No-till Research Articles

Effect of Zero Tillage and Different Weed Management Practices in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Indo Gangetic Plains: A Review

Millions of rural and urban residents depend on the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) for their food security and means of subsistence. About 18 million hectares (m ha) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are rotated across Asia, of which 13.5 m ha are in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. This agricultural system’s viability is currently in jeopardy due to static yields of both wheat and rice and a decline in total factor productivity. The North West IGP's high input crop culture has allowed weeds to dominate the weed flora, including P. minor in wheat and Echinochloa crus-galli L. in rice. Farmers in North West India have largely used zero tillage for growing wheat, and recently, farmers in the eastern IGP have done the same. Perennial weeds in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain, such Cynodon dactylon L. and Cyperus rotundus L. can occasionally be a nuisance under zero tillage. As an alternative to puddled transplanted rice, the focus is currently on dry direct-seeded rice and machine transplanting of non-puddled rice. As a result of changes in tillage, crop establishment techniques, water use, and weed control brought on by the switch from transplanted rice to direct seeded rice, weed composition and diversity frequently vary. In nations where DSR is frequently used, weedy rice has become a significant concern. Using the Zero Tillage DSR system, certified seed, cultivars that are weed-competitive, stale seedbed procedures, living mulches, and chemical and biological weed control might change weed-crop competition in the crop's favour. However, more research on emergence characteristics and mulching effects of different crop residues on key weeds under zero tillage, cover cropping, and breeding crops for weed suppression will strengthen nonchemical weed management programs. In this review, we examine the extent of weed infestation, weed flora shift and the non-chemical alternative weed management in DSR.

Insights into tissue accumulation, depletion, and health risk assessment of clopidol in poultry

Clopidol is extensively used in livestock farming and residues of this antibiotic can persist in animal tissues, posing a risk to humans and the environment. In this study, we investigated the depletion of clopidol in various edible tissues of chickens (muscle, liver, kidney, fat, and eggs) using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry after the administration of a clopidol-contaminated diet (at 250 mg kg−1 for the high (1x) dose). After 14 d of exposure, the clopidol concentrations were highest in eggs (median: 9.83 mg/kg), followed by liver (3.56 mg/kg), kidney (3.01 mg/kg), muscle (1.56 mg/kg), and fat (0.727 mg/kg) at low exposure group, indicating that clopidol accumulated primarily in eggs rather than the other edible tissues. In addition, the maternal transfer ratios were estimated, and the transfer efficiencies of clopidol in muscle (egg-to-tissue ratio, ETR:1.81) and fat (2.06–58.2) were higher than those in liver (0.731–31.1) and kidney (0.832–38.9). Furthermore, we conducted a cumulative risk assessment for clopidol in edible chicken tissues using the hazard quotient (HQ) method. This assessment revealed that the exposure levels for Korean consumers pose an acceptable risk. However, for eggs from the 1x dose exposure group, the HQ values were greater than 1 for all age groups, particularly for young children (<18 y), suggesting that the higher daily consumption of eggs combined with the higher clopidol residues in eggs resulted in higher HQ values, which requires further attention. The findings of this study can assist in the management and monitoring of clopidol residues in chicken tissues and eggs

Impact of using cover crop on predation slug on corn in Pennsylvania

Farmers in Pennsylvania face a significant obstacle in the form of slug insect management. Aims of this study to determine impact of using cover crop against slug attacks in Pennsylvania. This study collaborated with a Pennsylvania regional no-till farming unit to assign three treatments to each farmer: no crop cover (CA), plastic mulch cover (CP), green rye cereal cover (CRH), and dry rye cereal cover (CRK). The experiment was carried out in May – August in 2023. The use of rye cereal cover crops, both in green and dry form, can also have the potential to reduce slug pests. These plants provide shelter and breeding ground for natural enemies of slugs. Plant residue mulching in conservation farming practices provide an effective and sustainable slug pest management strategy. The use of rye cereal can be a reference for farmers in anticipating slug pests in an environmentally friendly manner.

Numerical Investigation on Flowability of Pulverized Biomass Using the Swelling Bed Model

Numerical investigations on the flowability of pulverized biomass are crucial for agriculture, aiding in optimizing biomass use, crop residue management, soil health improvement, and environmental impact mitigation. Rising interest in biomass and conversion processes necessitates deeper property understanding and technological process optimization. Moisture content is a key parameter influencing biomass quality. In this paper, computer simulations of shear tests depending on the moisture content using the discrete element method were carried out and compared with experimental results. An experimental study and modeling for Jenike’s direct shearing apparatus was carried out. A swelling bed model was proposed to account for the effect of moisture. The swelling bed model assumed an increase in biomass grain vorticity proportional to the moisture content. The model was solved using the discrete element method (DEM). The model considers the effect of moisture on the values of Young’s and Kirchoff’s moduli for biomass grains. The model assumed that moisture is not present in surface form, the total amount of moisture is absorbed into the interior of the material grains, and the volume of a single grain increases linearly with an increase in the volume of the absorbed moisture. The tested materials were pulverized sunflower husks, apple pomace, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), meat and bone meal (MBM), and sawdust. Samples with moisture contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were tested. The best agreement of the model with the experimental data was observed for the most absorbent materials in which moisture was not present in surface form, such as apple pomace, DDGS, and sawdust. Research data are important for the proper design of biomass storage, transportation equipment, and utilization as feedstock for bioenergy production or soil enrichment.

RESEARCH INNOVATIONS IN DIRECTIONAL AND HORIZONTAL DRILLING AND SIDETRACKING TECHNIQUES

Directional and horizontal drilling, and sidetracking techniques have become integral components of the oil and gas industry, which allows access to hydrocarbon reserves in challenging environments. This paper provides an overview of these drilling methods and explores recent trends in the development of technical equipment for horizontal drilling and sidetracking. Directional drilling allows for drilling at various angles, including horizontal and multilateral, providing access to reservoirs beneath the Earth's surface. This technique involves specialized equipment and precise control of the drill bit's direction and deviation, resulting in better reservoir management, increased productivity and reduced environmental effect. Horizontal drilling, on the other hand, involves drilling laterally through subsurface rock formations, particularly beneficial for accessing unconventional reservoirs (shale formations). Horizontal drilling allows operators to access more of the formation, resulting in increased productivity and reduced environmental footprint. Sidetracking techniques are employed to redirect the path of a wellbore, necessary for avoiding geological hazards, accessing untapped reservoirs, or bypassing damaged sections of the well. This process requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and skilled personnel to ensure successful execution while minimizing risks. The paper also discusses modern trends in the development of technical equipment for horizontal drilling and sidetracking technology. These include automation and robotics to improve drilling efficiency and safety, advancements in drilling fluids and measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technologies for better wellbore stability and real-time data acquisition, and innovations in extended reach drilling (ERD) tools and casing and cementing solutions. Additionally, there is ongoing development in sidetracking techniques to improve efficiency and reliability, such as whipstock and casing exit technologies. The Ultrashort-Radius Radial System (URRS) is highlighted as an advanced drilling technology, enabling access to reservoirs with restricted space or challenging geometries. Although challenges such as cost and adaptation to downhole conditions remain, ongoing research and development is aimed at overcoming these barriers and demonstrating the feasibility of innovative drilling technologies. Ultimately, these advances contribute to the industry's goal of maximizing hydrocarbon production while ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Keywords: directional drilling, horizontal drilling, sidetracking techniques, technical equipment development, ultrashort-radius radial system, laser drilling.

Short-term residual effects of occasional tillage on crop performance, soil water, and water-use efficiency in a 10-year no-till system under a dry Mediterranean climate

Conservation Agriculture is a farming system based on no mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop diversification. A study was carried out in an on-farm field trial set up in Meknes (Morocco) under a long-term no-till (NT) system to evaluate the residual effect of one-time occasional tillage (OT) on crop performance, soil water, and water-use efficiency (WUE) one and two years after OT implementation. Shallow and deep options of OT were compared with common NT practices (with crop residue retention and with crop residue removal) for two consecutive seasons of 2021–2022 (year 1) and 2022–2023 (year 2). The four tillage practices were implemented in November 2020. Three crops were studied each year: durum wheat (Triticum durum), faba bean (Vicia faba minor), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) all grown under NT in both the years and arranged in four crop rotations. Our findings show that grain yield of wheat and chickpea was negatively affected by OT for all years considered. In wheat, there was a grain yield loss of 18 and 20% for shallow and deep OT, respectively compared to NT with crop residue retention. In chickpea, the grain yield loss was as high as 47 and 49% for shallow and deep OT, respectively. Average soil water storage measured at 0–60 cm at sowing was also lower in deep OT (133 mm) compared to NT with crop residue retention (151 mm) for all years and rotations considered. Yet, in wheat year 1, deep OT slightly improved soil water content at 30 cm depth compared to NT treatments. The comparison of WUE between treatments showed that, under NT with crop residue retention, the crops produced more grain and aboveground biomass per mm of water. Wheat/faba bean rotation had a greater grain yield and WUE (all years considered) and overall greater soil water content (year 1), compared to the wheat/chickpea rotation. The results suggest that the effects of OT on crop performance and water productivity in the short term can be adverse. On the other hand, grain yield of wheat can be improved by a judicious choice of legume to be used as a preceding crop.

Impacts on Various Management Practices on Crops Yield and Soil Biology in Maize-Wheat Cropping System

Aims: Integrated approaches that consider the synergies and trade-offs among tillage, residue, and nitrogen management are essential for optimizing agricultural sustainability to highlight the complex interplay between agronomic, environmental, and biological factors. We intended to evaluate the impact of tillage, residue, and nitrogen management on crop growth and soil biological properties under a maize-wheat cropping system in an inceptisol. Study Design: Split-split plot design. Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-IARI research farm, New Delhi, since 2014. Methodology: We collected soil samples at the anthesis stage of wheat crop and silking stage of maize crop at 0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm soil depth. Soil properties, namely soil organic carbon, dehydrogenase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil microbial biomass phosphorus, and glomalin content by using standard procedures. Results: We observed that the soil organic carbon, enzyme activities, microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus, and glomalin content were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher under no-tillage and residue treatment at 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. Enzyme activity and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were significantly higher by application of 100 and 150% RDN, respectively, at 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. The effect of nitrogen treatment on biomass yield was significant (P&lt;0.05) and found to be higher at 150% Recommended dose of Nitrogen (RDN). The biomass yield of maize was 15.3% and 44.5%, and wheat was 7.8% and 20.4%, significantly increased by applying 150% RDN over the 100% and 50% RDN respectively. Conclusion: Farmers can successfully adopt NT with 5 t ha-1 crop residue mulch with 150% RDN to attain better soil health and higher biomass yield under the maize-wheat cropping system.

Evaluating tidal impact on ground source heat exchanger performance under fluctuating groundwater levels

Coastal regions undergo dynamic changes due to tidal forces, posing distinct challenges for groundwater management and utilization of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. This study examines the impact of tidal fluctuations on groundwater levels and the performance of ground heat exchangers (GHEs), specifically focusing on the suitability of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology in high-tidal zones. Itoman City in Okinawa Prefecture, Southern Japan, serves as an ideal location for this study due to its complex coastal hydrogeological conditions and increasing interest in renewable energy solutions. Employing a comprehensive approach involving field experiments, FEFLOW software simulations, and model validation, we aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between tidal dynamics, groundwater behavior, and GHE performance. Furthermore, our investigation assesses the effectiveness of HDD-GHEs installed in highly tidal-affected zones to determine the optimal installation depth for this type of GHE in coastal regions. According to our research, the layer at a depth of 30 m is most affected by tidal influence and fluctuations in groundwater levels in coastal regions. This layer is the most suitable for installing horizontal HDD-GHEs, with an average heat exchange rate of about 89 W/m. This rate is approximately four and two times higher than the depths above and below this layer, respectively, due to groundwater saturation and flow in the formation. Furthermore, we noticed that the heat exchange rate increases from the top to the bottom of this layer, but the extent of this increase diminishes as the depth increases. This is because deeper depths are less affected by tidal fluctuations in groundwater levels.

Nitrogen Gradient Optimization with Kharif Legumes on Agronomic Parameters in Zero-till Rabi Maize

Background: With the SDG goals of using the generated output of one season on other season for managing the resource potential so to unlock the crop productivity is being the best alternative that need to be looked out in present climate change scenario. So, the present trial is focuses on the lines of residue management of legumes on maize sequence with nitrogen as the driving gradient in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Methods: The experiment is laid out in split-plot design with 18 treatments consisted of C1N1: groundnut100% RDN-maize, C1N2: groundnut75% RDN-maize, C2N1: soybean100% RDN-maize, C2N2: soybean75% RDN-maize, C3N1: greengram100% RDN-maize, C3N2: greengram75% RDN-maize as main-plots and 3 subplots viz.100% RDN, 125% RDN, 150% RDN (kharif and rabi respectively) during two years of study. Result: Among the different cropping systems, the preceding kharif greengram with 100% RDN on rabi zero-till maize showed higher growth parameters i.e. plant height, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD reading), dry matter at 30,60,90 DAS and at harvest and yields in both years. However, with respect to nitrogen levels, application of 150% RDN to rabi maize showed significantly higher growth and yields followed by 125% RDN and lowest was seen in 100% RDN in rabi respectively. On the other hand, the interaction effect was found significant at only 60 DAS in both years.

Residual effect of legumes on maize yield, nitrogen balance and soil organic carbon stabilization under legume – maize cropping systems

Inclusion of legumes in cereal based cropping system restores soil fertility and improves carbon storage and soil quality. In this background a field experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design using three legume species viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean as vertical strip, two residue management practices i.e. residue removal (-R) and residue retention (+R) as horizontal strip, and three nitrogen levels i.e. 100%, 75% and 50% recommended rate of nitrogen (N) application in intersectional sub plots with four replications during summer 2017 and 2018. The grain and stover yield of maize, N uptake and soil properties were monitored after each crop harvest; soil nitrogen balance and soil organic carbon were estimated. Under 100% N fertilization, cluster bean – maize cropping system with residue (+R) recorded 12.78 and 9.78% higher maize grain and stover yield, respectively than without residue (–R) treatment. Highest available N (189.9 kg ha−1) and available P (54.5 kg ha−1) were registered under cluster bean- maize cropping system. Legume residue incorporation resulted 9.65, 8.46, 7.09 and 8.86% higher (p = 0.05) WBC content, WBC stock, available N and P contents over residue removal scenario. Annually, 1.71% added carbon converted into soil organic carbon. Legume residue retention and 100% recommended rate of nitrogen application enhanced nitrogen balance. Soil N balance was highest under groundnut – maize system (165 kg ha−1). Overall, for better soil health and optimum crop production, cluster bean – maize cropping system with legume residue retention and 100% N fertilization may be promoted in semi-arid Western India.

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Maize No-Till Agroecosystems in Southern Brazil Based on a Long-Term Experiment

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Maize No-Till Agroecosystems in Southern Brazil Based on a Long-Term Experiment

Soil transportation due to harvesting of ginger and turmeric under tillage management practices

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes are globally consumed as medicinal spices and their production can be enhanced by tillage practices. However, there is no information worldwide on how harvesting of ginger and turmeric crops from tilled fields can contribute to soil degradation, particularly soil loss due to crop harvest (SLCHcrop). Thus, a 2-year field study was conducted with three tillage practices: zero tillage (ZT), traditional tillage (TT), and minimum tillage (MT) to compare soil transported by ginger and turmeric harvesting under the tillage management system. The harvested rhizomes of ginger and turmeric were separately washed to remove adhering soils (transported soil). Soil transported by ginger (2.45 Mg ha−1harvest−1) was eight times higher than that by turmeric (0.30 Mg ha−1 harvest−1) regardless of tillage practice due to higher numbers of rhizomatous hairs and rhizome yields associated with ginger. Overall, ginger was higher than turmeric by factors of 9.5 for rhizomatous hair weight and 3.7 for crop yield. SLCHcrop was highest in MT (2.50 Mg ha−1 harvest−1) followed by TT (1.20 Mg ha−1 harvest−1) and least in ZT (0.42 Mg ha−1 harvest−1). Generally, tillage practices increased soil loss by creating a conducive soil environment for the growth and development of rhizomatous hair weight (R2 = 0.24 – 0.92; P <0.05) and crop yield (R2 = 0.86 – 0.95; P <0.05) which were linearly related to soil transportation. Soil denudation rate (soil degradation) due to ginger (0.025 mm yr−1) harvesting was eight times higher than that due to turmeric (0.003 mm yr−1). Rhizomatous hair numbers, rhizome yields and soil management increased soil transportation by ginger and turmeric differently under traditional agriculture. Soil loss by ginger validates the need to conduct further tillage studies under wider textural classes.

Residue Management and Nutrient Stoichiometry Control Greenhouse Gas and Global Warming Potential Responses in Alfisols

Although crop residue returns are extensively practiced in agriculture, large uncertainties remain about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global warming potential (GWP) responses to residue return (RR) rates under different residue placements and nutrient supplements. We conducted a laboratory mesocosm experiment in Alfisol in central India to investigate the responses of soil GHG emissions (CO2, N2O, and CH4) and the global warming potential to four wheat RR rates (R0: no residue; R5: 5 Mg/ha; R10: 10 Mg/ha; R15: 15 Mg/ha) and two placements (surface [Rsur] and incorporated [Rinc]) under three nutrient supplement levels (NSLs) (NS0: no nutrients, NS1: nutrients (N and P) added to balance the stoichiometry of C:N:P to achieve 30% humification in RR at 5 t/ha, NS2: 3 × NS1). The results demonstrated a significant (p &lt; 0.05) interaction effect of RR × NSL × residue placement on N2O emission. However, CH4 and GWP responses to the RR rate were independent of NSL. N2O fluxes ranged from −2.3 µg N2O-N kg−1 soil (R5 NS0 Rsur) to 43.8 µg N2O-N kg−1 soil (R10 NS2 Rinc). A non-linear quadratic model yielded the best fit for N2O emissions with RR rate (R2 ranging from 0.55 to 0.99) in all NSLs and residue placements. Co-applying wheat residue at 10 and 15 Mg/ha at NS1 reduced CH4 and N2O emissions (cf. R0 at NS1). However, increasing NSLs in NS2 reduced the nutrient stoichiometry to &lt; 12:1 (C:N) and &lt; 50:1 (C:P), which increased N2O emissions in all RR rates (cf. R0) across all residue placements. Averaged across nutrient levels and residue placements, the order of the effects of RR rates on CH4 emissions (µg C kg−1 soil) was R10 (5.5) &gt; R5 (3.8) &gt; R15 (2.6) &gt; R0 (1.6). Our results demonstrated a significant linear response of total GWP to RR rates R15 &gt; R10 &gt; R5 &gt; R0, ranging from 201.4 to 1563.6 mg CO2 eq kg−1 soil. In conclusion, quadratic/linear responses of GHGs to RR rates underscore the need to optimize RR rates with nutrient supplements and residue placement to reduce GHG emissions and GWP while ensuring optimal soil health and crop productivity.

Physiological Responses of Stress Tolerant Rice Varieties across Different Cropping Systems under Rainfed Stress

Rice, sustaining half of the world's population, is traditionally cultivated through transplanting, particularly in Asia. However, challenges like excessive water use, labour demands, and environmental stresses like drought prompt the search for alternatives. Our study evaluates the impact of various crop establishment methods (CEs) – conventional puddled transplanting, direct drill seeding on flatbeds (DSR), and direct seeding on raised beds (FIRB) – on five stress-tolerant rice varieties (V): DRR 42, DRR 44, Sukha Dhan 5, Sukha Dhan 6, and Sarjoo 52. The key physiological parameters like Relative Water Content, Membrane Stability Index, and Chlorophyll content were analysed across different CE and V combinations. Notably, FIRB consistently surpasses other methods, suggesting its potential in bolstering stress tolerance and yield. Among the five varieties, Sukha Dhan 5 (V3) displays the highest RWC, Sarjoo 52 (V5) in MSI, and DRR 44 (V2) demonstrates superior chlorophyll content. These varieties underscore their pivotal role in maintaining plant water status, facilitating robust photosynthesis, and enhancing stress resilience, thereby ensuring stable yields. Our findings underscore FIRB's promise in curbing water waste and mitigating drawbacks associated with conventional transplanting practices.

The Effect of Furrow Opener and Disc Coulter Configurations on Seeding Performance under Different Residue Cover Densities

The performance of the no-till seeder is one of the most important factors that affect the success of the no-tillage. Striking the right balance between furrow opener design and residue cover is essential for optimizing seeding conditions and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that promote both soil conservation and high-yield crop production. This study investigates the impact of residue cover on no-tillage maize seeding after wheat harvest, focusing on plant spacing, seeding depth, mean emergence time, and percent emergence. Trials with hoe-type and double-disc-type furrow openers, accompanied by plain- or ripple-disc-type coulters, were conducted in Antalya, Turkey. The results indicate that residue cover had no significant effect on mean plant spacing, but a higher residue cover increased spacing variation. The seeding depth in hoe-type furrow opener trials remained consistent, while double-disc-type furrow openers showed lower depths with 80% and 90% residue covers. The percentage of plant emergence and mean emergence time decreased as the residue cover increased in double-disc-type furrow opener trials. At 90% residue cover, PE decreased to 60%. The impact of disc coulters on hoe-type furrow openers was limited, but they increased seeding depth and MET in double-disc-type furrow openers. These findings can help optimize residue management for improved efficiency in no-till farming systems.

Impact of Mechanized Crop Establishment Techniques on Growth, Yield, and Microbial Dynamics under Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Review

The rice-wheat cropping system, predominant across the Indo-Gangetic plains, generates a substantial volume of crop residue, with an annual yield of 7-9 tonnes per hectare of rice residue. Effective management of this residue, whether in-situ or ex-situ, has become an urgent necessity. However, the economic feasibility of transporting residue beyond 20 km from the field is limited. Consequently, in-field residue management through the adoption of specialized machinery has emerged as an imperative solution. The narrow window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, compounded by labor scarcity during peak periods, underscores the need for mechanized crop establishment techniques. Machines such as happy seeders, super seeders, turbo seeders, spatial drills, and seed-cum-fertilizer drills are crucial tools in this regard. This paper examines the benefits of mechanized crop establishment techniques on wheat growth, productivity, and soil biological health within the rice-wheat cropping system. These techniques have revolutionized agricultural practices by significantly influencing growth dynamics, yield parameters, and microbial ecology. The adoption of precision seed drills and mechanized tillage equipment has transformed traditional farming methods, facilitating efficient seed placement, soil preparation, residue incorporation, and weed management. This has resulted in improved crop growth parameters, enhanced yield dynamics, better root development, increased nutrient uptake, and overall plant vigor. Furthermore, reduced soil disturbance and decreased weed pressure associated with mechanized operations have created a conducive environment for beneficial microbial communities to thrive. The integration of mechanized crop establishment techniques has a positive impact on both crop productivity and sustainability, highlighting their importance in modern agricultural practices within the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Assessing the long‐term effects of conservation agriculture on cotton production in Northeast Louisiana using the denitrification–decomposition model

AbstractConservation agriculture (CA) aims to sustain agricultural production, soil, and environmental health in agroecosystems and has been promoted throughout the United States. The adoption of CA in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) systems provides both agronomic and environmental benefits. Yet, there is limited information on the long‐term effects of CA practices on crop yield and adaptation strategies. An integrated CA system, that is, cover crops with no‐tillage (NT) instead of conventional agriculture, was implemented in the long‐term field experiments and assessed with an integrated biogeochemical model. Using the denitrification–decomposition model, this study estimated the effects of four different cover crops, for example, native grass (NG), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), on cotton yield under four different nitrogen (N) levels (e.g., 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N/ha) and estimated responses on carbon (C) sequestration, and ecosystem functionality over a 10‐year study. The NT‐NG 50 N was used as a calibration dataset to accurately estimate the cotton lint yield with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 21% and model efficiency of 0.3. The calibration data validated the effects of hairy vetch, winter wheat, and crimson clover under the NT‐50 N with NRMSE of 24%, 21%, and 25%, respectively. According to the scenario analysis, the 50 kg N/ha application with a single‐irrigation event (10‐cm depth) was most beneficial for maximizing the cotton yield with cover crop incorporation at the NT system over the long term. The effects of increasing cover crop biomass (i.e., double seed rate) on C content, regardless of N application rates, varied based on the relationship between the main and cover crop species. Besides, the furrow plow tillage system provided efficient C sequestration. The proposed approach stands to provide agricultural and environmental sustainability with the implementation of cover crop or crop residue incorporation instead of increased N application, seed rates, and irrigation events under NT practices.

Research Status of Friction Interface Evolution Mechanism of Non-magnetic Steel

The non-magnetic drill pipe (composed of male and female thread joints and rod bodies) is the key component of the directional drilling technology equipment for gas extraction in coal mine tunnels. The thread joint and the drill pipe body are connected by continuous drive friction welding. In the study, it was found that the banded structure appeared in the joint of continuous drive friction welding of non-magnetic steel, which reduced the strength of drill pipe. At the same time, it is found that the heat flow mode is one of the key factors affecting the banded structure, and the heat flow mode is based on the evolution of the interface plastic ring. In this paper, through the review of the research status of the interface evolution law of non-magnetic steel continuous drive friction welding, the experimental method for the study of the interface evolution law of non-magnetic steel continuous drive friction welding is found.

Kinetics of soil re-acidification under no-tillage system

The rate and amount of Al3+ released from re-solubilization of the Al-containing polymers and minerals due to the increase in proton activity in the soil solution in subtropical regions is scarce in the literature. The objective of the present study was to track the Al3+ reappearance following its neutralization during the switch from a conventional tillage system to a no-till (NT) system. For this purpose, we evaluated a long-term lime experiment under NT on a subtropical Ultisol. The treatments included varying lime rates, with different historic of lime reapplication. Soil samples were taken at the 0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm depth in 1988, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, and 2022. The re-solubilization of Al-containing soil polymers and minerals in the 0–15 cm soil layer proceeds slowly in the first 10 years; afterwards, the rate and amount of Al3+ released increased. However, regardless of the lime treatment, the soil never returns its natural acidic state, even after 34 years of the first liming operation. A decrease in the intensity of reappearance of exchangeable Al3+ in the soil profile is clearly observed, compared to the treatment without reapplication of surface lime. We have observed that it takes 7–9 years for 10% of the effective cation exchange capacity to be occupied by Al3+ if limestone is not reapplied on the soil surface; if underdoses are reapplied this level can be maintained for 13–15 years. Furthermore, if larger and more frequent lime doses are used, a low Al3+ saturation (<10%) can be maintained permanently. These findings emphasize the importance of an appropriate liming process at the start of NT, followed with surface limestone reapplication, to ensure a very low Al3+ saturation over a long period of time in the 0–15 cm soil layer.

Physical properties and organic carbon in no-tilled agricultural systems in silty Pampas soils of Argentina

Context Under continuous long-term no-till farming, many silty soils develop platey and massive compacted structures in topsoil, ascribed to low crop diversification and intense agricultural traffic. Aims We hypothesise that agricultural scenarios of greater diversification and cropping intensity should increase carbon (C) inputs and total and particulate organic C, resulting in the disappearance of these platey and massive compacted structures and soil compaction. Methods The hypothesis was tested in 55 selected production fields (lots or macro-plots of trials with a cultivated area greater than 15 ha) and five non-cultivated sites across the Rolling Pampas of Argentina. The whole area was covered by fine, illitic, thermal, silty loams (Typic Argiudolls, US Soil Taxonomy; Typic Phaeozems, FAO Soil Map). Based on estimations of the crop intensity index (CII; proportion of days in the year with active crop growth) and recent agricultural history of crop sequences, sampled fields were grouped into five categories: soybean (Glycine max) monoculture (CII &lt; 0.45; mean CII = 0.39); low intensity cropping sequence (CII = 0.45–0.60; mean CII = 0.50); high intensity cropping sequence (CII = 0.60–0.80; mean CII = 0.66); pastures for hay bale production (CII = 1.0); and quasi-pristine situations (areas with non-implanted and non-grazed grass vegetation or with negligible stocking rate, CII = 1.0). Key results Total C inputs to soil varied within ~1400–7800 kg C ha−1 year−1 and were significantly and positively related to crop intensity index (P &lt; 0.0001, r = 0.83). The highest (P &lt; 0.05) soil organic C levels were observed in the first 0.05 m of soil and quasi-pristine conditions (even higher than under pasture), and the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) under soybean monoculture. In the 0.05–0.20 m soil layer, quasi-pristine conditions had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher soil organic C levels; the other situations did not differ. Soil organic C and particulate organic C levels (0–0.05 m layer) were related to both CII and annual C input. Platey structures and clods &gt;0.1 m (0–0.2 m layer) were negatively related to CII (r = −0.59 and −0.45, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001) and C inputs from crops (r = −0.60 and −0.29, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). Nevertheless, this did not result in soil compaction alleviation, as shown by soil bulk density, maximum penetration resistance and water infiltration variations. About 92% of the samples with soil bulk density above the threshold (1.35 Mg m−3), and about 32% of the total records, presented levels of maximum penetration resistance, aeration porosity and/or water infiltration beyond the values suggested as critical. Conclusions Although soil organic C in topsoil varied as hypothesised, the studied soil physical properties did not. This partially rejects our hypothesis. Implications This study underscores the intricate interplay between crop intensity, SOC enhancement, soil structure improvement and the persistent challenge of subsoil compaction.