Integrated Crop-livestock Farming Research Articles

Distinguishing direct N2O emissions from 15N-labeled manure compost, urea, and maize roots in a field study

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural activities are a significant contributor to global anthropogenic N2O emissions. Sustainable agriculture practices, including using manure compost to replace nitrogen (N) fertilizers, can reduce chemical fertilizer use and minimize negative impacts on soil health and water quality. However, the direct contributions of manure compost to N2O emissions have not been fully studied. We conducted a field study to distinguish the direct contributions of manure compost, urea, and residual maize roots to N2O emissions in an integrated crop-livestock agricultural system in Shandong Province, China. Using the 15N-labeling technique, we found that the majority (93.3%) of cumulative N2O emissions originated from the soil and other unaccounted sources. Notably, manure compost contributed 1.3%, while current-year urea, residual urea with root exudates, and maize root accounted for 3.4%, 1.9%, and 0.03% of cumulative N2O, respectively. Our results also demonstrated that applying manure compost in combination with urea resulted in lower seed yield-scaled N2O emissions (0.046 g N2O-N kg−1 seed) compared to applying urea alone, even when the total N input was identical, suggesting the potential of manure compost in a more sustainable agriculture model. The low emission factor of manure compost (0.005%) compared to urea (0.019%) supports this potential, indicating the slow-release nature of manure may mitigate N2O while maintaining crop yield. Additionally, the overall low emissions may be attributed to the relatively high soil pH (8.17), which influences the denitrification product ratio, favoring the conversion of N2O to N2. Our study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to N2O emissions in integrated crop-livestock farming systems, and highlights the importance of distinguishing multiple sources of N2O emissions to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Policy and Competitiveness of Integrated Agricultural-Based technology for Cocoa Production in Indonesia: Application of a Policy Analysis Matrix

Purpose: The research aimed to evaluate the competitiveness of smallholder cocoa plantations and the efficiency of input use in cocoa farming by strengthening farmer groups Indonesia. Theoretical framework: The research design includes the steps taken in conducting research, data sources, and how to obtain data and data analysis. The research clearly describes the variables, data collection, and data analysis methods to have a clear picture of the competitiveness of cocoa farming. Design/methodology/approach : Measuring the competitiveness of cocoa in Bali using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) method. PAM analysis is used to calculate private profit, which is a measure of farm competitiveness at the market price level or the actual price Findings: Competitiveness at the social price level is placed on the second row of the PAM table, Indonesia is an agricultural country and the development of the main agricultural sector, especially cocoa commodities which are managed through community plantations in rural areas, shows the ability to be comparatively competitive, even competitive, even though some components such as private farmer profits can be achieved at 69% compared to what cocoa farmers should receive. Farmers can receive social benefits of up to 40%. Even though cocoa production receives output subsidies, cocoa farmers are only able to obtain a price of 79%, or 21% lower than the world cocoa price, but it is still competitively profitable for farmers. The inputs needed by farmers in cocoa production can be managed by farmers so that the price of tradable inputs at the farmer level shows the same price at the economic level so that it is said to have comparative and competitive competitiveness. Research, Practical & Social implications: Competitive cocoa in Indonesia provides benefits to farmers at small-scale plantations of up to 69 %, and the profits received by farmers are 40% when measured comparatively. Originality/value: Originality/Value: This research is original. Implemented in smallholder cocoa plantations in Indonesia with integrated crop-livestock farming patterns to produce outputs that can compete at social prices and to motivate other cocoa farmers to develop farming system innovations that can increase cocoa production based on local resources.

Understanding the Relations between Soil Biochemical Properties and N2O Emissions in a Long-Term Integrated Crop–Livestock System

Edaphoclimatic conditions influence nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural systems where soil biochemical properties play a key role. This study addressed cumulative N2O emissions and their relations with soil biochemical properties in a long-term experiment (26 years) with integrated crop–livestock farming systems fertilized with two P and K rates. The farming systems consisted of continuous crops fertilized with half of the recommended P and K rates (CCF1), continuous crops at the recommended P and K rates (CCF2), an integrated crop–livestock system with half of the recommended P and K rates (ICLF1), and an integrated crop–livestock at the recommended P and K rates (ICLF2). The ICLF2 may have promoted the greatest entry of carbon into the soil and positively influenced the soil’s biochemical properties. Total carbon (TC) was highest in ICLF2 in both growing seasons. The particulate and mineral-associated fractions in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and the microbial biomass fraction in the two growing seasons were also very high. Acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase in ICLF1 and ICLF2 were highest in 2016. The soil properties correlated with cumulative N2O emissions were TC, total nitrogen (TN), particulate nitrogen (PN), available nitrogen (AN), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). The results indicated that ICLF2 induces an accumulation of more stable organic matter (OM) fractions that are unavailable to the microbiota in the short term and result in lower N2O emissions.

Drivers of integrated crop–livestock farming system’s efficiency for smallholder farmers in the forest-savanna transition agro-ecological zone of Ghana

Drivers of integrated crop–livestock farming system’s efficiency for smallholder farmers in the forest-savanna transition agro-ecological zone of Ghana

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming System and Its Impact on Livelihood and Sustainability of Poor Farmers in Bulandshahr District, U.P.

Integrated crop-livestock farming System (ICLFS) has been traditionally practiced in India since antiquity. It plays a pivotal role in generation of employment and livelihood, improving health and nutrition intake. This system is beneficial for maintaining sustainable agriculture through mutual utilization of waste products from livestock to cultivation of crops and crop residues to livestock husbandry. ICLFS helps in reducing the greenhouse gases through plant growth along with livestock husbandry. The study aims to understand the mechanism of crop-livestock integration, degree of livelihood generation, economics of crop-livestock integrated farming system and its impact on socio-economic development in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were collected from published records as well as through filed survey of sampled villages. Arbitrary choice method has been used to identify the principal crops grown in association with livestock, thus, total 5 ICLFS recognized that are practiced in study area. The result of the study shows that The income and employment generated through ICLFS have been found to be more beneficial to poor farmers like land less, marginal and small farmers, livestock husbandry in combination provides some partial jobs to the household members especially during off farm season, ICLFS is the important tools or means for improving farmers income, poverty alleviation, soil ecology equilibrium and economic empowerment of women in the study area particular and in the country general.

ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The study was conducted to determine the best efficient integrated crop-livestock farming system in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaire and interview schedule. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 7 LGAs (Ikara, Kubau, Kudan, Lere, Soba, Sabon-Gari and Zaria) purposively in stage I for prevalence of integrated crop-livestock farming, 28 villages were selected purposively also for the same reason in stage II while at last stage 400 crop-livestock farmers were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression model were used to achieve the objective of this study. Results of the socio-economic characteristics revealed that about 92% of the integrated crop-livestock farmers were found to be male with mean age of 44 years and household size of 7 persons per farmer. Results from the DEA showed that the mean total efficiency, pure efficiency and scale efficiency were found to be 0.74, 0.89 and 0.83, respectively. The DEA results further revealed that farmers can reduce the quantity of farm size, labour, seed, fertilizer, manure and agrochemical inputs by 0.18%, 10.97%, 14.43%, 5.28%, 26.93% and 18.48%, respectively. Furthermore, the findings revealed that 19.9, 30.19 and 65.11% of farmers operated at optimal, sub-optimal and super-optimal scale, respectively. Tobit regression model used to determine factors influencing technical efficiency established that coefficients of age (0.201), household size (0.0204), education level (0.206), farming experience (0.321), extension contact 0.311) and cooperative membership (0.1801) were statistically significant variables at different level of probability. There should be synergy between crop and animal scientists; extension agents and agricultural economists to bring into bearing the needs for farmers to imbibe integrated crop-livestock farming to achieve optimum level of efficiency.

Effectiveness of Extension Services for Food and Nutrition Security through Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems (ICLFS) are globally recognized for their contributions to improving agricultural sustainability. These systems also play a big role in conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) since they reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus assisting in coping with the effects of climate change. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of extension services in achieving food and nutrition security by farmers practicing integrated crop-livestock farming systems. The data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The frequency over which farmers receive their extension services indicated that the majority never received them, followed by farmers who annually received extension service. From the findings, mass media and village meetings were statistically significant in extension delivery modes. The results indicated a strong and positive correlation between the extension service provision and performance. The standardized regression coefficients revealed that for every unit increase of extension service increases performance and was statistically significant. Therefore, this study recommends a refinement and improvement of extension services to impact integrated farming system positively.

The Relevance Of Farmers' Socio-Economic Conditions In Decision Making In Integrated Crops-Livestock Patterns In Pringgabaya District, East Lombok Regency

Integrated crops-livestock systems is a farming concept that consists of several subsystems. One subsystem with another subsystem has a mutualism symbiotic relationship, where each subsystem benefits from each other. The purpose of this study was to analyze the socio-economic factors of farmers that influence farmers' decision making in using an integrated farming pattern that produces optimally. The research method was a quantitative approach with multiple regression analysis. Determination of research respondents was done by "random sampling", where the respondents used in this study were 68 respondents. East Lombok Regency. The results showed that the variables that had a significant effect on the decision to apply the optimal pattern in integrated crop-livestock farming were the variables of land area, capital, number of workers and income. While the variables that have no effect are education, age, experience of plant farming and experience of livestock farming.

Integrated crop-livestock farming offers a solution to soil fertility mining in semi-arid Kenya: evidence from Marsabit County

ABSTRACT Low-input agriculture is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa but it cannot deliver future food security. Soil nutrients are being mined by small-scale farmers who continue to remove large quantities of nutrients from their soils without using sufficient manure or fertilizer inputs to maintain soil fertility. Declining soil fertility must be addressed in order to achieve sustainable intensification. A large increase in nutrient inputs is seen as a requirement but small-scale farmers face severe constraints in obtaining supplies of mineral fertilizer. Better use of available livestock manure is a possible solution. We present here a case study from Marsabit County in the largest, most arid, and least developed region of Kenya. Evidence was gathered from field studies at four locations during 2016 and 2017 combined with a farmer survey. We show that a typical smallholder farm can achieve satisfactory yields and an acceptable nitrogen balance through better use of available livestock manure. An acceptable balance can also be achieved for phosphorus, however, there is a deficit for potassium. This case study demonstrates that an integrated crop-livestock farming system offers a potential solution to soil nutrient mining and can provide a pathway to sustainable intensification for small-scale farmers in a challenging semi-arid environment.

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems: A Strategy for Dry Land and Conservation Agriculture

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems: A Strategy for Dry Land and Conservation Agriculture

Increasing Dairy Sustainability with Integrated Crop–Livestock Farming

Dairy farms are predominantly carbon sources, due to high livestock emissions from enteric fermentation and manure. Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLSs) have the potential to offset these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as recycling products within the farm boundaries is prioritized. Here, we quantify seasonal and annual greenhouse gas budgets of an ICLS dairy farm in Wisconsin USA using satellite remote sensing to estimate vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines to calculate farm emissions. Remotely sensed annual vegetation NPP correlated well with farm harvest NPP (R2 = 0.9). As a whole, the farm was a large carbon sink, owing to natural vegetation carbon sinks and harvest products staying within the farm boundaries. Dairy cows accounted for 80% of all emissions as their feed intake dominated farm feed supply. Manure emissions (15%) were low because manure spreading was frequent throughout the year. In combination with soil conservation practices, ICLS farming provides a sustainable means of producing nutritionally valuable food while contributing to sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Here, we introduce a simple and cost-efficient way to quantify whole-farm GHG budgets, which can be used by farmers to understand their carbon footprint, and therefore may encourage management strategies to improve agricultural sustainability.

Studies on integrated crop-livestock farming systems: A strategy for dry land and conservation agriculture

Agricultural sector is regarded as the key component of the economies of many developing nations, including India. Globally, agriculture accounts for a large share of GDP, it employs a significant proportion of the labour force, represents a major source of foreign exchange earnings, supplies bulk of basic food and provides subsistence and other income to the agriculture dependant growing population in the world. However, the country is facing decline in growth in agriculture relative to other sectors. The agricultural sector grew at a rate of 2.7%, relative to about 10% growth in both the service and industry sector, in the recent times. Agricultural incomes are lower and the rate of growth is slower than incomes in other sectors. This has resulted in persistence of unacceptable levels of hunger, poverty and malnutrition among large section of India’s population. The strong linkages that agriculture has with other economic sectors representing both forward and backward linkages provide significant stimulus for growth and income generation. It is therefore obvious that significant progress in promoting economic growth, reducing poverty and enhancing food security cannot be achieved without developing a sound, effective and vibrant agriculture system that pays concurrent attention to the human potential and productive capacity of the agriculture sector. These in turn will ensure enhanced contribution of agriculture to the overall economic and social development.

Adoption determinants of multiple climate smart agricultural technologies in Zimbabwe: Considerations for scaling-up and out

Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 386 households in four districts of Zimbabwe to investigate current Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technology combinations smallholder farmers practising integrated crop-livestock farming are adopting, as well as the determinants of adoption. The study used two econometric techniques to address the objectives. Firstly, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the CSA technology combinations smallholder farmers adopted. Secondly, multinomial logistic regression model was then used to analyze the adoption of the constructed CSA technology bundles. The study identified three prominent technology bundles/combinations. The multinomial logistic selection model results reveal that observable household and market access characteristics influence the likelihood of a farming household adopting any CSA technology bundle. The results highlight that gender of household head, farm characteristics (soil type and labour size) and institutional factors (market access, information access and access to credit) are the main factors that determine the adoption of various CSA technology combinations. Thus, the study recommends that the government should design policies aimed at improving farmers’ knowledge with regards to CSA, including early warning systems and programmes that enhance access to information, markets and credit.

The Influence of Innovation Characteristics to Farmers’ Decision in Accepting Integrated Crop-Livestock Technology in Karanganyar Region, Central Java

Farmer’s decision in accepting integrated crop-livestock farming technology was affected by a some factors, including innovation characteristic. This research aimed to figure out the influence of innovation characteristic (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, triability and observability) to farmer’s decision in adopting the innovation. The research was held in Ngargoyoso Subdistrict, Karanganyar Region, Central Java Province. Basic method used in this research was descriptive quantitative using purposive sampling technique to determine research location. Samples were determined using purposive sampling method with total number was 52 respondents. Data were analyzed using several analysis : data normality, validity, reliability, Oneway ANOVA, multiple linear regression and classic assumption. Oneway ANOVA test showed that farmers with different farming experience had different response in deciding to adopt the technology. Multiple linear regression test gave an equation Y = 2.379 + 0.369X1 + 0.213X2 + 0.080X3 + 0.777X4+ (-0.320X5) + e. The determination coefficient value (R2) is 0.647. The conclusion of this research was characteristic of innovation significantly influenced the farmers’ decision in accepting the integrated crop-livestock technology simultaneously, but partially only variable relative advantage and triability which significantly influenced to farmers’ decision in accepting the integrated crop-livestock technology innovation.

Farming systems and productivity gaps: Opportunities for improving smallholder performance in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana

This paper examines the productivity of diversified farming systems in the Forest-Savannah Transition zone of Ghana. Cross sectional data from 568 smallholder farmers and a metafrontier framework are used to investigate the opportunities for improving the performance of three types of farming systems: crop; livestock; and integrated crop-livestock. The results show that increasing farmers’ access to labour and capital improves the productivity of each of the three farming systems, whereas access to land increases the productivity of the livestock and integrated crop-livestock farming systems. The latter system is more productive because of its greater diversification. There are opportunities for improving productivity through enhancing farmers’ access to market information and promoting output diversification. Furthermore, policies designed to encourage the adoption of integrated crop-livestock farming systems as a way to enhance productivity, to spread production and market risk, and to promote more stable farm incomes are warranted.

Susceptibility of Perennial Tropical Forage Plants to Glyphosate Herbicide in Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate forage plant susceptibility in Urochloa ssp. and Megathyrsus maximus with two glyphosate herbicide doses, to increase the efficiency of integrated crop-livestock farming systems. A randomized block design was adopted, in a split-plot arrangement, with six replications. In the main plots, the following treatments were established: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. decumbens, U. brizantha cvs. Xaraés, BRS Piatã and BRS Paiaguás, Megathyrsus maximus cvs. Aruana and BRS Tamani; in the subplots, there were doses of glyphosate herbicide; 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.e. ha-1. The estimated control percentage was consisted of a grading scale from zero (fully living tiller) to 100 (fully dead tillers), assigned 7; 14; 21 and 28 days after herbicide application. The 0.72 kg a.e. ha-1 glyphosate dose was not effective for forage control, but it was possible to identify the most susceptible genotypes, such as U. ruziziensis and BRS Paiaguás. The 1.44 kg a.e. ha-1 dose was satisfactory in controlling (³80%) the grasses U. ruziziensis, U. brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás and M. maximum cv. Aruana at 17, 18 and 18 days of desiccation intervals, respectively. In conclusion, the susceptibility of forage plants to herbicide glyphosate varies among species and cultivars. U. ruziziensis, BRS Paiaguás and Aruana grasses are desiccated with reduced herbicide doses and short desiccation intervals, and can contribute to the diversification of the forage used in integrated crop-livestock farming systems.

Maintenance of N cycling gene communities with crop-livestock integration management in tropical agriculture systems

Five different agricultural management systems and a forest fragment at two farms were investigated for effects on soil bacterial indicators. This study was conducted in southern Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in January 2014, at two farms that incorporated integrated crop-livestock systems in Hapludox soil. Impacts of management were assessed through evaluation of functional bacterial communities using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of nitrogen cycling genes (amoA, nirK, and nosZ), PCR-DGGE of the nirK community composition, and by investigating relationships of the nirK community with soil properties. The nirK gene community showed that reference forest soil maintained relatively large nirK, nosZ, but small amoA gene abundances and large range weighted nirK richness (Rr). The introduction of pasture into crop-livestock integration management (inclusion of the second and third year of grazing within a crop-livestock integration system, CL-2 and CL-3, respectively) or the field in its first year of crop rotation after grazing pasture (CL-b) increased nosZ and amoA abundance. Three years of grazing pasture in crop-livestock integration (CL-a) increased nirK abundance, while multiple years of crop rotation in crop-livestock integration management systems increased soil OM and promoted a richer nirK community composition. The nirK community Rr that was not significantly different from the forest was observed in the second or third year of crop rotation after grazing (CL-c or CL-d, respectively) and (CL-3). In contrast, fields in pasture (CL-a, continuous pasture (CP)) and the first year of crop rotation after pasture (CL-b) had reduced Rr and functional organization curves, indicating communities less resilient to future stress. Management systems under integrated crop-livestock farming in tropical soil maintained a relatively diverse N cycling bacterial community, possibly promoting soil quality and N cycling processes.

Occurrence of the anamorphic stage of Ophiocordyceps myrmicarum on a non-Formicidae insect in integrated crop-livestock farming systems

Abstract An enzootic is reported of Ophiocordyceps myrmicarum in field populations of a non-Formicidae insect, the brown shield stink bug Scaptocoris castanea (Hemiptera: Cydnidae). An on-farm epidemiological study was conducted in three previously established integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLSs), seen as sustainable approaches to farming intensification and characterized by rotation or succession of crops and pastures, as follows: (1) 4 y of annual crops (soybean in the summer and a cover crop in the winter), followed by 4 y of pasture (Panicum maximum and Cajanus cajan consortium); (2) 4 y of pasture and 4 y of annual crops (same species as before); (3) 3 y of pasture (Brachiaria brizantha) and 1 y of annual crops (same as before); as well as areas with either continuous pasture (Brachiaria decumbens) or continuous annual crops (same as before). The incidence of this fungus on S. castanea was monitored over a 2 y period, and areawide average infection levels of nymphs and adults were in the 39.7–89.6% and 65.0–98.1% ranges, respectively. Although the number of infected bugs was positively correlated to insect density, different ICLSs had minimal influence on the incidence of the disease. This is the first report of O. myrmicarum in its anamorphic stage (Hirsutella-like) causing infection on burrowing bugs, and the observed infection levels reported under different farming systems could lead to interest in assessment of its potential as a biological control agent of S. castanea, a severe pest of many pastures and crops in the Neotropical region.

Developing Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming System as a Strategy for Green Growth in Low Income Countries: A Brief Review

Today, low income countries around the world are promoting sustainable development through sustainable agricultural practices which will help them in addressing socio economic as well as environmental issues simultaneously. Integrated farming systems hold special position as in this system nothing is wasted, the byproduct of one system becomes the input for other. A green growth approach is the chance for emerging and developing countries to leapfrog unsustainable and inefficient production and consumption patterns. This paper explores crop-livestock farming system pattern drawn from developing countries as the green growth approach in order to push agriculture more sustainable in the future.

Determinants of farm diversification in integrated crop–livestock farming systems in Ghana

AbstractAgricultural diversification has been identified as one of the mechanisms for managing household food security and poverty in developing economies, because it can spread the risk among multiple production enterprises and provide a range of food items for the households. By examining the integrated farming systems of 608 smallholders in Ghana, this paper presents empirical evidence to support the development of effective strategies that enhance diversified farming systems. The estimated mean diversification indices were 0.45, 0.32 and 0.59 for crop, livestock and crop–livestock diversification systems, respectively. Using the Cragg two-step regression model, this paper shows that the decision to diversify and the extent of diversification are distinct decisions affected by different sets of factors. Likewise, the effect of these factors also varied across the three categories of diversification examined. Careful consideration needs to be given to the selection of factors and the methods for examining the diversification process to avoid confounding recommendations. The findings underscore the importance of households’ access to tillage equipment, fertilizers, credit and market information in encouraging farmers to diversify.