Changes in soil chemical characteristics with different tillage practices in a semi-arid environment

We examined the effects of various tillage intensities: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage with chisel plow (MT), conventional tillage with mouldboard plow (CT), and zone-tillage subsoiling with a paraplow (ZT) applied in alternate years in rotation with NT, on the topsoil profile distribution (0–30 cm) of pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), organic N and available nutrients on a semi-arid soil from Central Spain. The equivalent depth approach was used to compare SOC, N and nutrient stocks in the various tillage treatments. Measurements made at the end of 5 years showed that in the 0–30 cm depth, SOC and N had increased under NT and ZT compared with MT and CT. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–5 cm depth where plots under NT and ZT had respectively 7.0 Mg ha⁻¹ and 6.2 Mg ha⁻¹ more SOC and 0.5 Mg ha⁻¹ and 0.3 Mg ha⁻¹ more N than under MT or CT. No-tillage and ZT plots, however, exhibited strong vertical gradients of SOC and N with concentrations decreasing from 0–5 to 20–30 cm. In the 0–20 cm layer, higher concentrations of P and K under NT and ZT than under MT or CT were also found. Soil pH under NT and ZT was 0.3 units lower than under MT or CT at a depth of 0–5 cm. This acidifying effect was restricted at the surface layer and in the 20–30 cm interval, pH values under NT and ZT were higher than in MT and CT plots. These results suggest that in the soil studied, ZT in rotation with NT maintain most advantages associated with NT, and present a definite potential for use as a partial-width rotational tillage practice.     

Mulching with branches of an indigenous shrub (Guiera senegalensis) and yield of millet in semi-arid Niger

Crop residues from millet production in southwest Niger are limited for their utilization as mulch because of many other uses. Thus, branches of an indigenous shrub (Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel.) were tested with a randomised block design for their effect on millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) yield. Pearl millet was planted in 1995 and 1996 on a luvic Arenosol in southwest Niger. Three treatments were applied: control, 1000 kg ha⁻¹ dry matter Guiera-mulch and 2000 kg ha⁻¹ dry matter Guiera-mulch. Mulched plots had 68–94% higher millet yields compared to the control. Differences in soil properties before the treatments were applied, explained a high variability within the treatments. Significant differences of soil properties between blocks led to a distinction of infertile and fertile blocks. In infertile plots with 1000 kg ha⁻¹ Guiera-mulch, millet yield was higher than in plots with 2000 kg ha⁻¹ Guiera-mulch. Due to the many uses of Guiera senegalensis by the local farmers, an application of 1000 kg ha⁻¹ Guiera-mulch, at least on infertile soils, seems a good possibility to increase millet production.     

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from long-term tillage under a continuous corn cropping system in Ohio

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emitted by anthropogenic activities have been linked to the observed and predicted climate change. Conservation tillage practices such as no-tillage (NT) have potential to increase C sequestration in agricultural soils but patterns of N₂O and CH₄ emissions associated with NT practices are variable. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tillage practices on N₂O and CH₄ emissions in long-term continuous corn (Zea mays) plots. The study was conducted on continuous corn experimental plots established in 1962 on a Crosby silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Aeric Ochraqualf) in Ohio. The experimental design consisted of NT, chisel till (CT) and moldboard plow till (MT) treatments arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The N₂O and CH₄ fluxes were measured for 1-year at 2-week intervals during growing season and at 4-week intervals during the off season. Long-term NT practice significantly decreased soil bulk density (ρ_b) and increased total N concentration of the 0–15 cm layer compared to MT and CT. Generally, NT treatment contained higher soil moisture contents and lower soil temperatures in the surface soil than CT and MT during summer, spring and autumn. Average daily fluxes and annual N₂O emissions were more in MT (0.67 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 1.82 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) and CT (0.74 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 1.96 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than NT (0.29 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.94 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). On average, NT was a sink for CH₄, oxidizing 0.32 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, while MT and CT were sources of CH₄ emitting 2.76 and 2.27 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. Lower N₂O emission and increased CH₄ oxidation in the NT practice are attributed to decrease in surface ρ_b, suggesting increased gaseous exchange. The N₂O flux was strongly correlated with precipitation, air and soil temperatures, but not with gravimetric moisture content. Data from this study suggested that adoption of long-term NT under continuous corn cropping system in the U.S. Corn Belt region may reduce GWP associated with N₂O and CH₄ emissions by approximately 50% compared to MT and CT management.     

Effects of tilling no-till soil on losses of atrazine and glyphosate to runoff water under variable intensity simulated rainfall

Herbicides released through agricultural activities to surface waters and drinking water systems represent a risk to human and environmental health, as well as a cost to municipalities for removal. This study focuses on the viability of glyphosate tolerant cropping systems as an alternative to atrazine-based systems, and the impact of tilling historically no-till ground on the runoff pollution potential of these systems. Variable intensity field rainfall simulations were performed on 2 m long × 1 m wide plots within a field in first-year disk and harrow following no-till (CT), and within a long-term no-tilled (NT) field, both treated with atrazine and glyphosate according to label. Rainfall sequence was: 50 mm h⁻¹ for 50 min followed by 75 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min, 25 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min, and 100 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min. Runoff was collected at regular time intervals during two simulated rainfall events and analyzed for herbicide concentration, sediment content, and volume. Maximum glyphosate concentration in runoff was 233 μg L⁻¹ for NT and 180 μg L⁻¹ for CT (approximately 33% and 26% of the maximum contaminant limit (MCL) for glyphosate (700 μg L⁻¹), respectively, while maximum atrazine concentrations in runoff was 303 μg L⁻¹ for NT and 79 μg L⁻¹ for CT (approximately 100 times and 26 times the atrazine MCL (3 μg L⁻¹)). Atrazine concentration and loading were significantly higher in runoff from NT plots than from CT plots, whereas glyphosate concentration and loading were impacted by tillage treatment to a much lesser degree. Results suggest that glyphosate-based weed management may represent a lower drinking water risk than atrazine-based weed management, especially in NT systems.     

Soybean growth and yield response to residual fertilizer phosphorus bands

Residual effects on soybeans (Glycine max L.) from phosphrous (P) fertilizer bands applied 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seeds of a preceding corn (Zea mays L.) crop on a Brandt silt loam soil (fine‐silty, mixed Udic Haploboroll) were studied after an intervening no‐till fallow period. The P rates applied were 0, 12, 24, and 49 kg P ha^‐1. Soybean rows were planted as close as possible to the preceding corn rows. Soybean tissue was sampled at the early bloom stage in each row of the paired‐row design. Twenty soil column (2.5x3 cm) samples were collected from the 0–15 cm depth along a 50‐cm‐long trench that bisected a soybean row. The distance of the previous P band (column with the highest extractable Bray‐I P level) from the soybean row became a variable in this experiment with category range distances of <6 cm, 6–9 cm, and >9 cm from band to row. Residual P from all application rates increased shoot dry matter weight, shoot P uptake, and to a lesser extent grain yield in comparison to the unfertilized soybeans. Distance of the P band from the row was more important than the P concentration in the band. Shoot P uptake and grain yield were significantly larger for fertilized compared to unfertilized soybeans when the band distance was less than 9 cm from the row. Residual P band distance of greater than 9 cm from the row had little effect on soybean growth and yield.     

Long-term effects of tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization on organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in sandy loam soils in Georgia, USA

Maintaining and/or conserving organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in the soil using management practices can improve its fertility and productivity and help to reduce global warming by sequestration of atmospheric CO₂ and N₂. We examined the influence of 6 years of tillage (no-till, NT; chisel plowing, CP; and moldboard plowing, MP), cover crop (hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) vs. winter weeds), and N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha⁻¹) on soil organic C and N concentrations in a Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Kandiudults) under tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and silage corn (Zea mays L.). In a second experiment, we compared the effects of 7 years of non-legume (rye (Secale cereale L.)) and legume (hairy vetch and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)) cover crops and N fertilization (HN (90 kg N ha⁻¹ for tomato and 80 kg N ha⁻¹ for eggplant)) and FN (180 kg N ha⁻¹ for tomato and 160 kg N ha⁻¹ for eggplant)) on soil organic C and N in a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Kandiudults) under tomato and eggplant (Solanum melogena L.). Both experiments were conducted from 1994 to 2000 in Fort Valley, GA. Carbon concentration in cover crops ranged from 704 kg ha⁻¹ in hairy vetch to 3704 kg ha⁻¹ in rye in 1999 and N concentration ranged from 77 kg ha⁻¹ in rye in 1996 to 299 kg ha⁻¹ in crimson clover in 1997. With or without N fertilization, concentrations of soil organic C and N were greater in NT with hairy vetch than in MP with or without hairy vetch (23.5–24.9 vs. 19.9–21.4 Mg ha⁻¹ and 1.92–2.05 vs. 1.58–1.76 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively). Concentrations of organic C and N were also greater with rye, hairy vetch, crimson clover, and FN than with the control without a cover crop or N fertilization (17.5–18.4 vs. 16.5 Mg ha⁻¹ and 1.33–1.43 vs. 1.31 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively). From 1994 to 1999, concentrations of soil organic C and N decreased by 8–16% in NT and 15–25% in CP and MP. From 1994 to 2000, concentrations of organic C and N decreased by 1% with hairy vetch and crimson clover, 2–6% with HN and FN, and 6–18% with the control. With rye, organic C and N increased by 3–4%. Soil organic C and N concentrations can be conserved and/or maintained by reducing their loss through mineralization and erosion, and by sequestering atmospheric CO₂ and N₂ in the soil using NT with cover crops and N fertilization. These changes in soil management improved soil quality and productivity. Non-legume (rye) was better than legumes (hairy vetch and crimson clover) and N fertilization in increasing concentrations of soil organic C and N.     

Determinants of annual fluxes of CO2 and N2O in long-term no-tillage and conventional tillage systems in northern France

The greenhouse gases CO₂ and N₂O emissions were quantified in a long-term experiment in northern France, in which no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) had been differentiated during 32 years in plots under a maize–wheat rotation. Continuous CO₂ and periodical N₂O soil emission measurements were performed during two periods: under maize cultivation (April 2003–July 2003) and during the fallow period after wheat harvest (August 2003–March 2004). In order to document the dynamics and importance of these emissions, soil organic C and mineral N, residue decomposition, soil potential for CO₂ emission and climatic data were measured. CO₂ emissions were significantly larger in NT on 53% and in CT on 6% of the days. From April to July 2003 and from November 2003 to March 2004, the cumulated CO₂ emissions did not differ significantly between CT and NT. However, the cumulated CO₂ emissions from August to November 2003 were considerably larger for NT than for CT. Over the entire 331 days of measurement, CT and NT emitted 3160 ± 269 and 4064 ± 138 kg CO₂-C ha⁻¹, respectively. The differences in CO₂ emissions in the two tillage systems resulted from the soil climatic conditions and the amounts and location of crop residues and SOM. A large proportion of the CO₂ emissions in NT over the entire measurement period was probably due to the decomposition of old weathered residues. NT tended to emit more N₂O than CT over the entire measurement period. However differences were statistically significant in only half of the cases due to important variability. N₂O emissions were generally less than 5 g N ha⁻¹ day⁻¹, except for a few dates where emission increased up to 21 g N ha⁻¹ day⁻¹. These N₂O fluxes represented 0.80 ± 0.15 and 1.32 ± 0.52 kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for CT and NT, respectively. Depending on the periods, a large part of the N₂O emissions occurred was probably induced by nitrification, since soil conditions were not favorable for denitrification. Finally, for the period of measurement after 32 years of tillage treatments, the NT system emitted more greenhouses gases (CO₂ and N₂O) to the atmosphere on an annual basis than the CT system.     

How does the first year tilling a long-term no-tillage field impact soluble nutrient losses in runoff?

Conservation tillage practices are commonly used to reduce erosion; however, in fields that have been in no-tillage (NT) for long periods, compaction from traffic can restrict infiltration. Rotational tillage (RT) is a common practice that producers use in the central corn-belt of the United States, and could potentially reduce soluble nutrient loads to surface waters. The objectives of this study were to determine the first year impacts of converting from long-term NT to (RT) on N and P losses through runoff. Plots (2 m × 1 m) were constructed in two fields that had been in NT corn–soybean rotation for the previous 15 years. One field remained in NT management, while RT was initiated prior to planting corn in the other field using a soil finisher. Variable-intensity rainfall simulations occurred before and after fertilization with urea (224 kg N ha⁻¹) and triple superphosphate (112 kg P ha⁻¹). Rainfall was simulated at (1) 50 mm h⁻¹ for 50 min; (2) 75 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min; (3) 25 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min; (4) 100 mm h⁻¹ for 15 min. Runoff volumes and nutrient (NH₄-N, NO₃-N and dissolved P [DP]) concentrations were greater from the NT field than the RT field before and after fertilization.Dissolved P concentrations in runoff prior to fertilization were greater during the 50 mm h⁻¹ rainfall period (0.09 mg L⁻¹) compared to the other periods (0.03 mg L⁻¹). Nutrient concentrations increased by 10–100-fold when comparing samples taken after fertilization to those taken prior to fertilization. Nutrient loads were greater prior to and after fertilization from the NT treatment. Prior to fertilization, NT resulted in 83 g ha⁻¹ greater NH₄-N and 32.4 g ha⁻¹ greater dissolved P losses than RT treatment. After fertilization, NT was observed to lose 5.3 kg ha⁻¹ more NH₄-N, 1.3 kg ha⁻¹ more NO₃-N, and 2.4 kg ha⁻¹ more dissolved P than RT. It is typically difficult to manage land to minimize P and N losses simultaneously; however, in the short term, tillage following long-term NT resulted in lowering the risk of transport of soluble N and P to surface water.     

Tillage and drainage impact on soil quality: I. Aggregate stability, carbon and nitrogen pools

Effects of two tillage treatments, tillage (T) with chisel plough and no-till (NT), were studied under un-drained and drained soil conditions. Soil physical properties measured were bulk density (ρ_b), total porosity (ƒ_t), water stable aggregates (WSA), geometric mean diameter (GMD), mean weight diameter (MWD), organic carbon (OC) and total N concentrations in different aggregate size fractions, and total OC and N pools. The experiment was established in 1994 on a poorly drained Crosby silt loam soil (fine mixed, mesic, Aeric Ochraqualf) near Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, soil samples were collected (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) from all treatments and separated into six aggregate size classes for assessing proportions of macro (5–8, 2–5, 1–2, 0.5–1, 0.25–0.5) and micro (<0.25 mm) aggregates by wet sieving. Tillage treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced WSA, MWD, and GMD. Higher total WSA (78.53 vs. 58.27%), GMD (0.99 vs. 0.68 mm), and MWD (2.23 vs. 0.99 mm) were observed for 0–10 cm depth for NT than T treatments. Relative proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25-mm) was also more in NT than T treatment for un-drained plots. Conversely, micro-aggregates (<0.25-mm) were more in T plots for both drained and un-drained treatments. The WSA, MWD and GMD decreased with increase in soil depth. The OC concentration was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in NT for un-drained (P ≤ 0.01) treatment for all soil depths. Within macro-aggregates, the maximum OC concentrations of 1.91 and 1.75 g kg⁻¹ in 1–2 mm size fraction were observed in NT for un-drained and drained treatments, respectively. Tillage treatments significantly (P < 0.01) affected bulk density (ρ_b), and total porosity (f_t) for all soil depths, whereas tillage × drainage interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for 10–20 and 20–30 cm depths. Soil ρ_b was negatively correlated (r = −0.47; n = 12) with OC concentration. Tillage treatments significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) OC pools at 10–20 cm depth; whereas drainage, and tillage × drainage significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced OC pools for 0–10 cm soil layer. The OC pool in 0–10 cm layer was 31.8 Mg ha⁻¹ for NT compared with 25.9 Mg kg⁻¹ for T for un-drained treatment. In comparison, the OC pool was 23.1 Mg ha⁻¹ for NT compared with 25.2 Mg ha⁻¹ for T for the drained plots. In general, the OC pool was higher in NT system, coupled with un-drained treatment than in drained T plots. The data indicate the importance of NT in improving the OC pool.     

Soil properties and crop yields on a vertisol in India with application of distillery effluent

Distillery effluent, a foul smelling, dark coloured by-product of distillery industries, is usually applied as irrigation water or as an amendment to arable land in some areas which are in the vicinity of the distillery industries. A field experiment on soybean–wheat system was conducted for 3 consecutive years in a Vertisol of central India to evaluate the effect of distillery effluent (DE) as an amendment on soil properties and crop productivity. The treatments were control (no fertilizer or manure or DE, T₁), 100% NPK + FYM @ 4 Mg ha⁻¹ to soybean (T₂) and four graded levels of DE, viz.: 2.5 cm DE to soybean and wheat on residual nutrition (T₃), 2.5 cm DE to soybean and 1.25 cm to wheat (T₄), 5 cm DE to soybean and wheat on residual nutrition (T₅), 5 cm DE to soybean and 2.5 cm to wheat (T₆). The organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and electrical conductivity (EC) of the surface (0–10 cm) soil increased significantly with application of DE compared to T₁ and T₂, but the soil pH was not affected. The EC increased from 0.47 dS m⁻¹ and 0.58 dS m⁻¹, respectively, in T₁ and T₂ to 1.52 dS m⁻¹ in T₆, where highest dose of DE was applied. This indicated a slight build-up of salinity with DE application. The application of DE showed a significant improvement in the physical properties of the soil. The mean weight diameter (MWD), saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention at field capacity and available water content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher, while bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance of the surface soil were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in all DE treated plots except in T₃ than those in T₁ and T₂. The fractions of WSA of more than 1 mm diameter in T₆, T₅ and T₄ were, respectively, 141%, 107% and 116% more than the control. The MWD showed a positive linear relationship with the organic carbon (r = 0.84^**) and microbial biomass carbon (r = 0.90^**) of the soil. A significant (P < 0.01) negative linear relationship (r = 0.70^**) was found between soil organic carbon and BD. Except T₃, all the DE treated plots recorded significantly higher total and microporosity of the soil than control. Water retention at permanent wilting point and macroporosity of the soil were not affected by treatment. The seed yield of soybean in all the DE treatments was similar with T₂ (1.86 Mg ha⁻¹) but significantly more than control (1.28 Mg ha⁻¹). The DE application levels have not affected the seed yield of soybean. In wheat highest grain yield was recorded in T₂ (3.47 Mg ha⁻¹), which was similar with T₄ (3.16 Mg ha⁻¹), T₅ (3.22 Mg ha⁻¹) and T₆ (3.46 Mg ha⁻¹). DE application up to T₄ level was found suitable from productivity, salinity and sustainability point of view. The study showed that judicious application of DE as an amendment to the agricultural field could be considered as a viable option for safe disposal of this industrial waste.     

Grazing effect on soil properties in conventional and no-till systems

Diversification of production is a concern for farmers in many regions of the world, raising a renewed interest in crop-animal rotations. However little information is available on whether the introduction of grazing animals in a no-till system could be a sustainable practice. The present long-term study was carried out in the semiarid region of Argentina, on an Entic Haplustoll (A, AC, C and C_k profile). The experimental plots were established in August 1993, with two treatments, no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Stubble was regularly used for grazing until 2002, when plots were divided into grazed (G) and non-grazed (NG) sub-treatments. Soil samples were taken at 0–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m depth at the beginning of the experiment (1993) and during 2007, with the following determinations: clay + silt contents, bulk density (BD), total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), available P, C contents of aggregate fractions of 2000–100 (POC), 100–50 (IOC) and <50 (FOC) μm diameter, aggregate size distribution and mean weight diameter change. NT showed a strong effect on all analyzed soil attributes: it had higher total carbon stocks (NT 16.6 Mg ha⁻¹ vs. CT 13.2 Mg ha⁻¹) and higher amounts in all C fractions, even in FOC (11.3 Mg ha⁻¹ vs. 9.2 Mg ha⁻¹). For BD, we found no difference between NT and CT at the surface and an even lower value for NT at 0.10–0.20 m depth. Under NT no depletion of available P occurred, while CT lost about 23 kg ha⁻¹. Grazing had a negative effect on BD when averaging BD data across tillage systems, while there was no effect on aggregate stability, and a positive one on the proportion of >8 mm aggregates (23.3% vs. 11.7% for CT G and CT NG, respectively). C stratification showed a differential effect of grazing: NT G had the highest index (1.31) and CT G the lowest one (0.98). Our results indicated that the introduction of grazing animals in NT crop systems would not be detrimental to soil conditions and quality, at least in semiarid conditions of Argentina.     

Microbiological parameters as indicators of soil quality under various soil management and crop rotation systems in southern Brazil

The objective of this work was to identify soil parameters potentially useful to monitor soil quality under different soil management and crop rotation systems. Microbiological and chemical parameters were evaluated in a field experiment in the State of Paraná, southern Brazil, in response to soil management [no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)] and crop rotation [including grain (soybean, S; maize, M; wheat, W) and legume (lupin, L.) and non-legume (oat, O) covers] systems. Three crop rotation systems were evaluated: (1) (O/M/O/S/W/S/L/M/O/S), (2) (O/S/L/M/O/S/W/S/L/M), and (3) (O/S/W/S/L/M/O/M/W/M), and soil parameters were monitored after the fifth year. Before ploughing, CO₂-emission rates were similar in NT and CT soils, but plough increased it by an average of 57%. Carbon dioxide emission was 13% higher with lupin residues than with wheat straw; decomposition rates were rapid with both soil management systems. Amounts of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (MB-C and MB-N, respectively) were 80 and 104% higher in NT than in CT, respectively; however, in general these parameters were not affected by crop rotation. Efficiency of the microbial community was significantly higher in NT: metabolic quotient (qCO₂) was 55% lower than in CT. Soluble C and N levels were 37 and 24% greater in NT than in CT, respectively, with no effects of crop rotation. Furthermore, ratios of soluble C and N contents to MB-C and MB-N were consistently lower in NT, indicating higher immobilization of C and N per unit of MB. The decrease in qCO₂ and the increase in MB-C under NT allowed enhancements in soil C stocks, such that in the 0–40 cm profile, a gain of 2500 kg of C ha⁻¹ was observed in relation to CT. Carbon stocks also varied with crop rotation, with net changes at 0–40 cm of 726, 1167 and −394 kg C ha⁻¹ year, in rotations 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Similar results were obtained for the N stocks, with 410 kg N ha⁻¹ gained in NT, while crop rotations 1, 2 and 3 accumulated 71, 137 and 37 kg of N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. On average, microbial biomass corresponded to 2.4 and 1.7% of the total soil C, and 5.2 and 3.2% of the N in NT and CT systems, respectively. Soil management was the main factor affecting soil C and N levels, but enhancement also resulted from the ratios of legumes and non-legumes in the rotations. The results emphasize the importance of microorganisms as reservoirs of C and N in tropical soils. Furthermore, the parameters associated with microbiological activity were more responsive to soil management and crop rotation effects than were total stocks of C and N, demonstrating their usefulness as indicators of soil quality in the tropics.     

Gaseous and leaching nitrogen losses from no-tillage and conventional tillage systems following surface application of cattle manure

Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent results on the impact of tillage systems on nitrogen (N) losses from field-applied manure. This study assessed the impact of no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems on gaseous N losses, N₂O:N₂O + N₂ ratios and NO₃⁻-N leaching following surface application of cattle manure. The study was undertaken during the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 seasons at two field sites in Nova Scotia namely, Streets Ridge (SR) in Cumberland County and the Bio-environmental Engineering Centre (BEEC) in Truro. Results showed that the NT system had higher (p < 0.05) NH₃ losses than CT. Over the two seasons, manure incorporation in CT reduced NH₃ losses on average by 86% at SR and 78% at BEEC relative to NT. At both sites and during both seasons, denitrification rates and N₂O fluxes in NT were generally higher than in CT plots, presumably due to higher soil water and organic matter content in NT. Over the two seasons, mean denitrification rates at SR were 239 and 119 g N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹, while N₂O fluxes were 120 and 64 g N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹ under NT and CT, respectively. At BEEC mean denitrification rates were 114 and 71 g N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹, while N₂O fluxes were 52 and 27 g N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹ under NT and CT, respectively. Conversely, N₂O:N₂O + N₂ ratios were lower in NT than CT suggesting more complete reduction of N₂O to N₂ under NT. When averaged across all soil depths, NO₃⁻-N was higher (p < 0.05) in CT than NT. Nitrate-N decreased with depth at both sites regardless of tillage. In most cases, NO₃⁻-N was higher under CT than NT at all soil depths. Similarly, flow-weighted average NO₃⁻-N concentrations in drainage water were generally higher under CT. This may be partly attributed to higher denitrification rates under NT. Therefore, NT may be a viable strategy to remove NO₃⁻-N from the soil, and thus, reduce NO₃⁻-N contamination of groundwater. However, it should be noted that while the use of NT reduces NO₃⁻-N leaching it may come with unintended environmental tradeoffs, including increased NH₃ and N₂O emissions.     

Tillage and cropping effects on soil quality indicators in the northern Great Plains

The extreme climate of the northern Great Plains of North America requires cropping systems to possess a resilient soil resource in order to be sustainable. This paper summarizes the interactive effects of tillage, crop sequence, and cropping intensity on soil quality indicators for two long-term cropping system experiments in the northern Great Plains. The experiments, located in central North Dakota, were established in 1984 and 1993 on a Wilton silt loam (FAO: Calcic Siltic Chernozem; USDA¹: fine-silty, mixed, superactive frigid Pachic Haplustoll). Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties considered as indicators of soil quality were evaluated in spring 2001 in both experiments at depths of 0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–30 cm. Management effects on soil properties were largely limited to the surface 7.5 cm in both experiments. For the experiment established in 1984, differences in soil condition between a continuous crop, no-till system and a crop–fallow, conventional tillage system were substantial. Within the surface 7.5 cm, the continuous crop, no-till system possessed significantly more soil organic C (by 7.28 Mg ha⁻¹), particulate organic matter C (POM-C) (by 4.98 Mg ha⁻¹), potentially mineralizable N (PMN) (by 32.4 kg ha⁻¹), and microbial biomass C (by 586 kg ha⁻¹), as well as greater aggregate stability (by 33.4%) and faster infiltration rates (by 55.6 cm h⁻¹) relative to the crop–fallow, conventional tillage system. Thus, soil from the continuous crop, no-till system was improved with respect to its ability to provide a source for plant nutrients, withstand erosion, and facilitate water transfer. Soil properties were affected less by management practices in the experiment established in 1993, although organic matter related properties tended to be greater under continuous cropping or minimum tillage than crop sequences with fallow or no-till. In particular, PMN and microbial biomass C were greatest in continuous spring wheat (with residue removed) (22.5 kg ha⁻¹ for PMN; 792 kg ha⁻¹ for microbial biomass C) as compared with sequences with fallow (SW–S–F and SW–F) (Average=15.9 kg ha⁻¹ for PMN; 577 kg ha⁻¹ for microbial biomass C). Results from both experiments confirm that farmers in the northern Great Plains of North America can improve soil quality and agricultural sustainability by adopting production systems that employ intensive cropping practices with reduced tillage management.     

尼日利亚两个农业生态区施用氮肥和杂草干扰对热带玉米基因型的影响

Low soil nitrogen (N) and weed infestations are some of the major constraints to maize production in Nigeria.A split-split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replicates was established at two sites with different agroecological zones,Ikenne (Typic Paleudalf) and Shika (Typic Tropaquept),in Nigeria in 2002 and 2003 rainy seasons to investigate the responses of four maize genotypes (Oba super II,Low N pool C2,TZB-SR,and ACR 8328 BN C7) to N fertilizer applied at four rates,0,30,60,and 90 kg N ha^-1,and three weed pressure treatments,no weed pressure (weekly weeding),low weed pressure (inter-row weekly weeding),and high weed pressure (no weeding throughout the growing season).Growth and yield parameters of maize and weeds were taken at flwering and harvest.The results indicated that there was a significant reduction in maize leaf area,leaf area index,and photosynthetically active radiation due to weed interference at both sites.The application of nitrogen at 90 kg N ha^-1 significantly increased maize leaf area.Reductions in maize growth and yield at flowering and harvest were significant due to weed interference at both Ikenne and Shika,thus showing that the reductions in maize growth and yield due to weed interference were not ecological zone specific even though weed species and their seed banks may differ.Ameliorative management options could thus be the same in the two agroecological zones.Application of 90 kg N ha^-1 led to a significant increase in maize grain yield at Shika while there was no fertilizer effect at Ikenne on grain yield.There was no significant difference between 60 and 90 kg N ha^-1,suggesting that 60 kg N ha^-1 could be a possible replacement for the higher fertilizer rate at least for the identified maize genotypes.Low weed pressure treatment led to 26% and 35% reductions in maize grain yield at Ikenne and Shika,respectively,while 22% and 51 % reductions,respectively,were observed due to high weed pressure.Generally,maize grain yield was higher at Ikenne than Shika.The maize genotypes Low N pool C2 and ACR 8328 BN C7 performed better than the other genotypes at Ikenne while the maize genotype Oba super II had the best performance at harvest at Shika.Application of nitrogen increased weed biomass at flowering at Ikenne.The maize grain yield was highest in the N-efficient genotypes,Oba super II and Low N pool C2;the susceptible genotype TZB-SR had the least yield at Shika.There existed a negative and significant correlation between maize grain yield and weed biomass at both sites.     

Carbon sequestration and relationship between carbon addition and storage under rainfed soybean–wheat rotation in a sandy loam soil of the Indian Himalayas

Soil organic matter (SOM) contributes to the productivity and physical properties of soils. Although crop productivity is sustained mainly through the application of organic manure in the Indian Himalayas, no information is available on the effects of long-term manure addition along with mineral fertilizers on C sequestration and the contribution of total C input towards soil organic C (SOC) storage. We analyzed results of a long-term experiment, initiated in 1973 on a sandy loam soil under rainfed conditions to determine the influence of different combinations of NPK fertilizer and fertilizer + farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 Mg ha⁻¹ on SOC content and its changes in the 0–45 cm soil depth. Concentration of SOC increased 40 and 70% in the NPK + FYM-treated plots as compared to NPK (43.1 Mg C ha⁻¹) and unfertilized control plots (35.5 Mg C ha⁻¹), respectively. Average annual contribution of C input from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was 29% and that from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Emend. Flori and Paol) was 24% of the harvestable above-ground biomass yield. Annual gross C input and annual rate of total SOC enrichment were 4852 and 900 kg C ha⁻¹, respectively, for the plots under NPK + FYM. It was estimated that 19% of the gross C input contributed towards the increase in SOC content. C loss from native SOM during 30 years averaged 61 kg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The estimated quantity of biomass C required to maintain equilibrium SOM content was 321 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The total annual C input by the soybean–wheat rotation in the plots under unfertilized control was 890 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Thus, increase in SOC concentration under long-term (30 years) rainfed soybean–wheat cropping was due to the fact that annual C input by the system was higher than the required amount to maintaining equilibrium SOM content.     

Management of a previously eroded tropical Alfisol with herbaceous legumes: Soil loss and physical properties under mound tillage

A study was carried out on a previously eroded Oxic Paleustalf in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria to determine the extent of soil degradation under mound tillage with some herbaceous legumes and residue management methods. A series of factorial experiments was carried out on 12 existing runoff plots. The study commenced in 1996 after a 5-year natural fallow. Mound tillage was introduced in 1997 till 1999. The legumes – Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Mucuna pruriens and Pueraria phaseoloides – were intercropped with maize in 1996 and 1998 while yam was planted alone in 1997 and 1999. This paper covers 1997–1999. At the end of each year, residues were either burned or mulched on respective plots. Soil loss, runoff, variations in mound height, bulk density, soil water retention and sorptivity were measured. Cumulative runoff was similar among interactions of legume and residue management in 1997 (57–151 mm) and 1999 (206–397 mm). However, in 1998, cumulative runoff of 95 mm observed for Mucuna-burned residue was significantly greater than the 46 mm observed for cowpea-burned residue and the 39–51 mm observed for mulched residues of cowpea, Mucuna and Pueraria. Cumulative soil loss of 7.6 Mg ha⁻¹ observed for Mucuna-burned residue in 1997 was significantly greater than those for Pueraria-mulched (0.9 Mg ha⁻¹) and Mucuna-mulched (1.4 Mg ha⁻¹) residues whereas in 1999 it was similar to soil loss from cowpea treatments and Pueraria-burned residue (2.3–5.3 Mg ha⁻¹). There were no significant differences in soil loss in 1998 (1–3.2 Mg ha⁻¹) whereas Mucuna-burned residue had a greater soil loss (28.6 Mg ha⁻¹) than mulched cowpea (6.9 Mg ha⁻¹) and Pueraria (5.4 Mg ha⁻¹). Mound heights (23 cm average) decreased non-linearly with cumulative rainfall. A cumulative rainfall of 500 mm removed 0.3–2.3 cm of soil from mounds in 1997, 3.5–6.9 cm in 1998 and 2.3–4.6 cm in 1999, indicating that (detached but less transported) soil from mounds was far higher than observed soil loss in each year. Soil water retention was improved at potentials ranging from −1 to −1500 kPa by Mucuna-mulched residue compared to the various burned-residue treatments. Also, mound sorptivity at −1 cm water head (14.3 cm h^−1/2) was higher than furrow sorptivity (8.5 cm h^−1/2), indicating differences in hydraulic characteristics between mound and furrow. Pueraria-mulched residues for mounds had the highest sorptivity of 17.24 cm h^−1/2, whereas the least value of 6.96 cm h^−1/2 was observed in furrow of Mucuna-burned residue. Pueraria phas eoloides was considered the best option for soil conservation on the previously eroded soil, cultivated with mound tillage.     

Cover crop and tillage effects on soil enzyme activities following tomato

Increasing numbers of vegetable growers are adopting conservation tillage practices and including cover crops into crop rotations. The practice helps to increase or maintain an adequate level of soil organic matter and improves vegetable yields. The effects of the practices, however, on enzyme activities in southeastern soils of the United States have not been well documented. Thus, the objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of cover crops and two tillage systems on soil enzyme activity profiles following tomato and to establish relationships between enzyme activities and soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). The cover crops planted late in fall 2005 included black oat (Avena strigosa), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), or crimson clover–black oat mixed. A weed control (no cover crop) was also included. Early in spring 2006, the plots were disk plowed and incorporated into soil (conventional tillage) or mowed and left on the soil surface (no-till). Broiler litter as source of N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 4.6 Mg ha⁻¹, triple super phosphate at 79.0 kg P ha⁻¹, and potassium chloride at 100 kg K ha⁻¹ were also applied according to soil testing recommendations. Tomato seedlings were transplanted and grown for 60 days on a Marvyn sandy loam soil (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). Ninety-six core soil samples were collected at incremental depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm) and passed through a 2-mm sieve and kept moist to study arylamidase (EC 3.4.11.2), l-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1), l-glutaminase (EC 3.5.1.2), and urease (EC 3.5.1.5) activities. Tillage systems affected only l-glutaminase activity in soil while cover crops affected activities of all the enzymes studied with the exception of urease. The research clearly demonstrated that in till and no-till systems, l-asparaginase activity is greater (P ≤ 0.05) in plots preceded by crimson clover than in those preceded by black oat or their mixture. Activity of the enzyme decreased from 11.7 mg NH₄⁺–N kg⁻¹ 2 h⁻¹ at 0–5 cm depth to 8.73 mg NH₄⁺–N kg⁻¹ 2 h⁻¹ at 5–10 cm and 10–15 cm depths in the no-till crimson clover plots. Arylamidase activity significantly correlated with soil organic C (r = 0.699**) and soil organic N (r = 0.764***). Amidohydrolases activities significantly correlated with soil organic N but only urease significantly correlated with soil organic C (r = 0.481*). These results indicated that incorporation of cover crops into rotations may increase enzyme activities in soils.     

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a Minnesota soil as related to tillage, residue and nitrogen management

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) are directly influenced by tillage, residue return and N fertilization management practices. Soil samples for SOC and N analyses, obtained from a 23-year field experiment, provided an assessment of near-equilibrium SOC and N conditions. Crops included corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max L. (Merrill)]. Treatments of conventional and conservation tillage, residue stover (returned or harvested) and two N fertilization rates were imposed on a Waukegan silt loam (fine-silty over skeletal, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludoll) at Rosemount, MN. The surface (0–20 cm) soils with no-tillage (NT) had greater than 30% more SOC and N than moldboard plow (MB) and chisel plow (CH) tillage treatments. The trend was reversed at 20–25 cm soil depths, where significantly more SOC and N were found in MB treatments (26 and 1.5 Mg SOC and N ha⁻¹, respectively) than with NT (13 and 1.2 Mg SOC and N ha⁻¹, respectively), possibly due to residues buried by inversion. The summation of soil SOC over depth to 50 cm did not vary among tillage treatments; N by summation was higher in NT than MB treatments. Returned residue plots generally stored more SOC and N than in plots where residue was harvested. Nitrogen fertilization generally did not influence SOC or N at most soil depths. These results have significant implications on how specific management practices maximize SOC storage and minimize potential N losses. Our results further suggest different sampling protocols may lead to different and confusing conclusions regarding the impact of tillage systems on C sequestration.     

西班牙东南部旱作橄榄树果园水土保持措施: 植物带对土壤水分的动态影响

Sloping and mountainous olive production systems are widespread, occupying large parts of the Mediterranean landscape prone to water erosion. Soil erosion, runoff, and soil water content patterns over a three-year period were monitored in erosion plots on a mountainside with rainfed olive (Olea europaea cv. Picual) trees under: 1) non-tillage with barley strips of 4 m width (BS); 2) non-tillage with native vegetation strips of 4 m width (NVS); and 3) non-tillage without plant strips (NT). The erosion plots, located in Lanjaron (Granada, south-eastern Spain), on a 30% slope, were 192 m² in area. For assessing soil water dynamics in real-time and near-continuous soil water content measurements, multisensor capacitance probes were installed in the middle of plant strips and beneath the olive tree at five soil depths (10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 cm). The highest erosion and runoff rates were measured under NT, with a mean of 17.3 Mg ha^-1 year^-1 and 140.0 mm year^-1, respectively, over the entire study period. The BS and NVS with respect to the NT reduced erosion by 71% and 59% and runoff by 95% and 94%, respectively. In general, greater available soil water content was found under BS than NVS and NT, especially beneath the olive tree canopies. These results supported the recommendation of non-tillage with barley strips in order to reduce erosion and to preserve soil water for trees in traditional mountainous olive-producing areas, where orchards cover vast tracts of land.