Ridge Tillage Research Articles

Influence of primary soil cultivation methods and systems on the dynamics of humus in drained soil

The research was carried out on the experimental fields of the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands (Tver Region). The purpose of the research is to study the influence of soil cultivation techniques and systems on the dynamics of humus in drained soil. The soils of the experimental plots are cultivated sod-podzolic, light loamy, gleyic, formed on a moraine or thin binomial. In 5 experiments in crop rotations, methods of minimizing and deepening the arable layer were studied (plowing and moldless loosening at 28–32 cm, three-tier plowing at 40–45 cm), agro-reclamation methods (reclamation loosening at 50–60 cm, volumetric slitting at a depth of 45–50 cm, ridge plowing at 20–22 cm), agro-reclamation and mixed-depth soil cultivation systems. It has been established that soil cultivation techniques and systems are an important factor influencing the speed and direction of changes in humus content in the soil. Their influence was determined, first of all, by the method, depth and frequency of tillage in crop rotation. Positive results on the dynamics of humus were obtained with ridge, combined and minimal tillage systems with volumetric slicing of the soil. Compared with traditional ridge tillage technology, the humus content in the arable layer increased by 0.23% over 7 years, with combined tillage – by 0.37 and minimum – by 0.46%. In soils on carbonated moraine, positive changes in the dynamics of humus were observed when plowing with a plow with cut-out bodies and during reclamation loosening of the soil. In conditions of complex soil cover, on soils formed on thin soil and moraine, the use of reclamation loosening caused additional difficulties in the formation of a deficit-free balance of organic matter. Reclamation loosening of such soils should be accompanied by liming and an increase in the application rates of organic fertilizers per hectare of crop rotation area, compared to the recommended ones.

Impact of Ridge Tillage and Mulching on Water Dynamics of Summer Maize Fields Under Climate Change in the Semi-Arid Region of Northwestern Liaoning, China

Impact of Ridge Tillage and Mulching on Water Dynamics of Summer Maize Fields Under Climate Change in the Semi-Arid Region of Northwestern Liaoning, China

Effects of different tillage methods on soil properties and maize seedling growth in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode in the Songliao Plain of China

The Songliao Plain is the main maize (Zea mays L.) producing region in Northeast China. The no-tillage22NT: no-tillage. (NT) method in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode is widely used for maize planting in this region. However, in spring, the NT method in this mode suffer from low soil temperature and high soil water content33SWC: soil water content. (SWC), which severely restrict maize seed germination and seedling growth. We pioneered the research and practice of the ridge tillage44RT: ridge tillage. (RT) method and strip tillage55ST: strip tillage. (ST) method in this mode. We developed a new tillage machine to enable the implementation of RT and ST methods in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode, which has not been previously reported in this region. In this mode, the relative research of the RT method and ST method has not been conducted, and the effects of the RT method and ST method on the soil properties and maize seedling growth have not been clarified. Therefore, a 3-year field experiment was conducted at 7 randomly selected experimental sites in this region to research the effects of RT, ST, and NT methods on soil properties and maize seedling growth. During the spring sowing period, for soil pH, organic matter66OM: organic matter. (OM), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, both the RT method and ST method resulted in greater values than the NT method, and there was no significant difference between the RT method and ST method. This indicated that prolonged NT was not conducive to even distribution of OM, resulting in slightly lower available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the RT and ST methods. Within 30 days after spring sowing, for soil temperature, RT method value > ST method value > NT method value; for SWC, NT method value > RT method value > ST method value. For mean seedling emergence time77MET: mean seedling emergence time. (MET), RT method value < ST method value < NT method value; for seedling emergence rate88ER: seedling emergence rate. (ER), plant height, stem thickness, and plant dry weight, RT method value > ST method value > NT method value. Higher soil temperature, more suitable SWC, and better nutrient availability were beneficial in shortening MET, promoting dry matter accumulation, which ultimately increased plant height, stem thickness, and plant dry weight of maize seedlings. In RT, ST, and NT methods, soil temperature and plant dry weight were positively and linearly correlated in the 10–22 °C soil temperature interval. In the RT method and ST method, SWC and plant dry weight were positively and linearly correlated in the 15–24 % SWC interval. In the NT method, SWC and plant dry weight were negatively and linearly correlated in the 27–35 % SWC interval. Moreover, maize yield responses were positive for the RT method and ST method compared with the NT method. The RT method and ST method well solved the problems of low soil temperature and high SWC that existed in NT fields, which affected the early growth of maize seedlings, and ensured the stability and improvement of maize yields. The results suggest that both the RT method and ST method may provide significant improvements over the existing NT method.

Development and testing of a precision hoeing system for re-compacted ridge tillage in maize

Ridge tillage (RT) is a conservation practice that provides several benefits such as enhanced root growth and reduced soil erosion. The objectives of this study were to develop an autosteered living mulch seeder and hoeing prototype for RT systems using RTK-GNSS (real-time kinematic global navigation satellite systems) created ridges as a guide. It was also aimed to compare weed control efficacy and crop response of ridge-hoeing compared to conventional hoeing in flat tillage (FT). It was further aimed to investigate the impact of a new RT technology (with ridge re-compaction) on maize root development, yield, soil temperature, and moisture compared to FT.Field experiments were conducted with maize in 2021 and 2022 in a two-factorial split-plot design with tillage (RT and FT) as main treatment and weed control (untreated, herbicide, twice hoeing, hoeing + living mulch) as sub-treatment factors. Weed density, coverage, biomass, crop density, weed control efficacy (WCE) and maize silage yield were assessed. Temperature loggers were installed within RT and FT to take temperature readings at 20 min. Soil moisture and root penetrability were measured every two weeks in each plot using soil samples and a penetrometer.The WCE and yield did not differ significantly between the tillage systems. Twice hoeing resulted in 71–80 % WCE, which was equal to herbicide treatment. Hoeing + living mulch achieved 70–72 % WCE. Different from previous studies with ridge tillage, temperatures in the compacted ridges did not consistently differ from the ridge valleys and flat seedbeds. Root penetration (against 1.4 MPa penetrometer cone index) was 40 % higher in RT than in FT. On average, RT maize produced more (53.6 g m−2) root biomass compared to FT. In summary, re-compacted ridges built along RTK-GNSS lines can allow post-emergent hoeing and living mulch seeding along ridges and also provide good growing conditions for maize.

Effects of tillage practices on water storage and soil conservation in red soil slope farmland in Southern China

Under the current conditions of global climate change, many unreasonable tillage practices exacerbate soil erosion and seasonal drought in agriculture. The red soil slope farmland makes up a significant portion of agricultural land in southern China. It is crucial to enhance the water storage and soil conservation effects (WSE) by adopting appropriate agronomic practices on the red soil slope farmland, which ensures regional agriculture’s sustainable development. Therefore, this study employed a combination of experimental plot positioning observations and artificially simulated rainfall experiments to analyze the WSE of four tillage practices: Conventional tillage (CT), Downslope ridge tillage (DT), Cross-slope ridge tillage (RT), and Plastic Mulching (PM). This study proposed the optimal tillage practices based on a comprehensive evaluation of their effects. The results indicate that there is a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between tillage practices and growth stages on soil water retention and infiltration characteristics. Under the same growth stage conditions, PM can reduce soil bulk density by 0.03–14.29% (p < 0.05) and increase temperature, soil moisture content, and total porosity by 4.00–6.67%, 0.68–18.23%, and 1.30–13.47% (p < 0.05), respectively, demonstrating the best water retention capabilities among the four tillage practices. However, during the rainfall-runoff process, the surface runoff amount (SRA) generated by PM and DT accounts for 68.15% and 90.83% of the total runoff, respectively, which is detrimental to soil water infiltration during rainfall. Both practices exhibit poor resistance to soil erosion and demonstrate low water storage and soil conservation effect index (WSEI) values of 0.38 and 0.33, respectively. Secondly, RT’s SRA constitutes only 9.42% of the total runoff, which is beneficial for increasing the cumulative soil water infiltration amount (CIA) during rainfall. Among the three tillage practices, namely RT, DT, and CT, RT demonstrates strong soil water retention capabilities. It can significantly reduce the kinetic energy of soil erosion, enhance soil erosion resistance, and exhibit the highest WSEI of 0.84. Furthermore, CT exhibits a moderate WSEI of 0.75. In summary, from the perspective of WSEI, RT is the tillage practice that should be prioritized for promotion in the cultivation process of red soil slope farmland. Our research results can provide a scientific basis for constructing optimal tillage mode and improving the WSE of southern China’s red soil slope farmland.

Soil surface roughness impacts erosion behavior through selective regulation of flow properties in rainfall-seepage scenarios

Soil surface roughness (SSR) impacts runoff dynamics of surface-subsurface and the magnitude of soil erosion, limited attention has been paid to how SSR governs runoff hydrodynamics to affect erosion behavior and the effectiveness of erosion reduction under rainfall-seepage scenarios on low-permeability purple soil slopes. Herein the seepage rates of 2, 4, and 8 L min⁻¹ were sequentially simulated under a rainfall intensity of 1.0 mm min⁻¹ among different microrelief treatments (CT: conventional tillage; AD: artificial digging; RT: ridge tillage) on purple soil slopes with gradients of 5°, 10°, and 15°. These simulations aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the erosion reduction benefits associated with flow properties due to microrelief. The results showed that increased SSR altered erosion kinetic energy under rainfall-seepage conditions. The benefits of rough slopes to control erosion decreased as rainfall-seepage intensity and slope gradient increased. During rainfall-seepage events, the variation in runoff behavior was regulated positively by the effect of SSR on unit stream power. However, the increasing net output power of runoff due to flow turbulence altered sediment output, thereby affecting sediment control benefits. Overall, the impact of rainfall-seepage intensity on surface roughness became more significant with increasing slope gradient. Our findings suggest the capable of integrating for interrelated microrelief and runoff processes in factors analysis of driving soil erosion at rainfall-seepage hydrologic states to elucidate erosion effect.

Effect of ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation on the root system and yield of crops

Effect of ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation on the root system and yield of crops

Carbon sequestration through conservation tillage in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid climates: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) percent changes in sandy soils, transitioning from conventional tillage (CT) to conservational tillage (CST) in arid and semi-arid climates. High levels of SOC in sandy soils are difficult to attain especially when precipitation levels are very low, contributing to low biomass production, and increased decomposition of organic matter. While CT practices are known to reduce SOC through the breakdown of soil aggregates, accelerated decomposition of soil organic matter, and promote erosion, CST methods (i.e., mulch tillage, no tillage, reduced tillage, ridge tillage, etc.) offer the potential to preserve soil aggregates and increase SOC concentration. Analyzing 55 peer-reviewed publications in arid and semi-arid climates with ≥ 45 % sand content, this study compared SOC content between CST and CT over short- and long-term periods (349 paired observations). Results showed that CST increased SOC in sandy soils, with an estimated 12.74 ± 1.46 % increase. Specifically, reduced tillage (RdT), mulch tillage (MchT), and no tillage (NT) exhibited the highest increases of SOC by 18.94 ± 2.48 %, 11.45 ± 2.46 %, and 10.06 ± 2.46 %, respectively, compared to CT. Studies with durations of up to 15 years (n = 297) showed a progressive increase in SOC concentrations under CST; however, the long-term stability of the accrued carbon content in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid climates is still uncertain, as studies extending beyond 15 years (n = 52) did not demonstrate significant changes in SOC levels. CST significantly raised SOC concentrations in precipitation up to 600 mm, though no significant changes were observed for precipitation over 600 mm. In soils with over 56 % sand content, CST increased SOC by approximately 13 %. This study highlights both positive and limited impacts of CST practices for soil conservation and climate change mitigation, emphasizing their significance for both existing agricultural areas in arid regions and those in parts of the world where aridity is on the rise.

Effects of Varied Tillage Practices on Soil Quality in the Experimental Field of Red-Soil Sloping Farmland in Southern China

Red-soil sloping farmland in southern China plays a crucial role in the local economy and food production. However, improper tillage practices have resulted in topsoil degradation and deteriorating soil quality. This study investigated changes in soil physico-chemical properties under four tillage methods—cross-slope ridge tillage (RT), down-slope ridge tillage (DT), plastic mulching (PM), and conventional tillage (CT)—on red-soil sloping farmland. The study applied the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to assess the influence of these tillage practices on soil quality. Results indicated that PM can increase the total porosity of the soil, reduce soil bulk density, and simultaneously decrease soil surface-water evaporation, significantly improving the soil’s water-retention capacity. RT improved soil aggregate formation and stability, leading to increased macro-aggregate content, mean weight diameter, and soil water-stable aggregate stability rates. PM and RT effectively preserved soil nutrients like total nitrogen and organic matter, although PM lowered soil pH, potentially causing acidification. RT demonstrated the highest soil quality, with PM following. Crop growth positively impacted soil macro-aggregate content and stability, showing continuous improvement in soil structure and quality (p &lt; 0.05). Priority should be given to RT in red-soil sloping farmland, followed by PM and CT, while avoiding DT if possible. This research furnishes valuable scientific substantiation for the selection of optimal tillage practices in the preservation of soil quality on red-soil slopes.

Analysis of Maize Planting Mode and Simulation and Optimization of Ridging and Fertilization Components in Arid Area of Northwest China

The arid area of Northwest China belongs to the rain-fed agricultural area of the Loess Plateau, and water resources have become one of the important factors limiting agricultural development in this area. This study employed the AquaCrop model to predict the yield advantages and environmental adaptability of maize in Dingxi City from 2016 to 2020 under two cultivation practices: ridge tillage (100% film coverage with double ridge-furrow planting) and flat planting (81.8% film coverage with wide-film planting). The numerical simulation of the tillage and fertilization process of the double-ridge seedbed was carried out by EDEM, and the key components were tested by the Box–Behnken center combination test design principle to obtain the optimal parameter combination. The results showed that ridge planting was more suitable for agricultural planting in rain-fed arid areas in Northwest China. The simulation analysis of ridging and fertilization showed that the forward speed of the combined machine was 0.50 m/s, the rotation speed of the trough wheel of the fertilizer discharger was 39 rmp, and the rotary tillage depth was 150 mm. The qualified rate of seedbed tillage was 93.6%, and the qualified rate of fertilization was 92.1%. The research shows that the whole-film double ridge-furrow sowing technology of maize is more suitable for the rain-fed agricultural area in the arid area of Northwest China. The simulation results of the ridging fertilization device are consistent with the field experiment results. The research results provide a certain technical reference for the optimization of the whole-film double ridge-furrow sowing technology.

Impact of long-term tillage on the soil organic carbon storage and its composition in black soil.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for maintaining soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultu-ral development. We investigated the impact of long-term tillage practices on soil organic carbon storage (SOCS) and its components in dryland farming areas of the black soil region, based on a 39-year tillage practice experiment. We compared the effects of different tillage practices (conventional rotary and ridge tillage, CT; no-tillage, NT; subsoiling tillage, ST; moldboard plowing, MP) on SOCS, active organic carbon components, and microbial necromass carbon (MNC) content in the 0-40 cm soil layer. The results showed that, compared to CT, NT significantly increased the contents of SOCS, SOC, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC), and MNC in the 0-20 cm soil layer. Both ST and MP significantly improved the contents of SOCS, SOC, and EOC in 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil layers compared to CT and increased MBC content in the 20-40 cm soil layer. Additionally, MP treatment significantly improved the contents of DOC, particulate organic carbon, and MNC in the 20-40 cm soil layer compared to other treatments. ST and MP significantly reduced the contribution rate of MNC to SOC in both soil layers compared to CT and NT treatments. Results of structural equation modeling showed that enhancing the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates, field capacity, and total phosphorus content, along with increasing the activities of β-glucosidase, amylase, and lignin peroxidase, could promote MNC accumulation. MP treatment facilitated the uniform distribution of SOC, active organic carbon, and MNC in the 0-40 cm soil layer, which was more conducive to the fixation of SOC in farmland in the black soil region.

Effect of Land Use Type on Soil Moisture Dynamics in the Sloping Lands of the Black Soil (Mollisols) Region of Northeast China

This study investigates the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of soil moisture on slopes of China’s northeastern black soil region, focusing on the effects of terrain adjustment and vegetation. Soil moisture dynamics in the 0–60 cm soil layer were measured at 10 cm intervals using the TRIME-PICO64 TDR® device on slopes with similar gradients representing three land use types: transverse ridge tillage (TRT) farmland, terraced fields (TFs) farmland, and pure forest woodland (WL). The results indicate significant variations in soil moisture content and water storage across different land use types in the order of TF &gt; TRT &gt; WL. The study further identified that soil bulk density, porosity, and water-holding indicators were in the order of WL &gt; TF &gt; TRT, inconsistent with the soil moisture results, indicating that soil quality cannot be the sole reason for the differences in moisture. The moisture differences between farmland types (TRT and TF) and WL are substantial, especially during the rainy season. In the rainy season (0–60 cm) and the dry season (30–60 cm), significant differences in moisture content are observed (p &lt; 0.05). Significant differences in moisture content between farmland types are found at 0–40 cm during the rainy season and at 0–10 cm during the dry season. In the rainy season, soil moisture for TRT and TFs first decreases from 26.76% and 30.85% to 22.44% and 25.38%, then slightly increases to 27.01% and 27.07% along the slope. Meanwhile, WL displays the opposite pattern on upper, relatively steep slopes, with soil moisture increasing from 16.66% to 17.81%, and exhibits a pattern of change similar to TRT and TFs on lower, gentler slopes. TFs consistently show higher soil moisture and water storage at all slope positions than TRT and WL. TFs improve soil quality, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and shift the lowest soil moisture content to a lower slope position. During the dry season, soil moisture differences between slope positions for TRT and WL were small. In general, terracing can effectively modulate moisture distribution along slopes, increasing moisture by an average of 0.26~12.43%, while afforestation, despite improving soil quality, leads to an 18.14~31.13% reduction in soil moisture content, with the impact being particularly significant during the rainy season. These findings provide important insights for optimizing land use and ecological construction, including keeping the balance between soil and water conservation, especially for sub-humid slope terrain areas.

Effect of Soil Tillage Systems and Crop Seasonality on the Sediment Geochemical Properties Transferred into a Headwater: A Case of Study in Tobacco Plantation

ABSTRACT The global impacts of agricultural land conversion on soil erosion and pollution, particularly in tobacco cultivation areas, are well-recognized as significant contributors to soil degradation. These areas are identified as hotspots for environmental concerns due to practices that lead to increased erosion and pollution. From this perspective, this case of study explores fine sediment samples from two areas with tobacco cultivation under different tillage systems and seasonal variations, transport into a headwater, and evaluates, on a local scale: (1) the impact of tillage systems on the geochemical signature of sediments; (2) if whether crop seasonality affects these sediment geochemical signatures. The Conventional Ridge Tillage (CRT) system involves extensive soil exposure and machinery for soil management, while the Mulch Ridge Tillage (MRT) system prioritizes soil conservation and relies on herbicides for weed control. The analytical methodology used to assess the sample element characteristics was Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). It was applied on the twenty fine sediments (ten of harvest and ten of inter-harvest season of tobacco) to quantitatively assess their inorganic composition. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied on the EDXRF data to highlight the similarities and, thus, providing information to assess the complex data clustering patterns. As a result, the sediment compositions from the two studied soil systems are not similar. The PCA showed that the CRT sediments are characterized by the P, S, K, Ca, and Mn content, presenting a geochemical signature related to manure and fertilizer compared to the MRT, which is correlated with Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents, exhibiting a geochemical signature characterized by the natural soil composition. Therefore, the sediment geochemical signatures might be affected by two phases in the study area: a) tillage system characteristics and b) seasonal soil erosion. These findings underscore the importance of managing soil nutrients to mitigate soil pollution and nutrient exportation to aquatic systems. Moreover, the results emphasize the recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in tobacco-growing areas to protect environmental quality.

Assessment of the Influence of zaï, Stone Rows, and Organo-mineral Fertiliser on Soil Properties and Groundnut Yields Performances in Sudan Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Groundnut occupies a vital position in oilseed crop production in Burkina Faso, with current production at 630,526 tonnes. However, its production faces threats from drought and low soil fertility. This study aims to determine the influence of zaï, stone rows, ridge tillage, and mineral fertilisation on soil health and on groundnut yields performances in Sudan Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. Experimental treatments were distributed randomly following a Fisher block design, comprising four treatments and five replications, in the village of Sandogo. Data on soil properties, plant growth, and yields were analysed using variance analysis in R software. The results indicate significant influences of the treatments on carbon content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, pH values, soil moisture content, soil carbon dioxide release, and soil macrofauna. Moreover, notable effects were observed on the number of nodules, drier nodule weight, number of leaves and branches, pod load, pod and straw yields, and the weight of 100-pods. The highest carbon content (0.857; 0.861%), nitrogen content (0.081%; 0.087%), phosphorus content (7.488; 7.735 mg.kg-1), pH values (6.43; 6.54), and soil moisture content (24.80; 25.27%) were recorded in the homogeneous group of zaï and zaï associated to stone rows. The highest carbon dioxide release (2863.33 ppm) was recorded in plots treated with stone rows. Ants were the most widely encountered macrofauna, whereas no earthworms were recorded. The highest performance in terms of the number of nodules (84.76; 87.88), dry nodule weight (0.0893; 0.0886 g/plant), number of leaves (40; 40), number of branches (6; 6), pod load (25; 25), weight of 100-pods (112.90; 111.98 g), straw yields (1673.28; 1664.87 kg.ha-1), and pod yields (2122.32; 2161.96 kg.ha-1) were achieved with zaï and zaï combined with stone rows. Zaï and zaï combined with stone rows can therefore be used as effective alternatives to improve groundnut production in the Sudan Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso in a context of climate change, while protecting the environment.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the growing season are regulated by precipitation events in conservation tillage farmland ecosystems of Northeast China

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural ecosystems is vital to mitigate global warming. Conservation tillage is widely used in farmland management to improve soil quality; however, its effects on soil GHG emissions remain poorly understood, particularly in high-yield areas. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effects of no-tillage (NT) combined with four straw-mulching levels (0 %, 33 %, 67 %, and 100 %) on GHG emission risk and the main influencing factors. We conducted in-situ observations of GHG emissions from soils under different management practices during the maize-growing season in Northeastern China. The results showed that NT0 (705.94 g m−2) reduced CO2 emissions by 18 % compared to ridge tillage (RT, 837.04 g m−2). Different straw mulching levels stimulated N2O emissions after rainfall, particularly under NT combined with 100 % straw mulching (2.89 kg ha−1), which was 45 % higher than that in any other treatments. The CH4 emissions flux among different treatments was nearly zero. Overall, straw mulching levels had no significant effect on the GHG emissions. During the growing season, soil NH4+-N (< 20 mg kg−1) remained low and decreased with the extension of growth stage, whereas soil NO3−-N initially increased and then decreased. More importantly, the results of structural equation modeling indicate that: a) organic material input and soil moisture are key factors affecting CO2 emissions, b) nitrogen fertilizer and soil moisture promote N2O emissions, and c) climatic factors exert an inexorable influence on the GHG emissions process. Our conclusions emphasize the necessity of incorporating precipitation-response measures into farmland management to reduce the risk of GHG emissions.

The impacts of film mulching and ridging on N2O emissions, relevant functional genes, and microbial communities in rain-fed potato fields

Rain-fed potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields in drylands significantly contribute to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, making them an important focus of agricultural greenhouse gas research. Film mulching and ridging are key agricultural methods in potato cultivation. Investigating the impact of these methods on N2O emissions, nitrifying/denitrifying functional genes, and microbial communities can provide a theoretical basis for soil emission reduction and more sustainable dryland agriculture. We examine the effects of flat tillage with mulching, ridge tillage with mulching, flat tillage without mulching, and ridge tillage without mulching, on potato fields under natural rainfall conditions in Wuchuan County, China. N2O emission fluxes were monitored using a static (dark) chamber and gas chromatography. Real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR) was used to quantify abundances of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria related to N2O emissions at various potato-growth stages. Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate microbial community structure by targeting 16S rRNA genes; related soil elements (soil temperatures and moisture) are analyzed. Mulching and ridging indirectly influence N2O emissions, nitrifying/denitrifying functional gene copy numbers, and microbial community structure by altering soil temperature and moisture. Cumulative N2O emissions and emission intensity were both consistently higher in ridge tillage with mulching during the potato-growing period. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea are the main microorganisms that control N2O emissions, with nitrification-coupled denitrification also being an important mechanism contributing to high N2O emissions during soil dry–wet cycles. Increased soil temperature and moisture elevated N2O emissions and functional gene copy numbers. The combination of mulching and ridging effectively uses the characteristics of both practices, making Nitrospira the dominant genus, and significantly increases N2O emissions.

Impacts of straw mulching in longitudinal furrows on hillslope soil erosion and deposition in the Chinese Mollisol region

In the Northeast Mollisol region of China, straw mulching has a great effect on preventing soil loss from ridge tillage, but how furrow straw mulching (FSM) impacts the spatial distribution of erosion-deposition and sediment sources in longitudinal ridge tillage systems is still unclear. Therefore, this study was to quantify the effects of the FSM on the spatial distribution of soil erosion-deposition and sediment sources in longitudinal ridge tillage systems by using the magnetism tracing methodology and indoor simulation rainfall experiments. The experimental treatments included two surface treatments: without the FSM (NFSM) and with the FSM of 0.30 kg·m−2 amount, two rainfall intensities of 50 and 100 mm h−1 were included; each experiment was run for 60 min at a soil pan with a 5° slope gradient, 6.2 m length, 1.3 m width and 0.7 m depth. The results indicated that, compared with the NFSM treatment, the total slope runoff and soil loss in the FSM treatment at two rainfall intensities were decreased by 41.6 % and 99.5 % and by 37.9 % and 97.7 %, respectively, and the reduction in slope runoff and soil loss decreased with an increase of rainfall intensity. The total mass of sediments intercepted by straw mulching on the entire slope accounted for 36.9 % and 10.4 % of the total soil loss in the NFSM treatment, respectively. Erosion regimes dominated on the hillslope of the NFSM treatment with strong-weak alternation at two rainfall intensities, while for the FSM treatment, only deposition regime was observed at 50 mm h−1 rainfall intensity; a slight change with erosion-deposition on the ridge tops was observed and deposition in the furrows was observed at 100 mm h−1 rainfall intensity. Furthermore, the FSM treatment changed the main sediment source from ridge tops to furrows on the hillslope compared to the NFSM treatment, whose sediment contributions from the ridge tops and the furrows at the two rainfall intensities were approximately 16.4 % and 83.6 %, respectively. In conclusion, FSM should be promoted due to its high efficiency in decreasing slope runoff and intercepting sediments. The findings of this study served as a scientific reference for effectively controlling soil erosion along slopes in the Chinese Mollisol region.

Perceived Organizational Support, Inter-Temporal Choice, and Farmer Conservation Tillage Adoption

To solve the problem of the insufficient driving force and low adoption rate of conservation tillage adoption and to enhance the effect of industrial organization in influencing technology diffusion, this paper explored the relationship and the mechanism of perceived organizational support and inter-temporal choice in the adoption of conservation tillage by using micro-research data from 725 melon farmers in the Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces in China and by applying the experimental economics method to obtain the inter-temporal choices of the farmers. This paper also analyzed farmers’ risk preferences’ moderating effect on the relationship between inter-temporal choice and conservation tillage. Additionally, it examined the impact of perceived organizational support on the differentiation of different conservation tillage technologies. The study found that perceived organizational support significantly contributes to adopting zero tillage and minimum tillage, and water-saving irrigation. Perceived organizational support was not conducive to farmers’ adoption of furrow and ridge tillage. The impact of perceived organizational support on technology adoption is heterogeneous, depending on the differences in the size of the family’s cultivated land. The inter-temporal choice of farmers significantly impedes the adoption of conservation tillage. The increase in risk preference helps alleviate the hindering effect of inter-temporal choice on farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage. Perceived organizational support can promote the adoption of conservation tillage by reducing farmers’ inter-temporal choices. Inter-temporal choice is an essential mechanism by which perceived organizational support affects the adoption of conservation tillage. Compared with the existing studies, this paper incorporates the technology-attribute-induced inter-temporal choice of farmers into the impact analysis framework and considers the relationship between perceived organizational support, inter-temporal choice, and the adoption of conservation tillage and the mechanism of its action. The findings of the study provide a theoretical basis for the enrichment of incentive mechanisms for the adoption of conservation tillage, which is of great significance for the improvement of the tool for the integration of small farmers in developing countries into the industrial activities of the new agricultural business central bodies and for promoting the diffusion of conservation tillage in agriculture.

Alfalfa Cultivation Patterns in the Yellow River Irrigation Area on Soil Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Establishing lucerne field is an efficient way to protect natural steppes, alleviate conflicts between meadows and livestock, and promote the development of animal husbandry. However, problems such as extensive field management, valuing yield over quality, and low resource utilization are endemic in production. Exploring reasonable cultivation patterns can contribute to improving the current situation of artificial grassland production and promoting the high-quality development of husbandry and prataculture. Lucerne the field experiment was carried out in Jingtai, Gansu Province, China in 2021–2022; this study compared and analyzed the effects of three cultivation patterns—ridge tillage with plastic film mulching (PM), ridge tillage with biodegradable film mulching (BM), and traditional flat planting (FP)—on soil water, heat, and fertilizer, as well as lucerne growth, yield, quality, and water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results show that: (1) during the growth period of lucerne, PM and BM treatments augment the average moisture content of the soil layer of 0–120 cm by 31.19% and 24.03% compared to the FP treatment, respectively. In the soil layer of 0–40 cm, PM and BM treatments abate the soil moisture content of the ridges by an average of 19.29% and 7.89% compared to that in the ditches, respectively. In the soil layer of 40–120 cm, PM and BM treatments elevate the soil moisture content of the ridges by 4.40% and 4.65% on average compared to that in the ditches, respectively. The average soil temperature in a soil layer of 5–25 cm shows PM &gt; BM &gt; FP. In contrast with the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the soil temperature of the ridges by an average of 1.87 °C and 0.96 °C and decrease that of the ditches by an average of 0.47 °C and 0.46 °C, respectively. After two years of planting, the three cultivation patterns all promote the soil nutrient content. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the organic matter content by 9.94% and 19.94%, respectively. (2) Ridge tillage with film mulching can evidently stimulate the growth of lucerne and enhance yield and quality. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments enhance plant height by an average of 15.37% and 4.04%, stem diameter by an average of 34.14% and 14.58%, yield by an average of 21.20% and 14.77%, crude protein content by an average of 13.47% and 7.68%, and relative feed value by an average of 8.71% and 4.41%, respectively. (3) During the two-year growing period, the irrigation amount of lucerne was 508.60–615.30 mm, and the evapotranspiration was 563.70–761.80 mm. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments hoist water use efficiency by an average of 43.50% and 17.56%, nitrogen partial factor productivity by an average of 21.20% and 15.22%, and net income by an average of 14.78% and 11.05%, respectively. In summary, in ridge tillage, both ordinary film mulching and biodegradable film mulching can create a favorable soil environment for lucerne growth and heighten production effect. The former has a better effect on advancing the lucerne production effect, and the latter exhibits superior performance in improving soil fertility.

No-tillage with straw mulching restrained the vertical transportation of chemical fertilizer N and reduced its leaching loss in Northeast China

Intensified by the pursuit of food security, nitrogen (N) source pollution caused by excessive chemical N fertilizer application has emerged as a major environmental threat, especially through nitrate N (NO3--N) leaching. While no-tillage with straw mulching is recognized for mitigating NO3--N leaching from chemical fertilizer N, its efficacy in deep soil layers remains unclear. Thus, employing the 15N isotope labeling technique in Northeast China's black soil, we investigated the impact of no-tillage and/or straw mulching on the transformation, vertical transport, and leaching loss of fertilizer N under five treatments: conventional ridge tillage (RT), and no-tillage with varying straw coverages (NT-0, NT-33, NT-67, and NT-100). Our results revealed that over 98.3% of fertilizer-derived mineral N in the soil was NO3--N, with substantial downward movement beyond 120 cm, posing a leaching risk. Three years after N fertilizer application, no-tillage and/or straw mulching with varying coverages significantly reduced fertilizer-derived NO3--N by averaging 36.3% in 0–300 cm soil profile, compared to RT with 18.36 kg ha−1 fertilizer-derived NO3--N in soil. Notably, no-tillage and/or straw mulching of 33%, 67%, and 100% coverages effectively decelerated the vertical transport of fertilizer-derived NO3--N to 140–220 cm soil deeper layers by averaging 48.4%, where NO3--N accumulates in large quantities. The percentages of fertilizer-derived NO3--N leached to applied fertilizer N varied from 3.7% to 7.2% after three years of vertical migration. No-tillage with different straw coverages remarkably decreased this leaching percentage by 42.7% and 21.9% compared with RT and NT-0, respectively. Furthermore, we found that no-tillage with straw mulching enhanced fertilizer N utilization efficiency (NUE) and crop yields with NT-33, NT-67, and NT-100 demonstrating higher accumulative NUE of 58.4%, 56.2%, and 58.8% and average yields of 13.90, 13.48, and 13.21 Mg ha−1, respectively. Therefore, we preliminarily suggest that implementing no-tillage and straw mulching with 33% and 100% coverages in Northeast China holds promise for simultaneously enhancing crop yields and NUE, and mitigating N fertilizer leaching in the form of NO3--N. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing field management and mitigating N pollution in agriculture, contributing to the achievement of sustainable agricultural development.