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The strategic use of ruminant grazing in perennial cropland is steadily increasing throughout Mediterranean perennial agroecosystems. Integrated sheep-vineyard (ISV) management, where small ruminant livestock graze on understory vegetation, is viewed by some practitioners as a feasible transition opportunity to facilitate less petrochemically intensive vineyard understory management. However, our knowledge of soil carbon dynamics associated with grazing in perennial integrated crop-livestock (ICL) agroecosystems is notably limited, especially within Mediterranean climate contexts. Here, we use a series of on-farm paired surveys to assess soil ecosystem habitat and resource conditions related to SOC flux and storage in vineyards utilizing sheep-integration (ISV) and conventional understory management techniques (CONV). Our results show that long-term grazing increased the quantity of active, labile, and soluble carbon (C) within ISV soils, with much higher quantities of microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Vineyard soils with sheep grazing also showed increases in phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers, particularly amongst core functional groups related to decomposition. Soil microbial communities under ISV had higher C mineralization rates as well as higher carbon use-efficiency, as indicated by less CO2-C respired relative to the size of the MBC pool. Whereas inorganic soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) were also higher under ISV, microbial communities showed distinct metabolic investment strategies related to nutrient acquisition, with lower P-cycling enzyme activity and higher N-cycling enzyme activity. Additionally, ISV resulted in an increase in subsoil SOC storage, including higher quantities of physicochemical stabilization in the mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) pool of the deepest measured subsoil layer (30–45 cm). We observed no differences in soil structure indicators between treatments nor differences in the carbon fractions associated with four distinct aggregate size categories. We propose a framework to explain observed shifts in SOC dynamics of perennial ICL systems that include i) deposition of C and nutrient inputs with higher lability and solubility; ii) ruminant-induced decoupling of C from N and P, resulting in increased nutrient bioavailability; and iii) altered soil microbial metabolic strategies with more efficient biomass accumulation. These findings show strong potential of strategically applied ICL grazing to enhance soil functioning and increase SOC storage in Mediterranean perennial agroecosystems.

A study was conducted to understand the role of different soybean production systems and soil chemical and physical attributes on phytonematode population density in a physical model of production systems. In an area of 28 hectares, the following production systems were established 26 years ago: a) conventional system (CS) - succession of soybeans in summer and oats in winter, and continuous soil preparation with disc harrow; b) no-till system (NTS) - with rotation of summer crops (soybeans and corn) and winter crops (wheat, oats, and fodder radish); c) integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) - conducted in no-till system and using Urochloa brizantha (cultivar Piatã) pasture, in crop-livestock rotation every two years; d) permanent pasture system (PP) - U. brizantha (cultivar Piatã) with beef cattle. Twenty six years after the systems were installed, soil samples were taken for nematological analysis and analysis of the soil's chemical and physical attributes. The results showed an almost absolute prevalence of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis, Rr) in the area. The PP system had the lowest population (average of 2 Rr/200cc), followed by the ICLS systems (average of 12 to 25 Rr/200cc). The highest population densities were observed in the CS system (1068 Rr/200cc) and the NTS system when soybeans were grown in the last two years before sampling (1361 Rr/200cc). The highest population densities of R. reniformis were associated with higher soil density in the arable layer, higher K and P levels in the soil, and lower organic matter contents.

In building a sustainable food system, the management of livestock production should avoid nitrogen (N) surplus and ensure animal-sourced food self-sufficiency. Reducing livestock quantities in regions producing excess of animal-sourced food and livestock manure is an effective approach for mitigating manure N surplus. In this study, we considered the eastern regions of China as a case study to quantitatively analyze whether meat self-sufficiency could be met when reducing the livestock quantity to avoid manure N surplus. In addition to considering the baseline scenario, considering the current livestock quantity (scenario C), we defined three strategies corresponding to livestock reduction scenarios: taking meat self-sufficiency as a priority regardless of the manure balance (scenario TB); taking manure N surplus avoidance as a priority regardless of the meat balance (scenario MNB); and considering the most limiting conditions between satisfying meat self-sufficiency and avoiding manure N surplus (scenario LF). A balance index was used to describe the excess (i.e., positive value) or deficiency (i.e., negative value) of meat and manure N. Concerning the whole of eastern China, in scenario LF, the meat balance index (TBI) and manure N balance index (MNBI) were 0.25 and −0.39, respectively, which could satisfy meat demand while avoid manure N surplus (for scenarios C, TB, and MNB, the TBIs were 1.95, 0, and 1.09, and the MNBIs were 0.56, −0.48, and 0, respectively). At the regional level, the regions with meat self-sufficiency accounted for more than 70% in the LF scenario, and manure N surplus could be avoided in all regions. However, southwestern China should adopt further measures, such as trading among adjacent regions and increasing manure fertilizer application, to satisfy the meat demand while avoiding surplus manure N.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to monitor the temporal variation in penetration resistance (PR) after soil saturation under different management systems in three areas of the Cerrado biome: two in no-till systems (NT with 3 and 10 years of implementation) and one of crop-livestock integration (CL with 9 years of implementation) with soybean/forage succession. Four transects were delimited in each area. The delimited area was saturated and the PR measurements were performed daily for 11 days at 10 transect points, up to 0.40 m of depth. Soil moisture was determined with PR measurements, soil hydraulic conductivity, and organic carbon. PR values were more significant in the 0.10 - 0.20 m layer than in the 0.0 - 0.10 and 0.20 - 0.40 m layers. The NT-3 area showed a lower PR value (1.65 MPa) than the area under NT-10 and CL-9, with 2.48 and 2.69 MPa, respectively. Thus, critical soil moisture values, that is, soil moisture values most susceptible to soil compaction were determined. Thus, in the NT-3 area, the critical moisture was 0.20 kg kg-1, in the NT-10, ranged from 0.19 - 0.20 kg kg-1, and in the CL-9, between 0.23 and 0.20 kg kg-1. Monitoring soil moisture can prevent management operations from restricting root growth.

The objective of this study was to monitor the temporal variation in penetration resistance (PR) after soil saturation under different management systems in three areas of the Cerrado biome: two in no-till systems (NT with 3 and 10 years of implementation) and one of crop-livestock integration (CL with 9 years of implementation) with soybean/forage succession. Four transects were delimited in each area. The delimited area was saturated and the PR measurements were performed daily for 11 days at 10 transect points, up to 0.40 m of depth. Soil moisture was determined with PR measurements, soil hydraulic conductivity, and organic carbon. PR values were more significant in the 0.10-0.20 m layer than in the 0.0-0.10 and 0.20-0.40 m layers. The NT-3 area showed a lower PR value (1.65 MPa) than the area under NT-10 and CL-9, with 2.48 and 2.69 MPa, respectively. Thus, critical soil moisture values, that is, soil moisture values most susceptible to soil compaction were determined. Thus, in the NT-3 area, the critical moisture was 0.20 kg kg-1, in the NT-10, ranged from 0.19-0.20 kg kg-1, and in the CL-9, between 0.23 and 0.20 kg kg-1. Monitoring soil moisture can prevent management operations from restricting root growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asset of organic farming systems with diversified crop rotations, next to a cut in pesticide and mineral fertilizer application, is the built-up of organic carbon stocks in the long-term. In addition, the inclusion of deep-rooting legumes like alfalfa is known to improve soil structure and increase particulate organic matter contents in the subsoil. These views have been challenged recently ascribing limited potential for legume-based crop rotations to increase carbon stocks in Chernozems (Mollisols) due to limited accrual of mineral-associated organic carbon. Likewise, the direct impact of these legumes on soil structure and associated soil properties like water retention and transport has been questioned and linked to indirect effects instead.The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of legume-based crop rotations on carbon stocks and soil structure properties in the Flurweg II long-term farming systems trial (26 years) established on a Chernozem soil in Germany. We compared one conventional (INT) and two organic farming systems, with (O + M) and without (O - M) integrated livestock management. The three farming systems differ in biomass return via plant residues or farmyard manure as well as share and type of legumes in the eight-year crop rotation (INT: pea, O - M: faba bean and pea, O + M: biannual alfalfa). The comparison included yields, carbon stocks, soil physical properties and microstructure properties based on X-ray computed tomography of soil within and beneath the plow horizon. All farming systems underwent conventional plowing. In addition, we compared carbon stocks and microstructure properties with those from the nearby Westerfeld tillage trial with conventional and reduced tillage in a legume-free crop rotation.The carbon stocks in the plowed topsoil of the Flurweg II systems trial increased significantly with organic farming including livestock (INT: 53 ± 2 vs. O + M: 61 ± 2 t ha−1), but not without (O - M: 53 ± 4 t ha−1), likely because of farmyard manure application in the O + M system. This increase in topsoil carbon stocks is only moderate compared to the increase in topsoil carbon stocks in the Westerfeld tillage trial by switching from conventional to reduced tillage (53 vs. 70 t ha−1). The carbon stocks of the whole soil profile (down to 48 cm) in the Flurweg II systems trial tended to increase with organic farming irrespective of livestock integration (INT: 72 ± 5 t ha−1 vs. O ± M: 82–83 ± 7 t ha−1). Particulate organic matter (POM) contents and biopore diameter below the plow layer tended to increase with alfalfa in the crop rotation of the O + M farming system. However, the legacy effect four years after the presence or absence of alfalfa was only in the range of natural, spatial variability. As a result of similar soil microstructure there was also hardly any difference in hydraulic conductivity and no difference in soil mechanical properties between farming systems.This study shows that Chernozems in this region still have the capacity to increase POM contents and carbon stocks with climate-smart, regenerative agricultural management, but also demonstrate that this has limited effects on structural properties.

The strategic use of ruminant grazing in perennial cropland is steadily increasing throughout Mediterranean perennial agroecosystems. Integrated sheep-vineyard (ISV) management, where small ruminant livestock graze on understory vegetation, is viewed by some practitioners as a feasible transition opportunity to facilitate less petrochemically intensive vineyard understory management. However, our knowledge of soil carbon dynamics associated with grazing in perennial integrated crop-livestock (ICL) agroecosystems is notably limited, especially within Mediterranean climate contexts. Here, we use a series of on-farm paired surveys to assess soil ecosystem habitat and resource conditions related to SOC flux and storage in vineyards utilizing sheep-integration (ISV) and conventional understory management techniques (CONV). Our results show that long-term grazing increased the quantity of active, labile, and soluble carbon (C) within ISV soils, with much higher quantities of microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Vineyard soils with sheep grazing also showed increases in phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers, particularly amongst core functional groups related to decomposition. Soil microbial communities under ISV had higher C mineralization rates as well as higher carbon use-efficiency, as indicated by less CO2-C respired relative to the size of the MBC pool. Whereas inorganic soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) were also higher under ISV, microbial communities showed distinct metabolic investment strategies related to nutrient acquisition, with lower P-cycling enzyme activity and higher N-cycling enzyme activity. Additionally, ISV resulted in an increase in subsoil SOC storage, including higher quantities of physicochemical stabilization in the mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) pool of the deepest measured subsoil layer (30–45 cm). We observed no differences in soil structure indicators between treatments nor differences in the carbon fractions associated with four distinct aggregate size categories. We propose a framework to explain observed shifts in SOC dynamics of perennial ICL systems that include i) deposition of C and nutrient inputs with higher lability and solubility; ii) ruminant-induced decoupling of C from N and P, resulting in increased nutrient bioavailability; and iii) altered soil microbial metabolic strategies with more efficient biomass accumulation. These findings show strong potential of strategically applied ICL grazing to enhance soil functioning and increase SOC storage in Mediterranean perennial agroecosystems.

Adoption of rotational grazing or multi-species herbal leys, planting trees and integrating livestock into arable rotations can increase agricultural productivity and carbon storage on temperate ruminant livestock farms. However, farmers frequently have rational reasons for not adopting seemingly beneficial management practices. Here, we conduct semi-structured interviews with sheep and beef cattle farmers and industry representatives in England, to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and reasons for non-adoption of these four management practices. We find key reasons that farmers rationally do not adopt these practices include capital outlay, incompatibility with farming objectives, and the risk that desired benefits are not delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examined the effects of liming on soil acidity and base saturation (V) in Italian ryegrass (ryegrass) and silage maize production systems over the medium-term. A split-plot design with four replications was employed on Humic Hapludox. The plots consisted of four soil management methods: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), no-tillage (NT) and chiselled NT (CNT). Within the split plots, ryegrass was used as cover crop (CC), silage (S), and integrated crop-livestock (ICL) system. Following ryegrass phytomass the maize was sowed. Once the maize had been cut with a silage machine, soil samples were collected from the layers 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 and 20-30 cm at 24 and 60 months after liming. The attributes pH, H+Al, exchangeable aluminium (Al3+), and V were evaluated. The highest pH and V values were observed in the 0-5 cm layer in NT. The CNT did not result in improvement of acidity conditions or V. The ryegrass as S and ICL decreased soil acidity from 10 cm layer. NT combined with ICL provided soil acidity improvements 60 months after liming. Therefore, the exploration of winter with Italian ryegrass may elicit greater benefits in deep soil layers than cover crops.

Farmer’s decision in accepting integrated crop-livestock farming technology was affected by a some factors, including innovation characteristic. This research aimed to figure out the influence of innovation characteristic (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, triability and observability) to farmer’s decision in adopting the innovation. The research was held in Ngargoyoso Subdistrict, Karanganyar Region, Central Java Province. Basic method used in this research was descriptive quantitative using purposive sampling technique to determine research location. Samples were determined using purposive sampling method with total number was 52 respondents. Data were analyzed using several analysis : data normality, validity, reliability, Oneway ANOVA, multiple linear regression and classic assumption. Oneway ANOVA test showed that farmers with different farming experience had different response in deciding to adopt the technology. Multiple linear regression test gave an equation Y = 2.379 + 0.369X1 + 0.213X2 + 0.080X3 + 0.777X4+ (-0.320X5) + e. The determination coefficient value (R2) is 0.647. The conclusion of this research was characteristic of innovation significantly influenced the farmers’ decision in accepting the integrated crop-livestock technology simultaneously, but partially only variable relative advantage and triability which significantly influenced to farmers’ decision in accepting the integrated crop-livestock technology innovation.

This work aimed to evaluate the thiol-disulphide homeostasis in serum of lambs naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes presenting different levels of parasite load indirectly indicated by faecal worm egg counts (EPG). Furthermore, the possible changes in the thiol-disulphide dynamic after different procedures to reduce the parasitic charge, such as the integrated crop-livestock system or anthelmintic treatment, were assessed. The results were compared with a panel of various oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The lambs were divided into three groups: animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and packed cell volume (PCV) lower than 24% (G1); animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and normal PCV (>24%) (G2); and animals presenting EPG lower than 5000 and normal PCV (>24%) (G3). The highly infected lambs (G1 and G2) showed lower total thiol (TT) and native thiol (SH) (p ≤ 0.01) than those from G3. After treatment, TT and SH increased significantly in all groups (p ≤ 0.01), and the disulphide (SS)/TT and SS/SH ratios decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in G1 and G2. These results show that the thiol-disulphide balance was impaired in lambs infected by gastrointestinal nematodes and that it could be potentially used as a biomarker to monitor this disease.

Enzymatic activity is a useful indicator for the evaluation of soil biological components. However, a detailed analysis of such indicators in Brazilian soils is lacking. In this study, the activity of soil enzymes was evaluated using data from 73 publications covering 57 locations across all six biomes and eight soil orders out of the 13 that occur in Brazil. The results indicated a wide variation of enzymatic activity in soils, where the means in μg p-nitrophenol g−1 soil h−1 were 569, 116, 112, and 80 for acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and arylsulfatase, respectively. Likewise, values of 148 μg reducing sugars g−1 soil day−1 for cellulase, 57 μg triphenyl tetrazolium formazan g−1 soil day−1 for dehydrogenase, and 38 μg N-NH 4 + g−1 soil h−1 for urease were recorded. Soil organic matter and microbial biomass were the best attributes correlated with enzymatic activity, followed by clay content and pH. A more detailed analysis of the acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase activities showed that land-use effects were more pronounced in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado than in the Caatinga biome. Soils under non-tillage and integrated crop-livestock systems showed higher enzymatic activity than soils under conventional tillage. Soils housing higher biodiversity and delivering higher crop yields also presented higher enzymatic activity, especially in terms of arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase. Enzymatic activity has been shown to be a versatile indicator of soil quality, as it can elucidate how to achieve high-quality standards in tropical and subtropical soils. [Display omitted] • This work has evaluated seven soil enzymes across Brazil. • Effects of land use on enzymatic activity depend on enzyme type and biome. • Conservation management systems favor soil enzymatic activity. • Edaphic attributes have contrasting impacts on enzymatic activity. • Enzymes are good indicators of soil quality in tropical and subtropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated crop-livestock system is a key strategy for both grain and livestock production. The cultivation of grass species in between two soybean cropping seasons has been an important component of this system, in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the yield of glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivars intercropped with Urochloa species, under different forage management systems. A total of six experiments, consisting of three soybean cultivars (BRS 295 RR, BRS 316 RR, and BRS 294 RR) and two grass species (Urochloa ruziziensis and Urochloa brizantha), were established. For each experiment, four treatments (soybean only; grass only; soybean intercropped with a grass species, with the application of glyphosate to decrease the growth of grass; and soybean intercropped with a grass species, without growth suppression) were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications. For each experiment, only one soybean cultivar and one grass species were used. The grasses were sown in the soybean inter-rows at 27 days after sowing (DAS), while the glyphosate application to the treatment with grass suppression was performed at 84 DAS for the soybean or 57 DAS for the grasses. The yields of the three soybean cultivars were not significantly affected by either grass species, even though the shoot dry-matter yields for both of the intercropped grass species were high, though lower than the values obtained without the interference imposed by soybean.

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O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a densidade populacional de perfilhos, a massa de forragem, o padrão populacional de perfilhamento e o índice de estabilidade de pastagens de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum) estabelecidas após os cultivos de soja ou milho, submetidas a diferentes métodos e intensidades de pastejo por cordeiros. Foram avaliados os métodos de pastejo rotativo e contínuo, sob as intensidades moderada (oferta de forragem correspondente a 2,5 vezes o potencial de consumo de cordeiros) e baixa (correspondente a 5,0 vezes). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2x2, com quatro repetições. As avaliações foram feitas mensalmente, entre agosto e outubro de 2010, durante a fase de pastejo. A densidade populacional de perfilhos apresentou diferenças significativas para métodos e intensidades de pastejo, e foi maior na área previamente cultivada com soja. As maiores massas de forragem foram observadas em pastagens subsequentes à soja e com baixa intensidade de pastejo, enquanto as menores, nas pastagens subsequentes ao milho e com moderada intensidade de pastejo. No período de florescimento, a densidade de perfilhos reduziu-se e suas massas individuais aumentaram. A intensidade de pastejo moderada reduz o percentual de perfilhos florescidos. A redução da densidade de perfilhos durante o florescimento não compromete o índice de estabilidade do pasto.The objective of this work was to evaluate tiller density, herbage mass, pattern of tiller population, and sward stability index in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures established after soybean or corn, subjected to different stocking methods and grazing intensities by sheep. Rotational or continuous stockings were evaluated under moderate (forage allowance equivalent to 2.5 times the potential consumption of lambs) and low grazing intensities (equivalent to 5.0 times). It was used a completely randomized block design, with a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. Evaluations were done monthly, between August and October 2010, during the pasture period. The tiller population density differed significantly with stocking methods and grazing intensities and was higher in the area previously cultivated with soybean, in the evaluation performed in August. The highest herbage masses were observed in pastures established after soybean at low‑grazing intensity, whereas the lowest were observed in pastures established after corn with moderate grazing intensity. During the reproductive period, tillering density reduced, and the individual tiller mass increased. Moderate grazing intensity reduces the percentage of fertile tillers. Reduction in tiller density during flowering does not affect the sward stability index.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sowing procedures and the seed sowing rate of kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides cv. ‘Comum’) in corn on corn plant development, forage dry matter production, weed infestation and soybean plant development and yield. The kudzu seeds were either broadcasted over the terrain or sown in furrows (in the main plots) at rates, in both cases, of 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 points of cultural value (on the subplots). Singly cultivated corn was considered the control treatment. Intercropping did not cause corn plant development to show any significant difference compared with that of the singly cultivated corn plants. When sown in furrows, the number and dry matter contents of the kudzu plants were higher than sowing by broadcasting. The number of plants and the dry matter of the plants increased with the number of seeds. Prior to sowing soybean, the incidence of weeds decreased as the number of kudzu seeds at sowing increased. The intercropping of corn with kudzu benefited soybean plant population, plant height, and grain yield in comparison with the single cultivating of corn in the previous year.Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar os efeitos dos métodos de semeadura e das quantidades de sementes de puerária (Pueraria phaseoloides cv. Comum) em consórcio com a cultura do milho no desenvolvimento do milho, na produção de matéria seca da forrageira, na infestação de plantas daninhas e no desenvolvimento e produção da cultura da soja em rotação. Foram estudadas duas formas de semeadura (a lanço e em linha) de puerária nas parcelas, quatro quantidades de sementes (400, 800, 1200 e 1600 pontos de valor cultural) nas subparcelas e uma testemunha, representada pelo monocultivo de milho. O consórcio não afetou o desenvolvimento do milho comparado ao milho solteiro. Nos tratamentos semeados em linha houve maior densidade de plantas e acúmulo de massa de puerária do que nos tratamentos semeados a lanço. O número de plantas e a matéria seca da parte aérea da forrageira aumentaram com o aumento da quantidade de sementes. Antecedendo à semeadura da soja, a ocorrência de plantas daninhas reduziu com o aumento da densidade de semeadura da forrageira. O consórcio de milho com puerária beneficiou a população de plantas, a altura de plantas e a produção de grãos de soja comparado ao monocultivo de milho no ano anterior.

As sementes de aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.) possuem a capacidade de permanecer viáveis no solo de um ano de cultivo para outro. Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o número de sementes de aveia preta resultantes de dois sistemas de manejo (colheita e ressemeadura natural), que poderão formar o banco de sementes do solo. Os ensaios foram realizados no município de Jari - RS, em uma área cultivada sob o sistema de "plantio direto". Foram coletadas 50 amostras em cada sistema de manejo, com um espaçamento de 10x20m, utilizando um amostrador de diâmetro de 0,05m e uma profundidade de 0,1m. O levantamento do número de sementes e da emergência das plântulas foi realizado no Laboratório Didático da Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel (UFPel). Constatou-se que a colheita e a ressemeadura natural possibilitam a presença de sementes no solo por área, em quantidades superiores à indicada para a semeadura. Com a colheita, a área fica heterogênea em número de sementes no solo e em plântulas emergidas. A ressemeadura natural resulta em uma grande quantidade de sementes no solo e formação de plântulas.The black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) seeds are able to remain alive in soil from a culture to another. The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of black oat seeds resulting from two management, harvesting, and natural reseeding, which could form the seed bank of soil. The experiments were conducted in Jari-RS, Brazil, the cultivation system is "No Tillage". Were collected 50 samples in each management, at a spacing of 10mx20m, using a sampler diameter of 0.05m and depth of 0.1m. The evaluation of the number of seeds and seedling emergence was accomplish at the Laboratory of Seeds Analysis of the Faculdade de Agronomia "Eliseu Maciel" (UFPEL). It was found that both as the crop as the natural seeding allow large quantities of seeds in the soil for the upper area suitable for planting. The harvest area is heterogeneous in the number of seeds in soil and plants in the area. The natural seeding results in a large amount of seed in soil and seedling.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de palha e de forragem por forrageiras anuais e perenes implantadas em sucessão à cultura da soja, e seus efeitos sobre a produtividade de grãos da cultura no próximo cultivo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas (crescimento livre e sob cortes sucessivos), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas oito forrageiras em dois municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul. A produção de palha e forragem foi avaliada em 2005 e 2006, nas espécies Urochloa ruziziensis; U. decumbens; U. brizantha cv. Marandu e Xaraés; Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia e Mombaça, P. maximum x P. infestans cv. Massai; Pennisetum americanum cv. BRS 1501; e Sorghum bicolor cv. Santa Elisa. As forrageiras foram semeadas mecanicamente após a colheita da soja, em 1/4/2005 e 24/3/2006, em São Gabriel do Oeste, e em 20/3/2005 e 13/3/2006, em Dourados. Sorgo, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés e P. maximum cv. Tanzânia apresentaram características como elevada produtividade, alta qualidade da forragem e facilidade de controle, favoráveis para produção tanto de forragem quanto de palha. Urochloa ruziziensis e U. decumbens apresentaram melhor desempenho para a produção de palha. O cultivo das espécies forrageiras em sucessão à soja não afeta a produtividade da cultura.The objective of this work was to evaluate forage and straw production, of annual and perennial forage implanted in succession to soybean, and their effects on crop grain yield in the following season. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replicates, in a split-plot arrangement (free growth and successive cuts). Eight forages were evaluated in two municipalities of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Straw and forage production was evaluated in 2005 and 2006, in the following species: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. decumbens; U. brizantha cv. Marandu and Xaraés; Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia and Mombaça, P. maximum x P. infestans cv. Massai, Pennisetum americanum cv. BRS 1501, and Sorghum bicolor cv. Santa Elisa. Forages were planted mechanically, after the soybean crop harvest on 4/1/2005 and 3/24/2006, in São Gabriel do Oeste, and 3/20/2005 and 3/13/2006, in Dourados. Sorghum, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés and P. maximum cv. Tanzânia characteristics, such as high productivity, high forage quality and easiness in control, were favorable for production of both forage and straw. Urochloa ruziziensis and U. decumbens showed better performance for straw production. Forage cultivation in soybean succession does not affect crop yield.

[Display omitted] • We studied the adoption of sustainable pasture management systems in Brazil. • Significant increases were observed in the carbon stocks in deep soil layers. • The higher labile carbon inputs improved the carbon management index. • A soil sequestration equivalent to 2–188 Tg CO 2 was projected. The extensive system of pasture management in Brazil can reduce soil C stocks and increase CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere. However, the adoption of sustainable management systems can change these conditions and enact modern practices of natural resource management as defined by the concept of ecosystem services. A field study was therefore carried out to assess the effects of adopting more intensive and diversified systems of pasture management on the quality and stocks of soil C. Treatments included fertilized pasture (FP), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and integrated livestock-forest (ILF) and were compared to conventional management systems (CS) under different soil and climate conditions (tropical humid, subtropical dry and subtropical humid). Soil carbon stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) fractions were determined in the top one-meter layer. With the SOM fractions, we calculated the C lability (LI), pool (CPI) and management (CMI) indices. The results showed that adopting ICL systems under the conditions of a tropical humid and subtropical humid climate produced increases in soil C stocks of 0.75 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (P < 0.01) and 0.15 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (P < 0.05), respectively, relative to the CS. Similarly, the conversion of a CS to FP (tropical humid climate) and ILF (subtropical dry climate) led to increases in soil C stocks of 2 and 0.55 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (P < 0.05), respectively. In general, the adoption of more intensive and diversified systems of pasture management can also afford increases in the LI, CPI and CMI indices. These results can serve as a scientific basis for government initiatives that focus on recovering degraded pastures in Brazil through the use of more sustainable management systems and can also help to sequester more C in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de sistemas de cultivo, do preparo do solo e dos níveis de adubação sobre o banco de sementes, em solos de áreas submetidas a: três sistemas de cultivo - lavoura contínua (L), lavoura-pastagem-lavoura (LPL) e pastagem-lavoura-pastagem (PLP); dois sistemas de preparo do solo - convencional (C) e semeadura direta (D); dois níveis de adubação - manutenção (1) e corretiva gradual (2); e uma área de pastagem contínua, com preparo convencional e adubação corretiva gradual. No sistema de cultivo lavoura-pastagem, a densidade de sementes, excluindo-se as áreas de cultivo de LPLC1 e de LPLC2, foi menor do que nas lavouras contínuas e maior do que na pastagem contínua. Nas áreas de lavoura, o banco de sementes foi menor em áreas com semeadura direta do que com preparo convencional do solo, mas nas áreas de PLP, com adubação corretiva gradual, não houve diferença entre os sistemas de preparo do solo. A adubação causou redução na densidade de sementes apenas nas áreas de cultivo de LPLC e PLPC. A adoção de sistemas de cultivo lavoura-pastagem com semeadura direta pode auxiliar no manejo de plantas daninhas em áreas de lavoura de grãos.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of cultivation and tillage systems, and fertilization level, on soil seedbanks of areas submitted to: three cultivation systems - continuous crop (L), crop-pasturecrop (LPL), pasture-crop-pasture (PLP); two tillage systems - tillage (C) and no-tillage (D); two fertilization levels - maintenance (1) and gradual corrective (2); and a continuous pasture area under tillage and gradual corrective fertilization. Seed density of crop-pasture cultivation systems, was lower than in continuous crop, and higher compared to continuous pasture system, except for LPLC1 and LPLC2 cultivated areas. The seedbanks in continuous cropping areas was lower in no-tillage than in tillage system areas, but in PLP areas with gradual corrective fertilization, there was no difference between tillage systems. The fertilization level caused a reduction in seed density only in LPLC and PLPC cultivated areas. Integrated crop-pasture system with no-tillage adoption can be useful in weed management of grains crop areas.

In the integrated crop-livestock system, the pasture establishment can be performed with intercrop of grains crops and tropical forages. This study was conducted during two growing seasons in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, evaluating the effect of two cutting heights of corn for ensilage in intercrop with palisade grass cv. Marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), palisade grass cv. Piatã (Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) and sole-corn crop with regrowth of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf cv. Basilisk) and oversowing of yellow oat on the forage availability and botanical composition of pasture. The soil of experimental area is Typic Haplorthox. The experimental design was a randomized block, in split-plot, arranged in factorial scheme with four replications. Treatments consisted in the plots of three cropping systems (sole-corn crop with signal grass regrowth; corn and palisade grass cv. Marandu intercropped; corn and palisade grass cv. Piatã intercropped); two cutting heights of corn for ensilage (0.20 and 0.45 m); two growing seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012 crop years); and in the subplots, the absence or oversowing of yellow oat (Avena bysantina cv. São Carlos). The sowing of simple corn hybrid (2B587 HX) was spaced at 0.45 m. The seeds of grasses were mixing with fertilizer and deposited at depth of 0.08 m. The amount of fertilizers followed the recommendations to silage corn and applied reduced doses of post-emergence herbicides (Nicosulfuron and Atrazine). After the mechanical harvest of corn for ensilage, the oversowing of yellow oat was spaced at 0.17 m. After, all subplots were fertilized with 60 kg/ha of N. From August to November, the pastures were used to lamb’s grazing under continuous stocking with fixed stocking rate (133 lambs with average live weight of 30 kg/ha) during 70 days and the animals were supplemented with concentrate and silage from the same treatment. Over lamb’s grazing was collected forage at ground level in the pasture. The samples were separated botanically, dried and the amounts extrapolated to kg ha-1 of dry mass. The results were submitted to analysis of variance by test F (P≤0.05) and means, were compared by test LSD (P≤0.05). The best climate conditions in the second growing season increased the forage availability in the first 42 days of grazing by lambs. The corn harvest to ensilage at 0.45 m resulted in less damage to the apical buds and thus showed better recovery with greater forage availability over 70 days of lamb’s grazing, mainly in the pasture of palisade grass cv. Marandu. From 43 days of lamb’s grazing, the harvest of corn for ensilage at 0.20 m reduced the availability of signal grass forage, reaching values below 400 kg/ha of dry mass between 57 and 70 days of lamb’s grazing. In both growing seasons, the availability of yellow oat was restricted to the first 28 days of lamb’s grazing, however, increased the forage availability for lamb’s grazing. The palisade grass cv. Marandu presents higher competition with yellow oat, mainly in relation to signal grass. However, the sum of both crops increased the forage availability. The ensilage of corn in the cutting height at 0.45 m intercropped with palisade grass cv. Marandu, and oversowing of yellow oat is the most viable option to pasture formation and lamb’s grazing in integrated crop-livestock system.

Highlights: [•] Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLs) enhanced C sequestration potential. [•] ICLs are a sustainable alternative to monoculture cotton in semiarid regions. [•] Perennial grasses largely responsible for increased stability and C sequestration. [•] Diverse crop rotations and reduced tillage also contribute to soil enhancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sowing procedures and the seed sowing rate of kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides cv. 'Comum') in corn on corn plant development, forage dry matter production, weed infestation and soybean plant development and yield. The kudzu seeds were either broadcasted over the terrain or sown in furrows (in the main plots) at rates, in both cases, of 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 points of cultural value (on the subplots). Singly cultivated corn was considered the control treatment. Intercropping did not cause corn plant development to show any significant difference compared with that of the singly cultivated corn plants. When sown in furrows, the number and dry matter contents of the kudzu plants were higher than sowing by broadcasting. The number of plants and the dry matter of the plants increased with the number of seeds. Prior to sowing soybean, the incidence of weeds decreased as the number of kudzu seeds at sowing increased. The intercropping of corn with kudzu benefited soybean plant population, plant height, and grain yield in comparison with the single cultivating of corn in the previous year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) seeds are able to remain alive in soil from a culture to another. The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of black oat seeds resulting from two management, harvesting, and natural reseeding, which could form the seed bank of soil. The experiments were conducted in Jari-RS, Brazil, the cultivation system is "No Tillage". Were collected 50 samples in each management, at a spacing of 10mx20m, using a sampler diameter of 0.05m and depth of 0.1m. The evaluation of the number of seeds and seedling emergence was accomplish at the Laboratory of Seeds Analysis of the Faculdade de Agronomia "Eliseu Maciel" (UFPEL). It was found that both as the crop as the natural seeding allow large quantities of seeds in the soil for the upper area suitable for planting. The harvest area is heterogeneous in the number of seeds in soil and plants in the area. The natural seeding results in a large amount of seed in soil and seedling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Parasitism with gastrointestinal nematodes represents a significant risk to the health of livestock populations. Besides the local oxidative damage caused by the parasite, the host reacts by increasing the production of oxidants. The study of thiol-disulphide homeostasis can be of help in the evaluation of the oxidative status of sheep during this type of parasitism. In this study, the thiol-disulphide homeostasis, together with other biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, were assessed in the serum of lambs infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and were evaluated after 70 days of integrated crop-livestock system and anthelmintic treatment. This study showed that the thiol-disulphide balance was impaired in the infected lambs and the changes were correlated with the parasite load, which therefore could indicate their potential use as a tool to evaluate and monitor the disease in sheep. This work aimed to evaluate the thiol-disulphide homeostasis in serum of lambs naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes presenting different levels of parasite load indirectly indicated by faecal worm egg counts (EPG). Furthermore, the possible changes in the thiol-disulphide dynamic after different procedures to reduce the parasitic charge, such as the integrated crop-livestock system or anthelmintic treatment, were assessed. The results were compared with a panel of various oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The lambs were divided into three groups: animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and packed cell volume (PCV) lower than 24% (G1); animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and normal PCV (>24%) (G2); and animals presenting EPG lower than 5000 and normal PCV (>24%) (G3). The highly infected lambs (G1 and G2) showed lower total thiol (TT) and native thiol (SH) (p ≤ 0.01) than those from G3. After treatment, TT and SH increased significantly in all groups (p ≤ 0.01), and the disulphide (SS)/TT and SS/SH ratios decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in G1 and G2. These results show that the thiol-disulphide balance was impaired in lambs infected by gastrointestinal nematodes and that it could be potentially used as a biomarker to monitor this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While characteristics of semi-arid climates place limitations on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, there is opportunity and urgency for increasing the quality and long-term persistence of cropland SOC content within these agroecosystems. Livestock re-integration into cropland shows potential to improve semi-arid agroecosystem functioning through shifts in biogeochemical processes and the facilitation of multiple ecosystem services involved in carbon and nutrient cycling and use-efficiency. Here we review the characteristics of grazing-based Integrated Crop-Livestock (ICL) systems and how various associated management practices may interplay with semi-arid agroecological and biogeochemical dynamics to influence soil microbial ecology and SOC accumulation and stabilization. We argue that livestock re-integration holds notable potential to increase cropland SOC through controls on landscape net primary productivity, allocation of biomass belowground, efficient recycling of residual crop nutrients, and soil biological activity related to a suite of soil ecosystem services. Achieving the full SOC accumulation potential of ICL management will require site-specific consideration of feedbacks between herbivory, soil microbial ecology, soil disturbance, and forage species interactions. Future research should focus on optimizing plant-soil-grazer feedbacks and understanding of mechanistic drivers of ICL system outcomes to optimize the design and management of semi-arid regional ICL systems for enhanced SOC quality and persistence. Image 1 • Semi-arid ecoregions face high vulnerability to global climate change impacts. • Grazing influences cropland net primary productivity and soil carbon partitioning. • Crop-livestock integration impacts multiple soil carbon stabilization pathways. • Plant-soil-grazer feedbacks alter nutrient stoichiometry and soil microbial ecology. • Reduced tillage, moderate intensity rotational grazing, and biodiverse forage mixtures facilitate potential ICL benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated systems improved the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (SOM). • Fertilized annual crops within integrated farming systems improved SOM quality. • Pasture to integrated crop-livestock (ICL) conversion enhanced soil C stocks. • Integrating eucalyptus rows into ICL system decreased potential of soil C stocking. • The SOM in integrated farming systems was predominantly originated from C 4 plants. Integrated farming systems are sustainable strategies to intensify land productivity by combining annual crop, livestock and/or forestry activities in different spatio-temporal arrangements. Therefore, they may help tackle global food and energy insecurity and climate change in the coming decades. We investigated the effects of integrated crop-livestock (ICL) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems on quantity, quality, and origin of soil organic matter (SOM) in southeastern Brazil. A native forest and an extensive low-grazing intensity pasture system were used as references. In integrated systems, corn (Zea mays) was alternated with two consecutive years of piatã grass (Urochloa bryzantha) for cattle grazing. In ICLF, eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urograndis) were planted in simple rows of 15 × 2 m. Soil sampling was performed three times; in 2014, after two years of grazing; in 2015, after crop cultivation; and in 2016, after a successive grazing year, to evaluate chemical and physical composition changes of organic matter (C, N, δ13C, δ15N, and organic matter fractions) with time. Our findings showed that from 2010 to 2016, all systems (extensive grazing, ICL and ICLF) promoted increments on soil C and N stocks. However, land intensification converting extensive low-grazing intensity pasture to ICL was the most promising strategy, increasing soil C stocks at the rate of 0.28 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 from 2010 to 2016. Annual crop cultivation (corn intercropped with piatã grass) promoted high organic matter inputs on the soil, increasing the amount of soil labile organic matter fractions, which presented higher δ13C and lower δ15N values over time. SOM in the integrated farming systems was originated mainly from C 4 plants. Therefore, optimizing development of piatã grass and corn increases organic residue inputs and then, soil C and N stocks. In addition, the crop period increased soil fertility parameters, which favors plant growth, thus providing high labile C inputs to the soil. In contrast, land intensification by adding the forestry component into the system (i.e., conversion from ICL to ICLF) reduced soil C (-0.22 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) and N (-0.03 Mg N ha−1 yr−1) stocks from 2010 to 2016, likely due to the reduction of C and N inputs to the soil caused by limited growth of annual crop and grass species under tree shades. In conclusion, land use intensification through ICL system contributes towards a more efficient and low-C agriculture, whereas the studied ICLF system did not bring further benefits to increase the quantity and/or quality of SOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of more intensive and diversified pasture systems is a promising alternative to improve sustainability of grazing lands in Brazil. Phosphorus (P) is one of the main determinants of ecosystem function in these management systems; therefore, we assessed the effects of adopting more intensive and diversified pasture management systems on soil P dynamics in a set of field experiments. Treatments included fertilized pasture (FP), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), integrated livestock-forest (ILF), compared to conventional management systems (CS) under contrasting climatic conditions (tropical humid, tropical mesic and subtropical). P fractions and total P were determined by soil layer to 1 m depth. Size and distribution of P stocks were related to soil organic matter (SOM) fractions and to clay type and content. Based on the results, P biological fraction represented 9% of P in the soil, on average, in CS under the three assessed climatic conditions. Management systems with FP and the ones with ICL and ILF mainly influenced labile (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively), moderately labile (0.03, 0.01 and 0.07 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively) and total soil P fractions (0.21, 0.08 and 0.20 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively). Clay content and pH were the soil properties mostly related to P fractions; besides, P fractions presented close relationship with these fractions and with total soil C and N, as well as with different SOM fractions. These results can be the scientific basis for governmental initiatives focused on recovering degraded pasture sites in Brazil. The establishment of management practices that favor efficient P use are essential to improve the sustainability of production systems. Unlabelled Image • Effects of pastureland intensification on the soil P fractions was investigated. • The conventional system, presented the highest organic P proportions (39%). • The fertilized pasture increased the P mainly in non-labile (>123%) fraction. • The integrated crop-livestock increased by 80 to 205% the labile fractions. • Finally, integrated livestock-forest increased by 88% the labile fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]