Minimum Tillage Research Articles

Water productivity of barley crop under laser land leveling technique and minimum tillage

ABSTRACTLaser land leveling is an important method that helps to improve the spatial distribution of irrigation water and fertilizers applications, subsequently reduce water, nutrient, and energy inputs to agriculture and contributes to increasing productivity. Thus, the aim of the study was to improve the productivity of the barley crop grown in sandy lands under conditions of water scarcity and the negative impact of climate change in Egypt by using laser leveling and the minimum tillage method. Two experiments were conducted during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons at the Nubariya farm, Buhaira Governorate, Egypt to study the effects of laser leveling and minimum tillage (zero – tillage, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm) affecting the distribution of soil moisture, water stress, effectiveness of water application, yield characteristics, water productivity, and some quality parameters of the barley crop. The statistical analysis’ findings revealed a considerable influence of both laser soil leveling and minimum depth of plowing on productivity, water productivity and quality properties of barley crop. Laser leveling with a plowing depth of 10 cm gave the most favorable values of the soil moisture content at the root-zone as well as better grain yield and water productivity in addition to improve the quality properties of barley. The grain yield has improved by 12.65% and 10.41%, while water productivity has increased by 12.75% and 10.06% during the seasons 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, respectively. This increase is likely the result of improving soil moisture distribution and increasing irrigation application efficiency, which resulted in less water stress in the root zone and subsequently increased yield, water productivity and quality properties of barley during the two growing seasons. Generally, the application of laser land leveling as eco-friendly practice will help in sustaining barley productivity in Egypt particularly in the sandy soil regions. According to this study, laser-assisted precision field leveling has the potential to improve grain yield and crop establishment, water productivity and barley quality properties in addition to achievement of the highest net income for farmers.

Tillage effects on growing season nitrous oxide emissions in Canadian cropland soils

Minimizing tillage has been promoted as an agricultural practice that may mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration. However, there is some ambiguity regarding the effect of minimum tillage (MT) on emissions of other greenhouse gases, in particular soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. To determine how effective MT could be in helping Canada mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, we used a meta-analysis to compare growing season N2O emissions from MT versus conventional tillage (CT). Overall, MT had 12% lower N2O emissions compared to CT ( P = 0.03). However, there was high variability due to soil texture and growing season precipitation (GSP), with MT tending to emit more N2O than CT in climates where GSP exceeded 600 mm, particularly for soils with sand content less than 60%. Therefore, unless long-term tillage trials, which are urgently needed in eastern Canada, show a reduction in N2O emissions over time, MT should be used as a greenhouse gas mitigation measure only in dry climates or on sandy soils.

DEVELOPMENT OF MACHINE UNIT FOR RESOURCE-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES OF SOIL PROCESSING

Water and wind erosion are possible on crop rotation fields. By using various agrotechnical techniques, it is possible to minimize soil erosion. One of these techniques is the creation of shafts about 10 m wide and 80-100 cm high at a certain distance. Effective agrotechnical anti-erosion techniques are slitting, special porous and comb plowing, organization of soil-protective crop rotations, strip placement of winter and spring crops, grain and row crops, creation of buffer strips of grasses, liming of washed lands and drains. In the steppes or areas where the topography of arable land has a slope, it is recommended to use various technologies of minimal tillage to counteract wind and water erosion. Surface treatment of the land ensures the accumulation of plant residues in the surface layer of the soil. This increases the amount of organic matter in the upper layers, which, in turn, improves the strength of the aggregates and the resistance of the soil to the action of raindrops and wind gusts. When plowing sloping fields, contour plowing is a useful method of reducing the risk of erosion. It uses the topography of the field to absorb water, preventing it from running down the rows. Crop residue remaining on the surface is also a factor in which minimal tillage protects the land from erosion. In general, both plants and their remains on the surface effectively slow down the speed of movement of both water on the surface of the soil and air above it. From a physical point of view, plant cover growing on the surface, as well as plant residues, effectively protects the ground, for example, from the impact of raindrops. If we talk about traditional crops, it should be noted that perennial grasses provide the best protection, and cereals can moderately resist erosion. When growing row crops, such as sugar beet or corn, most of the land remains uncovered, meaning that these crops provide less protection. The worst option from the point of view of erosion is steam without growing any crops and without preserving the harvest residues on the surface. Analysis of existing machines for soil protection against wind and water erosion was carried out. The proposed design of the machine for plowless tillage.

The Effect of the Type of Tillage and Soil Mulching on some Physical Soil and the Sustainability of its Aggregate on Broccoli

An experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soil at the research station of the College of Agriculture - Anbar University to study the effect of the type of tillage and soil mulching on some physical soil characteristics and the aggregates sustainable and broccoli yield, this experiment was designed according to the design of splinter panels with three repeaters consisting of two factors: the first tillage with three levels (zero tillage, minimum tillage and conventional tillage) and the second mulching with three levels (without mulching, polyethylene and reed). Broccoli seedlings were planted on 14/10/2022, and service operations were conducted for the crop, and the experiment continued until the plant extraction on 1/3/2023, the change in the soil bulk density, mean weight diameter, slaking value and infiltration, green plant yield and flower yield were measured, and it was noted that the soil bulk density increased at the end of the season compared to its beginning, as the soil bulk density increased by tillage and linear mulching with the progress of the season. The results showed that soil tillage significantly affected the mean weight diameter, as it increased by 8.69 and 73.91% for minimum tillage and conventional tillage respectively, while soil mulching did not affect the mean weight diameter by fast and slow wetting methods, and both tillage and soil mulching did not show any significant effect of the slaking value, but in the overlap it gave the highest value when tillage at the minimum with all types of mulching, as it reached a fixed value of 0.30 mm, and the results showed that the varieties of Aggregates Sustainable, The soil depending on the mean weight diameter by rapid wetting was within unsustainable, either slow wetting it ranged between sustainable and sustainable with another use, and sustainability was classified depending on the slaking value, as unsustainable for all treatments, and gave the highest cumulative infiltration when treating the second level of mulching and tillage, as its value was 30.6 cm min-1, and conventional tillage gave the highest moisture weight to the plant, with a value of 278.2 g plant-1, while the mulching was the highest value in polyethylene, as it reached 2207.8 g plant-1 and conventional tillage also affected significantly the flower yield as its value reached 1159 g plant-1, and the mulching affected significantly in the flower yield with a value of 1392, 1156 g plant-1 when mulched with reed and polyethylene.

Characteristics and potential of tidal swampland to support the lowland rice development: a case study in Maliku Sub-District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province

Tidal swampland is an agroecosystem with distinct characteristics. Studying on this land was very important to support national food security. This study aims to identify the soil characteristics and the potential of tidal rice fields in the Maliku Sub-District, Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Four representative soil profiles were characterized in the field and laboratory to determine the soil’s chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties. The results showed that these soils were generally fine textured, had very acid to acid reaction (soil pH 3.2-4.7), moderate to high C-organic (2-6%), varied potential P2O5 (22-289 mg/100g), low potential K2O (11-17 mg/100g), varied available P2O5 (8.6-56.1 mg/kg), very low exchangeable Ca (<2 cmolc/kg), varied exchangeable Mg (0.6-3.0 cmolc/kg), moderate soil CEC (18-22 cmolc/kg), very low base saturation (<20%), and shallow to very deep (35 - >100 cm) of pyrite depth. The sand fraction mineral is mainly composed of quartz and rock fragments, while the clay fraction is dominated by kaolinite. The lands are marginally suitable for tidal rice fields with the limiting factor being very acid soil reaction and shallow pyrite depth. The application of balanced fertilization, liming, organic matter, minimum tillage, and micro-water control can increase land productivity.

Seed yield, physiological and biochemical attributes in canola (Brassica napus L.) as influenced by tillage system and cropping season

Canola is an important oilseed crop and its performance was influenced by tillage system. However, no study on this influence has been carried out in North Africa. Also, the effect of tillage system on physiological and biochemical traits in canola has never been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillage system on agronomic, physiological, and biochemical traits in canola during two cropping seasons (2019/2020 (Y1) and 2020/2021 (Y2)) under Moroccan conditions. The experiment was conducted according to a complete random block design with three replications and the tillage systems studied were deep ploughing (DP), chisel ploughing (CP), minimum till (MT), and no-till (NT). Over both seasons, tillage significantly affected all traits except for proline content. Notably, NT consistently exhibited superior performance with the highest seed yield (272 kg ha−1 in Y1, 1760 kg ha−1 in Y2) and oil content (36 % in Y1, 44 % in Y2). In contrast, DP faced challenges during severe drought in Y1, resulting in no production. On the other hand, in Y2, DP showed the highest stomatal conductance and sugars content, while NT exhibited the highest chlorophyll content. Considering these findings, no-till can be recommended for canola cultivation in Morocco as well as in other North-African and Mediterranean countries with similar climate and soil conditions.

Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emission of Rice Cultivation under Minimum Tillage in the Gimje, South Korea

Life Cycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emission of Rice Cultivation under Minimum Tillage in the Gimje, South Korea

Influence of soil fertility management technologies on phosphorus fractions, sorption characteristics, and use efficiency in humic Nitisols of Upper Eastern Kenya

Fractions of phosphorus (P) and its sorption characteristics are affected by different soil fertility (FM) technologies which ultimately affect crop growth and productivity. However, the response of P fractions and sorption characteristics to soil fertility technologies that integrate diverse amendments is still poorly understood in acidic Nitisols. A randomized complete block design was layout in an acidic Nitisol to determine fractions of P, its sorption characteristics and use efficiencies in acidic Nitisols under various FM technologies in field conditions. The use of minimum tillage + maize residue + inorganic fertilizer + goat manure (MTCrGF) had the highest impact on and significantly increased resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, and maximum P sorption (Smax) by 182, 76, and 52 mg P kg−1. Moreover, NaOH-Pi and Smax concentrations were higher under conventional tillage + maize residue + inorganic fertilizer + goat manure (CTCrGF) by 216 mg P kg−1 and 49 mg P kg−1 than the control. MTCrGF and CTCrGF also had the lowest P bonding energy (0.04 L mg−1). CTCrGF had the highest P partial productivity factor (0.093 and 0.140 kg biomass kg−1 P) and P agronomic efficiency (0.080 and 0.073 kg biomass kg−1 P) during the two cropping seasons. The results demonstrate the positive influence of combining multiple P sources on soil P fractions, sorption characteristics, and use efficiencies. Notably, combining either conventional or minimum tillage with maize straw and applying integrated manure and inorganic fertilizer (MTCrGF or CTCrGF) can increase the labile P concentrations and reduce the potential depletion of the non-renewable rock phosphate and the use of inorganic phosphatic fertilizers for agricultural production.

Intercropping in rainfed Mediterranean olive groves contributes to improving soil quality and soil organic carbon storage

Given the current degradation problems that Mediterranean soils endure, the implementation of alley cropping in olive orchards has been suggested as a sustainable strategy to increase agricultural productivity and improve carbon storage and soil fertility. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate in the short term (3 years) the effect of alley cropping with minimum tillage versus conventional tillage in a traditional rainfed olive grove on soil organic carbon, total nitrogen concentrations, and stocks. Changes in soil quality through a stratification index, and the success of the 4‰ strategy in these soils with this type of management were also evaluated. Three intercropping strategies were tested: Crocus sativus (D-S), Vicia sativa and Avena sativa in rotation (D-O), and Lavandula x intermedia (D-L), all with minimum tillage versus olive with conventional tillage without intercropping, which was used as a control. Intercropping increased soil organic carbon in topsoil (0–10 cm) by 41.1, 28.5, and 30.5% for D-S, D-O, and D-L, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. At a depth of 10–30 cm, the soil organic carbon and the soil organic carbon stock increased slightly, although significant differences were found only in D-L. In the diversified plots, total nitrogen did not vary. However, total nitrogen increased in olive with conventional tillage due to fertilisation. Concerning soil quality, no significant differences were observed when evaluating the soil carbon and nitrogen stratification index in any of the treatments. However, the implementation of intercropping reached the objectives set by the 4‰ initiative in these soils with an increase in soil carbon per hectare and per year of 80, 87.4, and 86.4% for D-S, D-O, and D-L, respectively. Therefore, based on these results, in the short term, intercropping treatment enhances carbon storage in these soils, effectively achieving the objectives of the 4‰ initiative.

Water permeability of dark chestnut soil and agrochemical factors determining chickpea yield

A six-year analysis of changes in soil water permeability according to the basic tillage options is provided. Plowing with a PBS -10 P plow reduced water permeability by 3.1%. An increase in soil density by 6.3% for no-tillage and by 9.8% for minimum tillage reduced water permeability by 13.3 and 41.9%, respectively. Calculation of the multiple regression equation and full correlation analysis showed that the maximum influence on water permeability is exerted by the depth of the main cultivation - 44.92%, soil density determined this indicator by 38.17%, humidity by only 0.91%, the share of unaccounted factors was 16% . The yield of chickpea grain varied from 0.39 - 0.65 t/ha in 2020 (GTCMay - August = 0.20) to 1.54 - 2.12 t/ha in 2023 (GTCMay - August = 0. 64). Over six years of observation, according to factor A (basic tillage for chickpeas), the maximum yield of chickpea grain without the use of agrochemicals was noted on plowing: 1.19 t/ha (PLN-8-35) and 1.20 t/ha (PBS-10 P). Duringnon-moldboard processing (SSD-4 and PChM-4), the yield decreased by 10.9%, with a minimum (PM 7?3) by 22.7%. Foliar feeding with mineral fertilizers and fertilizers based on humic acids during the phases of branching and the beginning of budding of chickpeas of the Zoovit variety increased the yield by 11.9–14.7%.

Vertical Changes of Organic Carbon Storage, Structural and Hydraulic Properties of a Humid Tropical Soil under Vegetation Cover in Southeast Nigeria

Changes in organic carbon storage (OCS), structural and hydraulic properties with depth of soil are important phenomena that need to be understood per soil for effective soil management in crop production. A study was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to assess the vertical changes in OCS, structural and hydraulic properties of soil under vegetation cover. The study involved 5 levels of sampling depth replicated nine (9) times to give forty five (45) observational units. The nine points for sampling were randomly selected and the five sampling depths were 0 – 20, 20 – 40, 40 – 60, 60 – 80 and 80 – 100 cm. Auger and core soil samples were collected at the designated depths. The samples were processed and analysed in the laboratory. The results of data analyses showed that depths varied significantly (P≤0.05) in the parameters measured. The highest OCS of 38.28 ton / ha was obtained at the 0 – 20 cm depth and the lowest (10.38 ton / ha) was obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. The highest mean weight diameter of 1.00 mm and lowest of 0.72 mm were obtained at 0 – 20 and 80 – 100 cm depths, respectively. The lowest clay dispersion index of 25.43 % and the highest clay flocculation index of 74.53 % were obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. Clay content and bulk density (BD) increased with depth and, the highest clay content of 212.4 g / kg and highest BD of 1.65 mg / m3 were obtained at the 80 – 100 cm depth. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), total porosity (Pt) and macroporosity (Pm) decreased with depth. The highest Ksat of 3.11 cm / hr, Pt of 47.41 % and Pm of 24.13 % were obtained at 0 – 20 cm depth. The water retention characteristics increased with depth. The highest field capacity of 24.46 %, permanent wilting point of 11.16 % and available water capacity of 13.32 % were obtained at 80 – 100 cm depth. There were consistent changes in the soil properties across the depths. The reduced drainage at the higher depths should be considered in cultivating deep rooted crops which are sensitive to poor drainage. The top soils should be managed with good agronomic practices and minimum tillage to avert damages to the microaggregates.

Research of the Influence of Agrophytotehnical Works on Rapeseed Production Parameters

Two tillage systems were studied between 2022 and 2023 in Grebenișu de Câmpie and near Ungheni city (Mureș County, Romania) and their impact at growth and production parameters of rapeseed crop. Also, for each tillage system, the growth plant parameters have been monitorized. One of the studied tillage systems was conventional, including stubble cultivation followed by ploughing at 25 cm depth. The second tillage system was minimum tillage, using a trailed field cultivator for soil preparation, at a depth of 20-25 cm, one day before seeding. In both tillage systems, power harrow was used before seeding. During the growth stages of rapeseed, the plants were analyzed and compared for each tillage system and for each field from Ungheni area and from Grebenișu de Câmpie. The morphological characters were analyzed in laboratory. All colected data were statistycal represented in tables by location and by tillage system. In the variant with conventional plough, average height, number of branches, stem thickness and root development were smaller than in the fileds with minimum tillage. Regarding the morphological characters of plants, a significant difference was determined in the height and the number of plant branches, the values were higher at minimum tillage system.

Soil Tillage and Cropping System Effects on the Physical-Hydric Properties of a Soil under No-Tillage

A no-tillage system (NT) is an alternative to replace soil management with intense soil tillage and degradation. Our objective was to evaluate the physical–hydric properties of soil under NT for four years after undergoing 13 years of minimum (4NTM) and conventional tillage (4NTC) with reference to continuous NT for 17 years (17NT). The soil bulk density, porosity, storage capacities of water and air, visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined. The root dry biomass of soybean, maize, and palisade grass was also measured. NT during four years established after receiving 13 years of tillage did not significantly affect soil properties compared to 17NT, which means that four years of NT reached structural stability similar to continuous 17NT. The VESS scores were less sensitive to identifying soil compaction. Crops have no significative influence on soil properties, but the roots of maize seem to be less sensitive to soil compaction, which is important considering it is in a crop rotation system. The treatments (soil tillage and crop rotation) presented soil compaction below a 10 cm depth, and to our loamy textural class soil, a Bd &gt; 1.60 Mg m−3 restricted soil aeration due to macroporosity &lt; 0.10 m3 m−3.

Effect of Auger Size and Depth of Operation on Bulk Density, Cone Index, Germination, Root Length, Root Weight and Cob Weight for Maize Crop

Minimum tillage methods offer numerous benefits compared to conventional tillage, including reduced farm operations to establish a good seedbed. Spot tillage, in particular, has advantages such as preserving soil structure, preventing erosion, saving time and energy, and reducing input costs. For this study, the effect of different auger size (40, 50 &amp; 70mm) which was operated by 12V DC motor at different depth of operations (80, 120 &amp; 160mm) were determined. The different parameters were measured such as bulk density, cone index, germination percentage, root length, root weight and cob weight for maize crop (GAYMH-3) and same for traditional sowing method. The results showed that auger size (40, 50 &amp; 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 &amp; 160mm) significantly influenced bulk density as bulk density of the soil increased with depth and decrease with increase in auger size. The larger auger (70mm) resulting in lower values in bulk density due to more soil removal. However, cone index was not significantly affected by auger size (40, 50 &amp; 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 &amp; 160mm). Seed germination for maize was consistently around 90%, with no significant effects of auger size and depth of operation were observed. An auger size (70mm) was associated with shorter root lengths. Increasing depth resulted in greater root development, leading to longer roots was observed in small size augers. Larger auger size and deeper depths generally resulted in higher root weights. Cob weight increased with auger size (70mm) and deeper depths. Auger size and depth significantly impacted cob weight. Overall, results showed that auger having the size of 70mm and depth of operation at 160mm was desirable compared to other auger size in terms of lower bulk density and cone index but increased root weight and cob weight of maize crop.

Application of Unconventional Tillage Systems to Maize Cultivation and Measures for Rational Use of Agricultural Lands

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the main agricultural crops grown worldwide under very diverse climate and soil conditions. For maize cultivation in a conventional tillage system, autumn plowing is a mandatory condition. Minimum soil tillage or no tillage has been applied in recent years, both in research and in production, for reasons relating to soil conservation and fuel economy. This paper presents the results of the research executed under pedoclimatic conditions at the Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda (ARDS Turda, Romania; chernozem soil) regarding the behavior of the maize hybrid Turda 332 cultivated in four tillage systems and two levels of fertilization during the period of 2016–2022. The following soil tillage systems were applied: a conventional tillage system (CT) and unconventional tillage systems in three variants—a minimum tillage system with a chisel (MTC), a minimum tillage system with a disk (MTD), and a no-tillage system (NT). They were applied with two levels of fertilization: basic fertilization (350 kg ha−1 NPK 16:16:16, applied at sowing) and optimized fertilization (350 kg ha−1 NPK 16:16:16 applied at sowing + 150 kg ha−1 calcium ammonium nitrate with additional fertilization in the phenophase of the maize with 6–7 leaves). The results highlight the fact that under the conditions of chernozem soils with a high clay content (41% clay content), maize does not lend itself to cultivation in MTD and NT, requiring deeper mobilization, with the yield data confirming this fact. This is because under the agrotechnical conditions for sowing carried out in MTD and NT, the seeder used (Maschio Gaspardo MT 6R) does not allow for the high-quality sowing of maize, especially under dry soil conditions. Instead, the MTC system could be an alternative to the conventional tillage system, with the yield difference being below 100 kg ha−1.

Effects of tillage practices and planting techniques on crop yield and soil properties in northwestern lowlands of Ethiopia

Vertisols are crucial for improving and sustaining food production in Ethiopia. However, due to conventional tillage and waterlogging, the great potential of Vertisols in the study area has been underutilized. Different tillage practices combined with planting techniques play a significant positive role in improving crop yield in high-rainfall areas. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage practices and planting techniques on the productivity of sesame and sorghum in Metema experimental site, in northwestern lowlands of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted with three replications and six treatments described as: permanent raised bed with minimum tillage (PRB + MT), permanent raised bed with minimum tillage, and mulch (PRB + MT + M), broad bed furrow (BBF), flatbed with minimum tillage and mulch (Flat + MT + M), flatbed with minimum tillage (Flat + MT) and control. The results indicated that the soil moisture content was significantly higher in control (40.77–43.56 %) and flatbeds compared with BBF (39.30–40.39 %) and PRB + MT + M treatments. The bulk density of the soil and organic carbon levels showed significant variations between treatments. The highest bulk density was observed in the control (1.29 Mg m−3) than in PRB + MT (1.12 Mg m−3). In this regard, the highest seed yield of sesame (1138.52 kg ha−1) and grain yield of sorghum (5456.90 kg ha−1) were obtained from BBF and PRB + MT + M respectively. Inversely, the lowest seed yield of sesame (778.77 kg ha−1) and grain yield of sorghum (4052.7 kg ha−1) were obtained from the control plot. Therefore, to improve the productivity of sesame and sorghum, the preparation of BBF and PRB + MT + M should be taken into account.

Effect of long-term conservation tillage management on microbial diversity under Mediterranean rainfed conditions

Conservation Agriculture has been the subject of numerous studies for decades. However, its impact on the soil microbial community has often been overlooked. Recent studies have shed light on the changes in soil bacterial composition resulting from modifications in tillage practices, particularly when compared to conventional tillage methods. However, there is a lack of soil microbial community analysis conducted under conservation tillage and rainfed conditions in the Mediterranean basin. A metataxonomic approach was employed to assess the influence of 19 years (2004–2022) of minimum tillage (MT) and no-till (NT) practices, along with crop rotation, on the soil bacterial community at upper layers (15 cm depth). This field study involved three different seasonal moments throughout the year. Results revealed that both sampling time and tillage management significantly influenced the structure of the bacterial community, whereas no effect was observed due to the crop. May showed a higher taxonomic diversity than July and December, showing differences in some o fthe most abundant phyla, such as Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. On the other hand, the long-term application of NT was found to lead to a significant decrease in bacterial diversity, with lower abundances of the phyla Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Armatimonadota, as well as an increase in k-strategist bacteria compared to MT. However, no significant effect on alpha diversity was observed as a result of tillage. no variations in phyla composition were observed attributable to crop, as the primary distinctions were identified among legume crops, which were associated with different sampling times. Therefore, our conclusion is that over this period, NT did not promote microbial diversity in the upper soil layers, despite notable shifts in bacterial composition occurring across seasonal time points in both tillage management systems.

DIFFERENT TILLAGE REGIMES' EFFECT ON SOIL-WATER PHYSICAL AND AGROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES UNDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF SOUTH EAST KAZAKHSTAN

For improvement and rational use of rainfed lands, a study on the influence of different tillage methods proceeded on the soil-water physical relationship and soil agrochemical properties in Southeast Kazakhstan. In the arable soil layer (0–30 cm), the soil density during the studied crop’s life from sowing to harvesting, enhanced to a medium compacted state with the traditional method of tillage (1.28–1.29 g/cm3), slightly higher with the minimum tillage (1.30–1.31 g/cm3), and the highest with zero tillage (1.32–1.33 g/cm3). Tillage with better crumbling, dissolution, and superior ingestion of plant vestiges in the cultivated soil layer contributed to a slight decrease in soil density, both with traditional and minimum tillage regimes. Given the least rainfall in summer, there was a decline in the productive moisture reserves in the soil with customary tillage (15.9–34.5 mm). However, the soil moisture enhanced gradually with reduced tillage, i.e., minimal tillage (20.7–36.7 mm) and zero tillage (29.8–54.8 mm). The nitrate nitrogen content in the soil also decreased from the initial state to the cultivated crops’ harvest, and a significant decrease emerged with zero tillage. The prolonged rainless period, accompanied by a decline in relative air humidity, soil moisture, and temperature increases, affected plants’ physiological processes and, eventually, the studied crops’ yield. In the studied crops, on average, acquiring the highest yield of 1.76 t/ha was with minimal tillage. Based on two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the contributed share of the crops in the grain yield formation was according to crop season, ranging from 0.73% to 2.89%, and the soil cultivation methods’ share was 83.3%–93.8%. The grain yield formation has a greater dependence on the tillage regimes, although that reliance might vary in association with weather conditions during the crop life. In rainfed conditions of Southeast Kazakhstan, zero tillage results in a significant reduction in nitrate nitrogen compared with conventional and minimum tillage. Therefore, with no tillage, more nitrogen fertilizer is necessary than usual plowing and the application of potash fertilizers, regardless of tillage methods.

Crop Farmers’ Access to E-information for Climate Smart Agriculture Production, in Cross River State, Nigeria

The study ascertained crop farmers’ access to e-information for climate-smart agriculture production in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 191 respondents were selected and data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Percentages, means and Spearman rho correlation were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the least used climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices were agroforestry (27.7%), water harvesting practices (25.1%), construction and use of irrigation facilities (14.1%) and land reclamation practices (16.2%). The majority (72.3%) of farmers got einformation on climate-smart agriculture from the radio, while 8.9% and 12.6% got it from internet websites and social media respectively. E-information that was less accessed by the farmers was information on zero tillage (x=2.33), and minimum tillage. There was a weak, positive monotonic relationship (ys= 0.029) between farmers’ use of climate-smart agriculture practices and access to e-information. Reliable and timely climate-smart agriculture information targeting tillage, cropping, and water harvesting and use should be developed by extension service providers, uploaded and broadcasted via traditional electronic media and other non-e-sources for easy access and use by farmers.

Climate-smart agricultural practices for promoting sustainable agrifood production: Yield impacts and implications for food security

Climate change is increasing the vulnerability of agriculture to climate risks and hindering sustainable agrifood production. This study explored whether and to what extent adopting climate-smart agricultural practices (CAPs) can contribute to food security by improving crop yields. We focussed on five CAPs—minimum tillage, improved rice varieties, farmyard manure, water-saving technology, and biopesticides. Recognising that the adoption of CAPs is potentially endogenous, we employed a conditional mixed process model that simultaneously estimates an ordered probit regression and a linear regression; the former investigates the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to intensify the adoption of CAPs, and the latter shows how intensifying the adoption is associated with crop yield. We analysed data collected from a survey of rice farmers that we conducted in five Chinese provinces (Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan) in January and February of 2022. The results show that intensifying the adoption of CAPs improved rice yield by 94 kg/mu (equivalent to 1,410 kg/ha). We also found that educated farmers, those who experienced a drought during the most recent growing season, and individuals who perceived the rainfall to have changed during the five years preceding the survey were more likely to intensify the adoption of CAPs.