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Intensive agriculture is the chief cause of soil degradation, particularly in regions with low soil organic carbon status, such as semi-arid southern India. In the quest to attain sustainable yield and improved soil quality, conservation agriculture (CA) is being advocated and adopted globally, including in India. In this experiment, CA was implemented to investigate the synergistic impacts of tillage and weed management on soil quality index and system yield and to identify a remunerative treatment combination that can sustain system yield and enhance soil quality. Contrasting tillage practices (main plots) included the T1: conventional tillage with cotton–conventional tillage with maize–fallow, i.e., no Sesbania rostrata (Farmers' practice), T2: conventional tillage with cotton–zero tillage with maize–zero tillage with Sesbania rostrata and T3: zero tillage with cotton + Sesbania rostrata residues–zero tillage with maize + cotton residues–zero tillage with Sesbania rostrata + maize stubbles. Weed management tactics (sub-plots) were W1: chemical weed control, W2: herbicide rotation, W3: integrated weed management and W4: single hand-weeded control in a split-plot design with cotton–maize–Sesbania cropping system over 3 years, in a split-plot design. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the soil quality index (SQI)-CAL Version 1.0 software tool to extract minimum datasets from measured soil properties. A total of 40 soil variables were analyzed at 60 DAS and after the maize harvest, then subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and subjected to PCA in soil quality index (SQI)-CAL software as to choose variables, minimum dataset and obtain soil quality index. The following soil properties, soil organic carbon (SOC), silt fraction, available soil zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil carbon to nitrogen (C:N) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were selected as indicators based on correlations, calculated PCA and adept opinions on texture and lime concretions of experimental soil. The soil quality index improved by 23.34% in the T3W4 compared to T1W1. The system yield was 51.79% higher with the adoption of T3W3 compared to T3W4 combinations. Therefore, considering both system yield and soil quality index, T3 and W3 were remunerative and the best treatment combination among all others to sustain both soil and crop productivity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of site-specific nutrients information for different cropping systems has been a major challenge in addressing declining soil fertility levels and enhance crop productivity in Punjab, Pakistan. Therefore, the study was designed to assess and quantify soil physico-chemical characteristics, crop yield and economic feasibility of different cropping systems (CS), including groundnut-wheat (G-W), rice-wheat (R-W), fallow-gram/wheat (F-G/W), mix cropping (Mix C) and cotton-wheat (C-W). A total of 470 georeferenced soil samples were collected using a random survey approach, and the samples were analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter percentage (OM), total nitrogen percentage (TN), accessible phosphorus (AvP) (mg kg−1) and extractable potassium (ExK) (mg kg−1). For crop yield and economic feasibility, the data collected for each crop were summed up and mean data for every cropping system were compared. Cotton-wheat cropping system had the highest mean value of EC (1.57 dS/m), while mix cropping showed the maximum level of OM (0.53%), TN (0.028%), AvP (5.16 mg kg−1), yield (10.09 t ha−1), gross revenue (PK Rs. 87,883) and benefit cost ratio (2.2). The R-W cropping system had the highest pH (8.37), ExK (127.39 mg kg−1) and total cost (PK Rs. 46,882.25). Curiously, the fallow-gram/wheat cropping system had lower value of OM, TN, AvP, ExK, yield, GR and BCR, highlighted its poor performance compared to mix cropping system. Deficiencies in OM were widespread across all cropping systems, with only 3.1% of samples under mix cropping system being in the medium range. Similarly, TN %, AvP and ExK were deficient in varying degrees across all cropping systems, particularly in the fallow-gram/wheat cropping system. Spatial variability maps showed that nutrient deficiencies were more pronounced from the southern to northern side of study area. Our findings indicate that mixed cropping can improve soil health and enhance crop productivity, supporting the need for targeted nutrient management in Punjab agriculture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study examines the impact of potassium management on the sustainability of custard apple agri-horticulture, focusing on the Quantity/Intensity relationship which is crucial for soil fertility and potassium availability to plants. A long-term field experiment with a custard apple-based agri system was started in the wet season of 2009 with seven different intercrops and one custard apple mono-crop at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, within the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka. The soil, classified as Typic Kandiustalf, was analyzed for its physical and chemical properties, revealing a sandy clay loam texture with low organic carbon and moderate levels of available potassium. The study found that custard apple yields were highest when grown alone, particularly with finger millet and chili intercrops, and lowest with foxtail millet. Soil analysis showed minor differences in particle size and bulk density, with variations linked to crop type and depth. Chemical analysis indicated that custard apple affects cation exchange capacity, especially when combined with field bean, enhancing soil nutrients. Surface soils had more water-soluble and exchangeable potassium with cowpea, and more non-exchangeable potassium with finger millet. Potassium decreased with depth, except for lattice and total potassium. The results Q/I relationship of K showed that CRe0K values ranged from 16 to 32 × 10−3 (mol litre−1)1/2 whereas, PBCK ranged from 10.4 to 14.1 (cmol kg−1)/(mol L−1)1/2. Studies indicate that for custard apple farms, especially in rainfed zones, legume intercropping with frequent potassium application is advantageous to maintain the sustainable long-term yield of custard apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntegration of organic and inorganic fertilizers is inevitable to sustain intensive agricultural production; however, assessment of combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil phosphorus (P) fractions is yet to be understood. This study aims to investigate availability, distribution, and fractions of soil P as influenced by long-term fertilization under soybean-based cropping systems in Vertisol. Soil samples were collected during 2021 from a 17-year-old field experiment with six treatments viz., T1: 100% Organic, T2: 75% Organic + 25% Innovative approach, T3: 50% Organic + 50% Inorganic, T4: 75% Organic + 25% Inorganic, T5: 100% Inorganic, and T6: State recommendation under soybean-wheat, soybean-mustard, and soybean-chickpea cropping systems at two soil depths after wheat, mustard, and chickpea, and examined for 0.5 M NaHCO3-P, total P, inorganic P, and different P fractions namely, saloid-P (1 M NH4Cl), aluminium-P (0.5 M NH4F), iron-P (0.1 M NaOH), calcium-P (0.25 M H2SO4), and reductant soluble-P (0.3 M Na3C3H6O7 + 1 M NaHCO3 + Na2S2O3). Results demonstrates that continuous fertilization using organic, inorganic, and their combination influences soil P dynamics. Soybean-chickpea system was found better in sustaining P availability. Higher NaHCO3-P was observed under 50% organic + 50% inorganic plot. Inorganic fertilizer dominated soil P accumulation as observed from higher inorganic fractions, and total P. Addition of organic manure could contribute to solubilization of fixed-P fractions and renders plant available form. It can be concluded that fertilization with organic manures and inorganic fertilizer should be followed so that 25–50% costly P-fertilizers could be saved for crop production under soybean-based cropping systems in Vertisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a potential C4 food and forage crop with high yield and quality, which is expected to improve quality forage supply in southern Kyushu region. However, the use of amaranth as a forage crop is limited in southern Kyushu, Japan. Amaranth was seeded in early May 2020 and 2022 to test its adaptability, yield, and forage quality. These characteristics were compared with those of four typical small‐grained forage species that is foxtail millet (Setaria italica), Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), and forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). In both years, the highest yield and the rate of crop growth were observed in the first harvest plants in the amaranth. In addition, amaranth also had the highest in vitro​ dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and crude protein (CP) content in addition to the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in 2020. Both IVDMD and CP content were lower in 2022, due to the fact that the crops were more mature at harvest, although NDF content was the lowest. Among small‐grained forage plants, forage sorghum had the second highest yield after amaranth and the highest IVDMD in first‐cut plants. The amaranth crop was extensively damaged in 2020, when 31.7% of the crop was lodged by a strong wind from typhoon No. 5. Compared to conventional small grain forage species, amaranth has the potential for high forage yields and quality. However, protecting amaranth plants from typhoon damage requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive modelling tools can be used to support the design of agricultural landscapes to promote pollinator biodiversity and pollination services. Despite the proliferation of such modelling tools in recent decades, there remains a gap in synthesising their main characteristics and representation capacities. Here, we reviewed 42 studies that developed non‐correlative models to explore the impact of land use and land cover changes on bee populations, and synthesised information about the modelled systems, modelling approaches, and key model characteristics like spatiotemporal extent and resolution. Various modelling approaches are employed to predict the biodiversity of bees and the pollination services they provide, with a prevalence of models focusing on wild populations compared to managed ones. Of these models, landscape indicators and distance decay models are relatively simple, with few parameters. They allow mapping bee visitation probabilities using basic land cover data and considering bee foraging ranges. Conversely, mechanistic or agent‐based models delineate, with varying degrees of complexity, a multitude of processes that characterise, among others, the foraging behaviour and population dynamics of bees. The reviewed models collectively encompass 38 ecological, agronomic, and economic processes, producing various outputs including bee abundance, habitat visitation rate, and crop yield. To advance the development of predictive modelling tools aimed at fostering pollinator biodiversity and pollination services in agricultural landscapes, we highlight future avenues for increasing biophysical realism in models predicting the impact of land use and land cover changes on bees. Additionally, we address the challenges associated with balancing model complexity and practical usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To attain food security, we must minimize crop losses caused by weed growth, animal herbivores, and pathogens (or "pests"). Today, crop production depends heavily on the use of chemical pesticides (or "pesticides") to protect the crops. However, pesticides are phased out as they lose efficiency due to pest resistance, and few new pesticides are appearing on the market. In addition, policies and national action programs are implemented with the aim of reducing pesticide risks. We must redesign our cropping systems to successfully protect our crops against pests using fewer or no pesticides. In this review, I focus on the principles for redesigning the crop ecosystem. Ecological redesign aims to enhance ecological functions in order to regulate pest populations and diminish crop losses. Exploring ecology and ecosystems plays an important role in this transition. Guiding principles for redesigning the cropping system can be drawn from understanding its ecology. Ecosystem and community ecologists have identified four principal ecological characteristics that enhance the biotic regulation of ecological processes across ecosystems: (i) advanced ecosystem succession through introducing and conserving perennial crops and landscape habitats; (ii) reduced disturbance frequency and intensity; (iii) an increase in both managed and wild functional biological diversity, above and below ground; and (iv) matched spatial extent of land use (e.g., crop field size) with that of ecological processes (e.g., dispersal capacity of predators). I review the practices that link these ecosystem characteristics to crop protection in grain commodity cropping in both the crop field and the agricultural landscape. The review brings forth how basic understandings drawn from ecosystem and community ecology can guide agricultural research in the redesign of cropping systems, ensuring that technologies, breeding, innovation, and policy are adapted to and support the reshaped crop ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractionation of Zn and its adsorption at soil matrix are crucial for careful management to attain the sustainability in Western Indo-Gangetic Plain region. To fulfil the objectives, the soil at the three depths (15, 30 and 45 cm) was collected from the farmers field in 2021–2022 from five different cropping systems (sugarcane–ratoon–wheat, sugarcane–ratoon–wheat–rice, sugarcane–mustard–ratoon–rice, sugarcane–cucumber–ratoon, and sugarcane–ratoon–potato) which are practicing the same cropping sequence since from 12 years and a reference soil which remains uncultivated from last 50 years. The soil was sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture with BD 1.33 gm/cc and 22% water holding capacity. The pH and EC revealed neutral-to-moderate alkaline, low-to-medium organic carbon (0.59 mg/kg), medium-to-high Olsen's phosphorous (30.14 mg/kg) and low to sufficient DTPA-Zn (1.82 mg/kg). Sugarcane–ratoon–wheat among cropping system revealed highest total (86.94 mg/kg), residual (67.95 mg/kg) and sequentially extractable Zn (19 mg/kg) fractions which implies that Zn is retained and released for longer duration. The retention of Zn at the soil matrix was further clarified by sorption mechanism which invoked maximum %Zn sorption occurred at S1 (49.17%). The sorption phenomena of Zn on soils are spontaneous (ΔG is negative) and are physically adsorbed (E < 8 kJ/mol). Monolayered-Zn sorption depicted from Langmuir Isotherm constants (Qo = 8.67 µg/gm, KL = 0.25 ml/µg) occurs at silt (r2 = 0.813*) and calcium carbonate surface (r2 = 0.943*) of top soil, while at subsurface multilayered sorption from Freundlich isotherm constant (KF = 3.07 µg/gm, n = 6.27 gm/ml) is pH-dependent (r2 = 0.910*) and occurs at clay surface (r2 = 0.812*). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid regions cover a large part of the Earth's surface and are at risk of increased agricultural activity and expected shifts in climate. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the impact of land use on soil quality in these soils. Using a state factor approach, we studied the effects of different land use types on soil physico-chemical and biological characteristics in the Bhuj region of Kutch, Gujarat (India). Our analysis identified six key land uses: barren land (BL), natural forest (NF), grazing land (GL), and cultivated land under monocropping (MC), intercropping (IC), and crop rotation (CR). Our findings demonstrated significantly higher levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), plant-available nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium), and enzyme activities in NF and GL (P < 0.05) than cultivated land and BL. For instance, SOC content in NF and GL exceeded that in cultivated land by 130% and 73.33%, respectively. Conversely, soil pH and plant-available phosphorus were higher in cultivated land. A strong correlation was observed between SOC and soil enzymes (P < 0.05), highlighting the importance of preserving SOC for optimal soil biological health in arid regions. Our study provides crucial baseline data on various soil quality indicators for an arid region, informing the development of landscape-scale models and guiding effective land management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of five known ginger cultivars of eastern India, namely Gorubathan, Suruchi, Suprabha, Bhaisay and a Local collection, were studied in an eight-year-old 2.7 m × 2.7 m spaced arecanut plantation at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya within the Teraiagro-ecological region of West Bengal. Plantlets of ginger were raised through single bud sprout techniques (SBT) using 5 g cut piece of rhizome with a plump bud and transplanted under an arecanut-based high density crop model along with bay leaf and citrus as component crops. Different ginger cultivars showed considerable variations with respect to their growth behavior and yield. The Local cultivar produced vigorous growth with a higher average number of tillers (5.83) per plant with maximum height (57.6 cm). However, the cultivar Suprabha proved its superiority over other cultivars with respect to rhizome yield, producing 2.45 tons from one hectare of crop model, with 11% net cropped area of ginger and possessing a higher benefit cost ratio (6.51).

Understanding diversity in agricultural practices of plantain (\textit{Musa} AAB) cultivation is crucial for recommendations to increase yield and food security. Whereas in Benin, the diversity of agricultural practices among smallholder plantain-based farms in banana production areas is tittle characterised and information on the subject is less available and little disseminated. The purpose of this study was to identify existing diversity in plantain cultivation among smallholder farms. The study was carried out in five municipalities (Adja-Ouèrè, Athiémé, Tori-Bossito, Ouinhi and Zè) in the Benin Republic. Data were collected from 432 farmers through interviews targeting characteristics that evidenced differences in agricultural practices. The majority of farmers (96 %) grew native varieties while the remaining used imported ones. Suckers were supplied from their own plantations (36 %) or from neighbours for free (60 %) or purchase from fellow farmers (4 %). Intercropping was practiced by 66 % of the farmers with plantain-taro being the dominant practice (26 %). De-leafing, de-suckering and staking practices were respectively applied by 7 %, 6 % and 62 % of the respondents. Watering during dry weather was not a common practice in the study areas, while manure and/or mineral fertiliser was applied by 19 % of the farmers. Almost half of the respondents (45.8 %) were aware of the physical changes and damages on plantain tree, but did not relate those changes to the symptoms of pests and diseases. Strategies for controlling those pests and diseases were applied by only 4 % of the respondents, and entailed application of synthetic pesticides or following local practices such as spreading ash. The poor rate of good agricultural practices by the surveyed farmers is an indicator that justifies the low productivity in plantain based systems in Benin. This also makes it possible to design strategies including production of healthy planting materials and the scaling of agroforestry based on fast growing species in order to proper address pest constraints in plantain production.

The rising demand for climate change mitigation has brought attention to agricultural systems focused on carbon farming and reducing emissions. Composting food wastes and livestock manure not only mitigates environmental concerns but also boosts soil fertility and crop yields as an alternative fertilizer. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of different fertilizer types (chemical and organic waste compost) and crop rotations (rice–fallow, rice–Italian ryegrass, and rice–potato) on rice production, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil carbon stocks. In this experiment, soil carbon and nitrogen retention were more influenced by compost nutrient levels than by crop rotation types. Overall, as the nitrogen levels increased, the rice yields improved with both chemical and organic waste fertilizers. Among the crop rotations, the rice–Italian ryegrass rotation showed a higher nitrogen use efficiency. Optimal fertility levels, balancing nitrogen use efficiency, yield, and soil carbon were observed between 523 and 582 kg N ha−1 when combined with specific crop rotations. Moreover, soil total carbon and soil total nitrogen varied among crop rotation systems. Our results indicate that organic waste compost can be a potential alternative to chemical fertilizers, while crop rotations offer a viable approach for maximizing the environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to soil organic carbon, agricultural soil has the ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Adopted management techniques and cropping systems have an impact on sequestering carbon. Here, we looked into the fundamental physiochemical characteristics of the soil, the components of SOC, and the microbiological characteristics in five cropping systems namely Maize- black gram, Maize- rice, Maize-soybean, Maize-mustard, Maize- buckwheat and Maize- Vegetable pea. The SOC pool was significantly (P < 0.001) enlarged by the cropping system. Changes in the SOC pool and stability were seen in soil microbial communities, and the main causes were the persistence of saprotrophic fungal dominance and the change in bacterial life-history strategy from K- to R-strategy. SOC fractions were increased via modifications to the agricultural system and microbial community dynamics. Active carbon pools (Mg ha− 1) in soils in 0–15 cm layers of different cropping system was significantly higher in Maize-soybean (10.27) followed by Maize- Vegetable pea (10.12), Maize- black gram (9.53), Maize- buckwheat (9.30), Maize- rice (8.99) and lowest in Maize –mustard (8.57). The carbon pool index was also higher in Maize-soybean (1.18) followed by Maize- Vegetable pea (1.14), Maize- black gram (1.13), Maize- buckwheat (1.11), Maize- rice (1.08) and lowest in Maize –mustard (1.04). Finally, the carbon management index was higher in Maize-soybean (193.54) followed by Maize- Vegetable pea (184.92), Maize- black gram (178.02), Maize- buckwheat (172.77), Maize- rice (165.99), Maize –mustard (136.48). Among the different cropping system, Maize-soybean had greater amount of total soil organic carbon, carbon pool index, lability index and higher carbon management index and hence, considered the best cropping system to sequester carbon in the Sikkim Himalaya. The second and third position was achieved by Maize- Vegetable pea and Maize- black gram with respect to carbon management index. Thus, the study recommended that in the Indian Himalayan study region, maize-soybean farming be encouraged for effective land resource management planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, to study the effect of different approaches of nutrient application on soil fertility and soil quality under maize-wheat cropping system. Nine treatment combinations were compared namely, Recommended Doses of Fertilizers (RDF), Soil Test Crop Response (STCR), and various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. This paper aims to develop Soil Quality Index (SQI) based on Minimum Data Set (MDS) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Different indicators were employed to formulate the SQI, derived from surface soil layer measurements (0–15 cm). Each MDS indicator was then converted into a dimensionless score using linear scoring function and then integrated into SQI. Results showed that the key soil quality indicators identified as MDS using PCA under maize-wheat cropping system were Water Holding Capacity, organic carbon, available N and dehydrogenase activity. These soil quality indicators were found to be best for monitoring soil health status. After rabi wheat 2019–2020, SQI varied from 1.22 to 2.21 across the treatments whereas, after rabi wheat 2020–2021, SQI varied from 1.13 to 2.23 across the treatments. Among different approaches of nutrient application, STCR-based use of fertilizers along with FYM (T4) helped in maintaining better soil physical, chemical and biological properties and ultimately sustaining soil quality, which was followed by the treatment receiving 75% STCR dose of N (inorganic mode) + full P and K (T5). Integration of organics with inorganic fertilizers maintained soil quality, environmental health and reduced greater dependency on chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the challenges faced by farmers in the cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu, an area highly vulnerable to drought and flooding. The traditional reliance on mono-cropping, especially paddy, has made farmers more susceptible to risks posed by uncertain water availability and climate variability. The study aims to develop a risk-optimized, crop-diversified alternative cropping system using the Minimization of Total Absolute Deviation (MOTAD) model. Through a stratified random sampling, 600 farmers were selected across five agronomically and socio-economically homogeneous village clusters, to capture the diversity of cropping patterns and irrigation sources. The results revealed that, the degree of farm-level crop diversification was much low in the study area. The MOTAD model integrates risk considerations into farm planning by balancing profit maximization and risk minimization. The findings suggest alternative cropping systems, which include combinations of Paddy, Banana, Coconut-Pepper and low-water-intensive crops such as Brinjal, Bhendi, Maize, Cotton, Marigold and Tuberose. The findings emphasize the need for awareness among farmers about crop diversification as a risk mitigation strategy and suggest that agricultural extension agencies should promote the adoption of these diversified cropping systems. By evolving cluster-specific cropping plans, the study proposes a sustainable approach to enhance the resilience of farming in the Cauvery delta zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the long-term effects of the addition of organics and fertilizers to wheat under the pearl millet–wheat cropping system with semi-arid conditions in north-western India is still lacking. The present research was conducted in an ongoing field experiment initiated during Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After 25 years, the impacts of nutrient management practices on soil fertility and wheat productivity were evaluated. The experiment comprised a total of eight treatment combinations viz. half and full doses of recommended fertilizers (N and P), organic manures (FYM: farmyard manure, POM: poultry manure, and PRM: press mud) alone and in combination with NP fertilizers. The conjoint application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers resulted in a positive influx of nutrients via increasing total organic carbon (TOC), available N, P, K, and S, which ranged from 0.46 to 1.42%, 122.70 to 194.70, 15.66 to 74.92, 340.5 to 761.2, and 15.26 to 54.63 kg ha−1 in surface soil (0–15 cm), respectively. Carbon fractions and crop yield were significantly improved by adopting integrated nutrient management (INM). The TOC showed a positive and significant correlation with C fractions (r > 0.92) and with soil-available N, P, K, and S (r > 0.77) content. The data also revealed a strong relationship between TOC and soil-available (0–15 cm) nutrients i.e., available N (R2= 0.769), available P (R2 = 0.881), available K (R2 = 0.758), and available S (R2 = 0.914), respectively. Thus, practices that increased TOC were also beneficial in enhancing the availability of the nutrients in the soil. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found among wheat yield, nutrient (NPKS) content, and uptake. A polynomial relationship between grain yield and grain N (R2 = 0.962), P (R2 = 0.946), and K (R2 = 0.967) content, and between straw yield and straw N (R2 = 0.830), P (R2 = 0.541) and K (R2 = 0.976) content was obtained. Integrated use of PRM7.5 followed by FYM15 and POM5 coupled with NP fertilizers proved best, which could be beneficial for obtaining nutritious and highest wheat yield (grain: 6.01 t ha−1 and straw: 7.70 t ha−1) coupled with improved fertility within a sustained manner under the pearl millet–wheat sequence in prevailing semi-arid conditions of the North Indian state of Haryana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The positive soil biodiversity and multifunctionality relationship has been widely recognized, however in agricultural ecosystems, this relationship is context dependent and could be altered by land use intensity (LUI). Understanding how LUI affects soil microbial community and multifunctionality (SMF) is instructive for optimizing external inputs and managements. Methods: We sampled soils from three cropping systems (cotton, wheat-maize and vegetable) with different LUI, sequenced both bacterial and fungal communities, and quantified the multifunctionality by averaging carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling functions. The relationship between soil microbial diversity and SMF was further explored. Results: The results showed that the positive effects of soil microbial diversity on SMF was significantly affected by LUI. In general, LUI decreased SMF and both bacterial and fungal diversity. Cotton and wheat-maize rotation systems with relatively lower LUI showed higher microbial diversity and SMF compared with the vegetable system, which had the highest LUI and the lowest SMF. Moreover, bacterial but not fungal diversity drove this positive relationship between microbial diversity and SMF in both cotton and wheat-maize systems but not in the vegetable system, indicating a larger bacterial effect in lower LUI system. Random forest and structural equation modeling further confirmed bacterial diversity and composition contributed to SMF mainly via promoting carbon and phosphorus cycling. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of LUI in influencing the relationships of biodiversity-SMF and further demonstrate that soil microbial diversity conservation with less anthropogenic disturbances is important for supporting soil functioning in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane being a long duration, exhaustive crop removes considerably higher amount of plant nutrients from the soil. Hence it is essential to replenish the depleted soil with plant nutrients at desired levels to restore and sustain the fertility of soils and improve the cane productivity through integrated nutrient management system. A Field experiment was conducted during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at research farm of Genda Singh Sugarcane Breeding and Research Institute, Seorahi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment consisting of nine treatments i.e.; T1-No Organic + 50 per cent RDF, T2- No organic + 100 per cent RDF, T3- No organic + soil test basis (NPK application) T4- application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+50 per cent RDF inorganic source,T5- application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+100 per cent RDF inorganic source,T6- application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+soil test basis NPK, T7-application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB)+50 per cent RDF, T8-application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB)+100 per cent RDF, T9-application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+biofertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB) +soil test basis NPK in plant crop but in both ratoon crops, T1-Application of trash at 10 t/ha+50 per cent RDF,T2-application of trash at 10 t/ha+100 per cent RDF, T3-application of trash at 10 t/ha+soil test basis NPK, T4-application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+50 per cent RDF inorganic source, T5-application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+100 per cent RDF inorganic source,T6- application of FYM @ 20 t/ha+soil test basis NPK, T7-application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB)+50 per cent RDF, T8-application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) + 100 per cent RDF, T9- application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + soil test basis NPK. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and sugarcane variety CoSe 01434 was planted. The one third nitrogen and full dose of P and K were applied at the time of planting and remaining nitrogen was applied in two equal split doses as top dressing before the onset of monsoon season. The recommended crop management practices were followed during experimentation in plant and ratoon crops. The experimental field was medium in organic carbon, available phosphorus and low in potash with pH 8.13. Sugarcane experiment crop was planted on 25 Feb -2017 and harvested on 22 March-2018 with initiated first ratoon crop, first ratoon crop harvested on 01.04.2019 with initiated second ratoon crop and harvested on 28.03.2020. In plant crop, application of FYM@ 10 t/ha+ Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter+ PSB)+ soil test basis NPK resulted significantly higher NMC (147.22 thousand/ha) and cane yield (98.68 t/ha) as compared to other treatments but at par with T6 and T8 treatment. Germination percent (60.76) and shoot population (196.03) were noted significantly higher in application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+ Bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter+ PSB) +100 per cent RDF treatment. In first ratoon crop, application of FYM@ 10 t/ha+ Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter+ PSB) + soil test basis NPK application treatment produced significantly higher clump population (34.92 thousand/ha), NMC (107.54 thousand/ha) and cane yield (83.99 t/ha) compared with other rest treatments except T8 treatment. Significantly higher shoot population (162.30 thousand/ha) was observed with application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+ Bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter+ PSB) +100 per cent RDF treatment compared with T1, T4 and T7 but at par with remaining treatments. In second ratoon crop, application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+ biofertilizers (Azotobacter+ PSB) + soil test basis NPK practice (T9) also produced significantly higher clump population (33.60 thousand/ha), shoot population (181.58 thousand per ha) and NMC (98.01 thousand per ha) than other treatments but at par with trash 10t/ha+soil test basis NPK, FYM 20 t/ha + biofertilizes+100 per cent RDF. Significantly higher cane yield (84.13 t/ha) was obtained with application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+ biofertilizer (Azotobacter+ PSB) + soil test basis NPK application than other remaining treatments, except application of trash 10t/ha+ soil test based NPK, FYM @20 t/ha with soil test basis NPK and FYM 10t/ha + biofertilizers with 100 per cent RDF practices. Sucrose percent was not affected significantly due to different treatments in plant and ratoon crops. Conclusion of this experiments application of FYM @ 10 t/ha+ biofertilizer (Azotobacter+ PSB) + soil test basis NPK was resulted significantly higher cane productivity in plant-ratoon cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application is an effective way to improve soil organic carbon (SOC) content and ensure food security. However, there were differences in SOC content following biochar application under different conditions. We collected 637 paired comparisons from 101 articles to determine the following: (1) the average effect of biochar application on SOC content and (2) the response of SOC content to different soil nutrient contents, climate zones and cropping systems following biochar application. The results showed that the soil available phosphorus (P) content and soil available potassium (K) content reached the highest level in the category of <10 mg kg−1 and >150 mg kg−1, respectively. Soil total P content subgroups achieved maximum increase in the intermediate category. The Cw zone (temperate, without dry season) obtained the maximum level of SOC content. Compared with plough tillage, rotary tillage presented significantly higher SOC content. Therefore, low available P and K contents, moderate soil total N and P contents, rotary tillage and the Cw zone were more effective in increasing SOC content. Furthermore, the results of a random forest algorithm showed that soil nutrient contents were the most important variables. This study provided a scientific basis for SOC sequestration and improving soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India is the home to millions of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. Due to a gradual increase in salt accumulation on soils of the coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India from winter to summer days, cultivation of the second crop in the winter season becomes possible in a limited area. To address these issues, field experiments was conducted in rainy and winter seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18 at the farmer's field of the coastal saline zone (CSZ) of West Bengal, India. The experiment was carried out to study the system productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability vis-à-vis salinity dynamics of the crops in rice-pulse-based cropping systems under different land elevations (medium upland and medium lowland). The experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design having horizontal factors namely, Factor A: Six dates of sowing of rice at an interval of one week (2nd week of June to 3rd week of July), Factor B: Two land situations (medium upland and medium lowland) and Two Cropping Systems (Rice-Lathyrus and Rice-Lentil) as vertical factor, replicated four times. The results suggest that irrespective of land situation, early sown rice (15 June to 21 June) produces higher dry matter and grain yield compared to late sown crops. This early sowing of rice also facilitated the better performance of subsequent lathyrus and lentil, by avoiding the worst situation of the salinity build-up and drought stress later in the winter. Moreover, significantly higher productions were obtained from medium-lowland situations for both the cropping systems. Sowing date has also significantly influenced macro-nutrient uptake (NPK) by rice and pulse grains. It may be concluded that early sowing of rice may be a potential option for intensification of rice-pulse-based cropping systems under CSZ of West Bengal, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is the major constraint for cropping system intensification in the coastal region of the Ganges Delta. Salts build up on the soil surface, as well as in the crop root zone, due to the capillary rise in underground brackish water, hampering the growth and development of crops and resulting in mortality and low yields. We studied, for three years (2020–2021 to 2022–2023), the effect of conservation agricultural practices (zero tillage planting, crop residue recycling, and crop rotations) on the major soil properties (soil salinity and organic carbon status), crop performance (yield and economics), and water footprint. Conservation agricultural practices significantly reduce soil salinity, build soil organic carbon, reduce water footprint, and increase the profitability of cropping systems compared to tillage-intensive conventional practices. Under conventional agriculture, the sole cropping of rice is more profitable than double and triple cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food for a large segment of the population worldwide, many attempts have been made to improve the nutritional value of its grain and at the same time to achieve sustainable cropping systems. The present study aimed to characterize the composition and nutritional value of maize grain as influenced by cropping system, genetic background (variety), and growing year using untargeted NMR metabolomics. The composition of both water- (sugars and polyols, organic acids, and amino acids) and liposoluble metabolites (free and esterified fatty acids, sterols, and lipids) extracted from the maize grain was determined. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and ANOVA) pointed to the growing year and the variety as the most important random and fixed factors, respectively, influencing the metabolite profile. The samples were separated along PC1 and PC3 according to the growing year and the variety, respectively. A higher content of citric acid and diunsaturated fatty acids and a lower content of tyrosine, trigonelline, and monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in the organic with respect to the conventional variety. The effect of the cropping system was overwhelmed by the random effect of the growing year. The results provide novel knowledge on the influence of agronomic practices on maize micronutrient contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional paddy-wheat-green gram cropping system in the North-Bihar, area experienced issues such as diminishing yield, water constraint, and uneven fertilizer usage. Researchers wanted to boost sustainability and productivity by testing alternative tillage and crop establishment (TCE) practices within this cropping pattern. The research was conducted out at the Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) the village in the Muzaffarpur region of Bihar. The purpose was to compare five distinct (TCE) utilization in the present rice–wheat-green gram cropping system. The study indicated that the TCE technique designated SN 5 (ZTDSR-HSZTW-HSG) resulted in the greatest yields across all crops, with 15–18% greater rice yield, 20–25% higher wheat yield, and 20–22% higher green gram yield compared to other TCE methods. Additionally, SN 5 produced 20.2% larger net returns employing a conservation agriculture (CA)-based system compared to the conventional technique. These results suggest that CA-based TCE outperformed conventional approaches in terms of net returns and overall efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as 'MIX'. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha−1) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in crop mix significantly affect the carbon emissions from cropping systems, thus underscoring their importance in achieving sustainable agriculture development. This article aims to offer new insights into the relationship between crop mix changes and carbon emissions from cropping systems. Based on provincial statistical data on crop production, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of crop mix and the subsequent effect on the carbon emissions from cropping systems in China from 2005 to 2020. The crop-mix type identification rules, emission-factor approach, and grey incidence analysis were applied. The results showed clear changes in crop mix and obvious transitions from grain crops to cash crops in southern provinces. Among crops, the abundance of maize, vegetables, and melons increased remarkably. Besides, the carbon emission intensity (CI) from cropping systems generally showed an upward trend in most provinces, with a spatial pattern of gradual decrease from southeast to northwest. The changes in CI were most closely correlated with rice, maize, vegetables, and melon, with coefficients of 0.808, 0.773, 0.814, and 0.792, respectively. Additionally, the growth of maize and vegetables ratios played a significant role in the CI increases in most provinces. To optimize crop cultivation and mitigate carbon emissions, possible strategies including rational crop production layout, land transfer, and clean production technologies were proposed.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) cultivation in Aceh Barat Regency faces challenges in optimizing yield and soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of monoculture, intercropping, and mixed garden systems on soil quality and patchouli yields. Using the Mausbach and Seybold method to determine the Soil Quality Index (SQI), the study found the mixed garden system had the highest SQI, biomass, and patchouli alcohol (PA) content, although none meet the Indonesian national standards (SNI) (21.47 ± 0.65 % to 27.68 ± 0.90 %). The findings emphasize the need for optimal cropping systems to enhance sustainable patchouli production.

Winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in the North China Plain often experiences drought-induced yield reduction in the wheat season and rainwater and nitrogen (N) fertilizer losses in the maize season. This study aimed to identify an optimal interseasonal water- and N-management strategy to alleviate these losses. Four ratios of allocation of 360 kg N ha−1 between the wheat and maize seasons under one-time presowing root-zone irrigation (W0) and additional jointing and anthesis irrigation (W2) in wheat and one irrigation after maize sowing were set as follows: N1 (120:240), N2 (180:180), N3 (240:120) and N4 (300:60). The results showed that under W0, the N3 treatment produced the highest annual yield, crop water productivity (WPC), and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN). Increased N allocation in wheat under W0 improved wheat yield without affecting maize yield, as surplus nitrate after wheat harvest was retained in the topsoil layers and available for the subsequent maize. Under W2, annual yield was largest in the N2 treatment. The risk of nitrate leaching increased in W2 when N application rate in wheat exceeded that of the N2 treatment, especially in the wet year. Compared to W2N2, the W0N3 maintained 95.2% grain yield over two years. The WPC was higher in the W0 treatment than in the W2 treatment. Therefore, following limited total N rate, an appropriate fertilizer N transfer from maize to wheat season had the potential of a “triple win” for high annual yield, WPC and PFPN in a water-limited wheat–maize cropping system.

Cultivation of cowpea and sweet corn can optimize land use through an intercropping system, however, the planting date on intercropping is rarely evaluated. The research aimed to evaluate land use efficiency in sweet corn intercropping of different planting dates of cowpea. This research was conducted from January to May 2024 in Bocek Village, Malang, East Java. The study used a randomized complete block design with a single factor consisting of 7 levels, i.e., monoculture sweet corn, and sweet corn intercropping with different cowpea planting dates (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after sweet corn planting (DAP). Plant growth, yield, land equivalent ratio (LER), and area time equivalent ratio (ATER) were evaluated. The results showed that the intercropping sweet corn and cowpea planted at 21 DAP produced a higher yield than other planting dates. The highest LER of 1.96 and ATER of 1.93 was achieved in the sweet corn with cowpea planted at 21 DAP, indicating the highest land use efficiency occurred at the planting date of cowpea 21 days after planting sweet corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to better exploit crop yield potential through agronomic practices is driven by the necessity to feed a growing population in a changing climate. In this regard, cereals, including barley, represent strategic crops. Barley grain yield in Poland is comparable to the European average. Under good habitat and agronomic conditions, it can exceed the average. The effects of cropping system (continuous cropping, CC; crop rotation, CR), cultivar (Radek, Skald), plant protection level (control treatment, CT; herbicide, H; herbicide and fungicide, HF), and the interactions among these factors on spring barley yield were evaluated in northeast Poland in 2017–2022. Growing spring barley in the CR system promoted higher yields compared to the CC system due to increased spike density and 1000-grain weight (TGW). Skald, with a higher TGW, yielded more than Radek. H treatment increased barley yield by improving the spike density and TGW, while fungicide inclusion (HF) contributed to further yield increase by improving the TGW. The interaction of CR and HF practices contributed to the greatest realization of the yield potential of both cultivars. The study confirmed the strong contribution of inter-annual weather variability in modifying the effects of cropping system, cultivar, and plant protection strategy on barley yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of spice crops in Malawi represents an underutilized opportunity to drive substantial economic growth. A variety of spice crops grown in Malawi include chilies, turmeric, ginger, pepper, coriander, masala, cardamom, paprika, and cinnamon. These are mainly sold locally, and the surplus is sold to the international markets in an unprocessed form. Spice production is limited due to a lack of suitable climate, improved seeds, poor soil fertility, prioritization of other crops, poor market infrastructure, poor market link, and lack of government support. Spices are not a priority for farmers in the country as they consider them unprofitable, but with prioritization, they can be a gateway to economic growth. Spices can be integrated into different cropping systems, especially in the organic farming system. This can provide a solution to the high demand for organically produced products which fetch premium prices. Malawi can increase spice production through proper research and development from seed development up to the consumer in the crop value chain. Spices can be processed into a variety of products primarily for flavoring or coloring food to improve palatability and taste. Mostly, local markets are flooded with imported packed and branded spices, while local spices are not. Thus, this needs action. Malawi has new potential markets from the neighboring countries, online platforms, processing, and packaging industries which need value-added processes such as processing, packaging, and branding. Good collaboration with other stakeholders will strongly strengthen the spices value chain in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice based cropping systems are the most predominantly grown systems in India contributing a major share to India's food grain production. However, systems i.e., rice-rice and rice-wheat brought us second generation sustainability issues over long run. Cowpea being a multi-role legume crop can be considered for the intensification of rice-based system with limited resources and its residue having lower C:N ratio can easily decompose in soil and enhance soil fertility. Following experiment was conducted at Institutional Research Farm, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha during kharif, rabi and summer season during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The treatments were laid out in split plot design and consisted of three replications. The main plot consisted of two rice-based cropping systems i.e., rice-maize-cowpea (R-M-C) and rice-groundnut-cowpea (R-G-C), sub-plots consisted of five nutrient and residue management practices i.e., C-C-C, R-R-R, RI+R75-R-R, RI+R75-SM+R-R and RI+R75-SM+R-R50. The pooled value for the season 2017-18 and 2018-19 revealed that, RI+R75-SM+R-R and RI+R75-SM+R-R50 resulted higher yield i.e., pod yield, seed yield, stover yield, HI, nutrient content, nutrient uptake, economic return i.e., gross return, net return and B:C ratio, higher CH4 flux and lower N2O flux than R-R-R. Between two cropping systems, R-M-C cropping system recorded highest yield and is more feasible to take over R-G-C. Among nutrient management, RI+R75-SM+R-R recorded higher growth and yield but due to consistent residue retention and incorporation, even if using 50% of recommended dose of fertilizer in cowpea i.e., RI+R75-SM+R-R50 recorded similar growth, yield, economic return, and even higher B:C ratio than RI+R75-SM+R-R and recommended. Cowpea residue incorporation and 25% reduced dose of chemical fertilizer application in rice crop, rice straw mulch in rabi maize and 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer application in summer cowpea (RI+R75-SM+R-R50) received highest cowpea yield, and economic return and this system-based nutrient management should be recommended in R-M-C cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice-wheat cropping system has an important role in ensuring the food security of Pakistan. Inclusion of a leguminous crop like Berseem (Egyptian clover) in this cropping system can have positive effects on the yields of subsequent crops. To find out the effects of different cropping systems on the productivity of wheat crop, during crop season 2014-15, wheat crop adaptation plots were planted on 10 different farmers' fields in five major rice crop growing districts of Punjab province including Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahaouddin, Gujranwala and Sialkot in two different cropping systems i.e., wheat-rice-wheat and berseem-rice-wheat. Although there were variations in grain yields of wheat crop planted under both cropping systems on different sites, but on overall basis 5.4 % more grain yield was recorded in case of berseem-rice-wheat cropping system as compared to the crop planted in conventional wheat-rice-wheat cropping system. In case of some sites less wheat crop grain yields were recorded in case of berseem-rice-wheat cropping system as compared to the crop planted in wheat-rice-wheat cropping system and it ranged from 7.5% to 16.7% but in case of maximum number of sites, more wheat crop grain yields were recorded in case of berseem-rice-wheat cropping system as compared to the crop planted in wheat-rice-wheat cropping system and these differences ranged from 5.47% to 30.76% respectively. This shows that planting of berseem crop instead of wheat after two to three years can be helpful in getting the more yields of subsequent crops, and it is also soil health and environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]