Inclusion Of Legumes Research Articles

Soybean Crops Penalize Subsequent Wheat Yield During Drought in the North China Plain.

Contemporary wisdom suggests that inclusion of legumes into crop rotations benefit subsequent cereal crop yields. To investigate whether this maxim was generically scalable, we contrast summer soybean–winter wheat (SW) with summer maize–winter wheat (MW) rotation systems in an extensive field campaign in the North China Plain (NCP). We identify heretofore unseen interactions between crop rotation, synthetic N fertilizer application, and stored soil water. In the year with typical rainfall, inclusion of soybean within rotation had no effect on wheat ear number and yield, while N fertilization penalized wheat yields by 6–8%, mainly due to lower dry matter accumulation after anthesis. In contrast, in dry years prior crops of soybean reduced the rate and number of effective ears in wheat by 5–27 and 14–17%, respectively, leading to 7–23% reduction in wheat yield. Although N fertilization increased the stem number before anthesis in dry years, there was no corresponding increase in ear number and yield of wheat in such years, indicating compensating reduction in yield components. We also showed that N fertilization increased wheat yield in MW rather than SW as the former better facilitated higher dry matter accumulation after flowering in dry years. Taken together, our results suggest that soybean inclusion reduced soil available water for subsequent wheat growth, causing yield penalty of subsequent wheat under drought conditions. We call for more research into factors influencing crop soil water, including initial state, crop water requirement, and seasonal climate forecasts, when considering legumes into rotation systems. Graphical Response of wheat population and yield to soybean inclusion under limited-irrigation.

Effect of Inclusion of Legumes in Cropping System and their Residue Incorporation on the Yield of Maize

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crops of world. Its multiple uses in food industry made it most demanded crop, but the productivity in India is still low. Inclusion of legumes in the cropping system can help in restoring soil fertility in incredible ways hence, enhancing the crop productivity. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summer-kharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen. Result: Cluster bean-maize cropping system followed by groundnut-maize cropping system observed for the highest improvement in growth parameters, yield attribute and grain and straw yield. Residue incorporation of summer legumes and full dose of nitrogen in maize was found significant for increasing growth and yield parameters and grain yield of maize. Study indicate that residue incorporation had positive effects on maize growth and yield, however incorporation was not able to reduce the nitrogen requirement through chemical means.

Nitrogen fixation and transfer between legumes and cereals under various cropping regimes

Intercropping legumes with cereals has historically been a common practice in agriculture for the benefits of biological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) of legumes in intercropping systems to enhance the biomass production of intercropping cereals. However, it still remains unclear about how the interspecific interactions of legume–cereal intercrops affect the BNF and N transfer to cereals as well as the crop yields when more plant species involved in intercropping system. To examine this issue we have established monocropping and intercropping systems with three legumes (Glycine max, Medicago sativa and Vigna radiata) and two cereals (Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor). An in situ15N labelling experiment was conducted to quantify the amount of N fixation by legumes and its N transfer to the intercropped neighbouring cereals. The biomass of legume–cereal intercrops varied with the specific coexisting plants. The biomass of Z. mays increased and S. bicolor decreased when intercropped with legumes, and the biomass of intercropped legumes decreased relative to monocropped ones. Interestingly, the percentage of fixed N transfer to cereals from legumes was negatively correlated with biomass of legumes (y = −2.539x+179.22, R2 = 0.323, p = 0.017) and positively correlated with that of cereals (y = 3.532e0.08x, R2 = 0.598, p < 0.001). Additionally, the fixed N by legumes was positively correlated with competitive response index of legumes (y = 0.899e2.233x, R2 = 0.533, p < 0.001), this confirmed that the facilitation of plant interactions significantly promoted the BNF of legumes. All these findings approved that the inclusion of legumes into cropping systems is a sustainable and intensive method to improve the biomass production of cereals and soil sustainability. Due to the specificity of species combinations in agriculture, intercropping G. max with Z. mays appears to be a promising cropping regime because G. max fixed more atmospheric N2 than the other two legumes, and Z. mays obtained more N when interplanted with G. max.

Обґрунтування підходів і стратегічних напрямів щодо секвестрації й збільшення органічного вуглецю в ґрунтах зони Полісся

Goal. To scientifically substantiate zonal approaches and directions of organic carbon management in the soils of the Polissia zone and search for ways of its sequestration, restoration of soil fertility, and reduction of carbonic acid production in the atmosphere, which will be taken as a basis for the formation of key carbon farming systems in this area. Methods. System approach, scientific analysis of information, comparison, theoretical and practical generalization, abstract-logical. Results. Problems of restoration of humus reserves in low-yielding sod-podzolic soils of the Polissia zone, and preservation of their ecological and energy potential are analyzed. The possibilities and expediency of organic carbon management at the regional level and its sequestration in the soils of the Polissia zone are highlighted. Scientific approaches and strategic directions for the reproduction, absorption, and retention of organic carbon in sod-podzolic soils to ensure neutral land degradation are considered. The main ways of development of carbon agriculture at the regional level to achieve the stabilization of organic carbon in the soils of the Polissia zone and its further increase are proposed. Conclusions. Carbon uptake and retention in the soil reservoir are ensured through appropriate zonal farming systems that regulate soil fertility. This problem is solved by arranging arable land, introducing low-carbon use with reforestation, stimulating livestock development, including the creation of hayfields and pastures, increasing production, and applying optimal doses of organic and mineral fertilizers, including secondary organic raw materials and local natural resources. As well as changing the structure of sown areas with a reduction of row crops, increasing the share of perennial grasses, the inclusion of legumes and cover and green crops in crop rotations, increasing crop yields, and introducing technologies of minimal tillage. With the application of anti-degradation measures, agro-technologies of soil cultivation, and involvement of all renewable organic resources, a positive balance of humus is achieved, which is a prerequisite for reducing carbon emissions, restoring and increasing soil fertility and productivity of agrocenoses.

Evaluation of wheat-pigeon pea flour blends for noodle production in Nigeria

Inclusion of legume flours/starches in food formulations such as pastas, noodles, among others, assists in enhancing structure, texture and nutritional quality of the final products. Pigeon pea as a legume is still underutilized in Nigeria and most places in Africa. In this study, the effect of addition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) flour (PPF) in various proportions into wheat flour (WF) for noodle production was evaluated with respect to selected chemical, cooking and sensory properties of the formulated products. Pigeon pea grains (1 kg) were cleaned and boiled in 3 L of tap water for 15 min. Boiled seeds were de-hulled and sun-dried for 3 days (average ambient temperature of 33.0 ± 2oC), milled and sieved (mesh size: 300 µm). Flour blends (WF: PPF) for noodle production were 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50; and 100% WF was used as control. Selected functional properties (Water absorption, swelling, oil absorption capacities and bulk density) of the flours were determined, while the noodles were subjected to chemical, cooking and sensory analyses using standard laboratory methods. Results indicated that more inclusion of the pigeon pea flour (PPF) gave rise to increasing water and oil absorption capacities. The 50:50 noodle had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher crude protein (15.68%); Magnesium (109.23 mg/100g) and iron (6.88 mg/100g) than the other noodle samples, while all the noodles had low fat contents. This could be an advantage to prevention of rancidity in the food products during storage and availability of noodles suitable for obese and diabetes Miletus Type 2 individuals. The 90:10 noodles had lower values of cooking time and yield but its cooking loss was higher than others. This underscores the benefit of PPF on improvement of texture of the noodles as the amount increased in the mixture. The 90:10 noodle blend was also more acceptable in all the sensory attributes than others. Therefore, utilization of PPF in composite noodle production in Nigeria and other developing countries can be recommended as this could support the effort towards food and nutrition security of households and communities. Key words: water absorption, cooking, flavour, flour, noodle blends, pigeon pea, product

Responses in randomised groups of healthy, adult Labrador retrievers fed grain-free diets with high legume inclusion for 30 days display commonalities with dogs with suspected dilated cardiomyopathy

Early responses in healthy adult dogs fed grain-free diets with high inclusion of split peas (20%) and lentils (40%) that may lead to canine diet-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were investigated. To help understand the clinical relevance of the findings, a survey of electronic health records (EHR) was conducted of dogs with and without suspected DCM for comparison. Control and Test diets were fed to Labrador retriever dogs for 30 days (n = 5 and 6, respectively). Blood and urine samples collected at baseline and days 3, 14 and 28/30 were analyzed for hematology, clinical biochemistry and taurine concentrations. The EHRs of dogs at Banfield® Pet Hospitals in the 2-year period 2018-2019 were surveyed, revealing 420 dogs diagnosed with DCM, which were compared with 420 breed, gender and age-matched healthy control dogs. Compared to baseline values, feeding the Test diet for 28 days caused progressive, significant (p < 0.001) decreases in red blood cell counts (RBC), hematocrit and total hemoglobin by 7.7, 8.3 and 6.3%, respectively, and a 41.8% increase in plasma inorganic phosphate. Commonalities in these parameters were observed in clinical DCM cases. Regarding taurine status, Test dogs transiently increased whole-blood (23.4%) and plasma (47.7%) concentrations on day 14, while taurine:creatinine ratio in fresh urine and taurine in pooled urine were reduced by 77 and 78%, respectively, on day 28/30. Thus grain-free, legume-rich Test diets caused reduced RBC and hyperphosphatemia, findings also indicated in dogs with suspected DCM. Changes in taurine metabolism were indicated. The data will aid in generating hypotheses for future studies.

Deep-rooted perennial crops differ in capacity to stabilize C inputs in deep soil layers

Comprehensive climate change mitigation necessitates soil carbon (C) storage in cultivated terrestrial ecosystems. Deep-rooted perennial crops may help to turn agricultural soils into efficient C sinks, especially in deeper soil layers. Here, we compared C allocation and potential stabilization to 150 cm depth from two functionally distinct deep-rooted perennials, i.e., lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and intermediate wheatgrass (kernza; Thinopyrum intermedium), representing legume and non-legume crops, respectively. Belowground C input and stabilization was decoupled from nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate in kernza (100 and 200 kg mineral N ha−1), with no direct link between increasing mineral N fertilization, rhizodeposited C, and microbial C stabilization. Further, both crops displayed a high ability to bring C to deeper soil layers and remarkably, the N2-fixing lucerne showed greater potential to induce microbial C stabilization than the non-legume kernza. Lucerne stimulated greater microbial biomass and abundance of N cycling genes in rhizosphere soil, likely linked to greater amino acid rhizodeposition, hence underlining the importance of coupled C and N for microbial C stabilization efficiency. Inclusion of legumes in perennial cropping systems is not only key for improved productivity at low fertilizer N inputs, but also appears critical for enhancing soil C stabilization, in particular in N limited deep subsoils.

Inclusion of legume and integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources can improve the productivity and qualitative traits of oats straw

Production of high tonnage of nutritive fodder/feed for livestock’s remains a challenge in arid and semi-arid ecologies. Identification of some alternate sources of feed/fodder such as oats straw may provide an option to bridge the gap existed between demand and supply of dry crop residues. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers to boost the food/fodder production leads to losses of nutrients from agro-ecosystem causing global climate variability. Nutrient management tailored with integrated use of organic and inorganic sources may be a viable option to improve forage yield and quality. Therefore, to circumvent the aforesaid challenges, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of different legume diversified cropping systems and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on productivity and quality of oats straw. The findings revealed that inclusion of legume (cowpea) in the rotation and integrated application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients via 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased the productivity and primary fodder quality traits {Crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and total ash yield)} which eventually aids in the fulfillment of qualitative fodder deficit. Further, with inclusion of legume in the rotation and co-application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients significant reduction in fiber fractions such as {neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and hemi-cellulose (HC)} and their associated protein fractions were observed. The cultivation of oats after legume with integrated nutrient management also improved nutritive/energy indices. Overall, cultivation of oats after legume and integrated nutrient management embedded with chemical fertilizers, organic manure and (PGPR) can be a sustainable strategy to improve the productivity and qualitative traits pf oat straw under semi-arid condition of India.

Growth and Yield Responses of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as Influenced by Crop Geometry and Nutrient Management Practices

Background: Inclusion of legume with cereal as an intercrop ensure crop nutrition and enhanced soil quality. Combine application of organic manure with inorganic fertilizer minimizes the soil hazard and improves crop productivity in a significant manner. Methods: The experiment on Kharif maize +cowpea intercropping system was carried out at ‘Jaguli Instructional Farm’ of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, under the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal in 2019-2020 to investigate the influence of crop geometry and nutrient management practices on growth and yield responses of legume (cowpea). The experiment was laid out with a split-plot design. The main plot had five crop geometry and a sub plot comprised five nutrient management practices, which were replicated thrice. Result: From the pooled data of two years experiment, the intercropping system of 1M:1C (Maize: Cowpea) (C3) perform better in respect of growth attributes, viz., leaves plant-1, LAI, branches plant-1 and CGR; yield reflecting attributes viz., pods plant-1, pod length, pod and forage yield of cowpea (1.30 and 5.49 t ha-1) and crop (maize) equivalent yield of cowpea (1.76 t ha-1) although the maximum values were attained from sole cowpea treatment (C2). Nutrient management practices with the application of 75% N as chemical + 25% N as organic with seaweed application (N2) recorded greater growth and yield viz., pod, forage and crop (maize) equivalent yield (1.51, 6 and 2.01 t ha-1), respectively. Total nodules plant-1 were significantly influenced by crop geometry and nutrient management, whereas the total chlorophyll content of cowpea was significantly varied with nutrient management. Regression studies depicted the negative functional relationship between pod yield and canopy temperature, whereas the relationship between intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and pod yield was positive.

Improvement of the ecological sustainability of short-termrotation under the aridization conditions

Reducing the use of pesticides is one of the priorities of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the use of crop rotation is an opportunity to increase the ecological sustainability of agroecosystems. In connection with global climate changes, it is necessary to study the issue of increasing the productivity of crop rotations in conditions with uneven precipitation during the growing season. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency of short-term rotation in terms of grain yield taking into account consideration the main agro-climatic factors, as well as to identify the possibility of using a pesticide-free technology for crops cultivation under the aridization conditions. The highest productivity of the studied crop rotations was in five-field and four-field crop rotations with the inclusion of legumes and slow sowing crops. The grain yield from one hectare of arable land was 1.70-1.81 tons with an average productivity of all the studied crop rotations of 1.54 tons. According to the results of long-term research, it has been established that in order to achieve the optimal efficiency of agroecocenosesduring climate aridization, it is necessary to sowcorn and grain sorghum, which can form stable yields in years different in meteorological conditions.

КОРМОВАЯ ЦЕННОСТЬ ПОЛИВИДОВЫХ ТРАВОСТОЕВ НА ОСНОВЕ ЖИТНЯКА ГРЕБНЕВИДНОГО ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ ПРЕПАРАТА ГУМИ-20М

The results of the study of the fodder qualities of perennial grasses with the use of the biological growth stimulator Gumi-20M in the phase of the emergence of cereals and the budding of legumes are presented. It has been established that when Gumi-20M is used, the fodder value of grass stands increases, and the inclusion of legumes and blackheads in the composition of grass stands also contributes to an increase in fodder value. The highest collection of dry matter and digestible protein was noted on grass stands with alfalfa and sainfoin, these grass stands also form the largest amount of fodder and fodder protein units, as well as metabolic energy.

Assessing soil quality and their indicators for long-term rice-based cropping systems in hot sub-humid eco-region of India

Context Rice-based cropping system is a key for food security in the Indian subcontinent. However, the productivity of such systems has declined continuously due to deterioration in soil quality. The present study was carried out to identify key soil quality indicators and to develop indices of soil quality under long-term rice-based cropping systems in the hot sub-humid eco-region (HSE) of India. Methods Surface soil samples were collected from farmers’ field from two soil orders (Vertisols and Inceptisols) and with four long-term rice-based cropping systems: (1) rice-wheat (RW); (2) rice-chickpea (RC); (3) rice-lathyrus (RL); and (4) rice-fallow (RF). A minimum data set (MDS) of 24 soils attributes were screened to identify soil quality indicators using principal components analysis (PCA), and soil quality index (SQI) was determined. Key results The MDS indicators (in descending order of sensitivity) are field capacity (FC) (35.4%) followed by pH (30.5%) &gt; porosity (13.6%) &gt; potentially mineralisable carbon (PMC) (11.8%) &gt; available boron (AB) (8.7%). Soil moisture content under FC was found as the most sensitive indicator affecting soil quality and rice equivalent yields (REY). The SQI of Vertisols (0.83) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than Inceptisols (0.73). SQI under RC (0.86) cropping systems was significantly higher than RL (0.81), RW (0.76) and RF (0.78) (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions The inclusion of legumes (chickpea and lathyrus) into cropping systems sustained better soil quality and productivity. Implications SQI is not only useful for assessing soil health but also provides indicators of best-bet management practices for sustaining intensive cultivation.

Agro-energy efficiency of improved technologies for the production of pasture fodder in upland meadows of the Central non-Chernozem region

On the basis of a modern method of agro-energy assessment of anthropogenic non-renewable energy sources and natural renewable resources, scientific evidence of the high economic efficiency of green fodder production on cultivated pastures is presented. Two field experiments were carried out to improve the composition of cereal grasses with the participation of domestic zoned varieties of perennial ryegrass and festulolium, as well as similar grass mixtures with the inclusion of legumes: white clover and red clover. The total anthropogenic costs have been determined, the return on their exchange energy in the produced feed was 3-4 times and even 10 times, the role of natural factors in the structure of the obtained exchange energy was established. This serves as a theoretical basis for the indicators of the economic efficiency of cultivated pastures created using resource-saving technologies: mainly due to the long-term use of cereal grasses (for 14 years) or the supply of biological nitrogen on legume and cereal grasses, replacing the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers at a dose of N126-131 per year (on average for 7 years) on dry meadows of the Non-Chernozem zone.

Changes in microbial and physicochemical properties under cover crop inclusion in a degraded common bean monoculture system

The expansion of the common bean monoculture system along with intensive agricultural practices focused on productivity has generated a misuse of natural resources, accompanied by a significant decline of the soil ecosystem services. The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term effect (3 years) of the inclusion of different cover crops (legumes, non-legumes and mixtures) on the physicochemical, biological properties and crop yield in a degraded common bean monoculture system in the north region of Argentina. The inclusion of legumes (vetch and melilotus) and non-legumes (oat and wheat) as sole cover crops over three consecutive years significantly increased the abundance of the main microbial groups, microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN) and the activity of the common bean rhizosphere microbial community, which resulted into a fast improvement of soil quality and rhizosphere microbiota compared with bean monoculture. However, mixed cover crops (oat + vetch) had a positive but lower impact on rhizosphere microbial community abundance compared to legume or non-legume cover crops when used as sole cover crops. The information generated in this study will contribute to the evaluation of the inclusion of specific cover crops as a conservation strategy to recover soil health and minimize soil degradation, while maintaining crop yields.

Agro-energetic efficiency of improved technologies of pasture fodder production in dry grasslands of the Non-Chernozem region

Based on the modern method of agro-energetic evaluation of anthropogenic non-renewable energy sources and natural renewable resources, scientific evidence of high economic efficiency of green fodder production on cultivated pastures is presented. Two field experiments on improving the composition of grass herbage with the participation of domestic zoned varieties of ryegrass pasture and Festulolium, as well as similar grass mixtures with the inclusion of legumes: creeping clover and meadow clover were carried out. The total anthropogenic expenses were determined as well as the recoupment of their exchange energy by 3-4 and even 10 times in the produced forage. The role of natural factors in the structure of the received exchange energy was determined. This serves as a theoretical basis for the economic efficiency of indicators of cultivated pastures created by resource-saving technologies: mainly due to the longterm use of cereal grasses (for 14 years) or the receipt of biological nitrogen on legume-grass stands, which replaces the use of mineral nitrogen fertilizers in the dose N126-131 per year (average for 7 years) on dry grasslands of the Nonchernozem zone.

Promoting Forage Legume–Pollinator Interactions: Integrating Crop Pollination Management, Native Beekeeping and Silvopastoral Systems in Tropical Latin America

Major declines of insect pollinators are a worldwide concern. Such losses threaten human food supplies and ecosystem functions. Monocultures of pastures used to feed cattle are among the drivers of insect pollinator declines in Tropical Latin America. Plants of the legume family (fabaceae) are mostly pollinated by insects, in particular by bees. The inclusion of legumes in pastures (grass-legume system), as forage banks or the development of silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) with tree legumes, has been widely promoted to improve livestock production and soil fertility, but not to enhance ecosystem services from pollinators. Shortages of seed for the establishment of legumes as forage banks or within pastures or SPS remain a bottleneck for the improvement of ecosystem services brought about by pollinators within these systems and beyond. In this perspective paper, we provide an overview of forage legumes, their interplay with pollinators, and the ecological and socio-economic benefits of pollinator–forage legume interactions, at different scales (farm and landscape level). We further discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling sustainably intensified cattle production systems that integrate legume forage-seed production with principles of pollinator ecology and native beekeeping. Finally, we provide interested stakeholders, policy-and decision-makers with a perspective on how such agroecosystems may be designed and scaled into multifunctional landscapes.

The Changing Landscape of Legume Products Available in Australian Supermarkets.

Evidence supports regular dietary inclusion of legumes due to their positive effects on both human and planetary health. Intake within Australia is suboptimal, with consumer data suggesting that an inability to integrate legumes into usual dietary patterns is a barrier to consumption. This places the food industry in a unique position to offer Australians the ability to incorporate legumes into usual dietary patterns via innovative new products. The aim of this study was to explore the legume category and compare nutrition product data and the use of nutrition and health claims between 2019 and 2021. An audit of legume products from four major metropolitan Sydney supermarkets (Aldi, Coles, IGA, Woolworths) collected ingredient lists, nutrition information and on-pack claims for baked beans, legume dips, legume flours, legume snacks (including subcategories of legume chips and whole legume snacks), canned legumes, dried legumes, frozen legumes, and pulse pasta. The total number of legume products available on the market nearly doubled from 2019 (n = 312) to 2021 (n = 610); this was driven by traditional plain canned and dried legumes and some new and convenient options, particularly snacks (legume chips) where the largest growth occurred. Of all legume products (n = 610), 82% met the Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criteria, 86.8% were at least a source of dietary fibre, and 55.9% were at least a source of protein. Nutrition content claims relating to dietary fibre, gluten free and protein more than doubled since 2019, with each featuring on over one third of the products identified in 2021. Vegan/vegetarian on-pack claims more than doubled since 2019, and claims related to the term plant-based/plant protein and environmental sustainability emerged on packs in 2021. By addressing barriers to consumption, such as lack of time and knowledge on how to prepare legumes, innovative legume products may help influence future consumption patterns.

Intensifying rice (Oryza sativa) based cropping system through pulses and oilseeds in North-East India

Cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in north eastern region (NER) of India assumes greater significance in view of high deficits in production for nutritional security. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years 2013-14 and 2014-15 to study the possibility of growing three crops in a year in the valley land rice (Oryza sativa L) ecosystem by following conservation tillage and cultivation of short duration pulses/oilseed crops and to study their impact on system productivity, water use efficiency, net return and soil fertility. While, the average rice yield (4.78 t/ ha) was significantly higher under the rice-pea-greengram system, the system rice equivalent yield (13.61 t/ha) was the maximum under rice-pea-French bean followed by (12.55 t/ha) rice-pea-blackgram as compared to rice-fallow (4.64 t/ha) systems. Higher cultivated land utilization index was recorded under rice-lentil-greengram (0.97) and rice-lentilblackgram (0.93) than other systems. The highest net returns were realized under rice-pea-French bean (₹ 118392/ ha) followed by rice-pea-black gram system (₹ 110267/ha) over a low net returns (₹ 39040/ha) from rice-fallow. The soil organic carbon, available N and soil microbial properties were substantially enhanced due to inclusion of legumes in rice based system and the highest value of these properties were evident under rice-pea-greengram followed by rice-pea-blackgram systems. Thus, inclusion of short duration legumes like lentil and pea in winter season and green gram, blackgram or French bean in summer season under conservation tillage can enhance the cropping intensity to 300%, improve soil health and enhance system productivity and income by two to three times in NER.

Intensification of no‐till agricultural systems: An opportunity for carbon sequestration

AbstractThe “4 per 1,000” initiative was launched at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) stimulating a long‐standing debate on the potential of no‐till (NT) to promote soil C sequestration. Previous reviews found little or no soil organic C (SOC) accrual in NT soils as compared with full inversion tillage when soils are sampled deeper than 30 cm. Here, we present the results of a global meta‐analysis of studies assessing SOC and total N (TN) storage and dynamics in NT and tilled soils from the most important agricultural regions of the world. Overall, our results show that NT soils stored 6.7 ± 1.9 Mg C ha–1 and 1.1 ± 0.4 Mg N ha–1 more than tilled soils (0‐to‐100‐cm depth) with an average of 16 yr of NT, in contrast with previous findings. However, C sequestration (+4.7 ± 1.9 Mg C ha–1 in the 0‐to‐60‐cm depth with an average of 11 yr of NT) depended on the association of NT with increased crop frequency and the inclusion of legumes cover crops. Single‐cropping systems lack the necessary C inputs to offset SOC losses in the soil profile (below 30‐cm depth). However, double‐cropping systems decreased soil TN that may constrain future C sequestration. The use of legumes alleviated TN loss and supported soil C sequestration. Briefly, our findings indicate that NT can avoid SOC losses from tilled soils, partially offsetting CO2 emissions from agriculture. Moreover, NT with agricultural intensification can promote soil C sequestration, thus contributing to soil quality, food security, and adaptation to climate change.

Economics and Feasibility of Legume Inclusion in Southeastern Perennial Grass-Based Systems

Abstract Perennial grass pastures provide the basis for beef production systems across the Southeast United States. One common management practice that is widely recommended among agronomists is interseeding cool-season legumes. Legumes can serve as a complementary resource for filling in production gaps, reducing supplemental feedstuffs, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilization, increasing the nutritional quality of forage available, increase biomass production, improve animal performance, and can reduce the toxic effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue through dilution. A simulated economic analysis was developed to further the economic understanding of the cost of implementation, the subsequent animal and forage performance benefits, and net returns from the inclusion of legumes over many research trials and years. Data from 15 peer-reviewed papers was used to simulate the economic benefits of implementing this production practice. Cost of production and revenue for each paper were calculated using the 10-year average from 2010 to 2019. This analysis provides users with a further understanding of the net returns, critical breakeven areas, and return on investment that is necessary in order to successfully implement the inclusion of cool-season legumes in perennial grass-based systems.