CT Soils Research Articles

Spatio-temporal microbial regulation of aggregate-associated priming effects under contrasting tillage practices

Tillage intensity significantly influences the heterogeneous distribution and dynamic changes of soil microorganisms, consequently shaping spatio-temporal patterns of SOC decomposition. However, little is known about the microbial mechanisms by which tillage intensity regulates the priming effect (PE) dynamics in heterogeneous spatial environments such as aggregates. Herein, a microcosm experiment was established by adding 13C-labeled straw residue to three distinct aggregate-size classes (i.e., mega-, macro-, and micro-aggregates) from two long-term contrasting tillage histories (no-till [NT] and conventional plow tillage [CT]) for 160 days to observe the spatio-temporal variations in PE. Metagenomic sequencing and Fourier transform mid-infrared techniques were used to assess the relative importance of C-degrading functional genes, microbial community succession, and SOC chemical composition in the aggregate-associated PE dynamics during straw decomposition. Spatially, straw addition induced a positive PE for all aggregates, with stronger PE occurring in larger aggregates, especially in CT soil compared to NT soil. Larger aggregates have more unique microbial communities enriched in genes for simple C degradation (e.g., E5.1.3.6, E2.4.1.7, pmm-pgm, and KduD in Nitrosospeera and Burkholderia), contributing to the higher short-term PE; however, CT soils harbored more genes for complex C degradation (e.g., TSTA3, fcl, pmm-pgm, and K06871 in Gammaproteobacteria and Phycicoccus), supporting a stronger long-term PE. Temporally, soil aggregates played a significant role in the early-stage PEs (i.e., < 59 days after residue addition) through co-metabolism and nitrogen (N) mining, as evidenced by the increased microbial biomass C and dissolved organic C (DOC) and reduced inorganic N with increasing aggregate-size class. At a later stage, however, the legacy effect of tillage histories controlled the PEs via microbial stoichiometry decomposition, as suggested by the higher DOC-to-inorganic N and DOC-to-available P stoichiometries in CT than NT. Our study underscores the importance of incorporating both spatial and temporal microbial dynamics for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying SOC priming, especially in the context of long-term contrasting tillage practices.

Quantifying Soil Complexity Using Fisher Shannon Method on 3D X-ray Computed Tomography Scans.

The conversion of native forest into agricultural land, which is common in many parts of the world, poses important questions regarding soil degradation, demanding further efforts to better understand the effect of land use change on soil functions. With the advent of 3D computed tomography techniques and computing power, new methods are becoming available to address this question. In this direction, in the current work we implement a modification of the Fisher-Shannon method, borrowed from information theory, to quantify the complexity of twelve 3D CT soil samples from a sugarcane plantation and twelve samples from a nearby native Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil. The distinction found between the samples from the sugar plantation and the Atlantic forest site is quite pronounced. The results at the level of 91.7% accuracy were obtained considering the complexity in the Fisher-Shannon plane. Atlantic forest samples are found to be generally more complex than those from the sugar plantation.

Multifractal analysis on CT soil images: Fluctuation analysis versus mass distribution

The combined action of physical, chemical and biological processes at different scales creates a highly complex soil architecture. At the same time, this soil pores' complexity is crucial in maintaining soil biogeochemical and biophysical processes. The development of digital image processing and a multiscaling analysis allow a better study to quantify pore complexity and evaluate pore spatial variability. This study took saline soils from coastal reclamation areas as an example and aimed to compare the multifractality of porosity series using different methods on sample cubes of 512 pixels in length extracted at different soil depths. Two measures were selected to represent the porosity series: the average grey values (AVG) of each slice and the CT-porosity (CTP) of binarized slices. The mass distribution (MD), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), and the moments function (K) were the methods applied in the multiscaling study. Shuffled and surrogated series were used to analyze the two possible multifractality sources, the probability distribution density function (PDF) and long-range correlations, respectively.The results showed that MD gave the minimum multifractal spectrum, which appeared as a point in AGV and a narrow concave parabola in CTP. On the other hand, both AGV and CTP showed a higher complexity, a clear and significant multifractal behaviour when DFA and K were used. The shuffled and surrogated series pointed out that the long-range correlations were the main factor of the multifractal sources of the porosity series. Both long-range correlations and PDF influenced more heavily on the multifractality of porosity in topsoil (0– 20 cm) than in the deeper soil (20– 60 cm), implying that the porosity series in topsoil had stronger multifractality. In addition, the DFA and K, combined with shuffled and surrogated series analysis, can distinguish between different factors in the multiscaling behaviour of different soil textures and time reclamation.

Long-term changes in soil composition in unmanaged central European mountain spruce forests after decreased acidic deposition and a bark beetle outbreak

We studied the effect of tree mortality on nutrient concentrations and pools in soils of two unmanaged mountain forest catchments (Plešné, PL; and Čertovo, CT; Czech Republic) recovering from acidification due to decreasing acidic atmospheric deposition since the late 1980s. Both catchments were situated at similar elevation, and before a bark beetle outbreak were covered by healthy mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests. However, differing bedrock [granite (PL) vs mica-schist and quartzite (CT)] resulted in lower concentrations of base cations (except for magnesium), but higher concentrations of aluminium and iron oxyhydroxides in the CT soils, enabling higher phosphorus (P) accumulation. Despite these differences, soils were similarly acidic, with pHH2O from 3.5 to 4.3 and cation exchange capacity (CEC) dominated by exchangeable protons (H+ex) and aluminium in both catchments in 2000. In the PL catchment, >75 % of mature spruce trees died after a bark beetle infestation between 2004 and 2008, and all dead biomass was left on site. Forest damage in the CT catchment was minor. Soil concentrations and pools of exchangeable calcium (Ca2+ex), magnesium (Mg2+ex), potassium (K+ex), and H+ex were tightly related to concentrations of organic carbon (C). Following the tree dieback in the PL catchment, we observed significant (p < 0.05) increases in (1) concentrations and pools of Ca2+ex, Mg2+ex, and K+ex, (2) base saturation (from 30 to ∼ 40 %), (3) CEC:C ratios (i.e., CEC of soil organic carbon), (4) pHH2O, (5) mineral P forms, and (6) total nitrogen (N) in the upper (O and A) soil horizons. Similar changes were less pronounced or negligible in the less impacted CT soils. The elevated litterfall after tree dieback, resulting in the increased input of base cations to forest floor and increased CEC of soil organic C, played a more important role in the decreasing acidity of the PL soils than the continuing decrease in acidic deposition.

Linking rill development characteristics to sediment production on different coarse-textured granite topsoils

The sheet and rill erosion phases dominate the erosion process of the catchment area and up-slope of Benggang (a special gully) area, and its evolution has a vital impact on erosion characteristics in the erosion feedback loop. Here, the rill development processes, morphological characteristics and corresponding soil loss were investigated by laser scanning on the four coarse-textured granite topsoils defined as WH, TC, GX, and CT for the counties of Wuhua, Tongcheng, Ganxian, and Changting in China, respectively. A soil flume (3 × 0.8 m) at a slope gradient of 16.7% was treated with rainfall-inflow at the upslope inflow rate of 2 L min−1 and rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1. Results showed that soil erosion rate increased with erosion evolution (sheet erosion, rill advance, and rill maturity phases). A comparison of the four different soils exhibited that the soil erosion rate showed a downtrend with the increase of soil clay and gravel contents. Specifically, the CT soil with high clay and gravel content showed the minimal soil erosion rate (0.024 kg m−2 min−1), rill density (0.95 m m−2), headward erosion rate (0.41 cm min−1), and surface evolution rate. The maximal soil erosion rate and rill depth were observed on the WH slope, with the rill headward erosion rate reaching the maximum of 20.59 cm min−1. Despite no significant difference in the geomorphologic comentropy of the four soils, their variation trend and rate could reflect dynamic changes in erosion. The total sediment transport efficiency was improved by rill formation and development, with rill erosion contributing to about 70% of total soil loss for the four soils. This study can enrich our understanding of the rill erosion process and surface morphology of coarse-textured topsoils.

Soil remediation approach and bacterial community structure in a long-term contaminated soil by a mining spill (Aznalcóllar, Spain)

The Aznalcóllar accident, which occurred in 1998, spilled 36 × 105 m3 of pyritic sludge and 9 × 105 m3 of acidic water around an area of 43 km2 in the south of Spain. This spill is considered one of the most important metal-mining associated accidents worldwide. In this study, two soil remediation techniques were evaluated: the addition of marble sludge (liming treatment, LS) and the mixing of recovered soils (RC) with contaminated soils (CT) (biopile treatment, BS). Both LS and BS significantly reduce the solubility of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb mainly due to the increase in pH and organic matter content, respectively. Soil basal respiration rate and the seed germination and root elongation bioassay with Lactuca sativa were used to evaluate the toxicity of the potential pollution in the sampled soils. Both bioassays showed that the CT soils exhibited the highest toxicity with a significant reduction in the toxicity of the amended soils (LS and BS). The abundance and structure of microbial communities in the soils were determined by qPCR and Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively. The absolute abundances of total bacterial and archaeal populations, ammonium oxidising bacteria, and denitrifiers in the CT soils were statistically lower than these found in the other three soils. Similarly, the structure of the bacterial community was highly different in the CT soils. Our results underline the persistence of the detrimental effect of pollutants in CT soils compared to the recuperated (RC) and amended soils (LS and BS). We also highlight the uses of liming or biopile as remediation techniques as satisfactory tools to reduce the impact of heavy metals in the contaminated Aznalcóllar soils.

Evaluation of runoff and soil erosion under conventional tillage and no-till management: A case study in northeast Italy

Conservation agriculture, and in particular no-till systems, generally yield improvements in both soil characteristics (e.g. structure, and water holding capacity) and soil processes (such as runoff and hence erosion). Nevertheless, during the first years of no-till, the soil is prone to compaction due to the poor structure, missing ploughing activities, and passage of tractors and machinery, thus favouring surface runoff and soil erosion. Little information exists about the effect of no-till when applied during the transition period from conventional to conservation agriculture. This study aimed at analysing runoff and soil erosion in a non-tilled field in comparison with a tilled field during the transition period. The study was conducted at the Padova University Experimental Farm, in northeast Italy. Six sub-plots (2.5 m × 5 m) were established, three in a tilled field (CT plot) and three in a non-tilled field (NT plot). Each sub-plot was equipped with a runoff water collection system. Runoff was monitored during two sampling seasons: from May to October 2017 and May to September 2018. Runoff water volume was measured at each rainfall event, and the amount of sediment was quantified by drying the runoff samples. This technique is simple and inexpensive and suitable to be applied also in rural areas with inadequate infrastructures and economic resources. Two indices, runoff reduction benefits (RRB) and sediment reduction benefits (SRB), were computed. During the monitoring period, 24 runoff events occurred. NT practices coincided with reductions of over 50% in runoff volumes and 50% to 95% in sediment losses. Only the runoff event just after the CT soil harrowing produced a significantly lower runoff and sediment loss in CT than in NT field, due to the effect of soil tillage on surface roughness and rainfall infiltration. The average sediment concentration in NT was only 47% of CT. The RRB and SRB values confirmed a reduction in runoff and sediment loss in the NT compared with the CT plot, but SRB was greater than the RRB, indicating that the no-till regime showed a better control of sediment loss than it did the runoff amount. The reduced runoff and sediment yield in the NT plot could have important on-site benefits in terms of both sustainable soil management and surface water quality.

Chemical Recovery of Degraded Soil and Consequence in the Cost of Corn Production

Abstract Improper management degrades the soil, decreases corn productivity and is reflected in the cost of production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the soil recovery in non-conservationist treatments after the change of management and cultivation to the conservation condition direct sowing, and compare these systems to consolidated direct seeding; This evaluation was based on the soil responsiveness to crop production and water erosion control, and based on the financial cost of soil recovery and corn production when soil management was converted from non-conservationist (tillage rotation - RT, minimum tillage - MT, conventional tillage - CT and bare soil - BS) to no-tillage (NT) condition, in a Humic Cambisol. The transition from managements to no-tillage occurred in 2015 year, after 27 years of conducting the preexisting managements. The chemical recovery was carried out with the application of limestone, phosphorus, and potassium. At the end of the research the yield of the corn crop, the cost of recovering the soil fertility and the cost of crop production were evaluated. Previous soil management influenced the cost of soil chemical recovery. The cost of production showed a financial loss for the previous treatments CT and BS, on the average of the three corn crops.

Shifts in microbial community structure influence the availability of Fe and other micronutrients to lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

Soil microorganisms may play a pivotal role in the uptake of Fe and other micronutrients by plants. However, direct evidence of the effects of changes in microbial community structure on micronutrient availability to plants is scant. In this work, we hypothesized that shifts in microbial community structure and diversity in soil influence Fe availability to lupin plants. To obtain samples from the same soil with different microbial community structure, in October 2009 we sampled the surface horizon (0–0.1 m deep layer) of a calcareous (Chromic Haploxerert) soil under an ongoing long-term (27 yr) tillage experiment in southern Spain involving conventional tillage with soil inversion (CT) and no-till (NT). Samples of CT and NT soil were used to grow white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) under controlled conditions, and the concentration and total contents in micronutrients of plant shoots taken to be indicators of their availability in soil.The total contents in Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn of shoots increased with increasing number of colony forming units (CFU) of oligotrophic bacteria, which explained around 90% of the variability of Fe and Cu in shoots (P < 0.01). Soil under CT had five times greater CFU counts of oligotrophic bacteria (P < 0.001) and showed higher microbial diversity than soil under NT. These results account for the increased concentrations and total contents of Fe, Mn, and Cu in shoots of lupin grown on soil under CT relative to NT (41, 40 and 88% higher, respectively; P < 0.05). The total plant contents of nutrients were related to neither the total number of viable cells nor the biochemical parameters associated to microbial activity, which were greater under NT than under CT. Therefore, the population of oligotrophic bacteria in soil, which was affected by tillage method, has a marked influence on micronutrient availability to plants.

Inter-annual changes in the aggregate-size distribution and associated carbon of soil and their effects on the straw-derived carbon incorporation under long-term no-tillage

Converting from conventional tillage to no-tillage influences the soil aggregate-size distribution and thus soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization. However, the dynamics of soil aggregation and the straw-derived carbon (C) incorporation within aggregate fractions are not well understood. An experiment was established in 2004 to test the effects of two treatments, no-tillage with residue (NT) and conventional tillage without residue (CT), on the soil aggregate-size distribution and SOC stabilization in a continuous maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system located in the semiarid region of northern China. Soil samples were collected from the 0–10 cm layer in 2008, 2010 and 2015, and were separated into four aggregate-size classes (>2, 0.25–2, 0.053–0.25, and <0.053 mm) by wet-sieving. In each year, NT soil had a higher proportion of macroaggregates (i.e., >2 and 0.25–2 mm) and associated SOC concentration compared with CT. Additionally, to compare straw-derived C incorporation within NT and CT aggregate fractions, 13C-labeled straw was incubated with intact NT and CT soils. After 90 days, the highest proportion of 13C-labeled straw-derived C was observed in the >2 mm fraction, and this proportion was lower in NT than that in CT soil. Overall, we conclude that long-term continuous NT increased the proportion of macroaggregates and the C concentration within macroaggregates, and the physical protection provided by NT is beneficial for soil C sequestration in the continuous maize cropping system in semiarid regions of northern China.

Curve-fitting techniques improve the mid-infrared analysis of soil organic carbon: a case study for Brookston clay loam particle-size fractions

Few studies have evaluated structural features of soil organic carbon (SOC) in different soil particle fractions, especially SOC changes induced by tillage, using Fourier transformed mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. To make a contribution in this context, soil samples of a Brookston clay loam (mesic Typic Argiaquoll) with averaged pH and organic matter concentration at 7.28 and 43.9 g kg−1, respectively, were collected from short-term no-tillage (NT97) and mouldboard plow (CT97) treatments initiated in 1997 and long-term no-tillage (NT83) and mouldboard plow (CT83) treatments initiated in 1983 under a corn-soybean rotation, and were separated into sand, silt, and clay fractions using sonication. Structural features of SOC in these soil fractions were investigated using curve-fitting analysis of mid-infrared (MIR) spectra. Aromatic C content was found to be greater in clay- than in sand-sized fractions, while aliphatic C content was higher in sand- than in silt- and clay-sized particles. With decrease in tillage intensity, the aliphatic C gradually increased in sand- and clay-sized fractions but not in the silt-sized fraction. The aliphatic C content in sand fraction was significantly greater in NT83 than CT83 (P < 0.05). The aromatic C in silt- and clay-sized fractions was greater in NT83 than in both CT soils, whereas aromatic C contents were higher in both CT soils than in NT83 soil. Significantly higher aromatic/aliphatic C ratio in CT83 than NT83 was found in sand-sized fractions, while the opposite trend was found in the silt-sized fraction. These findings were not apparent until the curve-fitting technique was employed, which has the capacity to quantify many overlapped bands in the spectra. This study demonstrates that the curve-fitting of MIR spectra advances the analysis of organic matter in soil samples.

Conservation Agriculture Improves Soil Quality, Crop Yield, and Incomes of Smallholder Farmers in North Western Ghana.

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices are being widely promoted in many areas in sub-Saharan Africa to recuperate degraded soils and improve ecosystem services. This study examined the effects of three tillage practices [conventional moldboard plowing (CT), hand hoeing (MT) and no-tillage (NT)], and three cropping systems (continuous maize, soybean–maize annual rotation, and soybean/maize intercropping) on soil quality, crop productivity, and profitability in researcher and farmer managed on-farm trials from 2010 to 2013 in northwestern Ghana. In the researcher managed mother trial, the CA practices of NT, residue retention and crop rotation/intercropping maintained higher soil organic carbon, and total soil N compared to conventional tillage practices after 4 years. Soil bulk density was higher under NT than under CT soils in the researcher managed mother trails or farmers managed baby trials after 4 years. In the researcher managed mother trial, there was no significant difference between tillage systems or cropping systems in maize or soybean yields in the first three seasons. In the fourth season, crop rotation had the greatest impact on maize yields with CT maize following soybean increasing yields by 41 and 49% compared to MT and NT maize, respectively. In the farmers’ managed trials, maize yield ranged from 520 to 2700 kg ha-1 and 300 to 2000 kg ha-1 for CT and NT, respectively, reflecting differences in experience of farmers with NT. Averaged across farmers, CT cropping systems increased maize and soybean yield ranging from 23 to 39% compared with NT cropping systems. Partial budget analysis showed that the cost of producing maize or soybean is 20–29% cheaper with NT systems and gives higher returns to labor compared to CT practice. Benefit-to-cost ratios also show that NT cropping systems are more profitable than CT systems. We conclude that with time, implementation of CA practices involving NT, crop rotation, intercropping of maize and soybean along with crop residue retention presents a win–win scenario due to improved crop yield, increased economic return, and trends of increasing soil fertility. The biggest challenge, however, remains with producing enough biomass and retaining same on the field.

Kinetic to Saturation Model for Simulation of Soil Organic Carbon Increase to Steady State

Core Ideas We evaluated SOC dynamics in a long‐term soil tillage and N fertilization experiment. We proposed a kinetic to saturation model for long‐term simulation of SOC dynamics. The model was accurate in C‐depleted soils and accounted for SOC saturation process. The use of mathematical models predicting SOC dynamics can provide relevant information about the C storage potential of agricultural soils. We evaluated three mathematical models (first‐order kinetic, C saturation, and a proposed kinetic to saturation) predicting SOC dynamics and steady‐state SOC of a Hapludoll from central Kansas. The study was based on a long‐term experiment (17 yr) assessing soil tillage systems (chisel tillage [CT] and no‐till [NT]) and N fertilizer sources (168 kg N ha−1 as NH4NO3 [MF], cattle manure [OF], and a control treatment without N [CO]. The soil under NT (0–5 cm) had significant SOC accumulation (&gt;0.23 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) regardless of fertilization source, while the CT soil had negligible changes in SOC (&lt;0.12 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) without the addition of organic fertilizer as an external C source. Organic fertilization increased the original SOC by 56 and 192%, reaching steady state at 15.9 and 28.0 Mg ha−1 in CT and NT soils, respectively. The SOC predicted by all three models had significant correlations (r &gt; 0.80, p &lt; 0.05) with measured SOC. However, the C saturation model overestimated the measured SOC under C‐depleted conditions, failing RMSE and lack‐of‐fit tests, while the first‐order kinetic model overestimated NT OF steady‐state SOC by up to 58% in relation to the maximum SOC storage capacity determined for NT soils. The SOC predicted by the kinetic to saturation model agreed with both measured SOC and the maximum SOC storage capacity of NT soils. The kinetic to saturation model can be used for long‐term simulation of SOC dynamics in soils that are either C depleted or close to saturation.

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Following Single Summer Tillage Event

No-till farming results in gradual buildup of soil organic matter (SOM) and re-introduction of tillage can often reverse it. However, tillage in low precipitation regions may be needed to manage weeds and disperse accumulation of immobile soil nutrients. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of a single summer tillage on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), soil water filled pore space (WFPS), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate (NO3) in winter wheat summer fallow systems that were either tilled for the first time after nine years of no-till (NTT), not-tilled (no-till, NT) or were frequently tilled (conventional, CT; and organic, CF). The study was established in the US Central High Plains region where annual precipitation averaged 332±39 mm. Soil and gas samples were collected before the tillage event (time zero) and at 1hr, 5 hrs, 25 hrs and 50 hrs after. Immediate increases in CO2 and N2O fluxes were observed in all tilled treatments within the first 1 to 5 hours but 50-hr cumulative N2O and CO2 in NTT did not differ from Original Research Article Bista et al.; IJPSS, 6(4): 183-193, 2015; Article no.IJPSS.2015.109 184 the values observed in NT. Tillage however, resulted in a 22% greater 50-hr cumulative CH4 assimilation in NTT compared with NT and was comparable with CH4 in CT suggesting enhanced soil aeration. Soil NO3 did not change in NTT unlike in CT and CF and soil DOC did not increase in NTT until 25 hrs after when, it returned to levels comparable with time zero. In contrast, DOC in CT and CF continued to stay elevated after 50 hrs. In conclusion, single tillage event of a long-term notill performed on dry soil during summer did not negate benefits associated with SOM accrual and may be a viable alternative for farmers to address some of the management-related problems.

Soil nitrous oxide emissions as affected by long-term tillage, cropping systems and nitrogen fertilization in Southern Brazil

Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are affected by management practices, but little information is available on the interactive effects of tillage, cropping systems and N sources in tropical and subtropical soils. In an 18-yr old experiment located in a subtropical Acrisol of Southern Brazil we conducted a sequence of two trials. The 1-year trial (October 2003–2004) was set to evaluate the long-term effects of tillage [CT: conventional; and NT: no-tillage] and cropping systems [O/M: black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.)/maize (Zea mays L.); and V/M: vetch (Vicia sativa L.)/maize] on soil N2O emissions, either in the post-management period (45 days after desiccation and knife-rolling of winter cover crops) or in the whole year. The second and short-term trial (October–November 2004) was carried out to compare the impact of N sources [urea (mineral) and legume-residue of vetch (biologically fixed), both at 180kgNha−1] on soil N2O emissions during 53 days after cover-crop management. Air sampling was carried out by static chambers and N2O analysis by gas chromatography. In the 45-day post-management period of the 1-year trial, soil N2O emissions were practically not affected by tillage systems, but increased 4 times due to vetch residues (average of 0.40±0.08kgNha−1 in V/M versus 0.10±0.05kgNha−1 in O/M) and related with soil contents of NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and dissolved organic C (DOC). Over the whole year, soil N2O emissions under CT were similar for grass- and legume-based cropping systems and averaged 0.43±0.17kgNha−1, while NT exacerbated N2O emissions in the legume-based cropping system (0.80±0.07kgNha−1 in V/M versus −0.07±0.06kgNha−1 in O/M). Maize yield was not affected by tillage, but increased from 2.32Mgha−1 in O/M to 4.44Mgha−1 in V/M. Yield-scaled N2O emissions varied from −33g N2O-NMg−1 grain in NT O/M to 179g N2O-NMg−1 grain in NT V/M, and were intermediate in CT soil (106 and 156g N2O-NMg−1grain in V/M and O/M cropping systems, respectively). In the short-term trial, the N2O emitted in excess relative to the control treatment (O/M without N fertilizer) was at least 3 times greater with urea-N (0.44% of applied N) than with legume-residue-Nsource (0.13% of applied N). Yield-scaled N2O emission after vetch residues management (67gNMg−1 grain) was half of that after urea-N application (152gNMg−1 grain). Partially supplying the maize N requirements with winter legume cover-crops may be a feasible strategy to mitigate soil N2O emissions in the subtropical conservation agriculture.

Using Cesium-137 to investigate soil quality under conservation tillage on steep lands

Few studies have demonstrated the long-term effects of different tillage practices on changes of soil quality; however, understanding such effects is vital for the selection and establishment of appropriate soil conservation measures on steep hillslopes. This study was conducted at two adjacent sites in the Sichuan Basin, China, with one cultivated by traditional tillage (TT; i.e., hoeing starts at the bottom position and soil is moved downslope because of gravity and drag) and the other cultivated by conservation tillage (CT; i.e., hoeing is performed from hilltop to bottom, but soil is moved uphill because of drag). We used the Cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) tracer technique to identify the pattern of soil constituent distribution and soil quality differences between the two tillage practices. The ¹³⁷Cs residual rate for the CT practice ranged from −29.44% to 34.16% with an average of −8.56%, and the TT practice ranged from −57.12% to 4.63% with an average of −29.49%. A greater increase (ranging from 18.43% to 50.69%) in soil constituents (i.e., soil organic matter, total nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], and potassium [K], available N, and extractable P and K) was found in the CT soils than in the TT soils. The CT treatment site exhibited markedly higher concentrations of soil constituents in each soil depth profile (0 to 40 cm [0 to 15.7 in] and each 5 cm [2 in] in length increment). The soil degradation index (SDI) for the CT practice significantly increased compared to the TT practice in the 0 to 15 cm (0 to 5.9 in) and 15 to 40 cm (5.9 to 15.7 in) depth of the profiles (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). The greatest difference in SDI induced by these two tillage practices occurred at the summit and toeslope positions, with an increase in SDI of 28.07% and 15.76% in the 0 to 15 cm (0 to 5.9 in) depth and of 49.16% and 31% in the 15 to 40 cm (5.9 to 15.7 in) depth, respectively. The ¹³⁷Cs residual rate showed a corresponding relationship with the SDI changing trend, which implied that the ¹³⁷Cs residual rate may be considered an indicator for appraising soil quality for eroding hillslopes. It is suggested that the long-term practice of CT largely diminishes soil degradation because of upslope soil translocation; therefore, it would also significantly improve soil quality in steeply sloping fields.

Soil organic carbon fraction losses upon continuous plow-based tillage and its restoration by diverse biomass-C inputs under no-till in sub-tropical and tropical regions of Brazil

The conversion of native vegetation (NV) into agricultural land by clearing and tillage disrupts the soil structure, and depletes soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. The data on changes in SOC pools are needed to enhance scientific knowledge regarding the effects of land use and no-till (NT) systems on soil fertility, agronomic productivity, and soil C sink capacity. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify changes in SOC fractions due to conversion of NV to agricultural land, and to assess the rate of recovery of SOC fractions and the resilience index of NT cropping systems under sub-tropical (Ponta Grossa/PR — PG) and tropical (Lucas do Rio Verde/MT — LRV) regions of Brazil. The conversion from CT to NT was 29 and 8years at the PG and LRV sites, respectively. Five different fractions of SOC pools were extracted by chemical methods (i.e., C in the polysaccharides — CTPS, hot-water extractable C — HWEOC, chemically-stabilized organic C — CSOC), and physical fractionation (i.e., particulate organic C — POC, and mineral-associated organic C — MAOC). Land use change primarily altered the labile (HWEOC, TPS, and POC) and also some of the stable (MAOC) pools at both sites. The CSOC pool was almost constant throughout the soil profile and represented, across land uses, 7.2gCkg−1 at the PG and 3.1gCkg−1 at the LRV sites. At the PG site, the HWEOC and CTPS concentrations in the 0–5cm depth decreased by 56% (1.21gkg−1) and 45% (7.21gkg−1) in CT soil, respectively. At the LRV site, concentrations of HWEOC and CTPS in the 0–5cm depth decreased by 50% (0.4gkg−1) and 42% (4.8gkg−1), respectively. In contrast, concentrations of HWEOC and CTPS fractions in soil under NT in the 0–20cm depth were closer than those under NV, and exhibited a distinct gradient from surface to sub-soil layers. The adoption of CT reduced POC by 46% (4.7Mgha−1), and MAOC by 21% (15.1MgCha−1) in the 0–20cm depth at the PG site. Using CT for 23years at the LRV site, decreased SOC fractions in the 0–20cm depth at the rate of 0.25 and 0.34MgCha−1yr−1 for POC and MAOC, respectively. In contrast, adoption of intensive NT systems in tropical agro-ecoregions increased POC at the rate of 0.23 to 0.36MgCha−1yr−1, and MAOC by 0.52 and 0.70MgCha−1yr−1. An important effect to be emphasized is the possibility of recovering, at least partially, the SOC fractions by adopting high biomass-C inputs under NT management, and despite the fact that the experimental duration at the LRV site was only eight years. With a high and diversified input of biomass-C in intensive NT systems, higher resilience index was observed for CTPS, HWEOC, and MAOC. The variation in SOC among CT and NT systems was mainly attributed to the MAOC fraction, indicating that a significant proportion of that fraction is relatively labile, and that spatial inaccessibility of SOC plays a significant role in the restoration of SOC.

Effects of land use on soil organic carbon and microbial processes associated with soil health in southern Brazil

Carbon plays a key role in determining soil health, which is defined as the soil's capacity to maintain environmental functions and biological productivity. In this study, C cycling was evaluated in soils along a gradient of land use, from native forest (NF), reforested sites (secondary forest – SF, Araucaria angustifolia – AR, Pinus elliottii – PI), clear-cut P. elliottii stands (CT) to farmland (AG). NF, AR, and SF sites had lower litter C:N ratios than PI, CT, and AG sites. Soils under forests had more organic C than CT and AG soils, whereas soils with native species had more microbial biomass C than PI, CT and AG soils. Both metabolic quotient (qCO2) and dehydrogenase activity increased with land use. Multivariate analysis revealed that soils of AR and SF were similar to NF and differed from CT and AG, which had higher qCO2 and dehydrogenase activity, suggesting microbial stress. Litter C:N ratios and soil microbial biomass C, moisture, CO2 evolution, and cellulase activity discriminated most effectively between land uses. Reforestation with native species restored soil properties to levels similar to those in NF, being more sustainable, whereas reforestation with the exotic P. elliottii made soils more similar to AG soils.

Relationships between intra-aggregate pore structures and distributions of Escherichia coli within soil macro-aggregates

The study evaluated the effects of soil intra-aggregate pore distributions on movement and fate of E. coli (a global indicator of fecal pollution) within soil aggregates. The first objective was to characterize pore structure of intact soil aggregates (4–6mm in size) using X-ray computed microtomography and to quantify the differences in pore structures of the aggregates from the same soil type but under >18 year contrasting land use and management settings. The studied settings were (i) conventionally plowed row crop (CT), (ii) no-till row crop (NT), and (iii) native succession vegetation (NS) treatments from Long Term Ecological Research site, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, southwest Michigan. The second objective was to examine spatial distribution of E. coli introduced into the aggregates and the relationships between E. coli distributions and intra-aggregate pores. The results indicated that E. coli distribution in the aggregates was driven by specific configurations of the intra-aggregate pores. When the aggregates’ initial water contents were relatively low, presence of large (>100μm) pores in the aggregate interiors limited water and thus E. coli entry. Such centrally located large pores were more abundant in the aggregates from NT and NS treatments as compared to CT aggregates. Medium-sized pores (30–60μm) were more abundant in the aggregates from CT soil and such pores were relatively homogeneously distributed through entire bodies of CT aggregates. Thus, upon entering the aggregate, E. coli became more uniformly distributed through the CT aggregates, while in NT and NS aggregates it more commonly remained in the aggregate exterior parts without reaching the interiors. Implications of these distributional patterns for E. coli survival and re-entering water flow in soil under different land use need to be addressed in further studies.

Soil microbial community dynamics over a maize (Zea mays L.) growing season under conventional- and no-tillage practices in a rainfed agroecosystem

Tillage practices affect soil microorganisms, which in turn influence many processes essential to the function and sustainability of soil. In this study, the changes in soil microbial biomass and community composition in response to conventional tillage (CT, moldboard plowing and post-harvest residue removal) and no-tillage (NT) practices were examined during a maize (Zea mays L.) growing season in a clay loam soil (Typic Hapludoll) in northeastern China. Soil samples were taken in May, June, July, August, and September of 2008 at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20cm depths. Microbial communities were characterized by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. While microbial biomass increased at the beginning then decreased toward the end of the growing season in CT soils, it showed the opposite trend in NT soils. Microbial community structure showed better distinction among sampling months than between tillage practices. These results suggest that seasonal variations in soil microbial communities could be greater than changes associated with tillage treatments. However, microbial biomass accumulation was tillage dependent. On average, NT treatment resulted in 21% higher microbial biomass in 0–5cm depth than CT treatment (P<0.05). Higher fungi to bacteria ratio was also observed under NT than CT treatment at both the 0–5 and 5–10cm sampling depths. These data demonstrate that examining the effect of management practices on soil quality based on soil microbial communities should consider seasonal changes in the environmental properties. It is strongly recommended that NT practice should be adopted as an effective component of an overall strategy to improve soil quality and sustainability in northeastern China.