data Layer (CDL) data from 2018 to 2023 to predict annual crop types; the living root data, which use Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data to determine cover crop presence through regional parameterization; and residue cover (RC) data, which uses the Normalized Difference Tillage Index (NDTI) and crop residue cover (CRC) index to assess tillage intensity. The system calculates field-scale statistics and integrates these components to compile a comprehensive field management history. Results are validated with 35,184 ground-truth data points from 19 U.S. states, showing an overall accuracy of 80% for crop identification, 78% for cover crop detection, and 63% for tillage intensity. Also, comparisons with USDA NASS Ag Census data indicate that cover crop adoption rates were within 20% of estimates for 90% of states in 2017 and 81% in 2022, while for conventional tillage, 52% and 25% of states were within 20% of estimates, increasing to 75% and 67% for conservation tillage. Monitor provides a comprehensive view of regenerative practices by crop season for all of CONUS across a decade, supporting decision-making for sustainable agricultural management including associated outcomes such as reductions in emissions, long term yield resiliency, and supply chain stability.

The effect of mycorrhiza-inoculated succession-planted main crop (maize-wheat) and cover crop rotation on soil organic carbon

There has long been intense pressure on input-based traditional agriculture due to the rising need for food. These kinds of agricultural techniques result in poorly managed soil-plant interactions that ultimately affect all living activities and human health by altering and destroying the soil's natural structure, rendering it infertile, and degrading soil quality. Research was carried out a study to find out how mycorrhizae-inoculated cover crops affected soil quality and growth metrics. The study to pot experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Five different plant combinations (cover crop) patterns were inoculated with selected and indigenous mycorrhizae spores that were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of plants grown in three degraded soils. Five different cover plant combinations, such as A: Clover, Grass, Onion; B: Faba Bean, Grass, Safflower; C: Clover, Grass, Safflower, Faba Bean, Onion; D: Maize; and E: Wheat, were planted in 7 kg soil-containing pots with three replications. The seeds of different plants were planted per m2 surface of each pot, with the number of seeds per pot calculated depending on their sowing amount per hectare. Sixty days after planting, the plants were harvested by cutting 0.5 cm above the soil surface with scissors. In the second rotation experiment, after the harvest of the first rotation experiment, maize (Zea mays L.) was planted on the A, B, C, and D patterns, and wheat was planted on the E pattern. In the third rotation, wheat was sown on all pots after the second maize harvest. As a result of successive three-pot experiments on the same soils, were analyzed for the soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations. In general, treatments with Funneliformis mosseae followed by indigenous mycorrhiza spores led to an increase in soil OC concentration compared to control treatments. SOC concentrations in Havutlu and Arık soils were higher than those in Avadan soil. Avadan is a highly eroded soil and has high lime content, high pH, and low soil fertility. When consecutively planted trials are examined, the soil SOC concentration increased from the first trial to the last trial for all soils. The obtained SOC results seem to partially support the research hypothesis. The results revealed that poorly managed soil requires rehabilitations with various combinations of cover crops.

Converting Biochar Into Biochar‐Based Urea Promotes Environmental and Economic Sustainability in Rice‐Wheat Rotation System

ABSTRACTBiochar amendments in rice‐wheat systems are sustainable for reducing GHGs (greenhouse gases) and improving soil health but the widespread adoption of biochar faces economic challenges. To address limitation, a novel biochar‐based urea was formulated for environmental and cost advantages. A pot experiment within a rice‐wheat rotation was conducted to evaluate comparative effects of biochar‐based urea (CKBU), biochar + urea (BCU), and biochar‐based urea + biochar (BCBU) over conventional mineral fertilizer (CKU) on soil ammonia (NH3) volatilization, GHG emissions, soil structure, and crop productivity. Furthermore, fertilizer N fate was tracked using the 15N isotope during wheat season. The results indicated that compared to CKU, CKBU, BCU, and BCBU treatments significantly mitigated NH3 volatilization by 22%–31% during the rice season, and a 19% reduction was observed under the BCBU treatment during the wheat season due to the response of N‐cycling microorganisms. Regarding GHG emissions, the CKBU, BCU, and BCBU treatments significantly decreased the global warming potential (GWP) value by 49%–55% during the rice season and by 26%–45% during the wheat season, compared to CKU. Additionally, CKBU enhanced 15N use efficiency by 29% during wheat season, without affecting the rice season. The economic performance indicated that applying BU alone offered a net economic benefit, whereas biochar amendment led to a net economic loss. However, biochar amendment improved SOC and aggregation structure, with a significant increase in macroaggregate distribution over 50% compared to CKU and CKBU. Therefore, BU with small portions of biochar can be as effective in reducing NH3 emissions and mitigating GHG emissions as the use of a large quantity of biochar. Additionally, the BCBU did not show additional synergistic benefits regarding emission reduction or yield enhancement. Therefore, shifting biochar to BU could be a cost‐effective approach to achieving sustainable productivity in rice‐wheat crop rotation systems.

Dynamics of the content of mineral elements and effective fertility of alluvial meadow soil in vegetable crop rotation

In vegetable crop rotation with different fertilization systems of vegetable crops, the dynamics of the content of mineral elements of plant nutrition was determined, effective soil fertility was evaluated in comparison with potential under experimental conditions, and the most effective fertilizer system was identified not only to obtain the highest yields, but also to preserve and reproduce the potential fertility of alluvial meadow soil. The study was conducted in 2015–2019 in the Ramensky district of the Moscow region on the alluvial meadow medium loamy soil of the central floodplain of the Moscow River. The seasonal dynamics of the content of 3 elements of plant mineral nutrition (nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and potassium) in the carrot – beet – cabbage crop rotation was studied, using 3 main fertilization systems for vegetable crops (mineral, organic, organo-mineral). It was found that the maximum content of nitrate nitrogen (on average in crop rotation 47.4 mg/kg) and mobile potassium (on average 156 mg/kg) occurred in the third decade of June. The content of mobile phosphorus in the soil was high (200 mg/kg) at all accounting periods. A close correlation was determined between the yield of root crops and cabbage with the average content of nitrate nitrogen in the soil during the growing season (r = 0.735–0.934), mobile phosphorus (r = 0.539–0.972) and potassium (r = 0.532–0.976). The effective soil fertility of the site under 3 crops per crop rotation had the following characteristics: when using a mineral fertilizer system, the content of nitrate nitrogen was 21.3, organic – 10.1, organo-mineral – 22.1 mg/kg, the content of mobile phosphorus when using a mineral system – 40.4, organic – 34.1, organo-mineral – 47.9 mg/kg, the content of mobile potassium is 44.4, 20.6, 50.8 mg/kg, respectively. It was found that under crops of carrots and beets, the potential fertility of the soil during crop rotation was reproduced with the use of mineral (recommended dose of NPK) and organo-mineral fertilization systems of these crops, and the yield of carrots (67–69 t/ha) and beets (67–68 t/ ha) under these systems was high, more than expected estimated 60 t/ha. Under cabbage, late soil depletion also did not occur when using the recommended mineral and organo-mineral fertilizer systems, yields of 78 and 81 t/ha were close to the expected estimated yield of 80 t/ha. At the same time, the organo-mineral system had an advantage: during crop rotation, it retained 13% more nitrate nitrogen in the soil, 8% more mobile phosphorus and 40% more mobile potassium than the mineral one. One and a half and double doses of mineral fertilizers for late cabbage led to a significant increase in its yield (85–90 t/ha), but at the same time a significant part of nitrogen (on average for the season 33–41 mg/kg) was irretrievably lost in the soil.

Changes in agrochemical properties of meadow chernozem-like soil under prolonged exposure to agrogenic factors in grain-soybean crop rotation

In a long-term stationary experiment to study the fertilizer system in crop rotation, established in 1962–1964 on meadow chernozem-like soil in the southern natural and climatic zone of the Amur region, the influence of prolonged use of mineral and organo-mineral fertilizer systems on the agrochemical properties of meadow chernozem-like soil in relation to the level of crop yield in crop rotation was studied. The use of mineral fertilizers alone and together with organic ones provided an increase in the content of mobile phosphorus in the soil by 2.0–2.5 times, its mobility by 2.9–3.5 times relative to control. The long-term use of the organo-mineral fertilizer system led to an increase in the humus content by 0.69% and the preservation of acidity indicators at the initial level, while the application of only mineral fertilizers increased the hydrolytic and metabolic acidity. Wheat yield when applying N30 against the background of prolonged application of fertilizers to the 12th rotation of the crop rotation increased by 0.58 t/ha relative to the control, with its aftereffect – by 0.30 t/ha. At the same time, the yield of soybeans was 2.42–2.62 t/ha. It was found that the productivity of crop rotation was determined by 73% by changes in humus content, soil acid content and mobile P2O5 content in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The relationship of crop rotation productivity with humus content was weak (β = 0.26), hydrolytic acidity – medium reverse (β = –0.57), metabolic acidity – strong reverse (β = –0.81) and phosphorus content – strong (β = 0.84). The values of p-levels and Student coefficients indicated the fact that hydrolytic and metabolic acidity, the content of mobile phosphorus were statistically significant variables.

Efficiency of phosphorus fertilizers: research results in long-term field experiments in Russia, Great Britain and China

The results of research in long-term field experiments on the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizers are presented. All experiments were based on the classical scheme and included, in addition to the control variant (without fertilizers), a nitrogen-potassium background, on which the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizers was studied. At the same time, regional specifics were taken into account in each experiment: liming at the Experimental Station of the All-Russian Research Institute of Agrochemistry (Russia), the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizers at increasing doses of nitrogen N100–300 at the Rothamsted Experimental Station (Great Britain), a combination of phosphorus fertilizers with manure at the Chinese National Soil Fertility Monitoring Base. In long-term experiments, the dynamics of changes in the content of mobile phosphorus, as well as individual fractions, taking into account the emerging balance of P2O5, are presented. It is shown that the redistribution of phosphorus between different soil fractions is reversible, and the direction of the processes depends on the emerging balance of P2O5. Phosphorus accumulated in more firmly held forms can subsequently be released and absorbed by cultivated crops. In all field experiments an increase in the yield gap between NK and NK + P variants was observed over time. On the one hand, this is due to a significant decrease in the phosphorus content in the background NK variant (in acidic soils – also an increase in Al mobility), in which phosphorus removal significantly exceeds control (without fertilizers), on the other – a significant increase in the content of P2O5 in the soil with a positive balance. In a long-term experiment at the Experimental Station of the Institute of Agrochemistry, the difference coefficient of phosphorus utilization from fertilizers was 25–27, at the Rothamsted station – 25–41, at the Chinese National Soil Fertility Monitoring Base – 45%. Attention is drawn to the high payback of phosphorus fertilizers in experiments at the Rothamsted experimental station (Great Britain) – 22–39 kg of grain/kg of P2O5 (when cultivating winter wheat in crop rotation). The main method of increasing payback in this case was the use of high doses of nitrogen – up to 200 kg N/ha. Studies have shown that liming acidic soils to a slightly acidic reaction, the use of zinc micronutrients, as well as phosphate-mobilizing microorganisms, are essential methods to increase the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizers.

Mineral-ecological cropping systems mitigate biodiversity-productivity trade-offs of the organic vs. conventional farming dichotomy

Conventional agriculture significantly reduces biodiversity, while organic farming promotes it, but often yields half as much. Addressing this biodiversity-productivity trade-off is crucial for future agriculture. Mineral-ecological cropping systems (MECS) have been suggested as an alternative, blending organic and conventional methods by avoiding chemical-synthetic pesticides and using mineral fertilizers. In a German experiment with 168 parcels, we compared MECS, conventional, and organic systems in terms of ecological and economic performance. Arthropod diversity was measured through standardized species collections and DNA-metabarcoding. Productivity was assessed via yields and economic profits. MECS showed similar arthropod diversity to other farming systems, achieved 90% of conventional crop yields, and produced 1.8 times of the organic yield. Profits from MECS were on average 37% higher than the conventional system with a short wheat-maize-soy crop rotation. Further farm-level studies are needed, but MECS could be a reasonable alternative to both organic and conventional farming and can mitigate biodiversity-productivity trade-offs.

Adoption of Circular Economy in Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Magelang District: Influence on Productivity and Farmer Welfare

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the adoption of circular economy principles in sustainable agriculture practices in Magelang district, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and farmer welfare, with the aim of assessing how circular economy practices contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource efficiency, enhancing productivity, and promoting farmer welfare in Magelang district. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in the priciples of the circular economy, which emphasize maximizing resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and fostering environmental regeneration. In agriculture, these principles align with sustainable practices by promoting the reuse of organic materials, efficient resource management, and the reduction of chemical inputs to maintain soil fertility and ecosystem balance. By integrating circular economy principles with sustainable agricultural practices, this framework aims to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve farmers’ welfare while ensuring long-term environmental resilience. Method: Using a quantitative approach that includes surveys of 100 farmers and in-depth interviews, this research evaluates the implementation of CE principles, such as composting organic waste, rainwater harvesting, and crop rotation. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that approximately 60% of farmers have adopted at least one CE practice, leading to a productivity increase of up to 25% compared to conventional methods. Additionally, CE adoption has proven to improve income stability and farmer welfare. However, barriers such as limited access to technology and funding reduce broader adoption of sustainable practices. Research Implications: This study recommends government and institutional support through training, technology access, and financial incentives to accelerate CE adoption. It provides actionable reccomendations for policymakers and stakeholders to support the broader adoption of circular economy practices in agriculture. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its focus on the adoption of circular economy principles within the specific context of sustainable agriculture in Magelang District, an area with unique agricultural challenges and potential. This research combines empirical data on productivity and welfare impacts with qualitative insights into local adoption barriers and drivers. By integrating these aspects, the study provides a novel perspective on implementing sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the region’s socioeconomic and environmental conditions.

Nutrient Distribution in the Soil Profile Under Different Tillage Practices During a Long-Term Field Trial

Conservation tillage practices are increasingly used in agricultural systems. However, these practices require a complex approach regarding soil nutrition. Adequate nutrient content in soils is important for crop production, as reduced and no-tillage practices change the distribution of nutrient contents (P, K, Mg, and Ca) in the soil profile, necessitating new approaches for agronomists in crop nutrition. Little is known about the time changes in nutrient distribution in the soil profile under conservation tillage practices. Long-term field experiments with conventional (CT—plowing to 20–22 cm), reduced (RT—chiseling to 8–10 cm), and no-tillage (NT) practices were established in Prague–Ruzyně (Czech Republic) in 1995. This four-year crop rotation consisted of winter wheat changing with oilseed rape or pea. The soil nutrient contents have been determined since 2009 using the Mehlich 3 method and through extraction in 0.5 M ammonium acetate. The obtained results showed that P, K, and, to a lesser extent, Mg contents increased in the soil surface layer (0–10 cm) under the reduced and no-tillage practices, whereas Ca and pH values showed an opposite trend. We found an unbalanced ratio of nutrients in the upper soil layer in RT and NT caused by a high concentration of the monovalent cation K+ and the leaching of the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ into the deeper soil layers. In conventional practices, the ion contents are equalized throughout the topsoil due to the soil inverting during plowing. The determination of nutrient contents in deeper soil layers revealed that, over time, calcium, magnesium, and potassium were transported to deeper parts of the soil profile under RT and especially NT. Low nutrient ratios were found in the surface layer under RT and NT, negatively affecting the quality of the soil surface layer, including its structure. Fertilizer management and nutrient ratios in soils under RT and NT should be considered to maintain and possibly improve sustainable agricultural practices in fields with reduced or no-tillage practices. Furthermore, nutrient contents and their mutual ratios should be evaluated in more soil layers under these systems, enabling the detection of eventual problems in the upper layer that must be addressed by changing fertilization.

Crop-specific response of soil prokaryotic community to long-term intensification management: the importance of crop phase at sampling

IntroductionThe ecosystem services provided by soil microbial communities are critical for the resilience of agroecosystems, ensuring environmental conservation and food security. Long-term experiments comparing contrasting crop rotations are valuable tools for monitoring microbial responses, but they rarely include all crop phases within a single year. Therefore, the long-term agronomic impact may be masked by the immediate effect of the crop evaluated. In this study, we compared different crop rotations based on the Intensification Sequence Index (ISI), which considers the soil occupation time, and analyzed the impact of cover crops and two nitrogen fertilization strategies.Material and methodsWe used an experiment initiated in 2006 with the following crop rotations: Soybean-Soybean, Maize-Wheat/Soybean, and Maize-Soybean-Wheat/Soybean. Soil samples were taken after the harvest of each summer crop phase (i.e., Soybean, Maize, Wheat/Soybean), and the soil prokaryotic community was monitored using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results and discussionWe observed that ISI and crop phase were the main predictors of microbial community composition, explaining 14.7% and 13.0% of the variation, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization had a minor effect (3.12%) and was detected only after maize sampling; cover crops had no significant effect. However, the presence of cover crops showed higher alpha diversity and an increased abundance of Proteobacteria. Maize enriched the abundance of certain taxa of Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia, while Soybean increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Comparatively, Soybean enriched Mucilaginibacter and Geobacter, while Wheat/Soybean enriched Brevundimonas and Roseimicrobium.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that crop phase is as important as the long-term legacy of crop rotations in shaping the microbial community and that specific taxa responses are highly dependent on the crop phase surveyed.

Сезонни промени на хранителната стойност на пасищният ресурс за едри преживни животни

The nutritional value of pastures can vary depending on the type of available vegetation, its quality and environmental conditions. The analysis of the samples was carried out in the laboratory of the Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, using Infrared technology for analysis of feed and components - NIRS DS 2500 - monochromator, with a scanning range of 850 - 2500 nanometers. The following quality indicators were determined: Dry matter, %, Protein, %, Starch, %, Ash, %, ADF, % and NDF, % to available moisture. In the spring season, the dry matter is 23.76%, in the summer it is 29.89% and in the winter it is 68.04%. The protein varies from 6.75% in spring to 3.64% in autumn. In the summer we find 4.77%. The content of acid detergent fiber varies from 8.25 to 35.03%, with the highest value recorded in autumn - 35.03%. The results obtained in our study for neutral detergent fiber vary from 14.2% to 43.3% depending on the seasons. In summary, pastures offer a rich source of nutrients for ruminants, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Proper pasture management, such as appropriate planning, crop rotation and fertilization, can help optimize the nutritional composition of pastures and provide optimal rations for large ruminants. The results obtained were processed variationally - statistically using the software product SYSTAT 12 © Copyright 2007, SYSTAT Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved and STATSOFT Statistics for Windows 10. The aim of this study is to establish seasonal changes in the nutritional value of pasture resources for large ruminants. Meadow and pasture production, which is used for direct consumption by animals or for obtaining hay for manure feeding, is indirectly related to this problem.

The influence of degradation processes on enzymatic activity and the content of forms of mineral nitrogen in agricultural soils

The purpose of the work was to study the concentration of various forms of mineral nitrogen and nitrogen cycle enzymes in farmland soils. The objectives of the research included studying the content of ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen, as well as the activity of urease and nitrate reductase in soils of farmland on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). To study the soils of agricultural lands, model sites located in the southern part of the Shakhtersky district of the DPR were selected and represented by moderately washed-out chernozems with low, low and medium humus. The control was an area with steppe vegetation (ordinary chernozem, thick, with medium humus content). The results of the researches allow us to draw conclusions about the development of degradation processes in a number of model sites and their impact on the content of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen in agricultural soils. Growing crops removing substantial amount of mineral nutrients, the slope of the sites surface, and the duration of cultivation of grain crops in the same sites lead to a significant decrease in the concentration of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen. Thus, the most significant decrease in the concentration of nitrogen of ammonium compounds (by 77–82%) was recorded in model slope areas under maize and sunflower. Analysis of the data showed that exchange ammonium is confined to the underlying genetic horizons. The minimum concentration of nitrates in the arable horizon was recorded under the joint influence of such unfavorable factors as: unreasonable layout of fields along the relief elements; violation of crop rotation conditions; use of precursor crops with a significant level of removal of nutrients (wheat, maize). When studying the activity of urease, it was found that a low number of soil microorganisms associated with the cultivation of maize and sunflower, as well as with the development of degradation processes of various genesis, led to the suppression of the functioning of the urease of soils in model areas. The maximum urease activity was observed in areas under winter wheat and amounted to 68–72% in relation to the control indicators. As a result of studies of nitrate reductase activity, a decrease in its values was also found in areas used to grow crops that form a large phytomass (maize and sunflower).