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Achieving the green development of agriculture requires the reduction of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer input. Previous studies have confirmed that returning green manure to the field is an effective measure to improve crop yields while substituting partial chemical N fertilizer. However, it remains unclear how to further intensify the substituting function of green manure and elucidate its underlying agronomic mechanism. In a split-plot field experiment in spring wheat, different green manures returned to the field under reduced chemical N supply was established in an oasis area since 2018, in order to investigate the effect of green manure and reduced N on grain yield, N uptake, N use efficiency (NUE), N nutrition index, soil organic matter, and soil N of wheat in 2020-2022. Our results showed that mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch can substitute 40% of chemical N fertilizer without reducing grain yield or N accumulation. Noteworthily, mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch under reduced N by 20% showed the highest N agronomy efficiency and recovery efficiency, which were 92.0% and 46.0% higher than fallow after wheat harvest and conventional N application rate, respectively. The increase in NUE of wheat was mainly attributed to mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch, which increased N transportation quantity and transportation rate at pre-anthesis, enhanced N harvest index, optimized N nutrition index, and increased activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase of leaf, respectively. Meanwhile, mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch under reduced N by 20% improved soil organic matter and N contents. Therefore, mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch can substitute 40% of chemical N fertilizer while maintaining grain yield and N accumulation, and it combined with reduced chemical N by 20% or 40% improved NUE of wheat via enhancing N supply and uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of the most highly demanded organic products on the market. Among all crops, with potatoes, there is a very large yield gap between organic and conventional systems, attributable mainly to its intensive nutrient demands. The present review, considering the most relevant scientific literature worldwide, discusses the contemporary state of knowledge on crop nutrition and soil fertility management in organic potato crop production, analyzing the effects of animal manures, green manures, organic amendments, and biostimulants on organic potato tuber yield and quality. Overall, the main findings show a particular combination is needed to effectively maintain good soil fertility, satisfy the nutritional needs of the crop, and overcome the difference in potato yield between organic and conventional farming methods while meeting consumer demand. This combination entails using an animal manure or leguminous green manure with an organic soil amendment, and even better with a biofertilizer, such as a mycorrhizae-fungus-based one. It also emerged that more targeted studies are needed to select appropriate cultivars for organic potato farming systems to optimize this environmentally friendly production method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping with green manure is a soil-sustainable cultivation practice that has demonstrated positive impacts on tea growth and the soil environment in tea plantations. Nevertheless, research examining the effect of leguminous green manure varieties in tea plantations is scarce. This study aimed to analyze the tea quality and soil environment components in response to intercropping with three distinct leguminous green manures, Cassia sophera cv. Chafei 1 (CF), Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers. (SC), and Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Pers.) Greene (CR), with 70% chemical fertilizer, and compare them to non-intercropped green manures with 100% chemical fertilizer (CK) in tea plantations. The findings indicated that intercropping with SC increased the amino acids content of tea leaves, the soil organic carbon (SOC), the soil acid phosphatase (ACP), the soil acid protease (ACPT), and the bacterial diversity compared to the CK treatment. Intercropping with CR improved the ACP activity and bacterial diversity while intercropping with CF improved the polyphenols. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinomycetes, and Firmicutes were identified as the dominant bacterial taxa in tea plantations with intercropped green manure. A strong positive correlation was indicated between the SOC contents and the amino acids content in tea leaves after intercropping. A canonical correspondence analysis indicated significant associations between the ACP and the urease activity, and between the ACP and ACPT, and both were closely linked to SC. This finding provides an explanation that intercropping with SC may positively affect tea quality by influencing the SOC content, the soil enzyme activity, and the soil bacterial diversity. Green manure intercropping may replace part of chemical fertilizers, improve the soil environment in tea gardens, and enhance the quality of tea. These findings offer a theoretical reference for selecting leguminous green manure and advancing the sustainable development of tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manuring is the process by which vegetative crops are incorporated into the soil, and it plays a good substitutable role in reducing chemical fertilizer applications while enhancing soil fertility. Field experiments were conducted at Lingao City of Hainan Province in 2020 and 2021, to evaluate the effects of in situ incorporation of different green manures (fallow (as control), rice, sesbania, and stylosanthes) on soil physical and chemical properties, nitrogen (N) uptake, grain yield, and the grain anthocyanin content in colored rice. Treatments included colored rice cultivated with previous fallow (T0), with previous rice straw manure (T1), with previous sesbania manure (T2), and with previous stylosanthes manure (T3). The seedlings of the colored rice variety Suixiangheinuo were transplanted 23 days after the incorporation of green manure. Our results indicated that both the grain yield and grain anthocyanin content of colored rice were significantly increased when green manure was incorporated into the soil compared to that of the control. Therein, grain yields of T1, T2, and T3 were increased by an average of 12.7%, 29.0%, and 24.5%, respectively, across 2 years in comparison with those of T0. And grain anthocyanin content in colored rice under T1, T2, and T3 was increased by 7.2%–7.5%, 13.9%–24.2%, and 9.8%–20.6%, respectively. In addition, in situ incorporation of leguminous green manure in the soil significantly increased soil fertility and partial factor productivity for N fertilizer. The above results suggested that colored rice crops should be followed in rotation with leguminous green manure, which was beneficial to increasing both grain yield and grain anthocyanin content of colored rice. This research elucidated that the incorporation of leguminous green manure sustained the production of colored rice in tropical regions, which was beneficial to reconcile the relationship between rice production and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional farming systems, the excessive application of chemical fertilizers to boost crop yields has resulted in a range of issues, such as soil quality degradation, soil structure deterioration, and pollution of the farmland ecological environment. Green manure, as a high-quality biological fertilizer source with rich nutrient content, is of great significance for enhancing the soil quality and establishing a healthy farmland ecosystem. However, there are few studies on the effects of different green manures on the soil nutrient levels, enzyme activities, and soil bacterial community composition in the rice–wheat rotation areas in southern China. Thus, we planted Chinese milk vetch (MV; Astragalus sinicus L.), light leaf vetch (LV; Vicia villosa var.), common vetch (CV; Vicia sativa L.), crimson clover (CC; Trifolium incarnatum L.), Italian ryegrass (RG; Lolium multiflorum L.), and winter fields without any crops as a control in the Taihu Lake area of Jiangsu. The soil samples collected after tilling and returning the green manure to the field during the bloom period were used to analyze the effects of the different green manures on the soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, and the structural composition of the bacterial community. This analysis was conducted using chemical methods and high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the green manure returned to the field increased the soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), sucrose (SC), urease (UE), and neutral phosphatase (NEP) contents compared to the control. They increased by 1.55% to 10.06%, 0.26% to 9.31%, 20.95% to 28.42%, 20.66% to 57.79%, 12.38% to 37.94%, 3.11% to 58.19%, 6.49% to 32.99%, and 50.0% to 80.36%, respectively. In addition, the green manure field increased the relative abundance of the genera Proteobacteria and Haliangium while decreasing the relative abundance of Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, SBR1031, and Anaeromyxobacter in the soil bacteria. Both the number of ASVs (amplicon sequence variants) and α-diversity of the soil bacterial communities were higher compared to the control, and the β-diversity varied significantly among the treatments. Alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen and neutral phosphatase had the greatest influence on the soil bacterial community diversity, with alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen being the primary soil factor affecting the soil bacterial community composition. Meanwhile, the results of the principal component analysis showed that the MV treatment had the most significant impact on soil improvement. Our study provides significant insights into the sustainable management of the soil quality in rice–wheat rotations. It identifies MV as the best choice among the green manure crops for improving the soil quality, offering innovative solutions for reducing chemical fertilizer dependence and promoting ecological sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is widely cultivated as an excellent forage and green manure crop. In 2021, a leaf spot disease was discovered in a red clover field in Min County, Gansu Province, China. Symptoms on T. pratense manifested as small white spots that gradually expanded into nearly oval or irregularly shaped gray-white lesions. The causal agent of this new disease was identified as Leptosphaeria weimeri (=Longiseptatispora meliloti) based on morphological identification, pathogenicity tests, and the phylogenetic identification of ITS, LSU, and SSU sequence. The optimal growth temperature was found to be 20 °C under different culture conditions, while the optimal spore-producing temperature was 25 °C. The pH for optimal growth and spore production was seven. The fungus grew and produced spores successfully on both PDA and PSA media. Additionally, the pathogen was efficiently inhibited using 450 g/L of prochloraz fungicide in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot disease on red clover caused by L. meliloti in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of green manure can substantially increase the microbial diversity and multifunctionality of soil. Green manuring practices are becoming popular for tobacco production in China. However, the influence of different green manures in tobacco fields has not yet been clarified. Here, smooth vetch (SV), hairy vetch (HV), broad bean (BB), common vetch (CV), rapeseed (RS), and radish (RD) were selected as green manures to investigate their impact on soil multifunctionality and evaluate their effects on enhancing soil quality for tobacco cultivation in southwest China. The biomass of tobacco was highest in the SV treatment. Soil pH declined, and soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in CV and BB and activity of extracellular enzymes in SV and CV treatments were higher than those in other treatments. Fungal diversity declined in SV and CV but did not affect soil multifunctionality, indicating that bacterial communities contributed more to soil multifunctionality than fungal communities. The abundance of Firmicutes, Rhizobiales, and Micrococcales in SV and CV treatments increased and was negatively correlated with soil pH but positively correlated with soil multifunctionality, suggesting that the decrease in soil pH contributed to increases in the abundance of functional bacteria. In the bacteria–fungi co-occurrence network, the relative abundance of key ecological modules negatively correlated with soil multifunctionality and was low in SV, CV, BB, and RS treatments, and this was associated with reductions in soil pH and increases in the content of SOM and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N). Overall, we found that SV and CV are more beneficial for soil multifunctionality, and this was driven by the decrease in soil pH and the increase in SOM, TN, NO3−-N, and C- and N-cycling functional bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agricultural systems, significant nitrogen (N) losses from traditional fertilizers pose risks to food security and economic stability. An emerging approach to mitigate these losses involves nanoparticles (NPs) coatings onto urea, aiming to enhance N availability and consequently boost crop yields. To explore the most effective and sustainable N management strategies, a field experiment was carried out in Basmati rice at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India over 2020-2021 in a split-plot design, with two summer green manure (GM) types-Sesbania (G2) and cowpea (G3) and fallow in the main plot and six nitrogen fertilization (NF) modules, i.e., 0 kg N + 5 kg Zn ha-1 through bulk ZnO (N1), N through prilled urea (PU) (N2), N through PU + 5 kg Zn ha-1 through bulk ZnO (N3), 1% bulk ZnO-coated urea (1% BZnCU) (N4), 0.1% nano ZnOcoated urea (0.1% NZnCU) (N5) and 0.2% nano ZnO-coated urea (0.2% NZnCU) (N6) in subplots replicated three times. The objectives of the study was to identify the optimal GM crops and the most effective NF modules on enhancing plant height, dry biomass, grain yield, milling quality, and N, P, K nutrition, as well as nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Our findings demonstrated that, a significant enhancement in plant height (13.34%) and dry biomass (38.1%) at harvest was observed with the combined application of G2 and N6 when juxtaposed against G1 and N1. The pooled analysis revealed that GM enhanced grain yield by 12.75% in comparison to G1, irrespective of the NF modules employed. The Sesbania was identified as the top-performing GM, registering a yield 17.5% greater than fallow while it was 8.13% for cowpea. Among NF modules, there was a noted 10.03% yield increase when urea was zinc-coated compared to using only urea (N2), and a 33.75% increase against the N1. The application of N6 modules boosted hulling, milling, and head rice recovery by 3.73, 4.45, and 4.98%, respectively, compared to N1. Moreover, combining zinc with urea raised the N content in milled rice by approximately 9.1% and heightened the N, P, and K concentration in the straw by 22.8, 4.44, and 11.8%, and total N, P, and K uptake by 5.72, 3.33, and 11.7%, in comparison to the combined effect of N1 and N2. Considering the NUE metrics, such as partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE), recovery efficiency (RE), and physiological efficiency (PE), the application of GM showcased superior performance in PFP and RE against the G1, while AE and PE remained unaffected. The G2 as a GM, performed best in PFP and RE. The N5 module delineated the most substantial advancements in NUE indices, despite being comparable to N6. In conclusion, the adoption of Sesbania as a green manure crops, coupled with the 0.2% nano ZnO-coated urea module, is identified as an efficient method for maximizing growth, yield, milling attributes, nutrient assimilation, and overall NUE in the Basmati rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incorporation of green manures substantially enhances the conversion of external phosphorus (P) fertilizers and soil-reserved P into forms readily available to plants. The study aims to evaluate the influence of green manure additions on soil phosphorus dynamics and citrus growth, considering different green manure species and initial soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, the research seeks to elucidate the microbiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects. Methods: A citrus pot experiment was conducted under both P-surplus (1.50 g·P·kg-1) and P-deficient (0.17 g·P·kg-1) soils with incorporating legume (Leg), non-legume (Non-Leg) or no green manure residues (CK), and 18O-P labeled KH2PO4 (0.5 g, containing 80° δ18Op) was additionally introduced to trace the turnover characteristics of chemical P fertilizer mediated by soil microorganisms. Results and discussion: In P-surplus soil, compared with the CK treatment, the Leg treatment significantly increased soil H2O-Pi (13.6%), NaHCO3-Po (8.9%), NaOH-Pi (9.5%) and NaOH-Po (30.0%) content. It also promoted rapid turnover of P sources into H2O-Pi and NaHCO3-Pi pools by enhancing the phoC (576.6%) gene abundance. In contrast, the Non-Leg treatment significantly augmented soil H2O-Pi (9.2%) and NaHCO3-Po (8.5%) content, facilitating the turnover of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi pools. Under P-deficient soil conditions, compared with the CK treatment, the Leg treatment notably raised soil H2O-Pi (150.0%), NaHCO3-Pi (66.3%), NaHCO3-Po (34.8%) and NaOH-Pi (59.0%) content, contributing to the transfer of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Pi pools. This effect was achieved through elevated ALP (33.8%) and ACP (12.9%) activities and increased pqqC (48.1%), phoC (42.9%), phoD (21.7%), and bpp (27.4%) gene abundances. The Non-Leg treatment, on the other hand, led to significant increases in soil NaHCO3-Pi (299.0%) and NaHCO3-Po (132.6%) content, thereby facilitating the turnover of P sources into NaHCO3-Pi and NaOH-Pi pools, except for the phoC gene abundance. Both Leg and Non-Leg treatments significantly improved citrus growth (7.3-20.0%) and P uptake (15.4-42.1%) in P-deficient soil but yielded no substantial effects in P-surplus soil. In summary, introducing green manure crops, particularly legume green manure, emerges as a valuable approach to enhance soil P availability and foster fruit tree growth in orchard production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was undertaken to investigate how organic and inorganic fertilizers shape soil bacterial communities and soil nitrogen and carbon status and to find their relationships with plant production. Soils were collected from fields under a three-year application of green manures (vetch (GMV), field bean (GMB), and wheat (GMW)), livestock manure (MF), inorganic mineral fertilizer (IF), and control (no nitrogen fertilization). The plants cultivated during the three years were tomato, watermelon, and pepper, respectively. The findings showed an increase in crop yields under both organic and inorganic fertilizers, in which the effects of leguminous green manures (GMV and GMB) were more pronounced, equal to +65–81% in tomato, +32–40% in watermelon, and +51–57% in pepper. An extensive modification in the bacterial communities was observed under organic fertilization. These changes were associated with a higher ratio of Proteobacteria (a copiotrophic phylum) to Acidobacteria (an oligotrophic phylum) in GMV and GMB, due to higher soil N content compared to IF and control treatments. Therefore, the data indicated an increase in soil N and organic C levels, as well as higher plant production by replacing IF with GMV, GMB, and MF, suggesting a promising movement to preserve the soil ecosystem. Such changes were more pronounced in MF-treated soils, where bacterial diversity improved and the heterogeneity of bacterial communities was preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White lupine (Lupinus albus L.) is a well-known green manure crop in Hungary, but the production of seeds can be badly impacted by weeds. The sweet white lupine 'Nelly' was grown on acidic sandy soil, and experimental plots were treated with different herbicides. Flumioxazin (0.06 kg ha−1), pendimethalin (5 L ha−1), dimethenamid-P (1.4 L ha−1), pethoxamid (2 L ha−1), clomazone (0.2 L ha−1), metobromuron (3 L ha−1), and metribuzin (0.55 L ha−1) were applied pre-emergence (1–2 days after sowing). Imazamox was also tested and applied post-emergence (1 L ha−1) when some basal leaves were clearly distinct (BBCH 2.3). In this paper, the weed control efficiency and the phytotoxicity of herbicides applied to lupine are examined. Vegetation index datasets were collected 12 times using a manual device and 2 times using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The phytotoxicity caused by herbicides was visually assessed on several occasions throughout the breeding season. The frequency of weed occurrence per treatment was assessed. The harvested seed yields, in kg ha−1, were analyzed after the seeds were cleaned. The herbicides metribuzin and imazamox caused extensive damage to white lupine. While pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P, pethoxamid, and clomazone were outstanding in several measured indicators, the final ranking which summarizes all the variables showed that only the pethoxamid and clomazone treatments performed better than the control. Metribuzin and imazamox were highly phytotoxic to white lupine. In the future, it would be appropriate to integrate more post-emergence active substances into trials, and the pre-emergence herbicides involved in this study should be further tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifolium repens L. (white clover) and Lolium perenne L. (ryegrass) are green manures widely used in conservation tillage systems worldwide. Eleusine indica L. (goosegrass) is a globally recognized noxious weed. Herein, we investigated the effects of aqueous extracts, decomposed liquids, and different straw-to-soil ratios on the germination and growth of goosegrass. The results showed that high concentrations (= 30%) of aqueous extracts or decomposed liquids of both green manures significantly inhibited germination-related parameters of goosegrass. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed for the 7-day decomposition treatment, and white clover's inhibitory effect was greater than ryegrass's. A pot experiment showed that non-photochemical quenching, catalase, and peroxidase activity levels of goosegrass leaves were significantly increased. At the same time, the net photosynthetic rate significantly decreased. Seedling growth was inhibited when the straw-to-soil ratio was greater than 3:100. The ryegrass treatments inhibited goosegrass seedlings more than the white clover treatments. This study demonstrated the inhibitory potential of white clover and ryegrass straw return on seed germination and seedling growth of goosegrass. The study has also helped to identify weed-resistant substances in these green manures so that their weed-control properties can be used more effectively and herbicide usage can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low utilization efficiencies of chemical N and P fertilizers largely threat the sustainability of agriculture. Green manure is conducive to increasing crop yield. This study aimed to explore the effects of leguminous and non-leguminous green manures on the maize production, and N and P fertilizers use efficiency. A green manure-maize rotation experiment was conducted in the Karst region of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The responses of maize yield, N (NUE) and P (PUE) fertilizer use efficiency to winter fallow fields treated with no fertilizer (CK) and traditional chemical fertilizers (WF), WF with alfalfa (AL), common vetch (CV) and oilseed rape (OR) green manures in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that compared with WF, the maize yield was significantly increased on average by 22% and 15% in AL and CV, respectively, while it was hardly affected in OR. AL significantly increased NUE and PUE by an average of 103% and 66%, and CV increased NUE by an average of 74% and 41%, respectively, while RA had no significant effects on PUE, and decreased NUE by 39% in the second year. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that green manures indirectly affected NUE and PUE due to soil available N and P, which directly and indirectly influenced maize N and P uptake, and then enhanced NUE and PUE. Linear regression results showed that maize production had positive relationships with NUE and PUE. Our findings highlight that non-legume green manure would hardly influence grain yield, while legume green manure could be effective for increasing maize production by increasing NUE and PUE, especially for alfalfa in yellow soil of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imperative of sustainable agricultural development, coupled with growing challenges related to climate change reaffirms the importance of manure and increases the demand for it. Due to the underdeveloped market for manure, there is a problem in assessing its economic value, requiring appropriate research on this topic. Thus, this research aimed to assess the manure's economic value using the method of equivalent substitution. For this purpose, the chemical composition of manure was determined by standard agrochemical analyses concerning the content of the most important mineral elements—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O). These elements ranged from 0.49–0.60%, 0.15–1.10%, and 0.70–1.07%, respectively, and the content of organic matter ranging from 20.88 to 27.00%. Subsequently, the cost of equivalent substitution was calculated taking into account market prices for commercial fertilizers and organic matter based on the cost of an adequate quantity of white mustard—Sinapis alba L. fresh mass. The average cost of equivalent substitution for manure was determined to be 28.60 USD/t. The results of the applied t-test indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between the market prices of beef manure and the calculated prices of its substitution (t = −1.4069; df = 12; p = 0.1848), which implies that white mustard green manure could replace the deficit in animal-derived manure. Since both animal and green manures unambiguously should be prioritized over chemical fertilizers, future studies will reveal which other crops are applicable for further increments of green manure to make up for insufficient availability of animal manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manure application presents a valuable strategy for enhancing soil fertility and promoting ecological sustainability. By leveraging green manures for effective nitrogen management in agricultural fields can significantly reduce the dependency of primary crops on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, thereby fostering resource efficiency. This review examines the current advancements in the green manure industry, focusing on the modulation of nitrogen transformation in soil and how crops absorb and utilize nitrogen after green manure application. Initially, the influence of green manure on soil nitrogen transformation is delineated, covering processes such as soil nitrogen immobilization, and mineralization, and losses including NH3, N2O, and NO3−-N leaching. The review then delves into the effects of green manure on the composition and function of soil microbial communities, highlighting their role in nitrogen transformation. It emphasizes the available nitrogen content in the soil, this article discussing nitrogen uptake and utilization by plants, including aspects such as nitrogen translocation, distribution, the root system, and the rhizosphere environment of primary crops. This provides insights into the mechanisms that enhance nitrogen uptake and utilization when green manures are reintroduced into fields. Finally, the review anticipates future research directions in modulating soil nitrogen dynamics and crop nitrogen uptake through green manure application, aiming to advance research and the development of the green manure sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative farming systems are gaining increasing attention in crop production worldwide. The challenge of the future is to find and apply farming methods that not only reduce the carbon footprint of cultivation, but also produce sustainably through an optimal choice of inputs. We set up our crop rotation experiment in 2019 in order to evaluate the role of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as a green manure crop in a crop rotation system. The results were compared with nitrogen fertilizer (80 kg ha−1 N) and control (no green manure and no fertilizer) treatments. Based on the three years of results, it can be concluded that the biomass production capacity of common vetch sown in August is determined by the amount of precipitation in October under continental climatic conditions. In an optimum year for corn, common vetch as a forecrop was found to be equivalent to the effect of fertilizer application at all three applied seed rates, but under stress conditions in a drought year, significantly higher corn yields were obtained when common vetch green manure was applied. Our results suggest a justified role for the use of common vetch green manure in crop rotation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective weed management faces increasing legislative restrictions for the use of herbicides due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. In addition, the linear increase in resistant weeds threatens to render authorized herbicides useless. In a post-herbicide era, under the IWM strategy, allelopathy can play a relevant role since many plants can produce a variety of allelochemicals with different structures and modes of action, capable of inhibiting the germination and growth of different weed species. Inspired by green manuring with cover crops, the use of allelopathic biomass from weeds, invasive species, residues of forestry plantations, and other abundant wild plants has some advantages over green manures grown in situ or other alternatives such as applying plant extracts or essential oils. Beyond the ecosystem services provided by green manures, the potential use of allelopathic biomass offers extra opportunities for the science and practice of holistically integrated weed management because (i) the investment of resources and time for producing cover crops would be alleviated, and (ii), new use of agroforestry residues and a sink for harmful weed biomass is provided. In this review, we compile the current knowledge of those allelopathic species whose biomass, used as soil amendment, effectively controlled weeds. In addition, the complex allelopathic processes underlying the effectiveness of cover crops and allelopathic biomass used as green manures for weed control are revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was performed in Askanian State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, located in the Southern Steppe zone of the country. The experiments were carried out in a stationary field in the period 2015-2020 within a four-field crop rotation (winter barley with post-harvest sowing of green manure crop-soybean- winter wheat with post-harvest sowing of green manure crop-grain maize) and resulted in scientific substantiation of the influence of different systems of basic tillage and organic-mineral fertilization systems on the agrophysical parameters of dark-chestnut soil and formation of winter barley yields. It was determined that the no-till variations, which outperformed the bulk density in the control (under the conduct of mechanical tillage) by 4.0%, are responsible for the soil's maximum bulk density (1.30 g/cm³). The bulk density of the dark-chestnut soil was decreased by 1.6% when post-harvest green manure was used, and by 2.3% when continuous no-till farming was used. The bulk density of the arable layer of dark-chestnut soil in the range of 1.22-1.26 g/cm³ produces the maximum productivity of winter barley. Crop yields are impacted by a reduction in bulk density brought on by excessive soil loosening as well as soil compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground cover produced by green manures has a direct influence on weed suppression and, in addition, the biomass produced by these same plants influences crop growth. This study was carried out to compare the effect of green manure species on the incidence of weeds, in sequence, in order to evaluate the effects of the use of green manure cover on the productive characteristics of maize plants. A completely randomised experimental design was used, with 11 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were cover crops Canavalia ensiformis (T1), Cajanus cajan (T2), Stizolobium pruriens (T3), Crotalaria juncea (T4), Phaseolus vulgaris (T5), Stizolobium trigre (T6), Stizolobium aterrimum (T7), Crotalaria retusa (T8), Crotalaria breviflora (T9), Dolichos lablab (T10), and conventional system (T11). Ninety days after sowing, the green manures were cut, and 30 days after the green manures were cut, the hybrid maize Crop Top 520 was sown. The variables evaluated in relation to the planting of green manures were the green and dry biomass of green manures, alongside the green biomass of weeds and suppression of weeds. Concerning maize plants, the variables evaluated were plant height at 60 DAS, stalk diameter at 60 DAS, number of grain rows per ear, number of grains per grain row, and yield. The averages were subsequently analyzed using Tukey's test at 95% significance level. The use of green manure significantly reduces the green mass of weeds up to 90 days due to lack of access to light of the weeds, which reduces their appearance and growth. Stizolobium aterrimum showed the best results both as a dry mass producer and weed suppressor and also as a yield enhancer in maize crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manure crops intercropping is an effective agricultural practice to alleviate water and nutrient deficit by improving soil properties in the Loess Plateau of China. However, green manure crops intercropping could cause water and nutrient competition, but the effects of different green manure crops intercropping on soil water and nutrient status are rarely evaluated. Thus, we conducted a field experiment to investigate the responses of soil moisture, nitrogen, and yield to green manure crops intercropping. Three intercropping patterns, apple–ryegrass (AR), apple–spring rape (AS), and apple–alfalfa (AA), were set up with a blank control (CK), which employed clean tillage in the inter-row and row. All treatments had no significant difference on evapotranspiration. At maturity, AR, AS, and AA treatments reduced soil organic matter content by 4.2%, 6.5%, and 18.8%, and total nitrogen content by 0.01%, 1.3%, and 20.3%, relative to CK, respectively. The water competition degree in AR, AS, and AA were 38.4%, 48.8%, and 64.6%, respectively. Ryegrass, spring rape, and alfalfa's nitrogen use efficiency were 19.71%, 29.24%, and 39.42%, respectively. AR and AS treatments increased the apple yield by 11.7% and 5.7%, and water-use efficiency (WUE) by 14.4% and 7.5%, relative to CK, respectively. AA treatment reduced the apple yield by 6.9% and WUE by 6.8%, relative to CK. All treatments had no significant difference on apple quality. Therefore, in normal water years, we suggest adapting the ryegrass–apple tree intercropping pattern for apple production on the Plateau Loess, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Green manure application is an effective management practice for enhancing soil nutrient levels and organic matter, but pest management in green manure fields has traditionally been ignored. The beet webworm, a polyphagous insect, is currently experiencing an outbreak in northern China, and represents a significant migratory pest. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of green manure crops on beet webworm by measuring its growth, development, fecundity, and flight ability on Chenopodium album (a suitable host), as well as three major legume green manure crops in China: Pisum sativam, Vicia sativa, and Vicia villosa. Our findings indicate that V. villosa does not serve as a host plant for the beet webworm, which experiences 100% mortality during its larval stage. This indicates that the large-scale cultivation of V. villosa as a green manure crop in northern China will not increase the risk of the beet webworm outbreaks. Although the beet webworm has a significantly lower host adaptability to P. sativam and V. sativa compared to C. album, it is still well adapted to these two green manure crops. Our research provides a foundation for selecting appropriate green manure varieties and implementing effective pest control measures during their cultivation. The application of green manure is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, but pest management is often overlooked. Conducting a risk assessment for insect pests in green manure is essential. The beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis, a polyphagous insect, is currently experiencing an outbreak in northern China, and represents a significant migratory pest. A two-sex life table and flight mill test approach was used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of three major legume green manure crops (Pisum sativam, Vicia sativa, and Vicia villosa) on the growth, development, fecundity, and flight ability of L. sticticalis in China. Our findings indicate that L. sticticalis cannot utilize V. villosa for generational development. L. sticticalis shows reduced performance on P. sativam and V. sativa compared to its suitable host Chenopodium album. However, both the population parameters (R0, r, λ, and T) and the population prediction results suggest that L. sticticalis can adapt to P. sativam and V. sativa. In the process of promoting green manure, careful consideration should be given to the selection of appropriate green manure varieties and the implementation of effective pest control measures during their planting. Our findings lay the groundwork for the promotion of green manure and implementation of an ecological management plan for L. sticticalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the issues of the poor stability of the furrow opener depth, large soil backfill depth, and inconsistent furrow shape on a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards in South Xinjiang, a double-disc, corrugated furrow opener is designed. This paper analyzes the law of soil movement between corrugated double-disc and traditional double-disc furrow openers using the discrete element method (DEM) and concludes that the corrugation width and number of corrugations on the corrugated double-disc furrow opener are the primary factors affecting furrowing operation. When the number of corrugations is sixteen, the forward speed is six kilometers per hour, and when the corrugation width is seventeen and a half millimeters, the simulation operation parameters are optimal. The soil-bin validation experiment results are as follows: Under the condition of an 80 mm furrow depth, the stability of the average furrow depth is enhanced by 3.54%, the working resistance and the average disrupted soil area are increased by 26.16 N and 220 mm2, respectively, and the backfill depth is decreased by 10.98 mm. The operation effect of a double-disc furrow opener with corrugated discs is enhanced by the high stability of the furrow depth, low working resistance, and small backfill depth. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of the furrow opener components of a no-till seeder for planting green manure between rows of orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vicia villosa, a high-quality green manure crop, helps to increase the content of soil phosphorus (P) by returning to the field. Soil P deprivation is a severe constraint on crop productivity that triggers the low P stress response in plants, which is controlled by various transcriptional regulatory network pathways. Identifying key genes from these transcriptional regulatory networks can help in developing low P-tolerant crops. In this study, we performed physiological observations and transcriptome sequencing of seedlings from the two Vicia villosa varieties, Xu Shao 3 and Soviet Vicia villosa, under P starvation conditions. The results showed that the main root length, plant height, shoot dry weight, root acid phosphatase activity, and inorganic P content of Xu Shao 3 were significantly higher than those of Soviet Vicia villosa under low P conditions. Based on transcriptome data analysis, 183 (shoot) + 144 (root) differential genes (DEGs) between the two varieties were identified; 144 (shoot) + 79 (root) were upregulated, and 69 (shoot) + 65 (root) were downregulated. KEGG analysis found that DEGs in shoots were significantly enriched in photosynthesis pathways, such as vitamin B6 and riboflavin metabolism. Meanwhile, DEGs in roots were enriched in plant signal transduction, fatty acid degradation, citric acid cycle, pentose, glucuronic acid conversion, etc. GO enrichment analysis suggested that DEGs in shoots were significantly enriched in biological processes, including cell response to P stress, intracellular ion homeostasis, etc., and molecular functions, including phosphate ester hydrolase, phosphatase, acid phosphatase activity, etc. Furthermore, DEGs associated with low P tolerance included three acid phosphatases, a phosphoesterase, a sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol synthase, a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, six phosphate transporters and glycerol-3-phosphate transporters, eight SPX, and two PHL genes. In conclusion, Xu Shao 3 exhibited stronger inorganic P accumulation ability and a lesser effect on growth than Soviet Vicia villosa under low P conditions, which might result from photosynthesis, sugar, and P metabolism differences between the two varieties. Acid phosphatase, phosphoesterase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol synthase, phosphate transporter, glycerol-3-phosphate transporter, and SPX were key DEGs leading to the difference in low P stress tolerance between the two varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cover crops, especially in summer in off-season, is an uncommon practice because they compete with crops of economic importance. The objective was to evaluate the use of cover crops, soil cover and suppression of weeds in the corn-wheat off-season in northwest of Rio Grande do Sul. For this, sunn hemp, gray mucuna, jack bean, lupine, buckwheat, millet, millet, and sunn hemp intercrop (50%) and fallow (control) were used. The species were sown after harvesting the corn crop with 0.45 m spacing between rows in randomized blocks with six replications. The soil cover rate was analyzed at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after sowing. Dry matter was determined at full flowering of each crop, separated into stalks/stems and leaves, and dried at 65°C. The incidence of weeds was evaluated at the time of full flowering. In the off-season, millet, millet + crotalaria, gray mucuna and jack bean intercropped have greater soil cover efficiency, both reaching 100% soil cover. The highest accumulations of dry matter were from millet (11,204 kg.ha-1) and intercropped (9291 kg.ha-1). The most efficient crops for the suppression of weeds were pearl millet, intercropped and gray mucuna. Sunn hemp and buckwheat showed low performance; therefore, they are not recommended for single cultivation in the corn-wheat off-season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an essential crop worldwide, and the application of fertilizers is a vital management strategy that significantly enhances its yield. The objective of this investigation was to assess the impact of green manure and mineral fertilization on the yield of maize. The experiments were conducted in an experimental field at Agricultural Research and Development Station Braila during the first decade of September 2021 to the second decade of October 2022. A bifactorial experiment was carried out based on the formula A × B, where A represents the green manure crops (a1- control - without green manure crop; a2- winter pea (Pisum sativum L. var. arvense); a3- white mustard (Sinapis alba L.); a4- winter rye (Secale cereale L.); a5- white mustard (Sinapis alba L) + rapeseed (Brassica napus L.); a6- rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and B represents the mineral fertilization (b1- N0 unfertilized; b2- N60 (60 kg/ha of N); b3- N90 (90 kg/ha of N); b4- N120 (120 kg/ha of N)). The results of this study show the benefits of integrated fertilization with green manure and mineral fertilizer. Maize grain yield was found to be enhanced by using green manure crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Spinach has been suggested as a potential rotation crop for increasing crop yield by enhancing beneficial fungal microbes in continuous monocropping. However, no research on the use of spinach as a green manure has been reported. Thus, we tested the effects of spinach and Korean mustard cultivars (green and red mustards) (10 g pot −1) as green manure on soil chemical properties, pepper productivity, and soil microbiome of long-year pepper-monocropped soil. Spinach improved the soil nutrition (e.g., pH, SOM, TN, NH4+, and K), weed suppression, and pepper growth. Spinach had by far the highest fruit yield, over 100% pepper fruit yield increment over the mustard green manures and control. Our study showed that the major influencing factors to cause a shift in both bacterial and fungal community assemblies were soil pH, TC TN, and K. Following green manure amendment Bacillota, especially Clostridium, Bacillus and Sedimentibacter, were enriched, whereas Chloroflexi and Acidobacteriota were reduced. In addition, spinach highly reduced the abundance of Leotiomycetes and Fusarium but enriched Papiliotrema. FAPROTAX and FUNGuild analysis revealed that predicted functional profiles of bacterial and fungal communities in spinach-amended soil were changed. Spinach-treated soil was differentially abundant in function related to hydrocarbon degradation and functional guilds of symbiotrophs and ectomycorrhizal. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of how the soil fertility and soil microbiome alteration via spinach green manure application as a pre-plant soil treatment might help alleviate continuous cropping obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Conventional cropping systems, dependent on heavy application of chemical fertilizers, are not ecologically and environmentally sustainable; they are a threat for soil and water quality and, in consequence, for plant and human health. Nitrogen fertilizers are heavily applied in conventional leaf vegetable production systems to obtain maximum growth and yield. However, the excess nitrogen tends to accumulate in leaf vegetables in the form of nitrate, which pose serious human health hazards. Therefore, to supply nitrogen from non-chemical sources, such as organic amendments, is a sustainable practice for production of leaf vegetables. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), which is the remaining material after the harvest of mushroom, is produced in large quantities (5 kg SMS for 1 kg of mushroom) and is enriched with organic carbon, N, P, K, and micronutrients. Therefore its reuse as a soil amendment not only provides essential elements for plants but also improves soil quality. Similarly, incorporation of green manures, especially legume green manures, into cropping systems is a sustainable practice for soil fertility and soil quality management. In this study, we aimed to investigate the short-term effects of two soil organic amendments (spent mushroom substrate and alfalfa residues) and their combination, in comparison to inorganic N fertilizer (urea), on soil fertility, and selected essential nutrients, and nitrate accumulation in a leaf vegetable, test plant (spinach). Materials and Method A one-season pot experiment was led in a randomized complete block design with three replications in experimental greenhouse of Bu-Ali Sina University. Treatments were comprised of two levels of spent mushroom substrate (SMS-1: 2% SMS, and SMS-2: 5% SMS), two levels of alfalfa green manure (AGM-1: 1% AGM, and AGM-2: 3% AGM); two levels of the mixture of SMS and AGM (SMS+AGM-1: 1% SMS plus 0.5% AGM; and SMS+AGM-2: 2.5% SMS plus 1.5% AGM); two levels of urea fertilizer (U-1; 120 kg/ha, and U-2: 360 kg/ha); and control. Selected properties of the initial soil and both organic amendments were determined. Spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) was seeded as leaf vegetable, test plant in early autumn 2017. After ten weeks, spinach were harvested and the aboveground and root dry weights were determined. Moreover, the content of NO3-, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn in edible parts were measured. Soil samples were analyzed for EC, pH, total organic carbon, available P and K, and alkaline phosphatase activity. Results and Discussion All soil quality indicators were significantly affected by the treatments. TOC was significantly increased in all of the organic treatments compared to the chemical and control treatments. The maximum increase in TOC was observed in SMS-2, SMS+AGM-2, and AGM-2 treatments, compared to the control (134, 130 and 107%, respectively). A decreasing trend in TOC was detected in the high level of urea treatment (U-2) compared to the control which can be explained by the faster decomposition of soil organic matter in the presence of higher inorganic N inputs. Both organic amendments (in both levels) and the higher level of urea (U-2) decreased soil pH compared to the control. The initial low pH of SMS (5.6) and AGM (6.2), in the first case, and oxidation of urea to nitrate, in the latter, may justify this observation. In contrast, soil EC increased under the both organic amendments relative to the control and U-1 treatments. Moreover, the adverse effect of SMS on soil salinity was greater than AGM due to the initial differences in their corresponding source materials (5.8 vs. 3.0 ds/m). Available K was significantly increased in the second level of all organic treatments compared to the chemical and control treatments. As for available P, all organic treatments, except AGM-1, led to the significantly higher P than the chemical and control treatments. It is reported that organic materials compete with mineral particles for P adsorption and increase its availability. Moreover, all organic treatments, except SMS-1, significantly increased phosphatase activity compared to the chemical and control treatments. This could contribute to the mineralization of organic materials and increase available P. Spinach yield was affected by the experimental treatments. The highest increase in shoot dry weight occurred in SMS+AGM-2 and AGM-2 treatments by 235 and 230%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the second level of all organic treatments as well as the first level of SMS plus AGM treatment significantly increased yield compared to the chemical treatments. Spinach P content was significantly higher in all organic treatments, except SMS-1 and AGM-1, compared to the chemical and control treatments. Organic amendments, by decreasing the surface adsorption of P and increasing soil microbial biomass, promote the availability of P for plants. Spinach nitrate content ranged from 265 (in control) to 7807 mg/kg (in U-2). According to the critical limit of nitrate in spinach (4000 mg/kg) presented by European Union, only U-2 treatment led to over-accumulation of NO3-. The two levels of AGM treatments and SMS+AGM-2 resulted in the comparable amounts of nitrate as the recommended amount of urea (U-1). A narrow variation in spinach Cu content (from 6.1 in SMS+AGM-2 to 9.8 mg/kg in AGM-2), all within the standard range reported for plants (5-20 mg/kg), was observed among the treatments. Spinach Fe content was increased under all organic treatments relative to the control, although some disparities were not significant. The lowest Fe was detected in U-2. It is reported that excessive N may diminish root growth and, in turn, reduce nutrient uptake. Spinach Zn content varied from 44.8 (in control) to 71.5 mg/kg (in SMS-2), which was close to the higher limit of standard range (20-50 mg/kg) reported for vegetables, but lower than toxic concentration range (200-400 mg/kg). Spinach Mn content varied from 17.4 (in control) to 32.1 mg/kg (in SMS-2), which was close to the lower limit of the standard range (40-400 mg/kg) reported for plants. Conclusion The most appropriate treatments in view of improving yield and soil quality (i.e., optimum TOC, P, and K; and lower EC) as well as tolerable nitrate accumulation were SMA+AGM-1 and SMS-1 in decreasing order. These treatments are preferred over the chemical treatments (U-1 and U-2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional monoculture or cereal-cereal sequence systems insist farmers to use excessive application of chemical fertilizer in agriculture resulting reduce the soil organic matter contents and structures. The inclusion of green manuring crops in a rotation is vital to improve the biochemical and physical properties of the soil via increasing the labile of organic matter and ultimately increased crops yield. Some complex molecules of green manuring crops takes a longer time of decomposition and thus nutrients reserve in soil and release latter which provide nutrients to the succeeding and following crops. So the current experiment aimed to study the residual effect of different in situ green manuring crops to the sub-sequent and following soil. Methods: The field experiment conducted during 2015 to 2016 with eight green manuring crops and rice and mustard was the subsequent and following crop. In situ incorporation of GM crops with 100% (F1) and 50% (F2) fertilizer, the prior and post-harvest soil (cropping pattern) of experiment field (0-15 cm) was collected and analyzed. Result: After two consecutive year, GM-T.aman-Mustard cropping pattern increased soil organic matter 0.04% to 0.07% and 0.02% to 0.03% (T1 and T2 with F1 and F2) and nitogen 0.05% (T1, T2 and T7 with F1 and F2) and K 0.2 to 0.5 meq/100 g (M. pudica with F1 and F2) and P 2 ppm to 15 ppm (T1, T2, T3 and T7 with F1 and F2) compared to initial soil. Rice yield with T1, T2, T3 and T6 shown higher with both fertilizer doses. Nitrogen fertilizer rates could be reduced after the incorporation of green manures in the succeeding and following crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrobiodiversity including landraces of crops is extreme significant for global food security and sustainable rural development but it is losing at alarming speed. Only in the remote areas, some of landraces are remained in local agroecosystem. Landraces refer to the traditional resources domesticated by people living in a certain area. They are bred or evolved in the local environments, which can adapt to the local natural and cultural environments. Changmaogu is a unique colored rice landrace planted by Lama people, a branch of Bai, in Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province. Changmaogu is a typical representative landrace in China. Due to its lower yield, the cultivation of Changmaogu was controlled in a very limited area in the past few years, which was a very dangerous signal for a major crop. Despite its rare and endangered status, there has been a lack of research on Changmaogu. In order to promote the conservation and sustainable development of this landrace, we investigated and analyzed the quality traits, traditional knowledge and culture, development and utilization status and existing problems of Changmaogu in Lanping, and determined the nutritional components of Changmaogu comparing with those of common rice varieties to explore the nutritional value of Changmaogu, using the methods of ethnobotany and nutrition. The results are as follows:(1)The Lama people, have developed rich traditional knowledge about Changmaogu, including traditional farming knowledge, relevant historical allusions, traditional eating knowledge, seed exchange and conservation culture. They never use chemicals but collect green manures as fertilizer for this landrace. Under the backgrownd of understanding the good characteristics of Changmaogu, the local people continue to grow Changmaogu in the original habitat in a larger scale according to their traditional knowledge and culture.(2)Changmaogu has a high content of available carbohydrates, water, ash, total dietary fiber and anthocyanin, and contains a certain content of procyanidins, indicating that it has excellent nutritional and health care values. This study indicates that the mode of in-situ or on-farm conservation of Changmaogu provides a great reference for the conservation of other landraces, and reveals the fact that the outstanding properties like high nutritional value of Changmaogu will contribute to the sustainable uses of Changmaogu and other landraces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, such as farmers' livelihood and the soil quality, has been identified to be strong influenced by climate change in China. However, the benefits of low carbon technologies (LCTs) are still debatable in rice production for farmers, which have been identified to tackle agricultural challenges. The choice of potential LCTs relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Thus, the objectives of the study were to (1) investigate the public perception and preferences of LCTs in rice production of China, and (2) analyze the influences of the factors on farmer's decision in adopting LCTs in rice production. There were 555 farmer surveys from eight representative rice production counties in HP province of southern China, both the Poisson estimators and multivariate probit (MVP) approach were applied in the study. Results: Our results show that water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management techniques and planting green manure crops in winter season were the three major LCTs adapted by farmers in rice production. The intensity and probability of LCTs adoptions were influenced by the main factors including farmers' education level, climate change awareness, machinery ownership, technical support and subsidies. There is a significant correlation among the LCTs, and the adoption of the technologies is interdependent, depicting either complementarities or substitutabilities between the practices. Conclusions: This study suggests that policies enhance the integration of LCTs would be central to farmers' knowledge, environmental concerns, technical service and financial support in rice production systems in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes possess a major threat to agricultural production of various crops worldwide. The intensive use of chemical nematicides to control plant parasitic nematodes has adverse effects on our environment and human health. Owing to the importance of developing new strategies, an experiment was conducted to reveal the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Rhizoglomus fasciculatum and nematophagous fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus alone or in combination with various organic amendments such as superphosphate, green and organic manure to control the infection of root-knot, nematode Meloidogyne incognita in a vegetable crop Capsicum annuum. These two fungi along with soil amendments significantly improved plant growth and fruit yield and effectively controlled infection of M. incognita. The dual inoculation of P. lilacinus and R. fasciculatum reduced the number of galls and egg masses, thereby revealing the controlled proliferation of M. incognita infection in C. annuum roots. The beneficial effect of these fungi further increased on supplementation of soil with organic or green manures. Inoculation of C. annuum with these two fungi showed a significant increase in egg parasitization; however, maximum effect was detected on dual inoculation. Amongst the soil amendments, the best response was obtained in case of green manure along with mycorrhizal fungus and P. lilacinus. Present study revealed that nematophagous and AM fungi, in combination with green manure were effective in controlling M. incognita, thus suggesting the use of such agents for biocontrol of plant parasitic nematodes in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an exceptionally challenging potato pest. Some regenerative farmers have reported that the use of transferred green manure mulch can considerably reduce CBP damage. Previous studies confirm this observation, but mainly with straw mulch, which is rarely used in Central Europe, and not embedded in the new regenerative cropping approach. For this, six trials conducted between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated, comparing CPB infestation in potatoes with and without transferred mulch as well as under a plough as a minimum till regime. In three out of six experiments, compost application was an additional factor. (I) Over all experiments, mulch significantly reduced initial infestation (−24%), egg masses (−27%) and larvae (−75%). Compost and reduced tillage added to these effects; (II) Mulch mainly resulted in delayed CPB infestation; (III) In a particularly warm season, when a second generation of CPB managed to emerge, regulatory effects of the mulch were not sufficient; (IV) Combination of transferred nutrient rich green manure mulch with reduced tillage, compost and other regenerative or agro-ecological techniques is recommended to achieve maximum regulation of CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a three-year experiment on the fragrant pear orchard was conducted to investigate the effects of different varieties of green manure on the Korla fragrant pear fruit quality, with a view to finding a suitable green manure planting mode for Korla fragrant pear orchard. Green manures were planted in spaces among rows of pear trees, and then smashed and pressed into the soil as fertilisers by the agricultural machinery equipment in their full bloom period. In the experiment, four planting modes of green manure had been set for comparison: SA: Leguminosae green manures alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), SP: Poaceae green manures oats (Avena sativa L.), ST: Cruciferae green manures oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), and S: orchard authigenic green manures (Chenopodium album L., Mulgedium tataricum (L) DC., and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.). Apart from that, eleven fruit quality indicators were analyzed to evaluating the effects of different green manure planting mode on the quality of fragrant pear. According to analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, there were significant differences among four planting modes in terms of nine fruit quality indicators (P<0.05). In addition, the correlation analysis (CA) results revealed that there were different degrees of correlations among quality indicators. On this basis, repeated information among indicators was eliminated by principal component analysis (PCA), thus simplifying and recombining the three principal components. All in all, these three principal components reflect appearance traits, internal nutritive value and taste of fruits, respectively. Specifically, SA significantly improved the internal quality and nutritive value of fruits, SP improved the physical traits of fruits, and ST significantly improved the taste of fruits. Based on the PCA results, a comprehensive evaluation model of fruit quality was constructed. The are comprehensive fruit quality scores:SA>SP>ST>S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the application of sustainable and eco-friendly fertilizers plays an important role in improving the essential oil (EO) quantity and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of green manures, organic manures and biofertilizers on the nutrient content, dry matter yield, EO productivity and quality of peppermint. The treatments included green manures [barley monoculture (Bm), hairy vetch monoculture (HVm) and replacement intercropping of 75%HV + 25%B, 50%HV + 50%B and 25%HV + 75%B], arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost (VC). A 50%HV + 50%B green manure appears to be the most effective treatment, since it provides the greatest amount of nutrients (N and K, 18.8 g kg−1, and 18.1 g kg−1, respectively), the tallest plants (61.5 cm), the most nodes per plant (17.5), the lateral branches (24.4), the highest leaf greenness index (45.5) and dry yield (266.7 g m−2) in peppermint. Moreover, this treatment evidenced the larger EO content (1.8%) and EO yield (4.84 g m−2). Regardless of the treatments, the chemical composition of peppermint EO was characterized by menthol (32.35–37.73%), menthone (16.96–20.64%) and 1,8-cineole (6.18–7.78%). The maximum content of menthol and 1,8-cineole was obtained by the application of 50%HV + 50%B. Additionally, the highest content of menthone was observed in AMF treatment. These results indicate that the application of 50%HV + 50%B green manures could be suggested as an environmentally friendly strategy for improving EO quantity and quality of peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to assess the performance of Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna deeringiana (Leguminosae) as a green manure in the agricultural soil of the Frailesca region of Chiapas, México, in terms of aboveground biomass accumulation, plant height, number of leaves, canopy coverage, and the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each species was sowed at two population densities under a randomized complete block design with three replications. Every 30 days after sowing (DAS), the following variables were quantified: plant length, number of leaves, canopy coverage, biomass yield, and N, P, and K content. A variance analysis and mean comparison test (Tukey 0.05) were performed for each variable. The biomass yield in M. deeringiana fluctuated from 9150 to 33,160 kg ha-1 on a fresh basis and from 4490 to 15,890 kg ha-1 on a dry basis, whereas the yield in C. ensiformis varied from 9343 to 26,390 kg ha-1 and from 4513 to 13,150 kg ha-1, respectively. The longest recorded plant length was 513.00 cm in M. deeringiana and 155 cm in C. ensiformis, with a total of 353 and 322 leaves, respectively. The accumulation of N, P, and K was 463.99 kg ha-1, 84.22 kg ha-1, and 49.26 kg ha-1 in M. deeringiana and 341.90 kg ha-1, 43.40 kg ha-1, and 36.82 kg ha-1 in C. ensiformis, respectively. Both C. ensiformis and M. deeringiana have potential as green manure for the Frailesca region of Chiapas in terms of biomass production and N accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broadleaf vegetables require large amounts of nutrients to provide a high productivity, and quality products, mainly due to their short period of development and growth. The green manuring has emerged as a viable alternative to provide these requirements for these vegetables, mainly from spontaneous species in the Caatinga biome. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and estimate the maximum physical and economic efficiencies of lettuce and arugula agro-economic characteristics in monocropping as a function of equitable quantities of Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera biomass mixtures at different growing seasons, using polynomial and exponential models, based on the criteria of biological logic of growth and production of the cultures, of significance of the regression mean square, of high value of the coefficient of determination (R²), of significance of the regression parameters, and of maximization of productivity and profit. The types of polynomial and exponential models chosen estimated the lettuce and arugula agro-economic characteristics with good precision and high R² values. The maximum agronomic (physical) efficiency of the lettuce and arugula was made possible with the incorporation into the soil of 47.38 and 42.23 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera, respectively, and the maximum economic efficiency of production for these leafy vegetables was reached with biomass amounts of 45.96 and 33.61 t ha-1, respectively. The rates of return obtained for lettuce and arugula cultivation for the optimized mixture amounts were 2.6 and 1.5 of those achieved in the control treatment (without fertilization), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many terrestrial plants form reciprocal symbioses with beneficial fungi in roots; however, it is not clear whether Vicia villosa, an important forage and green manure crop, can co-exist with these fungi and how such symbiosis affects plant growth and soil properties. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of inoculation with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) such as Diversisporaspurca, Funneliformismosseae, and Rhizophagusintraradices and an endophytic fungus Serendipitaindica on plant growth, root morphology, chlorophyll and sugar levels, soil nutrients, and aggregate size distribution and stability in V. villosa plants. After 63 days of inoculation, the beneficial fungi colonized the roots with colonization rates of 12% to 92%, and also improved plant growth performance and root morphology to varying degrees, accompanied by the most significant promoted effects after R.intraradices inoculation. All AMF significantly raised chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids and total chlorophyll concentrations, along with a significant increase in leaf sucrose, which consequently formed a significantly higher accumulation of glucose and fructose in roots providing carbon sources for the symbionts. Root fungal colonization was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with chlorophyll compositions, leaf sucrose, and root glucose. In addition, inoculation with symbiotic fungi appeared to trigger a significant decrease in soil Olsen-P and available K and a significant increase in NH4-N, NO3-N, and glomalin-related soil protein levels, plus a significant increase in the proportion of water-stable aggregates at the size of 0.5–4 mm as well as aggregate stability. This improvement in soil aggregates was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with root fungal colonization rate and glomalin-related soil protein concentrations. The study concludes that symbiotic fungi, especially R. intraradices, improve the growth of V. villosa, which is associated with fungal modulation of sugars, soil fertility and root structural improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The application of green manure is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, but pest management is often overlooked. Conducting a risk assessment for insect pests in green manure is essential. The beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis, a polyphagous insect, is currently experiencing an outbreak in northern China, and represents a significant migratory pest. A two-sex life table and flight mill test approach was used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of three major legume green manure crops (Pisum sativam, Vicia sativa, and Vicia villosa) on the growth, development, fecundity, and flight ability of L. sticticalis in China. Our findings indicate that L. sticticalis cannot utilize V. villosa for generational development. L. sticticalis shows reduced performance on P. sativam and V. sativa compared to its suitable host Chenopodium album. However, both the population parameters (R0, r, λ, and T) and the population prediction results suggest that L. sticticalis can adapt to P. sativam and V. sativa. In the process of promoting green manure, careful consideration should be given to the selection of appropriate green manure varieties and the implementation of effective pest control measures during their planting. Our findings lay the groundwork for the promotion of green manure and implementation of an ecological management plan for L. sticticalis.

Background and aims: Food insecurity is a global challenge faced by many rural populations. In this context, traditional horticulture mitigates this problem, promoting local food supply. This study aims to provide knowledge about the horticultural wealth, utility versatility and management practices that a Mapuche rural community deploys under conditions of socio-economic and environmental vulnerability. M&M: Semi-structured, open and in-depth interviews, observation and walking tours with the informants were carried out in 30 households that practiced horticulture located in the community of Gualjaina, Patagonian steppe. The richness and versatility of plant species, and management of water, soil and crops. Results: Total richness corresponded to 89 species. The greatest utility versatility corresponded to Rosa rubiginosa, Chenopodium album and Sambucus nigra. Different water sources (surface, sub-surface, mains water) and types of irrigation (hoses, flood, drip, sprinkler) were observed. The use of organic elements such as manure, compost and slurry was highlighted. Likewise, the implementation of water reservoirs, drip irrigation and green manures, provided by external organizations, was recorded. Conclusions: This study showed alternative management of food production in vulnerable environments, which could be a valuable contribution in the planning of proposals aimed at food security in traditional communities of the Patagonian steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is grown in semi-arid regions worldwide as a forage, vegetable, and green manure crop. An experiment was conducted to evaluate growth, forage yield and nutritional quality of guar genotypes grown under different sowing dates. To this end, seven genotypes, viz., Desi Punjab, Farmi Punjab, Desi Sindh, Farmi Sindh, BR-90, BR-2017 and Baluchistan were grown at three sowing times (mid-May, late-May and early-June) during the two years 2020 and 2021. Results showed that maximum leaf area and pods per plant were recorded in genotype Farmi Punjab, while maximum fresh and dry forage yield were archived in genotype ‘BR-90’. Similarly, maximum crude protein in the forage and gum content in mature seeds, were also recorded in BR-90. In addition, mid-May was proved to be the best sowing time for guar genotypes studied in view of achieving maximum morphological traits, fresh and dry forage yield and forage quality, compared to later planting times. Moreover, late sowing caused reduction in yield and other related attributes. It is perceived that synthetic guar variety BR-90 and planting time at mid-May are the best for semi-arid region of Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the use of green manures in association with rock phosphate rates can guarantee corn yields to family farmers. An experiment was conducted with six types of green manures: Mucuna cinereum, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Pennisetum glaucum and a weedy fallow control treatment; and three rates of phosphorus (0, 50 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) in a complete randomized block design. The management with Crotalaria juncea achieved the highest dry mass yield (39.3 Mg ha-1) and in year 2 (2016), with the water deficit during the corn cultivation, led to an increase of the root/shoot mass ratio, as well as presented the lowest water deficit sensitivity index (Ky), indicating that it can be an alternative for managing climate change. The highest corn yield (7510 kg ha-1) was obtained in the management with the Crotalaria ochroleuca, which defines it as a technically and economically viable alternative for family farming, with corn yield exceeding the average yield of the State of Mato Grosso and production cost lower than the average production cost of corn in the State of Mato Grosso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress seriously affects plant growth and crop yield, and has become an important factor that threatens the soil quality worldwide. In recent years, the cultivation of salt-tolerant plants such as Sesbania rostrata has a positive effect on improving coastal saline-alkali land. Microbial inoculation and GABA addition have been shown to enhance the plant tolerance in response to the abiotic stresses, but studies in green manure crops and the revelation of related mechanisms are not clear. In this study, the effects of inoculation with Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 and exogenous addition of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA; 200 mg·L-1) on the growth and development of S. rostrata under salt stress were investigated using potting experiments of vermiculite. The results showed that inoculation with ORS571 significantly increased the plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content, proline content (PRO), catalase (CAT) activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of S. rostrata and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level of leaves. The exogenous addition of GABA also increased the height, biomass, and CAT activity and reduced the MDA and PRO level of leaves. In addition, exogenous addition of GABA still had a certain improvement on the CAT activity and chlorophyll content of the ORS571-S. rostrata symbiotic system. In conclusion, ORS571 inoculation and GABA application have a positive effect on improving the salt stress tolerance in S. rostrata, which are closely associated with increasing chlorophyll synthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity and changing the amino acid content. Therefore, it can be used as a potential biological measure to improve the saline-alkali land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

South Florida's agricultural soils are traditionally low in organic matter (OM) and high in carbonate rock fragments. These calcareous soils are inherently nutrient-poor and require management for successful crop production. Sunn hemp (SH, Crotalaria juncea) and velvet bean (VB, Mucuna pruriens) are highly productive leguminous cover crops (CCs) that have shown potential to add large quantities of dry biomass to nutrient- and organic-matter-limited systems. This study focuses on intercropping these two CCs with young carambola (Averrhoa carambola) trees. The objective was to test the effectiveness of green manure crops in providing nutrients and supplementing traditional fertilizer regimes with a sustainable soil-building option. Typically, poultry manure (PM) is the standard fertilizer used in organic or sustainable production in the study area. As such, PM treatments and fallow were included for comparison. The treatments were fallow control (F), fallow with PM (FM), sunn hemp (SH), SH with PM (SHM), velvet bean (VB), and VB with PM (VBM). Sunn hemp and VB were grown for two summer growing seasons. At the end of each 90-day growing period, the CCs were terminated and left on the soil surface to decompose in a no-till fashion. The results suggest that SH treatments produced the greatest amount of dry biomass material ranging from 48 to 71% higher than VB over two growing seasons. As a result, SH CCs also accumulated significantly higher amounts of total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) within their dry biomass that was added to the soil. Sunn hemp, SHM, and FM treatments showed the greatest accumulation of soil OM, TC, and TN. Soil inorganic N (NH₄⁺ + NO3− + NO2) fluctuated throughout the experiment. Our results indicate that generally, VB-treated soils had their highest available N around 2 months post termination, while SH-treated soils exhibited significantly higher N values at CC termination time. Sunn hemp + PM (SHM)treatments had highest soil N availability around 4 months after CC termination. Soil enzyme activity results indicate that at CC termination, SHM exhibited the highest levels of β-1-4- glucosidase and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase among all treatments. Overall, SH, SHM, and FM treatments showed the greatest potential for supplementing soil nutrients and organic matter in a no-till fruit production setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of adaptation of Rhizobia in diverse environment namely, soil, rhizosphere and grown within legume roots may lead to nitrogen fixation, in a complicated process which contain a coordinated exchange of signal between plants and the symbionts. Green manures, cash and cover crops have significant role in soil fertility. Green manuring techniques also can decrease biomass burning known as main source of air pollutant in the atmosphere. Catch crops have positive effects on both physical and chemical properties of soil, subsequent crop yield, decrease nitrogen leaching into the ground water, decrease soil erosion, and decrease nitrogen losses in cropping systems. Cover crops are those crops which cover the ground and protect loss of plant nutrients, the soil from erosion, decrease rate of soil moisture by evaporation, lower ground temperature and improve weed control and nutrient recycling. Rhizobia produce Nod factors during the early development of nodules upon perception of flavonoid molecules secreted by legume roots, and Nod factor's structure dependents on species, chemical, substitutions added which may influence legume specificity. The benefic effects of rhizobia may depend on rhizobium strain, the genotype of the legume, management practices and bio-physical environment. Rhizobium can directly promote both plant growth and plant health, and modulating root architecture and growth via the release of plant phytohormones. In this manuscript, we want to review the most important advantages and benefits of green manures, catch and cover crops with considering the positive effects of rhizobium on soil fertility and sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]