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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purpose: Site-specific modeling with consideration of land-use types is required to evaluate the effectiveness of different farming practices on organic carbon (OC) sequestration by soil. In this study, a comprehensive model for different cropland types fitting to the relationship between bulk density (Bd) and OC was used to evaluate carbon sequestration by soil. Materials and methods: Six cropland sites for crop cultivation (i.e., lettuce, lisianthus, pineapple, multigrain, tea, and coffee) in southwest Taiwan were utilized for illustration. The linear (L) and exponential decay (ED) models fL(x) and fED(x) were fitted to the relationship between Bd and OC. The integrations of fL(x) and fED(x) associated with site-specific boundaries DL* and DED* were in expression as FL*(x) and FED*(x), respectively to predict OC stock (OCS) for each cropland site. Results and discussion: The results showed a significantly negative correlation between Bd and OC. According to the validation results, the site-specific predictions of OCS by both FL*(x) and FED*(x) were reliable for the cropland sites. Also, further OC sequestration to increase OCS by 0.4% in a 20-cm depth of soil would more efficiently occur in deeper soil than in upper soil. Current practices for cultivating lisianthus, tea, and coffee, increasing OC would be more conservational and result in a significantly decreasing Bd trend. Conclusions: In contrast, croplands for the cultivation of lettuce, multigrain, and pineapple, which have much less OC saturation, could efficiently increase OCS by 0.4% in a 20-cm soil depth for further OC sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenotypic performance of elite upland rice lines subjected to different temperature conditions during the booting stage (R2). Eight elite lines from an upland rice breeding program were evaluated under six temperatures: 12, 17, 20, 25, 29, and 32°C. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and climatic chambers with photoperiod control. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replicates. Number of days to flowering, plant height, number of panicles, and spikelet sterility were measured. The upland rice lines do not tolerate the low temperatures of 12 and 17°C, which result in a low performance in yield components and a grain sterility of 100%. The lowest rates of spikelet sterilization occur at the temperatures of 25 and 29°C. Cultivar BRSMG Caçula is a promising candidate to integrate the crop succession system.

The presented set of data brings results of the experimental production of biogas and methane from silages of alternative substrates consisting of maize and three leguminous species with a potential to make the production of biogas more friendly to the environment because the cultivation of legumes is generally considered to be more environment friendly than the cultivation of maize: white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik.), fodder vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). Obtained data allow to compare the composition of experimental substrates and their important parameters (VS, DM, NDF, ADF, CF, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, CP, lipids and ADL) as well as the yield of biogas, methane and methane in biogas from silage produced as a monosubstrate from the biomass of maize shreddings on the one side with silages produced from the mixture of biomass from maize and diverse legumes on the other side. This set of data can contribute to awareness about possibilities for reducing environmental risks connected with the cultivation of maize in growers of energy crops and operators of biogas plants. The reason is that a considerable number of farmers do not use new technologies of growing biomass for the production of biogas as they cannot quantify the potential impact on biogas yield and hence on the profitability of biogas plant operation. The measured values demonstrate that silages made from the mixed culture were reaching at least the same production of biogas and its quality as the monocultural maize silage.

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

Background: Maize-wheat is the predominant cropping system of dryland ecology of Jammu region, but due to their comparatively higher input requirements especially of nutrients and water under the fragile ecology of these dry lands an untenable threat has been posed to their factor productivities. Therefore, all cropping sequences that suit and sustain better on the natural resources of the dryland ecosystems for a longer period of time needs to be explored. Methods: The treatments consisted of two oilseeds i.e. mustard) and gobhi sarson and two pulse crops i.e. chickpea and field pea taken during rabi were followed by two oilseed i.e. soybean and sesame and two pulse crops i.e. green gram and black gram grown during kharif. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Result: Significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield of green gram was observed with field pea-green gram sequence (10.26 q/ha) which was at par with the chickpea - green gram and field pea - black gram system. The available nitrogen status was significantly influenced and recorded highest (166.82kg/ha) under field pea-green gram system. Further overall nutrient mining by this system was quite low as compared to other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 60% of the cassava-producing households in Nigeria have adopted the cultivation of improved cassava varieties resulting in increased cassava yields and output. Yet, the attainment of domestic production level that would cope with the domestic consumption and the needs for the export market can only be achieved if the technical efficiencies of smallholder farm resources are upgraded and the cassava farmers become more efficient in the allocation of these resources. This study examined the resource productivity and allocative efficiency in improved cassava-based mixed cropping system in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select a total of 120 respondents (comprising 60 adopters and 60 non-adopters of improved cassavabased mixed cropping system) on whom structured questionnaires were administered during the 2022/2023 cropping season. Inferential statistics involving the Cobb-Douglas production function and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The regression results revealed that all the five resource inputs for the adopters and four inputs excluding agrochemicals for non-adopters of the improved cassava-based mixed cropping system positively contributed to output of the respondents in the area. The results further showed that most of the resource inputs were of higher productivities under the adopters than the non-adopters. The result of the deviation from unity of the ratio of the Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) revealed that the adopters were more efficient in the allocation of land, cassava stem cuttings and miscellaneous variable capital inputs than the non-adopters. Constraints to increased cassava production in the area include lack of finance, high cost of farm inputs, among others. Policy measures aimed at liberalization of agricultural credit schemes to enhance farmers' access to essential farm inputs, introduction of labour-saving techniques to farmers among others were recommended towards increased production and profitable cassava value chain business in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural association is widely practiced in rural areas by cashew nut producers. These producers typically cultivate annual plants between the rows of young cashew trees. However, there are interactions between these associated crops, which can either result in complementarity or competition among the plants for environmental resources such as water and nutrients. Consequently, young cashew seedlings newly planted were associated with groundnuts during their first two years. The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility of the cashew/groundnut system. The results showed that there is competition between groundnuts and young cashew trees in the first year, leading to poor cashew growth in association. Nevertheless, from the second year onwards, cashew trees cultivated in association exhibited similar growth to those cultivated in monoculture. Therefore, it would be advisable to plant groundnut seeds sufficiently far from cashew tree seedlings to avoid potential competition in the first year of cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although forage cactus is a CAM plant capable of adjusting to adverse conditions, little is known about the regulation of the antioxidant defense system under typical growth conditions and even less under competitive environment such as intercropping system. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the regulation of the antioxidant defense system in three forage cactus genotypes grown in intercropping. The experimental design was in randomized blocks set up in a 3 × 2 factorial with three replications, consisting of three forage cactus genotypes ('Orelha de Elefante Mexicana'—Opuntia stricta (Haw.), 'Miúda'—Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm. Dyck, and 'Baiana' – N. cochenillifera (L.) Salm. Dyck) and two cropping systems (monocropping and intercropping with Gliricidia sepium). Intercropping significantly affected the antioxidant metabolism of forage cactus genotypes. 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' in intercropping showed higher contents of photosynthetic pigments and H2O2, and activities of SOD (EC 1.15.1.1) and CAT (EC 1.11.1.6), and lower contents fresh mass, dry mass, and MDA, and activity of APX (EC 1.11.1.11), than under monocropping. 'Miúda' showed similar results except for dry mass, which was the same in both cropping systems. In turn, 'Baiana' in intercropping showed higher contents of fresh and dry mass, water, photosynthetic pigments, and H2O2, activities of SOD, CAT, and APX, and lower lipid peroxidation than under monocropping. Thus, intercropping favored the 'Baiana' as a function of the effective role of the antioxidant enzyme system, reducing lipid peroxidation, maintaining the stability of the photosynthetic process, and increasing growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fall armyworm (FAW) was first detected in Uganda in 2016 and has spread to all the maize-growing districts. Different methods have been deployed to control this pest. However, there is a limited understanding of the role of the environment and farmers' practices on the abundance of and damage by S. frugiperda in Uganda. In this study, we aimed to assess the abundance of S. frugiperda and leaf damage levels in three different districts. We explored the association between crop management practices, crop stage, and weather parameters on abundance of and damage by S. frugiperda in smallholder farmers' maize fields using a longitudinal monitoring survey in 69 farmers' fields of Kole, Kiryandongo, and Nakaseke for three seasons. The numbers of egg masses and adults were generally low. The highest numbers of adults were trapped in Kiryandongo, followed by Nakaseke, and the lowest numbers were trapped in Kole. Leaf damage and incidence of damaged plants differed in the different seasons and districts. Conservation tillage, reduced weeding frequency, increase in rainfall and high maximum temperature reduced S. frugiperda leaf damage. There was no relationship between pesticide use frequency and cropping system with S. frugiperda leaf damage. However, the influence of fertilizer use on leaf damage was contradictory across seasons and districts. Timely and vigilant scouting, proper timing of control measures, minimum tillage practices, and crop diversity should be included in integrated management for S. frugiperda. Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as fall armyworm, was first detected in Uganda in 2016 and has spread to all the maize-growing districts. Different methods have been deployed to control this pest. However, there is a limited understanding of the role of the environment and farmers' practices on the abundance of and damage by S. frugiperda in Uganda. This study, therefore, assessed the abundance of S. frugiperda and leaf damage levels in three different districts and explored the association between agronomic practices, crop phenology, and weather parameters on S. frugiperda damage and abundance in smallholder farmers' maize fields using a longitudinal monitoring survey in 69 farmers' fields of Kole, Kiryandongo, and Nakaseke for three seasons. The numbers of egg masses and adults were generally low. The highest numbers of adults were trapped in Kiryandongo, followed by Nakaseke, and the lowest numbers were trapped in Kole. Leaf damage and incidence of damaged plants differed significantly between districts and seasons. Leaf damage and abundance of larvae varied significantly in the districts and at different growth stages. Conservation tillage, reduced weeding frequency, increased rainfall and high maximum temperatures were associated with reduced S. frugiperda damage. No significant relationship was observed between pesticide or cropping systems with S. frugiperda leaf damage. However, the influence of fertilizer use on leaf damage was contradictory across seasons and districts. Timely and vigilant scouting, proper timing of control measures, and minimum tillage practices should be included in an IPM strategy for S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Conservation tillage practices and the presence of crop residues on the soil surface have a positive effect on crop yields by reducing the germination and establishment of weeds during crop growth. The presence of weeds is one of the most important factors that reduce agricultural products in the world and it leads to a large reduction in the yield of agricultural products. Weeds, as one of the effective limiting factors for canola cultivation, cause a decrease in the yield of canola due to the competition in absorbing the environmental resources of growth such as nutrients, radiation, and water. On the other hand, mixing weed seeds with canola reduces the quality of its oil. Therefore, this experiment was conducted with the aim of investigating the integrated management of weeds and alternating plowing on the yield and some agricultural characteristics of canola in the conditions of Ahvaz. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of sequential tillage and weed management, research was conducted in the year 2021-2022 in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz. The lay out of this research was an experimental design of split plots in the form of randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The main factor of tillage in three levels: 1) zero tillage-zero tillage, 2) reduce tillage-conventional tillage and 3) Conventional tillage-zero tillage and the sub-plot of weed control in six levels: 1) control, 2) hand weeding, 3) cycloxidem herbicide 2 liters per hectare in installments of 15 and 30 days after sowing, 4) cycloxidem herbicide 2 liters per hectare at 30 days after sowing, 5) crop residues as surface mulch (maize @ 5 tons per hectare) and 6) crap residues + cycloxidem herbicide was 1.5 liters per hectare at 30 days after sowing. Statistical analysis of data was done using SAS software and comparison of averages with LSD method. Results and Discussion: The results of the experiment showed that the highest seed number per silique, the highest seed yield, the highest biological yield, and the percentage of oil in the treatment were related to the mutual effects of conventional tillage and manual weeding. The highest silique number per plant and 1000 seeds weight were in the conditions of conventional tillage and the application of 2 liters of herbicide per hectare in installments. The highest rate of harvest index was obtained with 26.80 percent in the condition without tillage and the application of 2 liters of cycloxidum herbicide per hectare in installments. Conclusion: The use of conventional tillage and the use of cycloxidum herbicide 2 liters per hectare in division along with manual weeding can be effective in controlling weeds and increasing crop yield. In other hand the use of integrated management of weeds and the use of an effective combination of different methods of weed control with sequential tillage, which is effective in terms of society and the environment, and can reduce the damage caused by weeds and burning of residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crop and its demand is increasing due to its versatile use but the productivity in India is still low. The basic requirement for improving the crop productivity is soil fertility and it is highly related with soil organic matter. Due to unavailability of organic manure and their higher cost, cheaper the organic source available at farm should be explored to meet the requirement. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at College Agronomy Farm, B.A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summerkharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen. Result: Results indicated that cluster bean-maize sequence provided the highest leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing, chlorophyll content and dry matter production at 30 and 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate for of maize crop. Incorporation of legume residues also had significant effect on plant height, dry matter production and chlorophyll content; leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate and absolute growth rate of maize crop. Application of 100% RDN beneficially affected all the growth parameter and indices. Overall, summer legume cropping with their residue incorporation and higher nitrogen levels favourably impacts on various growth parameters and growth indices of maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the composition of soil mesofauna within changing cropping systems influenced by urbanization in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India during the rabi season of 2020 (October)–2021 (February). Four major cropping systems, namely pulses (red gram), vegetables (tomato and ridge gourd), horticulture (grapes and chickoo), and agriculture + horticulture crops, (coconut + fodder plantation), were examined across urban, peri-urban, and rural zones in Bengaluru. The research uncovered a total of 714 individuals belonging to 16 different soil mesofauna taxa among the crops studied. Collembolans were found to be the most abundant members of the mesofauna community, with mites following closely. In terms of population dynamics, the highest mesofauna population was observed in December 2020, totaling 248 individuals, while the lowest count was recorded in February 2021, with 104 individuals. Among the crops studied, the highest number of individuals was found in Horticulture systems, with 277 individuals, closely followed by the Agri + horticulture cropping system, which had 158 individuals. When considering the geographical zones, the highest number of individuals was recorded in the urban zones, with 270 individuals, followed by peri-urban areas with 229 individuals, and the rural zone had the lowest count, totaling 225 individuals. From the results, less disturbed soil environment in horticulture cropping system, post-monsoon conditions in December (2020), and the urban heat in urban zone appeared to favor the proliferation of soil mesofauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy consumption of intensive tillage practices is higher, decreasing soil and environment sustainability. Conservation agriculture practices i.e. reduced or no-tillage could be suitable options to conserve energy and environment and increase profitability. However, previous studies evaluated the energy consumption, productivity and profitability in two or three tillage systems, a comprehensive assessment of multiple tillage systems is needed. Therefore, six tillage i) conventional (CT), ii) conventional with bed (CTB), iii) reduced (RT), iv) reduced with bed (RTB), v) zero (ZT), and vi) zero with bed (ZTB) were practiced to evaluate the energy consumption, productivity of wheat-maize and their economic returns. The results showed that CT, RTB, RT, ZTB, and ZT reduced 21% and 13%, 81% and 93%, 36% and 56%, 169% and 263%, and 81% and 152% energy consumption than CTB in wheat and maize, respectively. Considering mean productivity, CT and CTB increased by almost wheat (953.43 ​kg ​ha−1) and maize (466.66 ​kg ​ha−1) yields. However, ZT, and RT had higher EP (energy productivity, 32%) and EUE (energy use efficiency, 30%) in wheat, 14% EP and 10% EUE as compared to CTB in maize. The lower EP and EUE in maize were mainly due to higher inputs/energy consumption in comparison to wheat. The input cost of CT, and CTB was higher in wheat than in other tillage practices, but the wheat yield was statistically similar in CT, CTB, RT, and RTB in both years. The RT had a higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) in wheat (1.52) and maize (0.74) than intensive CT practice (1.44 (wheat), 0.61 (maize)). In wheat, EUE and EP were significantly higher under RT and ZT treatments, however, both were significantly reduced under bed plantation, contrarily no specific trends were observed in maize. In conclusion, RT could be used for wheat cultivation that consumed lower energy inputs and produced higher EUE, EP, and statistically equal grain yield as compared to CT. However, this practice might not be useful for maize cultivation and needs further evaluation.

Agriculture is the second largest contributor (20 %) to total anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world. There is a need to identify energy and carbon efficient cropping systems that reduce GHG emission and improve environmental quality. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), we evaluated the four cropping systems namely fallow – chickpea (F–C); Sesbania – mustard (Ses–M); blackgram – chickpea (B–C); sorghum + cowpea – mustard (S + C–M) cultivated during the 2018–2022 period. The energy use pattern and the input-output relationship were analysed. Three measures were utilized to quantify carbon footprints: CFa, which denotes emissions per unit area; CFb, indicating emissions per kilogram of yield; and CFe, representing emissions per unit of economic output. The result indicates that non-renewable sources of energy (diesel and fertilizer) contributed more than ∼80 % of the total energy consumed in the different cropping systems. The total energy requirement was the highest for S + C–M (16,972 MJ ha–1), followed by Ses–M (14,365 MJ ha–1), B–C (11,132 MJ ha–1) and F–C (8679 MJ ha–1) cropping systems. The S + C–M cropping system also had the highest energy use efficiency (9.13) followed by F–C (6.03), B–C (5.41) and Ses–M (5.41). The fallow–chickpea cropping system had the lowest values of CFa, CFb, and CFe however, the highest carbon efficiency (10.7) and the carbon sustainability index (9.7) were computed in S + C–M cropping system. Our findings indicate that thoughtfully structured, varied crop systems that integrate legumes and forage crops have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, while sustaining or potentially improving overall productivity within these systems.

Abstract Background The soil biota consists of a complex assembly of microbial communities and other organisms that vary significantly across farming systems, impacting soil health and plant productivity. Despite its importance, there has been limited exploration of how different cropping systems influence soil and plant root microbiomes. In this study, we investigated soil physicochemical properties, along with soil and maize-root microbiomes, in an agroecological cereal-legume companion cropping system known as push–pull technology (PPT). This system has been used in agriculture for over two decades for insect-pest management, soil health improvement, and weed control in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared the results with those obtained from maize-monoculture (Mono) cropping system. Results The PPT cropping system changed the composition and diversity of soil and maize-root microbial communities, and led to notable improvements in soil physicochemical characteristics compared to that of the Mono cropping system. Distinct bacterial and fungal genera played a crucial role in influencing the variation in microbial diversity within these cropping systems. The relative abundance of fungal genera Trichoderma, Mortierella, and Bionectria and bacterial genera Streptomyces, RB41, and Nitrospira were more enriched in PPT. These microbial communities are associated with essential ecosystem services such as plant protection, decomposition, carbon utilization, bioinsecticides production, nitrogen fixation, nematode suppression, phytohormone production, and bioremediation. Conversely, pathogenic associated bacterial genus including Bryobacter were more enriched in Mono-root. Additionally, the Mono system exhibited a high relative abundance of fungal genera such as Gibberella, Neocosmospora, and Aspergillus, which are linked to plant diseases and food contamination. Significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of the inferred metabiome functional protein pathways including syringate degradation, L-methionine biosynthesis I, and inosine 5'-phosphate degradation. Conclusion Push–pull cropping system positively influences soil and maize-root microbiomes and enhances soil physicochemical properties. This highlights its potential for agricultural and environmental sustainability. These findings contribute to our understanding of the diverse ecosystem services offered by this cropping system where it is practiced regarding the system's resilience and functional redundancy. Future research should focus on whether PPT affects the soil and maize-root microbial communities through the release of plant metabolites from the intercrop root exudates or through the alteration of the soil's nutritional status, which affects microbial enzymatic activities.

Mitigating yield-scaled greenhouse gas emissions (YSE) is beneficial for enhancing crop yield, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and advancing climate-smart agronomic management practices. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different crop residue rates– 100% (R100), 50% (R50), and residue removal (R0) – on the YSE indicator within a maize-wheat cropping rotation under both conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region. In the NT system, crop residues had a notable effect on the YSE indicator for wheat. Specifically, R0 exhibited a 39% and 20% decrease in YSE for wheat compared to R100 and R50, respectively. Interestingly, crop residue did not significantly influence YSE for maize under the NT system. On the other hand, in the CT system, YSE for maize in R0 was 33% and 25% lower than that in R100 and R50, respectively. Additionally, compared to R0, there were observed increases of 28% and 20% in YSE for wheat in R100 and R50 under the CT system, respectively. Our findings show that crop residue removal decreases YSE under both CT and NT systems. However, given that this practice degrades soil quality and results in lower yields, it is not considered a sustainable management practice compared to residue retention options. This research highlights the importance of evaluating GHG mitigation strategies by concurrently considering both emissions and crop production. Nevertheless, it is essential to conduct off-site assessments of GHG emissions from crop residue application and also engage in long-term studies to comprehend the full potential of crop residue management on YSE.

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

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