Avena Sativa Research Articles

Role of Medicinal Plants in Managing Neurodegenerative Diseases

It is customary to use plants to treat human diseases. There has been a recent resurgence of interest. Field studies on ethnobotany have been conducted in a variety of developing nations worldwide. It shows worry over the potential loss of important knowledge regarding conventional medicine. Many times, neurological problems are not seen as common ailments. Like epilepsy, which is the most severe chronic ailment, they are mental illnesses. Millions of individuals are affected. Other diseases include Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, meningitis, and stroke. Speaking, breathing, movement, mood, and memory are all impacted by nervous system problems. A comprehensive treatment option is herbal medicine. Growing these significant herbs will increase the ecosystem's terrestrial variety and aid in biodiversity preservation. Some of the significant plants used in the treatment of nerve illnesses are Centella asiatica, Avena sativa, Lagenaria sicerana, Cassia tora, and Cassia fistula. A taxonomy categorization can be constructed based on medical applications and the relationships inferred between the many medicinal plant species' biochemical attributes and medicinal purposes. Studies in tissue culture and molecular characterization are also possible. The most potent medical plant used to treat mental disorders can be obtained, and significant medicinal plant gene flow will increase terrestrial biodiversity.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Selected Extracts from Betula alba var. pendula Roth., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Avena sativa L.

The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from the bark of Betula alba var. pendula Roth., the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and the green herb of the Avena sativa. The results revealed that the lowest IC50 value, determined by all three methods, was obtained for Betulae extractum (BE) (73.6 µg/mL-DPPH method, 11.2 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 58.7 µg/mL-FRAP method), followed by Liquiritiae extractum (LE) (805.6 µg/mL, 92.1 µg/mL, and 722 µg/mL) and Avenae extractum (1.13 mg/mL-DPPH method, 99.7 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 135.1 µg/mL-FRAP method). These results correlate with total polyphenols content (expressed in g tannic acid/100 g dry extract), with BE having more polyphenols than LE and AE (47.96 ± 9.7083 for BE, compared with 9.31 ± 0.9913 for LE and 40.55 ± 6.3715 for AE). The total flavonoid content (expressed as g rutoside/100 g dry extract) is similar for BE and LE (3.75 ± 0.3140 and 3.44 ± 0.3037) and smaller for AE (1.95 ± 0.0526). Therefore, Betulae extractum has the strongest antioxidant action, with an IC50 value very close to the standard used as a reference (ascorbic acid-16.5 μg/mL solution). The FT-ICR-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the major compounds in all three extracts. The antioxidant properties of the studied extracts were further supported by molecular docking experiments that revealed the potential of the analyzed phytochemicals to act as both noncovalent and covalent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with promising benefits in treating various skin disorders.

Impact of Chemically Diverse Organic Residue Amendment on Soil Enzymatic Activities in a Sandy Loam Soil

To monitor soil biological quality, it is of paramount importance to assess how chemically diverse organic residue amendments reciprocate to organic matter. The present incubation study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic residue amendments varying widely in their biochemical composition on the dynamics of soil enzymatic activity. The changes in the pattern of soil enzymatic activity have been monitored over a period of 63 days using a total of eleven different crop residues. The enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and phytase) in soils amended with chemically diverse organic residues were significantly higher as compared to the control. It was further observed that the enzymatic activities in Azadirachta indica, Avena sativa and Lens culinaris continued to be higher up to 28 days after their incorporation (DAI). Our study showed that plant residues varying in different cellulose and hemicellulose contents influenced the enzymatic activities as well as functional diversity of soil microbial communities.

Cover Crop Straw Interferes in the Retention and Availability of Diclosulam and Diuron in the Environment

Pre-emergent herbicides are applied directly in the soil or over the straw in no-till systems and can be retained, reducing the product’s availability. The current study characterizes the retention of diclosulam and diuron in forage turnip (FT), buckwheat (BW), and black oat (BO) straws. Radiometric techniques evaluated the sorption–desorption and leaching processes. Spectroscopic and microscopic methods characterized chemical and morphological alterations in the straw. Sorption rates (Kf) of diclosulam and diuron followed the order BO > BW > FT. Irreversible sorption (hysteresis < 0.7) occurs to diclosulam applied to BO straw. The BO straw showed porous structures, indicating physical entrapment of the herbicides. Straw fragments (<1 mm) increased the sorption of herbicides. The increase in straw amount (2.5 to 5 t ha−1) reduced herbicide leaching to 18.8%. Interactions between chemical groups (C-Cl, C-F, and C-N) from herbicides with straw characterize a chemical barrier. The present research suggests that entrapment and chemical interaction are involved in the sorption–desorption process of herbicides, such as diclosulam and diuron, in the straw matrix, directly interfering with their availability in the environment. This process can reduce the herbicide environmental risk but can decrease weed control efficiency.

Exploitation of exotic germplasm through multivariate analysis for genetic improvement of fodder yield related traits in oat

A set of exotic germplasm accessions of oat (Avena sativa L.) was investigated for principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and box plot analysis during the two Rabi seasons. Analysis of variance for all traits under study showed sufficient amount of genetic variability, which revealed that all genotypes significantly different from each other. Three principal component analyses had Eigen values more than one and explained about 65.77% of the total variation. The first principal component explained about 35.56% of total variation followed by second (18.01%) and third (12.20%) principal components. Clustering analysis based on various morphological traits assorted 28 genotypes into five clusters. Cluster I had the highest number of genotypes (23) followed by cluster III which consists of two genotypes. The clusters II, IV and V contained only single genotype each. Data frequency distribution using box plot analysis for green fodder yield and its attributing traits revealed that huge amount of variation was present in exotic germplasm accessions under study. Further testing of these exotic germplasm accessions for fodder traits will be very useful in future breeding programmes to enhance fodder yield in oat.

Impact of chronosequence of poplar based agroforestry system on storage of soil organic carbon in active and recalcitrant pools

The study comprised of five land uses viz., sites having continuous poplar (Populus deltoides)-based agroforestry system (AFS) for 10, 20 and 30 years, fodder [pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)/ sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)]-fodder [oats (Avena sativa)/ berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)] (F-F) rotation and fallow land (control) to determine depthwise (0-15, 15-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm) changes in total C (TC), soil inorganic C (SIC), soil organic C (SOC), total organic C (TOC) and its fractions in different land uses. The TOC pools consisting of very labile C (VLC), labile C (LC), less labile C (LLC) and recalcitrant C (RC) were determined. Fallow land had highest (1.53 Mg m-3) whereas 30 years AFS had lowest bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3) of the surface soil depth. The TC, SOC and TOC stocks followed the order: AFS > F-F > FL in various soil depths. The active carbon (AC) pools (VLC + LC) were higher in 10-year plantation cycle (62.3% of TOC) than 30-year cycle (32.9% of TOC), whereas the passive carbon (PC) pools (LLC + RC) were higher in 30-year plantation cycle (67.1%) than in 10 years (37.7%) in surface depth. The contribution of LLC to PC was higher in 30-year plantation cycle (65%) than in 10-year plantation cycle (48%). Therefore, long-term adoption of poplar based agroforestry system plays a significant role in sequestration of resistant carbon pools in the soils.

Formulation and evaluation of Chocolate Lozenges for cessation of smoking

The use of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, in herbal lozenges for smoking cessation shows promise. This herbal ingredient has a long history of medicinal use and has demonstrated potential in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to quitting smoking. The lozenges were prepared by using Avena sativa sugar and other excipients. The physicochemical properties of the lozenges were evaluated, including weight, thickness, hardness, friability, and dissolution rate. The lozenges were also evaluated for their sensory properties, including taste, texture, and overall acceptability. 100 grams of dark chocolate was melted properly and the drug was added to it and mixed well and then added in the mold for the perfect shape and allowed to cool

Release of chlorine during oat straw pyrolysis doped with char and ammonium chloride

Chlorine is one of the most undesirable elements in agricultural biomass which can cause operating problems during its thermal conversion. Even in low-temperature pyrolysis, chlorine is released in the gaseous phase. Therefore, in order to study the chlorine release during pyrolysis, the following samples were analyzed: oat straw, oat straw doped with char, oat straw doped with NH4Cl, and char doped with NH4Cl. The pyrolysis process of these feedstocks was conducted at 400, 500 and 600 °C under an inert atmosphere, with a short residence time (2 min) for a sample in the reactor. It transpired that the doping of ammonium chloride into oat straw increased the char yield. Doping oat straw with char as well as NH4Cl promoted biochar carbonization. Chlorine release was significantly inhibited when increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 600 °C for samples of oat straw, oat straw doped with char, and oat straw doped with NH4Cl. In addition, despite the increase in pyrolysis temperature, the percentage of chlorine distributed into the gas phase decreased. Doping oat straw with NH4Cl had a positive effect on increasing the share of furfural (up to 12.9% at 400 °C) in non-condensed gases identified by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of glyoxalase gene families in oat (Avena sativa) indicate their responses to abiotic stress during seed germination.

Abiotic stresses have deleterious effects on seed germination and seedling establishment, leading to significant crop yield losses. Adverse environmental conditions can cause the accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) within plant cells, which can negatively impact plant growth and development. The glyoxalase system, which consists of the glutathione (GSH)-dependent enzymes glyoxalase I (GLX1) and glyoxalase II (GLX2), as well as the GSH-independent glyoxalase III (GLX3 or DJ-1), plays a crucial role in detoxifying MG. However, genome-wide analysis of glyoxalase genes has not been performed for one of the agricultural important species, oat (Avena sativa). This study identified a total of 26 AsGLX1 genes, including 8 genes encoding Ni2+-dependent GLX1s and 2 genes encoding Zn2+-dependent GLX1s. Additionally, 14 AsGLX2 genes were identified, of which 3 genes encoded proteins with both lactamase B and hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase C-terminal domains and potential catalytic activity, and 15 AsGLX3 genes encoding proteins containing double DJ-1 domains. The domain architecture of the three gene families strongly correlates with the clades observed in the phylogenetic trees. The AsGLX1, AsGLX2, and AsGLX3 genes were evenly distributed in the A, C, and D subgenomes, and gene duplication of AsGLX1 and AsGLX3 genes resulted from tandem duplications. Besides the core cis-elements, hormone responsive elements dominated the promoter regions of the glyoxalase genes, and stress responsive elements were also frequently observed. The subcellular localization of glyoxalases was predicted to be primarily in the cytoplasm, chloroplasts, and mitochondria, with a few presents in the nucleus, which is consistent with their tissue-specific expression. The highest expression levels were observed in leaves and seeds, indicating that these genes may play important roles in maintaining leaf function and ensuring seed vigor. Moreover, based on in silico predication and expression pattern analysis, AsGLX1-7A, AsGLX2-5D, AsDJ-1-5D, AsGLX1-3D2, and AsGLX1-2A were suggested as promising candidate genes for improving stress resistance or seed vigor in oat. Overall, the identification and analysis of the glyoxalase gene families in this study can provide new strategies for improving oat stress resistance and seed vigor.

Is Diversified Crop Rotation an Effective Non-Chemical Strategy for Protecting Triticale Yield and Weed Diversity?

Diversified crop rotation (DCR) has re-gained attention worldwide as a non-chemical practice for increasing the sustainability of cereal production systems. This study focused on comparing the effects of two weed management strategies, DCR (the six-field system: potato–oat–fiber flax–winter rye–faba bean–winter triticale) without the application of a herbicide (DCR strategy) and with the application of a herbicide (DCR + H strategy) on the yield of winter triticale and on the biomass and species, taxonomic, and functional diversities of weed communities. In addition, the responses of two triticale cultivars, Trapero and Borowik, to the weed management strategies were evaluated. Data from five growing seasons (2017–2021) of a long-term experiment (Bałcyny, northeastern Poland) are presented. The DCR strategy proved less effective in protecting the triticale yield than DCR + H but provided greater weed species, taxonomic and functional diversities. Borowik had a higher yield and responded to herbicide abandonment with a lower yield loss. When the DCR strategy was used, Borowik was more competitive against weeds than Trapero without reducing weed diversity. The triticale yield correlated negatively with weed biomass and diversity, and weed diversity and weed biomass were positively correlated. The findings show that winter triticale can be grown in DCR without the application of a herbicide if a high-yield, competitive cultivar such as Borowik is used. Growing such a cultivar under DCR conditions without the application of a herbicide promotes weed diversity; however, in years with less favorable weather conditions, it may be necessary to accept a moderately lower yield compared to the yield provided with herbicide protection. The relationship between weed diversity and weather conditions is a subject for further research.

BARKAT: A NEW HIGH FODDER YIELDING OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.) VARIETY WITH BETTER NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Oats are utilized primarily as feed for domestic animals and is also fourth most important cereal crop of the world. The Fodder Research Center, Sargodha, used conventional breeding techniques to generate the general cultivar "Barkat" of oat (Avena sativa L.). It will be launched in 2021. The "FRI-01" commercial cultivar is a highly uniform off spring of the crosses between parental accessions (No. 970 and No. 288) and subsequent selections in multiple segregating populations (F2 through F6) using pedigree procedures. The cultivar outperformed the commercial check "Sargodha-Oat 2011" by 10% and 12.76% in forage yield during 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 station trials, respectively, and by 13.32% in fodder yield during 2016-17 at the zonal level. It is a late-maturing green cultivar that produces light brown seed and has a tall, multi-tillering plant form. It gave 7.13% higher fodder yield during 2017-18 and 22.38% increase over check variety during 2018-19 in national trials. Forage qualities include high palatability (85%), protein content (10.6%), and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The flowers bloom roughly ten days after the reference variety. Barkat (FRI-01) sown on 1st October and 15th October gave highest fodder yield in comparison with other tested sowing dates while maximum green fodder yield 87 ton ha-1 at 80 kg per ha seed rate and 30 cm row spacing. Barkat (FRI-01) will be extremely valuable cultivars in both irrigated and desert region of Punjab Province due to its high yield, great palatability, higher protein contents than standard check, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Also, the cultivar can serve as a parental line in future efforts to enhance oat genetics.

Morphophysiological Responses of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Genotypes from Pakistan’s Semiarid Regions to Salt Stress

Soil salinity is a major constraint to modern agriculture, with around 20% of the previously irrigated area becoming salt affected. Identifying suitable salt stress-tolerant genotypes based on their agronomic and physiological traits remains a herculean challenge in forage-type Oat (Avena sativa L.) breeding. The present study was designed to investigate the response of oat crop plants against the salt (NaCl) stress in Mardan, Pakistan. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized design (CRD) with two factors trail comprising of the performance of four different genotypes of oat (NARC oat, PARC oat, Green Gold and Islamabad oat) in response to four levels of saline stress (0, 25, 50 and 75 mmol L-1 NaCl). Plant growth and physiological parameters including germination (G, %); fresh shoot weight (FSW, g); fresh root weight (FRW, g); chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, and total carotenoids were analyzed for identifying salt tolerance. Germination (%) of oat genotypes was negatively affected by higher salt stress. Mean values showed that maximum germination (57.5%) was recorded for control while minimum germination (48.75%) was recorded for 25 mmol L-1 NaCl and that maximum germination (58%) was recorded for PARC oat. The root and shoot fresh weight of all genotypes declined with increasing salt stress, while NARC and Green Gold oat showed considerably higher values than the other genotypes. Although chlorophyll and carotenoids were found to be negatively affected by increasing salt concentrations, NARC and Green Gold oat genotypes performed considerably better at 75 mmol L-1 NaCl when compared to the other genotypes. Based on the mean shoot dry weight ratio ± one standard error, the four Oat genotypes were categorized as salt-tolerant (Green Gold), moderately tolerant (PARC and NARC), and salt-sensitive (Islamabad). The more salt-tolerant genotype (Green Gold) demonstrated relatively high salinity tolerance and may be useful for developing high-yielding oat hybrids in future breeding programs under salt stress conditions.

Evaluation and Assessment of Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium on Avena sativa and Soil Enzymes.

Chromium (Cr) can exist in several oxidation states, but the two most stable forms-Cr(III) and Cr(VI)-have completely different biochemical characteristics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the presence of Na2EDTA affects Avena sativa L. biomass; assess the remediation capacity of Avena sativa L. based on its tolerance index, translocation factor, and chromium accumulation; and investigate how these chromium species affect the soil enzyme activity and physicochemical properties of soil. This study consisted of a pot experiment divided into two groups: non-amended and amended with Na2EDTA. The Cr(III)- and Cr(VI)-contaminated soil samples were prepared in doses of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg Cr kg-1 d.m. soil. The negative effect of chromium manifested as a decreased biomass of Avena sativa L. (aboveground parts and roots). Cr(VI) proved to be more toxic than Cr(III). The tolerance indices (TI) showed that Avena sativa L. tolerates Cr(III) contamination better than Cr(VI) contamination. The translocation values for Cr(III) were much lower than for Cr(VI). Avena sativa L. proved to be of little use for the phytoextraction of chromium from soil. Dehydrogenases were the enzymes which were the most sensitive to soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Conversely, the catalase level was observed to be the least sensitive. Na2EDTA exacerbated the negative effects of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on the growth and development of Avena sativa L. and soil enzyme activity.

Productivity variation and stability of intensive forage‐winter wheat cropping systems on the Loess Plateau, China

AbstractIntegrating forage crops into the continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system can be used for increasing rural population income and maintaining grain production on the Loess Plateau. The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate economic yield (EYyield), dry matter yield (DMyield), crude protein yield (CPyield), wheat equivalent yield (WEyield), and food equivalent yield (FEUyield) when incorporating annual forages (oat [Avena sativa L.], soybean [Glycine max L.], and vetch [Vicia sativa L.]) into the traditional fallow‐winter wheat system from a 4‐year (2016–2020) experiment on the Loess Plateau of China. Results showed that incorporating annual forages into the continuous wheat system significantly increased system productivity. Among the four growing seasons, average system DMyield values for fallow‐winter wheat (F‐W), oat‐winter wheat (O‐W), soybean‐winter wheat (S‐W), and vetch‐winter wheat (V‐W) were 10348.52, 13854.15, 14679.94, and 12185.29 kg ha−1, respectively. The average wheat EYyield values were 3777.82, 3115.19, 4020.76, and 3180.71 kg ha−1, respectively. The average forage DMyield values were 0.00, 5497.19, 4284.64, and 2817.50 kg ha−1, respectively. The S‐W system had the highest DMyield and CPyield (1350.10 kg ha−1), and also had DMyield with the smallest variation (CV = 15.21%). The O‐W, S‐W, and V‐W systems produced FEUyield values that were 48.67%, 68.46%, and 30.53%, respectively, greater than the F‐W system. When considering market prices and yields, the S‐W system increased wheat gain yield and had the highest WEyield (6607.90 kg ha−1). Therefore, in consideration of forage quality, winter wheat production, and system productivity, we recommend the S‐W system for local farmers on the Loess Plateau.

Row spacing, seeding depth, seeding rate, and trinexapac‐ethyl effects on oat yield and lodging

AbstractLodging can reduce the yield and quality of oats (Avena sativa L.). Root lodging, as opposed to stem lodging, is the predominant form of lodging in oats. Therefore, identifying management practices that enhance root lodging resistance should be prioritized. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of four management practices on oat grain yield, yield components, grain quality, observed lodging, and plant traits that contribute to root lodging resistance. Row spacing and seeding depth were tested in three oat cultivars across two environments in Ontario, Canada. Seeding rate and the application of the plant growth regulator trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) at different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates were tested in two‐to‐three oat cultivars across four environments. Lodging occurred naturally in all environments, with root lodging always occurring, sometimes in combination with stem lodging. Under high lodging pressure, shallow seeding increased lodging. Similarly, lodging increased with greater seeding rates when lodging pressure was high. Reducing row spacing had no effect on lodging but was the only management practice to consistently increase grain yield. TE reduced lodging in some environments, especially as N rates increased. Root plate spread, root plate depth, and root safety factor were minimally affected by the management practices studied and had complex interactions with genotype and environment. Among the measured crop traits, plant height had the strongest and most consistent relationship to observed lodging.

Effect of seed biopriming with liquid bacterial inoculants on quality of forage oats (Avena sativa)

The application of liquid bacterial inoculants along with the recommended dose of chemical fertilization improved the quality of forage oats at Bathinda and Ludhiana. The best quality attributes were observed with the treatment T11 (RDF + B. seminalis + S. maltophilia) with significant improvement in the crude protein (9.23 and 8.92%), ADF content (33.10 and 33.50%) and IVDMD (71.66 and 70.20%)at Bathinda and Ludhiana respectively. Further, correlation studies showed positive and significant correlation between ADF and NDF and the negative correlation with the rest of the quality attributes. Therefore, it is believed that liquid bacterial inoculants can play a significant role in ameliorating the forage oats quality, thus can help to enhance the overall animal productivity. In addition, potential of these liquid bacterial inoculants can be explored in integrated nutrient management or organic cultivation of forage oats as wellas in other crops.

Determination of the Association between Mesotrione Sensitivity and Conformational Change of 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase via Free-Energy Analyses.

One widely known herbicide target is 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). Avena sativa HPPD is less sensitive to mesotrione (herbicide) than Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD. HPPD inhibitor-sensitivity is governed by the dynamic behavior of the C-terminal α-helix of HPPD (H11) in closed and open forms. However, the specific relationship between the plant inhibitor sensitivity and H11 dynamic behavior remains unclear. Herein, we determined the conformational changes in H11 to understand the inhibitor-sensitivity mechanism based on free-energy calculations using molecular dynamics simulations. The calculated free-energy landscapes revealed that Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD preferred the open form of H11 in the apo form and the closed-like form in complex with mesotrione, whereas Avena sativa HPPD exhibited the opposite tendency. We also identified some important residues involved in the dynamic behavior of H11. Therefore, inhibitor sensitivity is governed by indirect interactions due to the protein flexibility caused by the conformational changes of H11.

Phyto-Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activity of Brown Propolis from Romania.

The objective of this paper was to study the phyto-inhibitory and antimicrobial activity of brown propolis collected from the counties of four regions in Romania. The main physico-chemical and functional properties of 16 samples of propolis from different landforms of geographical regions were determined. Their antimicrobial activities were established against 5 bacterial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis) and 5 fungal strains (Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor racemosus, and Aspergillus niger). Simultaneously, the phyto-inhibitory effect of propolis samples on different cereals was highlighted: hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Correlations between the antioxidant activity and total flavonoid and phenol content of the propolis samples were identified, respectively, and the statistical analysis highlighted that the diameter of the inhibition zone was influenced by the strain type (bacterial and fungal) and the geographical regions of propolis. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that out of seven principal components, only two exhibited > 0.5. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a low and moderate positive linear relationship between the diameter of the inhibition zone and the flavonoid and phenol concentration of the propolis samples.

Comparison of GHG emissions from annual crops in rotation on drained temperate agricultural peatland with production of reed canary grass in paludiculture using an LCA approach

Drained peat soils contribute significantly to global human-caused CO2 emissions and reducing peat degradation via rewetting is high on the political agenda. Ceasing agricultural activities on rewetted soils might lead to land owner resistance and high societal expenses to compensate farmers. Continued biomass production adapted for wet conditions on peat soils potentially minimizes these costs and helps supplying the growing demand for e.g. materials, fuels and feed. Here we used a life cycle assessment approach (cradle to farm gate) to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to three cases by applying IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) emission factors and specific site conditions at a bog and a fen site that represent widely distributed temperate peat soils. Besides soil emissions, upstream emissions from input, operational emissions and emission related to rewetting construction work were included. The analyzed systems were deeply drained cash cropping on agricultural bog (potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.), permanent Reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) production on non-drained bog and permanent RCG production on shallow-drained fen. The annual mean water table depths (WTD) were −70, −38 (estimated) and −13 cm, respectively. Results showed estimated GHG emissions of 40.5, 26.1 and 20.6 Mg CO2eq ha−1, respectively, corresponding to a 35% GHG reduction for the non-drained bog case as compared to the drained bog case, despite that the obtained WTD due to ceased drainage did not adhere to the IPCC rewetting threshold of −30 cm. Emissions related to crop management represented 7, 14 and 19% of total emissions. In the RCG cultivation on fen case, the WTD were controlled primarily by the water table of the nearby stream and total GHG emissions were even lower as compared to the RCG production on the non-drained bog reflecting the difference in WTD. Rewetting projects need to include careful knowledge of the specific peat area to foresee the actual reduction potential.

Above and belowground litter decomposition of cover crops grazed at different intensities

AbstractGrazing cover crops may increase land‐use efficiency while promoting sustainability. We investigated how grazing intensity affects cover crop litter quantity, quality, decomposition, and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) N uptake. Cover crops were a mixture of rye (Secale cereale L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) managed as follows: no grazing +34 kg N ha−1 (NG34), no grazing +90 kg N ha−1 (NG90), heavy grazing (HG), moderate grazing (MG), and light grazing (LG). Grazed treatments received 90 kg N ha−1. After cover crop termination, above‐ and belowground litter was collected and incubated in situ for 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 days, with cotton plants sampled on the same days to estimate N recovery and synchrony between N release from litter and uptake by cotton. By Day 128, only 13% of initial NG34 aboveground biomass had disappeared, whereas 42% of HG disappeared. Nitrogen retained in aboveground litter of HG was less than NG90 (27 vs. 60 kg N ha−1), and aboveground final N stock (at Day 128) of HG was less than NG90 and LG (16, 47, and 41 kg N ha−1, respectively). Belowground litter contributed 98 kg N ha−1 versus 46 for aboveground. Belowground N disappearance from litter bags was greater from NG90 than NG34 (39 vs. 21 kg N ha−1). Cotton N uptake by Day 128 was similar across treatments (191 kg N ha−1). Grazing cover crops impact aboveground litter quantity, quality, and decomposition rates, and belowground litter plays an important role on the N cycling.