Natural Agricultural Systems Research Articles

Effects of Cropping Systems on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Abundances and Spatial Distributions of Nitrogen-Cycling Bacteria

Soil nitrogen (N) is a common limiting factor where soil N-cycling is a key component of agroecosystems. Soil N transformation processes are largely mediated by microbes, and understanding bacteria involvement in soil N-cycling in agricultural systems has both agronomic and environmental importance. This 2 yr field-scale study examined the abundances and spatial distributions of the total bacterial community (16S rRNA), bacteria involved in nitrification (amoA) and denitrification (narG, nirK, and nosZ), and soil physicochemical properties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) double-crop with 2–3 weeks of spring grazing (WGS) and without grazing (WS) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (L.) Schreb.) pasture (TF) managed to near-natural conditions with similar grazing. The TF soil had a significantly higher abundance of 16S rRNA, amoA, narG, nirK, and nosZ genes than the WS and WGS soils, which had similar levels between themselves. Soil organic matter (OM) and soil pH had stronger effects on the N-cycling bacteria gene abundance. All bacterial gene concentrations and soil pH showed nonrandom distribution patterns with a 141–186 m range autocorrelation. These results indicate that biological N transformation processes are more important in natural agricultural systems and the abundance of N-cycling bacteria can be manipulated by field-scale management strategies.

Ochrona gatunków rodzimych przed inwazjami biologicznymi

Invasive alien species are a threat to biodiversity and food security, health and economic development. These species are causing enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural agricultural systems upon which we depend. Globalisation, trade, travel, and transport of goods across borders they have facilitated the spread of invasive alien species. The spread of invasive alien species is now recognised as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and economic well being of the planet. The aim of the article is to analyze and attempt to assess the legal regulation relating protection native species against alien invasive species and alien species.

Invasive Insect Pest Scenario in India: A threat to biodiversity

Invasive insect species are non-native or exotic that occur outside their natural adapted habitat and dispersal potential. Although invasive alien species have been identified as the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss, characterizing and quantifying their impacts on native species and habitats remains a fundamental problem in the conservation biology. These species are causing enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural agricultural systems upon which we depend. Direct and indirect health effects are increasingly serious and the damage to nature and environment is often irreversible. The impact of invasion of insect pests can be minimized with international cooperation through exchange of information on invasive pests and their natural enemies. The interdisciplinary coordinated work among researchers help in identifying and assessing their ecological problems.

Development of the Systematic Approach to Studying Agricultural Land and Agrolandscape Management

This paper develops the methodological foundations of agrolandscape-environmental studies and management of agricultural land that are based on the concept of conservation and reproduction of land and other natural resources used in agriculture, soil fertility, productive longevity of agro-ecosystems and agrolandscapes (All-Russian Williams Fodder Research Institute), and the concept of the ecological framework of agricultural landscapes and ecological–economic balance (Moscow State University, Institute of Geography Russian Academy of Sciences). An integrative understanding of the essence of agricultural lands allows us to consider them as natural agricultural systems, which have a specific structure, functions, and links and are interrelated with other agrogeo-ecosystems and geo-ecosystems that form the environment. They supply agricultural products and other side derivatives of their functioning that are associated with the development of negative processes outside their limits. The features of study, construction, and management of agricultural land are determined by the dual nature-productive essence of agrogeo-ecosystems and the presence of three subsystems in them (abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic). A special role is played by a control and monitoring unit. Agrogeoecosystems are characterized by the presence of three types of relationships (substance-energy, informational, and management); three main functions of agrogeo-ecosystems (productive, environment-forming, and nature-protective); the ability of agrogeo-ecosystems to respond to anthropogenic impacts; the ability of adaptation and recovery; and their distinctive openness and dynamism. The priorities of studies and management of agricultural land are formulated in several principles (systematic approach, emergence, environmental framework, landscape-ecological balance, multilevel and multifactor adaptation, etc.). They are intended to improve the adaptability, sustainability, productivity, and resource-saving and environmental role of agro-ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, which is only possible by creating favorable conditions for their functioning, ensuring a balance between the productive and protective agro-ecosystems and favorable conditions for the development of soil and soil biota, for the active life of major soil-formers (perennial grasses and microbes).

Integrated assessment of sustainability of landscapes in the creation of agricultural land natural agricultural systems

This article describes an approach to the integrated assessment of sustainability of landscapes in the creation of agricultural lands of natural agricultural systems. This includes: assessing the sustainability of soil and vegetation to the simplification of the structure, assessment of soil stability to heavy metals contamination and acidification, and assessing the resistance of soils to erosion flushing. The approach developed here allows us to consider the ability of landscapes to fulfill a set socio-economic functions while preserving life support functions, in order to realize objectives of environmental regulation, ecogeographical forecasting and professional assessment. Refs 20. Figs 4. Tables 4.

Investigating the Role of PES in Reviving the Social and Ecological Fabric of Kodagu

Kodagu is one of the green districts in the Western Ghats, which contributes to a major share of coffee production in India with a rich cultural heritage, a significant part of which is a sustainable outlook in all aspects of life. The district is now witnessing a decline in its cultural and environmental vibrancy due to a number of reasons, notably, rapid urbanization, shift from the natural agricultural systems, destruction of the sacred groves, expansion of coffee plantations and reduction of the native green cover. The negative impact is indicated in various environmental statistical records. The College of Forestry, Ponnampet and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore have proposed the Payment for Ecological Services through landscape labeling that could help alleviate the economic woes of the farmers and consequentially provide an opportunity to restore the ecological balance in Kodagu. The scope of the paper would be to investigate whether PES in conjunction with the cultural and social scenarios would be able to create a cultural renaissance in Kodagu.