Intensive Agroecosystems Research Articles

Facilitation of seedling growth and nutrient uptake by indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in intensive agroecosytems

A modified in-growth core technique was employed to determine the contribution of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to plant growth and nutrient uptake in intensive agroecosystems at two Experimental field sites at Shangzhuang (Experiment I) and Quzhou (Experiment II) in North China. The growth cores (26.5 cm depth, 5 cm diameter for maize plants, and 4 cm for alfalfa and tomato plants) were covered with 40-μm nylon mesh (restriction of hyphal growth) and buried in the soil. They either remained static (static mesh) or were regularly rotated (rotated mesh) to disrupt hyphal penetration into the cores. A non-rotated 0.45-μm mesh (block mesh, inhibition of hyphal growth) treatment which remained static was also included to compare with the rotated mesh treatment (Experiment I). Growth cores from the two experimental sites had different soil types and two contrasting low P levels. The soil in the growth cores was sieved and sterilized before being placed into the growth core. Three plant species, namely maize, tomato and alfalfa were selected. The growth periods for maize plants were 35 days (Experiment I) and 39 days (Experiment II), respectively, and the corresponding growth periods for tomato and alfalfa were 67 days (Experiment I) and 53 days (Experiment II). At harvest the AMF species inside and outside the in-growth cores were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and sequencing. Irrespective of plant species or genotype (maize), root colonization rates and hyphal length density (Experiment I) were generally suppressed in the rotated mesh treatment. The inhibition of hyphal growth by block mesh was comparable to that by the rotated mesh treatment. The growth of all three plant species in static mesh at the two Experimental sites, at both low (Experiment I) and sub-optimal soil P supply levels (Experiment II), was significantly higher than in the rotated (or block mesh) treatment. Root colonization rates of three maize genotypes were positively correlated with plant P concentration (Experiment II). Uptake efficiencies of P and N were significantly higher in static mesh than in the rotated (or block) treatment. AMF species detected (Experiment I) were all Glomerales, including the genera Glomus and Rhizophagus. One identified species of Rhizophagus intraradices and one Glomus viscosum-like phylotype were the dominant species. We conclude that the indigenous AM are crucial for early seedling growth, particularly for plants with small seeds and low P reserves and when seedlings exhibit P deficiency. The facilitation effect is highly relevant to enhanced root P (and possibly N) uptake and P delivery by the fungal mycelium. Our results have implications for the importance of maintenance of intact hyphal networks in intensive agroecosystems.

Abundance thresholds and the underlying ecological processes: Field voles Microtus agrestis in a fragmented landscape

Field voles ( Microtus agrestis) were trapped in 14 field margins and their behavioural and demographic parameters measured. Strong support was found for thresholds in margin width below which vole abundance was extremely low. Narrow margins were male biased with individuals moving greater distances and a large proportion of males behaved as transient individuals. However, no effect was observed on the age structure or survival of the population. Individuals were able to compensate for the lack of habitat through alterations in their behaviour sufficiently to maintain their survival. Within intensive agro-ecosystems, narrow strips between crops are important links for voles between wider margins and, if available, other more suitable habitats. Maintenance of narrow margins, along with larger areas of suitable habitat, is therefore effective in farmed landscapes for sustaining populations of specialist species where they show sufficient flexibility.

KEANEKARAGAMAN NEMATODA DALAM TANAH PADA BERBAGAI TIPE TATAGUNA LAHAN DI ASB-BENCHMARK AREA WAY KANAN

The soil nematode diversity in several land-use types in Way Kanan ASB-Benchmark Area. The conversion of forest to intensive agroecosystem such as monoculture system reduces biodiversity of the plant, herbivore, and decomposer subsystems. Those changes affected the litter and plant root quality. Consequently, few soil nematode species could be dominant and cause of disturbance of the stability of the below ground community. The increasing populations of plant parasitic nematodes usually occur on monoculture system . The research was conducted to study the effect of forest changes in several land use types on soil nematode diversity in Way Kanan Benchmark Area. Soil sampling on five land use types (secondary forest, agroforest or tree based agriculture, plantation, cassava field, and Imperata grass land) was conducted in November1996 and December 1997. Nematodes were extracted by decantation-centrifugation with sugar method. The soil nematodes were grouped into order and generic level including plant parasitic and non- parasitic. The results show that the order of Rhabditida, Dorylaimida, and Tylenchida were found from those five land-use types. The total genera of plant parasitic nematodes in Imperata grass land were the highest among the other four land use types. The total number of non-plant parasitic nematodes in secondary forest (28.0 individual per 300 cc of soil) was higher than total number in the plantation ( 2.6 individual per 300 cc of soil), cassava field (4.0 individual per 300 cc of soil) or Imperata grass land (6.6 individual per 300 cc of soil). The total number of plant parasitic nematodes in Imperata grass land (59.8 individual per 300 cc of soil), agroforest (59.0 individual per 300 cc of soil), secondary forest (48.2 individual per 300 cc of soil), and plantation (17.6 individual per 300 cc of soil) were not significantly different, but total number in Imperata grass land and agroforest were significantly higher than that in cassava field (11,6 individual per 300 cc of soil).

Designing cropping systems from nature

Despite huge gains in productivity, environmental impacts of industrial agriculture based on a few high-yielding crop cultivars and the massive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides have led to a search for new pathways leading to more sustainable agriculture in both temperate and tropical regions. New strategies incorporating ecological knowledge gained from the observation of natural ecosystems is an alternative to design “ecologically intensive” agroecosystems. Such systems are indeed both ecological and productive. Designing ecologically intensive agroecosystems calls for in-depth knowledge of biological regulations in ecosystems, and for the integration of traditional agricultural knowledge held by local farmers. This article reviews the main initiatives underlying ecologically intensive agroecosystems, analyses basic concepts, and proposes a framework for action. The rainforest model, the dry forest model, and the American Prairie are exemplified as three main natural systems at the basis of the mimicry concept. The link between biodiversity and the mimicry hypotheses, and the use of the concepts of productivity, efficiency, stability, and resilience for agroecosystems are discussed. Six main principles for cropping system design based on natural ecosystem mimicry are identified. A three-step framework for action is proposed, including nature observation, experimental design, and participatory design. Although far from being a panacea, the mimicry approach can provide new ways for agroecosystem design both in temperate and tropical countries.

Influence of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Applied Phosphorus on Root Colonization in Wheat and Plant Nutrient Dynamics in a Phosphorus-Deficient Acid Alfisol of Western Himalayas

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi symbiosis confers benefits directly to the host plant's growth and yield through acquisition of phosphorus and other macro- and micronutrients, especially from phosphorus (P)–deficient acidic soils. The inoculation of three VAM cultures [viz., local culture (Glomus mosseae), VAM culture from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi (Glomus mosseae), and a culture from the Centre for Mycorrhizal Research, Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi (Glomus intraradices)] along with P fertilization in wheat in a P-deficient acidic alfisol improved the root colonization by 16–24% while grain and straw yields increased by 12.6–15.7% and 13.4–15.4%, respectively, over the control. Uptake of nitrogen (N), P, potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) was also improved with VAM inoculation over control, but the magnitude of uptake was significantly greater only in the cases of P, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Inoculation of wheat with three VAM cultures in combination with increasing inorganic P application from 50% to 75% of the recommended P2O5 dose to wheat through the targeted yield concept following the soil-test crop response (STCR) precision model resulted in consistent and significant improvement in grain and straw yield, macronutrient (NPK) uptake, and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) uptake in wheat though root colonization did not improve at P2O5 doses beyond 50% of the recommended dose. The VAM cultures alone or in combination with increasing P levels from 50% to 75% P2O5 dose resulted in reduction of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) contents in P-deficient acidic soil over the control and initial fertility status, although micronutrient contents were relatively greater in VAM-supplied plots alone or in combination with 50% to 75% P2O5 dose over sole application of 100% P2O5 dose, thereby indicating the positive role of VAM in nutrient mobilization and nutrient dynamics in the soil–plant system. There was significant improvement in available N and P status in soil with VAM inoculation coupled with increasing P levels upto 75% P2O5 dose, although the greatest P buildup was obtained with sole application of 100% P2O5 dose. The TERI VAM culture (Glomus intraradices) showed its superiority over the other two cultures (Glomus mosseae) in terms of crop yield and nutrient uptake in wheat though the differences were nonsignificant among the VAM cultures alone or at each P level. Overall, it was inferred that use of VA-mycorrhizal fungi is beneficial under low soil P or in low input (nutrient)–intensive agroecosystems.

Natural Biological Control of Pest Mites in Brazilian Sun Coffee Agroecosystems

Coffee is one of the leading commodities in tropical America. Although plantations are usually established under a canopy of trees in most producing countries in the region, Brazilian coffee is mostly produced under full sun conditions. Such simple, single-crop agroecosystems with intensive agrochemical inputs often suffer with pests like mites. Predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are the main natural enemies associated with pest mites in the field. However, these beneficial arthropods struggle to survive in intensive agroecosystems such as coffee monocultures due to unfavorable microclimatic conditions, widespread pesticide use, and lack of alternative food (pollen, nectar). Conservation biological control uses a range of management strategies to sustain and enhance populations of indigenous natural enemies such as predatory mites. We discuss here conservation biological control as a strategy to improve biological control of pest mites by native predatory mites in Brazilian coffee monocultures as well as some related patents. Keywords: Broad mite, coffee red spider mite, coffee ringspot mite, pesticide selectivity, predatory mites

Natural Biological Control of Pest Mites in Brazilian Sun Coffee Agroecosystems

Coffee is one of the leading commodities in tropical America. Although plantations are usually established under a canopy of trees in most producing countries in the region, Brazilian coffee is mostly produced under full sun conditions. Such simple, single-crop agroecosystems with intensive agrochemical inputs often suffer with pests like mites. Predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae are the main natural enemies associated with pest mites in the field. However, these beneficial arthropods struggle to survive in intensive agroecosystems such as coffee monocultures due to unfavorable microclimatic conditions, widespread pesticide use, and lack of alternative food (pollen, nectar). Conservation biological control uses a range of management strategies to sustain and enhance populations of indigenous natural enemies such as predatory mites. We discuss here conservation biological control as a strategy to improve biological control of pest mites by native predatory mites in Brazilian coffee monocultures as well as some related patents.

Characteristics, Classification And Management Of Inland Valley Bottom Soils For Crop Production In Subhumid Southwestern Nigeria

Inland valley bottoms (IVBs) on basement complex in sub-humid southwestern Nigeria were studied for water-table (WT) dynamics, and physical and chemical characteristics for their classification and management needs for crop production. The IVBs are generally small in size. About 64% of the IVBs averaged 0.78 ha while 36% averaged 1.69 ha. The dry season WT was 0 – 40 cm deep in 22%, 40 – 70 cm in 27% and 70 – 120 cm in 50% of the IVBs. These, corresponding to fluxial, high WT and very poorly drained IVBs (WT class 1), phreatic, medium and poorly drained IVBs (WT class II), and pluvial, low WT and imperfectly drained IVBs (WT class III), respectively. Clay and silt fractions are irregularly distributed in the soils but generally higher in the topsoil. Soil texture is highly variable both within and among the WT regimes, but while WTI and WTIII IVBs have loam or clay loam over sandy clay loam, WT II IVBs has silt loam over clay loam or sandy clay loam. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks) averaged 2.43 cmh -1 in the top 60 cm and 0.59 cmh -1 at lower depth in WT1 IVBs. The corresponding average values in WTII are 4.43 cmh -1 and 1.16 cmh -1 , and 4.14 cmh -1 and 0.77 cmh -1 in WT III. Organic C and effective CEC are moderately high, and the basic cations comprised more than 90% of the adsorption complex. The soils were classified as Aquic Endoaquepts, (WTI), Typic Endoaquepts and Aeric Typic Endoaquepts (WT III). Low input technologies for intensive uses of the IVBs consist in adapting farming to the wet condition by adopting the rice culture, or adopting a system of shallow drain-ditches with mound-tillage to simultaneously lower the WT and increase the rooting depth during the dry season. Equally, moundtillage can be used to grow a toposequence of crops with decreasing tolerance for excessive wetness from the base to the apex. Occasional fertilizer supplementation and mulching will be needed to conserve the soils and sustain high crop yields when the IVBs are transformed into intensive agro ecosystem.

Alien plants in field margins and fields of southwestern Poland

Field margins are generally considered as important semi-natural habitats in intensive agricultural landscapes. Also, they are areas of regular and extensive disturbance by anthropogenic factors. As such, field margins are likely to be dominated by alien plants, including invasive species. This paper examines the relative abundance of alien and native plant species occurring in seventy field margins and adjacent crop fields in SW Poland, as well as the mutual relationship between different groups of alien species. Anthropophytes constituted 22.5% of the 435 vascular plants recorded in 1319 phytosociological relevés. They were twice as abudant in crop fields than in field margins. Most of the alien species identified were archaeophytes, the percentage of neophytes was much lower, and ergasiophygophytes were found sporadically. Archaeophytes were substantially more frequent in the peripheral (adjacent to crop fields) zones of the margins than in their interior. This suggests the direction in which these species disperse - from cultivated fields to field margins. Neophytes were more evenly distributed throughout the various zones. Only six alien species (all of them archaeophytes) recorded in the relevés are considered endangered in the studied region. The habitats examined were also only slightly colonized by the most invasive alien species. This suggests that plant communities of the field margins are still resistant to invasion. Results indicate, that field margins play only a minor role in the distribution and dispersion of alien species and are far more important reservoir of native plants. Although low number of plant species of special conservation value was located in field margins, they should deserve special protection in intensive agro-ecosystems because they harbour a suite of plants not found in other farmland habitats.

Spatial genetic structure of a small rodent in a heterogeneous landscape

Gene flow in natural populations may be strongly influenced by landscape features. The integration of landscape characteristics in population genetic studies may thus improve our understanding of population functioning. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure and gene flow pattern for the common vole, Microtus arvalis, in a heterogeneous landscape characterised by strong spatial and temporal variation. The studied area is an intensive agricultural zone of approximately 500 km(2) crossed by a motorway. We used individual-based Bayesian methods to define the number of population units and their spatial borders without prior delimitation of such units. Unexpectedly, we determined a single genetic unit that covered the entire area studied. In particular, the motorway considered as a likely barrier to dispersal was not associated with any spatial genetic discontinuity. Using computer simulations, we demonstrated that recent anthropogenic barriers to effective dispersal are difficult to detect through analysis of genetic variation for species with large effective population sizes. We observed a slight, but significant, pattern of isolation by distance over the whole study site. Spatial autocorrelation analyses detected genetic structuring on a local scale, most probably due to the social organisation of the study species. Overall, our analysis suggests intense small-scale dispersal associated with a large effective population size. High dispersal rates may be imposed by the strong spatio-temporal heterogeneity of habitat quality, which characterises intensive agroecosystems.

Effects of spiders’ predational delays in intensive agroecosystems

In this paper we develop a mathematical model for understanding the effect of time lags in the insect predation benefits for spiders in agroecosystems. Bifurcation of equilibria giving stable limit cycles are shown to occur as functions of the time delay.

Hawaii as a Model System for Human Ecodynamics

The human ecodynamics approach in archaeology privileges landscape as a core concept, asserting that there can be no environment or ecosystem detached from humans and their behavior. Drawing on recent research of a multidisciplinary biocomplexity project, I explore in this article the Hawaiian archipelago as a model system for studying human ecodynamics. Natural patterns of biogeochemical and climate gradients constrained the development of intensive agroecosystems over 1,000 years. An early phase of exponential population growth was linked with agricultural intensification of terraced irrigation systems, primarily on the older islands. After C.E. 1400, expansion of population onto the leeward slopes of the young islands of Maui and Hawai'i was accompanied by intensification of dryland agricultural field systems. These changes were in turn linked to significant transformations of social and political formations, including restructuring of the system of land tenure and descent group organization, and the imposition of a system of surplus extraction organized around a ritual hierarchy of temples.

Mass aerial migration in the carabid beetleNotiophilus biguttatus

Abstract. 1. Catches in traps at 12 and 200 m above ground, and observations with entomological radar, were used to document the high‐altitude windborne movements of carabid beetles over agricultural land in south‐east U.K. during July 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2004.2. Notiophilus biguttatus(Fabricius) was found to be the most abundant species at altitude, with flights by reproductively immature adults resulting in millions of beetles passing through a 1 km2window during the brief migration period in July 2002.3. This result was unexpected in view of the conclusions of an earlier, classic Dutch study by den Boer and colleagues that classifiedN. biguttatusas a poorly dispersing species that tended to become isolated in remnants of natural habitat.4. Reasons for the discrepancy between the two studies are discussed. It is hypothesised that the high mobility seen in theN. biguttatuspopulations results from a recent adaptation of the beetle's migration syndrome allowing it to exploit the mosaic of temporary habitat patches making up the increasingly intensive agroecosystems of northern Europe.

Nonparasitic Nematoda provide evidence for a linear response of functionally important soil biota to increasing livestock density

Soil acidity, nutrient availability and livestock density have a major influence on the belowground ecological community. As fast decomposition rates are due mostly to bacterial-based pathways and slower decomposition rates mostly to fungal-based pathways, it is helpful to condense empirical information in the so-called Nematode Channel Ratio (NCR). The NCR is shown to be a good indicator of efficiency in soil decomposition processes. We argue that in intensive agroecosystems, other fungivore members of the decomposer food web may outcompete the hyphal-feeding nematodes. We demonstrate how the NCR can be used to set ecological standards for sustainable use of the soil in agroecosystems. To summarize the interactions between the microbial resources and the decomposer nematofauna according to increasing land management, we propose the use of the fifth percentile as proxy for a sustainable environmental quality of grasslands on sandy soils, and the NCR mean as the upper threshold for low-stocked farms.

Bacterial traits, organism mass, and numerical abundance in the detrital soil food web of Dutch agricultural grasslands

AbstractThis paper compares responses to environmental stress of the ecophysiological traits of organisms in the detrital soil food webs of grasslands in the Netherlands, using the relationship between average body massMand numerical abundanceN. The microbial biomass and biodiversity of belowground fauna were measured in 110 grasslands on sand, 85 of them farmed under organic, conventional and intensive management. Bacterial cell volume and abundance and electrophoretic DNA bands as well as bacterial activity in the form of either metabolic quotient (qCO2) or microbial quotient (Cmic/Corg) predicted the response of microorganisms to stress. For soil fauna, the logarithm of body mass log(M) was approximately linearly related to the logarithm of numerical abundance log(N) with slope near −1, and the regression slope and the proportion of predatory species were lower in intensive agroecosystems (more reduced substrates with higher energy content). Linear regression of log(N) on log(M) had slope not far from −3/4. The approach to monitoring data illustrated in this paper could be useful in assessing land‐use quality.

Analysis of Potentially Mobile Phosphorus in Arable Soils Using Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

In many intensive agroecosystems continued inputs of phosphorus (P) over many years can significantly increase soil P concentrations and the risk of P loss to surface waters. For this study we used solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-power decoupling with magic angle spinning (HPDec-MAS) NMR, and cross polarization with magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) NMR to determine the chemical nature of potentially mobile P associated with aluminum (Al) and calcium (Ca) in selected arable soils. Three soils with a range of bicarbonate-extractable Olsen P concentrations (40-102 mg P kg(-1)) were obtained from a long-term field experiment on continuous root crops at Rothamsted, UK, established in 1843 (sampled 1958). This soil has a threshold or change point at 59 mg Olsen P kg(-1), above which potentially mobile P (as determined by extraction with water or 0.01 M CaCl2) increases much more per unit increase in Olsen P than below this point. Results showed that CaCl2 and water preferentially extracted Al-P and Ca-P forms, respectively, from the soils. Comparison among the different soils also indicated that potentially mobile P above the threshold was largely present as a combination of soluble and loosely adsorbed (protonated-cross polarized) P forms largely associated with Ca, such as monetite (CaHPO4) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4-2H2O), and some Al-associated P as wavellite. The findings of this study demonstrate that solid-state NMR has the potential to provide accurate information on the chemical nature of soil P species and their potential mobility.

Soil quality indicators and biodiversity in northern Italian permanent grasslands

Permanent grasslands represented a common type of land use in northern Italy traditional agriculture, but its area has been constantly declining over the last 50 years. Three permanent grasslands of the Po valley (northern Italy) were characterized in terms of biodiversity and soil quality and were compared with other agricultural land uses. Two indicators of biological soil quality (BSQ-ar, BSQ-c) were also applied and validated. Results demonstrated the importance of permanent grasslands as biodiversity ‘hot spots’ within the intensive agroecosystems. The quality of soils was higher in permanent grasslands with respect to the arable lands, as evidenced by the standard soil quality indicators (organic carbon, aggregate stability) and confirmed by BSQ. This research proposes BSQ as a synthetizing soil quality indicator.

Analysis of Potentially Mobile Phosphorus in Arable Soils Using Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

In many intensive agroecosystems continued inputs of phosphorus (P) over many years can significantly increase soil P concentrations and the risk of P loss to surface waters. For this study we used solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-power decoupling with magic angle spinning (HPDec–MAS) NMR, and cross polarization with magic angle spinning (CP–MAS) NMR to determine the chemical nature of potentially mobile P associated with aluminum (Al) and calcium (Ca) in selected arable soils. Three soils with a range of bicarbonate-extractable Olsen P concentrations (40–102 mg P kg−1) were obtained from a long-term field experiment on continuous root crops at Rothamsted, UK, established in 1843 (sampled 1958). This soil has a threshold or change point at 59 mg Olsen P kg−1, above which potentially mobile P (as determined by extraction with water or 0.01 M CaCl2) increases much more per unit increase in Olsen P than below this point. Results showed that CaCl2 and water preferentially extracted Al-P and Ca-P forms, respectively, from the soils. Comparison among the different soils also indicated that potentially mobile P above the threshold was largely present as a combination of soluble and loosely adsorbed (protonated–cross polarized) P forms largely associated with Ca, such as monetite (CaHPO4) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4·2H2O), and some Al-associated P as wavellite. The findings of this study demonstrate that solid-state NMR has the potential to provide accurate information on the chemical nature of soil P species and their potential mobility.

The position of agricultural ecosystems among the ecosystems of contemporary biosphere and their productivity

The authors divide the ecosystems of contemporary biosphere into two great series: A) the series of natural ecosystems and B) the series of man-made ecosystems (see fig.1) may be separated according to the amount of that may circulate through (the so called flux). Natural ecosystems may have a lower or a higher flux. Man-made ecosystems have a comparatively higher flux, but some of them (some silvo-systems, agro-ecosystems, and water ecosystems controlled by man) are productive from a biological point of view whereas others (the ones in villages, towns, as well as other kind of systems built up by man) are great consumers of organic substances and other natural resources. A classification of agro-ecosystems according to the output/input ratio of cultural energy is evinced (see fig. 2). The authors distinguish three groups of agro-ecosystems: I) Industrial agro-ecosystems; II) Intensive agro-ecosystems; III) Extensive agro-ecosystems.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS INTENSITY AGROECOSYSTEM ENERGY CONSUMPTION DURING SODDY PODZOLIC SOIL USAGE

The energy consumption of different intensities agroecosystems with prolonged usage (> 100 years) of soddy podzolic soil was studied. It was found that the minimum content of humus energy and biophile elements is characteristic for degraded agroecosystems (1094 thousand of MJ / ha), and the maximum – for super-intense (1849 thousand of MJ / ha). In intensive and super intensive agroecosystem manure and mineral fertilizers (24.17 thousand of MJ / ha) make a significant contribution to the energy potential of the soil, and crop and root residues (98.8 thousand of MJ / ha) make a compromise. It is proved that the annual energy loss due to the mineralization of organic matter increases with increasing anthropogenic impact on the soil and amounts to: in compromise agroecosystems - 9.7 thousand of MJ / ha; in super-intensive and intensive - 26.0 ... 31.3, and in degraded - 33.9 thousand of MJ / ha. The maximum total decrease in the energy potential of the soil over a 102-year observation period is characterized for degraded -42% and extensive -10% agroecosystems. The additional revenues of energy with organic and mineral fertilizers increases the energy intensity of the intensively used argolandscape to the level of a compromise, and super-intensive increases it by another 23%.