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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]

Autonomous machines have the potential to maintain food production and agroecological farming resilience. However, autonomous complex mixed cropping is proving to be an engineering challenge because of differences in plant height and growth pattern. Strip cropping is technically the simplest mixed cropping system, but widespread use is constrained by higher labor requirements in conventional mechanized farms. Researchers have long hypothesized that autonomous machines (i.e., crop robots) might make strip cropping profitable, thereby allowing farmers to gain additional agroecological benefits. To examine this hypothesis, this study modeled ex‐ante scenarios for the Corn Belt of central Indiana, using the experience of the Hands Free Hectare‐Linear Programming (HFH‐LP) optimization model. Results show that per annum return to operator labor, management, and risk‐taking (ROLMRT) was $568/ha and $163/ha higher for the autonomous corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] strip crop farm compared to the whole field sole crop and the conventional strip crop farms, respectively, that were operated by human drivers. The conventional strip cropping practice was found challenging as this cropping system required four times more temporary hired labor than autonomous strip cropping and three times more than whole field sole cropping. Even if autonomous machines need 100% human supervision, the ROLMRT was higher compared to whole field sole cropping. Profitable autonomous strip cropping could restore and improve in‐field biodiversity and ecosystem services through a sustainable techno‐economic and environmental approach that will address the demand for healthier food and promote environmental sustainability. Core Ideas: Autonomous machines enable use of alternative mixed crop geometries.Autonomous strip cropping has higher economic payoffs than sole and conventional strip cropping.Even with lower grain prices and full‐time supervision, swarm robots have economic benefits.Autonomous machines could reconcile economic and agroecological goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Indonesian peatlands are a fragile ecosystem, and to protect it, growing Liberica coffee is a promising way for both the environment and the economy. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the liberica coffee on peatland with different water tables and develop an improved cultivation system in this ecosystem. The study area was in Tanjung Jabung Barat District, Jambi Province, Indonesia. The plant age is greater than 15 years and the average plant density was about 1000 trees/hm². The study was conducted in two stages. The 1st stage was a survey to identify and characterize smallholder liberica coffee farming at three peatland zones, namely 0-100 m, 200-300 m, and >400 m from the principal drainage canal, and the 2nd stage was a field experiment to test the effectiveness of amendments in improving liberica coffee growth and improving degraded peatland. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications, including manure (M), at the rate of 10 t/hm²; lime (L), 3 t/hm2 ; peat surface elevation (P), and a farmer's practice (Control) without manure and/or lime as a control. This research revealed that liberica coffee can not tolerate high water table as it may stimulate disease incidence and cause low-quality yield. However, recycling of organic C of about 17.14 t/(hm² ·a) through cherry residue application and litter compensated part of the loss of organic C through CO2 emissions, coffee bean removal, and maintaining peat fertility for sustainable farming. The low yield of (0.70±0.12) t/(hm²∙a) coffee bean could be increased to (0.87±0.24) and (0.94±0.14) t/(hm²∙a) by adding 3 t/(hm²∙3a) of lime or 10 t/(hm² ∙a) of manure, respectively. This research revealed that water table management and amendments are two main factors in liberica coffee farming on peatlands. It is of great significance to study the cultivation technology of coffee in peatland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) predominates, producing large quantity of crop residue and its management is major concern. Farmers usually burn the residue to clear the field for succeding crop, and burning damages soil microbes, resulted in loss of soil organic matter. Hence, current study was conducted to assess the impact of different Happy seeder based residue management options on changes in microbial dynamics, enzyme activities and soil organic matter content and also to know that alternative method for attaining sustainable wheat productivity in sandy loam soils of Haryana, India. Results revealed that Zero tillage wheat (ZTW) with partial and full residue retention treatments sown with Happy seeder (after using chopper and spreader), and ZTW with anchored stubbles significantly enhanced soil microbial count by 47.9–60.4%, diazotropic count by 59.0–73.1% and actinomycetes count by 47.3–55.2%, grain yield by 9.8–11.3% and biomass yield by 7.4–9.6% over conventional tilled (CT) residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with surface retention of rice crop residue increased the organic carbon by 0.36–0.42% and the soil moisture content by 13.4–23.6% over CTW without residue load. Similarly, ZTW sown with Happy seeder with full residue enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity from 95.3 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2018–2019 to 98.6 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2019–2020 over control plots. Likely, microbial population and enzymatic activity showed strong positive correlation under variable residue retention practices. However, increased microbial population reduced the soil pH from 7.49 to 7.27 under ZTW with residue retention plots. The wheat yield enhanced by 9.8–11.3% during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 under ZTW with Happy seeder with full residue load over residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with Happy seeder under full residue retention, achieved maximum net return 43.16–57.08 × 103 ₹ ha−1) and B-C ratio (1.52 to 1.70) over CTW without residue. Therefore, rice residue needs to be managed by planting wheat using appropriate machinery under ZT for sustaining higher productivity in RWCS and improve soil health and environment under IGP regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of agroecological practices often leads to an additional soil organic carbon storage in these soils, of which we aimed to assess the biogeochemical stability. To achieve this, we implemented a multi-method approach using particles size and density fractionation, Rock-Eval® thermal analyses and long-term incubation (484 days), that we applied to topsoil samples (0–30 cm) from temperate luvisols that had been subjected, in > 20 years long-term experiments in France, to conservation agriculture (CA), organic agriculture (ORG) and conventional agriculture (CON-LC) in La Cage experiment, and to organic wastes products (OWPs) applications in QualiAgro experiment, including biowaste composts (BIOW), residual municipal solid waste composts (MSW), farmyard manure (FYM) and conventional agriculture without organic inputs (CON-QA). The incubations provided information on the additional carbon stability in the short term (i.e., MRT <2 years) and showed that the additional soil organic C mineralized faster than the baseline C at La Cage but slower at QualiAgro. In OWPs-treated plots at QualiAgro, 60–66 % of the additional carbon was stored as mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM-C), and 34–40 % as particulate organic matter (POM-C). In CA and ORG systems at La Cage, 77–84 % of the additional carbon was stored in MAOM-C, versus 16–23 % as POM-C. Management practices hence influenced the distribution of additional carbon in physical fractions. Utilizing the PARTYSOC model with Rock-Eval® thermal analysis parameters, we found that most, if not all, of the additional carbon belonged to the active carbon pool (MRT ~ 30–40 years). In summary, our comprehensive multi-methods evaluation indicates that the additional soil organic carbon is less stable over decadal and pluri-decadal time-scales compared to soil carbon under baseline practices. Our results show that particle size and density fractions can be heterogenous in their biogeochemical stability. On the one hand, while additional carbon was mainly associated with MAOM, we suggest that it has a mean residence time exceeding ~30 years, rather than of ≈ 50 years. On the other hand agroecological practices with equivalent additional carbon stocks (MSW, FYM vs CA) exhibited a higher proportion of additional carbon in POM-C under MSW (40 %) and FYM (34 %) compared to CA (16 %), which suggests a high chemical recalcitrance of POM-C under OWPs management relative to CA. Additional soil organic carbon deriving from organic wastes, i.e., biomass that has been partially decomposed and transformed through its processing prior to its incorporation in soil, would be more biogeochemically stable in soil than that deriving directly from plant biomass. The apparent contradictions observed between method can be explained by the fact that they address different kinetic pools of organic C. Care must be taken to specify which range of residence times is considered when using any method intending to evaluate the biogeochemical stability of soil organic matter, as well as when using the terms stable or labile. In conclusion, the contrasting biogeochemical stabilities observed in the different management options highlight the need to maintain agroecological practices to keep these carbon stocks at a high level over time, given that the additional carbon is stable on a pluri-decadal scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive cropping is considered to contribute to negative effects both on soil physiochemical properties and on long‐term grain yield, which can be alleviated by appropriate crop rotations. The soil microbial community can vary with different crop rotations, which in turn affect soil quality and grain yield. Therefore, it is of great significance to elucidate the response of the soil microbial community to crop rotation. In this study, the structural and functional changes of microbial community in different crop rotations were analyzed using high‐throughput sequencing and metagenomics analysis in a field experiment. The continuous winter wheat‐summer maize cropping system was the control, and three crop rotations were established in October 2016 as follows: (1) spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize, (2) winter wheat‐summer peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize and (3) spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize. Soil samples were collected in September 2021 for soil microbial assessment. The results showed that the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota in the soil of spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize was significantly higher (15.2%) than that in the control. The relative abundance of Ascomycota was significantly higher (19.8%–23.2%) in the soil following crop rotation compared with the control. Compared with the control, spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize enriched energy metabolism genes, and spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize reduced the genes related to plant–pathogen interaction. Compared with the control, crop rotation significantly decreased the relative abundance of the inorganic phosphorus solubilization gene (gcd) and the phosphorus transport gene (upgE) and increased the abundance of organic phosphorus mineralization genes (phoA and phyA). Based on these results, we concluded that the composition of the soil microbial community and functional genes can be altered by crop rotation, and spring peanut→winter wheat‐summer maize and spring sweet potato→winter wheat‐summer maize had more significant effects. This study provided a reference for the selection of crop rotations in the North China Plain based on the soil microbial community and its function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Strategies to enhance the efficient use of irrigation water require a major shift in irrigation and cropping systems. It was hypothesized that (i) replacing water‐demanding crops such as corn silage with more drought‐tolerant forages species, (ii) adoption of intercropping instead of monoculture, and (iii) use of alternative irrigation methods, may alleviate the water shortage in semi‐arid regions, while producing high‐quality forage. RESULTS: Adoption of drip irrigation (DRIP) and alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) reduced water consumption by 43% and 20%, respectively. Additionally, DRIP produced 11% more biomass than the conventional furrow irrigation. The intercropped ratio of 50% sorghum and 50% amaranth under DRIP maximized forage production and improved irrigation water‐use efficiency (IWUE). Principal component analysis indicated that the DRIP increased the dry matter yield and IWUE, whereas the AFI improved the forage quality. The intercropped ratio of 75% sorghum and 25% amaranth demonstrated the highest yield stability and was considered superior cropping system regardless of the irrigation strategies. CONCLUSIONS: DRIP and AFI strategies were effective in reducing water consumption, with DRIP being the most water‐efficient method. Intercropping sorghum and amaranth at a ratio of 50:50 under DRIP resulted in the highest forage yield and IWUE. While sole amaranth had the highest forage quality, intercropping sorghum and amaranth increased dry matter production with better forage quality than sorghum monoculture. Overall, the combination of DRIP and intercropping sorghum and amaranth at a ratio of 50:50 considered as a suitable strategy for improving forage yield and quality, as well as IWUE. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and its complex interactions with crops and cropping systems present challenges to agricultural production. Resilient systems that provide food security for a burgeoning population, built by improving crops and developing new alternative cropping systems, are needed to cope with the myriad impacts climate change has on agriculture. Relay cropping is a systems strategy to sustainably intensify crop production and provide environmental benefits. Relay cropping involves interseeding one plant species into an established crop, creating a temporary spatial‐temporal overlap of the two crops. This system keeps living plant cover on the agricultural landscape most of the year, which has implications for adapting to and even mitigating climate change impacts. As global warming progresses, land area suitable for relay cropping or producing more than one crop per year will likely expand to more northerly latitudes. The following review specifically focuses on relay cropping, giving examples of how it can potentially improve agricultural system resilience and adaptability to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing potential limitations. More research is needed to improve crop genetics, crop combinations, and management practices best suited for relay cropping to further develop systems that can adapt to changing weed and insect dynamics as well as improve nitrogen and water use under current and future predictions of climate change. Core Ideas: Relay cropping enables intensified production on arable land.Relay cropping increases resource use by extending living plant occurrence on the agricultural landscape.Relay crop biodiversity benefits integrated pest management against increasing agricultural pest pressure in response to climate change.Relay cropping can potentially reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional double cropping system of winter wheat and summer maize (WW-SUM) in the North China Plain (NCP) consumes a large amount of water and chemical fertilizer, threatening the sustainable development of agriculture in this region. This study was based on a three-year field experiment of different cropping systems (2H1Y—two harvests in one year; 3H2Y—three harvests in two years; and 1H1Y—one harvest in one year). The 2H1Y system had three irrigation–fertilization practices (FP—farmer's practice; RI—reduced input; and WQ—Wuqiao pattern in Wuqiao County, Hebei Province). A soil–crop system model (WHCNS—soil water heat carbon nitrogen simulator) was used to quantify the effects of different cropping systems on water and nitrogen use efficiencies (WUE and NUE, respectively), and to explore the trade-offs between crop yields and environmental impacts. The results showed that annual yield, water consumption, and the WUE of 2H1Y were higher than those of the 3H2Y and 1H1Y systems. However, local precipitation during the period of crop growth could only meet 65%, 76%, and 91% of total water consumption for the 2H1Y, 3H2Y and 1H1Y systems, respectively. Nearly 65% of irrigation water (groundwater) was used in the period of wheat growth that contributed to almost 40% of the annual yield. Among the three patterns of the 2H1Y system, the order of the WUE was 2H1Y_RI > 2H1Y_WQ > 2H1Y_FP. Compared to 2H1Y_FP, the total fertilizer N application rates in 2H1Y_WQ, 2H1Y_RI, and 3H2Y were reduced by 25%, 65%, and 74%, respectively. The 3H2Y system had the highest NUE of 34.3 kg kg−1, 54% greater than the 2H1Y_FP system (22.2 kg kg−1). Moreover, the 3H2Y system obviously reduced nitrate leaching and gaseous N loss when compared with the other two systems. The order of total N loss of different cropping systems was 2H1Y (261 kg N ha−1) > 1H1Y (78 kg N ha−1) > 3H2Y (70 kg N ha−1). Considering the agronomic and environmental effects as well as economic benefits, the 3H2Y cropping system with optimal irrigation and fertilization would be a promising cropping system in the NCP that could achieve the balance between crop yield and the sustainable use of groundwater and N fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the sustainability of the rice-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic Plains is facing many problems in various fronts viz., agricultural, ecological, environmental and economical. Therefore, to ensure long-term sustainability, the rice-wheat cropping system needs to be diversified. The present study was conducted to identify an alternative cropping system for Indo-Gangetic Plains region of India by diversifying and intensifying the current rice-wheat cropping system. Ten treatments (rice-wheat = control, rice-wheat-green gram, rice-potato-green gram, rice-wheat-cowpea fodder, rice-potato-cowpea fodder, rice-berseem fodder-maize fodder, rice-berseem fodder-cowpea fodder, rice-mustard-sudan grass fodder, rice-mustard-cowpea fodder and rice-cabbage-cowpea fodder) were compared consecutively two years in randomized block design with three replications. Diversification of rice-wheat cropping system with rice-potato-green gram resulted in increase in system productivity (142.35%), gross returns (99.57%), net returns (130.34%), profitability (130.96%), relative production efficiency (142.53%), relative economic efficiency (130.79%) and labour employment (55.73%). The inclusion of legume crops in cropping sequences was found better in improving the soil quality parameters. Our results revealed the significance of diversification and intensification of rice-wheat cropping system under irrigated ecosystem of IGP as it enhanced system productivity, profitability and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cotton production is labour intensive in almost all the developing countries where it is picked by hand. However, due to acute labour shortage in recent times, mechanized harvesting is gaining momentum. Mechanized harvesting requires the application of defoliants, which reduces the cost of labour used for picking cotton and maximum cotton can be picked in a single pick (one picking) and providing timely sowing of next crop. So, farmers can get benefit of two crops instead of one single long duration cotton crop. Researchers have conducted various studies on defoliation in cotton using different chemicals and different defoliation methods. However, in India their usage could not be exploited much due to their limited availability. Methods: A field experiment entitled "Studies on defoliants in high density planting cotton-greengram sequence" was conducted during 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 on clay soils at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. Crop diversification of cotton with pulses (Greengram) is an alternative cropping system for monocropping of cotton to get higher returns and high land use efficiency. Result: Total cotton equivalent yield was highest with dropp ultra @ 250 ml ha-1 (D1) which was on par with Etherel @ 3000 ppm (D3) in 2018 and in pooled data. 80% boll opening recorded maximum total cotton equivalent yield, which was on par with node above cracked boll. Land use efficiency and production use efficiency were highest in late sown (80% boll opening) plots. The highest net returns and returns per rupee investment were noticed with application of defoliant dropp ultra @ 250 ml ha-1 (D1) and at 80% boll opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was found that the different cultivars responded differently under the different intercropping combinations, indicating that there are cultivars that show higher grain yield in mixtures. Despite the fact that intercropping is an old practice, farmers are using cultivars that were bred under monoculture and there are no cultivars that have been evaluated under intercropping systems. Therefore, the use of appropriate cultivars has not received particular attention so that the intercropping productivity can be increased with proper use of cultivars that are better adapted to intercropping conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The adoption of crop diversification in response to climate change in perennial cropping systems is poorly understood. This study identifies the current level of diversification, determinants of and constraints to adopting crop diversification in tea plantations in Sri Lanka as an example of a perennial crop in a developing country context. We use a Panel Tobit model to analyse the driving forces of crop diversification using 2004–2018 data collected from 49 tea estates. In addition, tea estates' managers were interviewed to investigate barriers to adopting crop diversification. The study reveals that geo-climatic conditions, magnitude of increase in temperature, and higher revenue variability are the specific factors influencing managers' probability of adopting crop diversification. Constraints to crop diversification include technological lock-in hindering alternative crops and worker shortages, financial difficulties, lack of productive lands suitable for alternative crops, ineffective Government land-use policies and regional weather patterns such as prolonged rainfall and heavy winds. Identified barriers provide important insights into how to assist plantations to adopt crop diversification. We propose three policy recommendations to enhance tea estate managers' adaptive capacity to various environmental and social changes through crop diversification. These are: (1) enable managers to acquire the technical know-how on cultivating alternative crops by conducting practical training programmes connecting with the Department of Agriculture or Agriculture Faculties of regional Universities.; (2) increase awareness of less labor-intensive crops for diversification along with strategies for mechanisation via programmes integrated with the Ministry of Plantation Agriculture and the Agriculture Modernization Project of the Department of Agriculture; and (3) enact a national policy to mandate crop diversification in marginal tea lands with financial assistance from the Government. [Display omitted] • Climate change adaptation in perennial cropping systems is rarely studied. • The study quantifies the extent of crop diversification and identifies its determinants and constraints. • Crop diversification in tea plantations is determined by temperature and elevation. • Financial constraints and managers' technical incompetency on alternative crops limit the adoption of crop diversification. • National policy is required for popularizing crop diversification in tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cultivation of rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India is showing declining factor productivity coupled with many environmental problems. Diversifying the RWCS is one of the environmental friendly options for sustaining food production. Four crop rotations involving maize and sorghum in summer, wheat/potato/mustard in winter followed by short duration mung bean in late spring were studied to identify the most productive and economic combination from 2017 to 2020. Ranking of treatments by Tukey's test of significance indicated that the maize-potato-wheat (16.49 t ha−1 year−1) combination was best in terms of system productivity calculated in terms of wheat equivalent yield (WEY). Maize-wheat-mung bean crop sequence was most profitable by having higher land use efficiency (LUE = 87.67%) and net return (NR = 1577.1 $ ha−1). The gross margin comparison revealed that maize-based crop sequences earned higher gross returns (23.17%), net return (93.66%), and B:C ratio (23.7%) than sorghum-based crop sequences. Soil health parameters were improved under the maize-mustard-mung bean system, which increased the organic carbon content by 28.65%, available N by 34.91% with saving of 47.67% in irrigation water. Adoption of alternate cropping sequences instead of rice–wheat, in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India, could be more sustainable, profitable, and environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The field experiments were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Hukkeri, Belagavi, Karnataka, India during 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study the system productivity and resource use efficiency of alternative cropping systems for sugarcane. There were 11 treatments involving different cropping systems viz., soybean-sorghum-ridge gourd, pigeon pea±green gram (1:1)-beans, pigeon pea±soybean (1:1)-cowpea, soybean-wheat-groundnut, groundnut-sorghum-sesame, maize-cabbage-fallow, soybean-wheat-green gram, maize-wheat-sesame, Bt cotton-groundnut, sugarcane±onion (1:2) and sugarcane (sole) replicated thrice and laid out in randomized complete block design. Among the cropping systems, maize-cabbage-fallow system recorded significantly higher total system productivity (58,234 kg ha-1), water use efficiency (199.67 kg ha-1-mm) and energy use efficiency (129.91 MJ ha-1) compared to rest of the cropping systems. However, sugarcane (sole) recorded (1,11,008 kg ha-1, 68.64 kg ha-1-mm and 16.58 MJ ha-1, respectively). Based on alternative cropping systems involving only field crops, maize-wheat-sesame (9633 kg ha-1, 30.65 kg ha-1-mm and 132.20 MJ ha-1, respectively), soybean-wheat-groundnut (7602 kg ha-1, 27.40 kg ha-1-mm and 32.35 MJ ha-1, respectively), soybean-wheat-green gram (6424 kg ha-1, 23.05 kg ha-1-mm and 31.91 MJ ha-1, respectively) and Bt cottongroundnut (4503 kg ha-1, 17.97 kg ha-1-mm and 16.95 MJ ha-1, respectively) were significantly higher. By adopting the alternative cropping systems, there was water saving of approximately 45% compared to sugarcane monocropping and sugarcane±onion (1:2) intercropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low productivity, yield stagnation, and reduction of water use, altogether with increased susceptibility to climate variability represent a challenge for agricultural producers in the United States (US) central Great Plains. In this context, a more holistic assessment of the cropping systems should be considered as a critical aspect for developing more sustainable rainfed agricultural systems in this region. The objectives of this study were to: i) quantify the fallow precipitation storage efficiency for a continuous winter wheat rotation (traditional rotation), ii) analyze and compare glucose-equivalent yields and economic results for different cropping sequences, and iii) determine efficiency components of the rotation for components such as precipitation use efficiency (PUE) and nitrogen (N) partial factor productivity (PFP N) for different cropping sequences and N management. A three-year field experiment (2019–2022) was conducted near Manhattan, Kansas (US), under rainfed conditions. Treatments included eleven crop rotations, combining forage and grain purpose crops, and two N management, standard and progressive. An economic analysis based on the yield data combined with historical budgets was developed to compare income, expenses, and economic margins of different cropping systems. No-till summer fallow represented low (<20%) precipitation storage efficiency in the continuous winter wheat cropping system. In terms of cumulative dry matter and glucose-equivalent yields, greater overall productivity was feasible for more intensified systems and when forage crops were included in the crop sequence (e.g., ∼15 vs. ∼30 Mg glucose equivalent (GE) ha−1, for wheat monoculture and forage purpose only rotations, respectively). However, cropping sequences with high frequency of forages had negative economic margins (US$ -1113 to US$ -626 ha−1), while winter wheat combined with grain double crop rotation attained the highest positive economic returns (US$ 571 ha−1). Finally, progressive N-management increased PFP N relative to the standard management (63.5 vs. 54.2 kg GE kg N−1, respectively) while maintaining PUE for several intensified crop rotations. Expanding the adoption of more intensified and diversified cropping systems could increase resource capture and use efficiency and productivity in the dominant continuous winter wheat systems in the US central Great Plains. [Display omitted] • No-till summer fallow had low (<20%) precipitation storage efficiency. • Including annual and perennial forages increased the productivity of crop rotations. • Double cropping after winter wheat resulted in the highest net income. • Intensive nitrogen fertilizer management increased nutrient partial factor productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cereal-based cropping systems under arid and semiarid climates have typically low soil organic matter and fertility, and natural fallowing during summer gap could have negative effects on soil quality and health. We tested an alternative approach of using biochar and leguminous cover crops to replace natural summer fallowing of about 75 days in the wheat-maize-wheat cropping systems with a view of studying the effects on legume productivity, soil organic carbon (C), and soil nutrients over the 2-year experiments. Materials and methods: The two-factor completely randomized block experimental design consisted of biochar, developed from acacia tree biowaste and applied at 0, 5, and 10 t ha−1 rate, and leguminous cover crops (cowpea, mungbean, and sesbania) with natural fallow were used to test soil fertility and crop productivity. Treatments were laid out following completely randomized block design and each treatment had three replicates leading to 36 experimental plots in total. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to find the relationships between plant and soil variables. Regression analysis was performed to study correlations of total organic C with soil available N, P, and K contents. Results and discussion: Results from the 2-year experiment indicated that plant height, pods plant−1, grains pod−1, 1000-grain weight, fresh and dry biomass, and grain yield were higher at 10 t ha−1 biochar rate; however, the nodule density plant−1 of cowpea and sesbania was the highest at 5 t ha−1 biochar. Integrating legumes with biochar further conserved and improved soil C which significantly positively correlated with soil fertility indicators. Despite linear positive changes in soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) with biochar rate, increase was minor and was never significant. We observed significant positive relationships of biochar rate with soil organic C contents and soil N and K contents whereas soil P contents were higher at 5 t ha−1 biochar rate. However, not always significant difference between 5 and 10 t ha−1 biochar rates for legume and soil productivity suggested flexibility of choosing the biochar application rate. Conclusions: Our study emphasized that adopting integrative biochar-leguminous cover crop fallowing to replace natural summer fallowing could yield beneficial effects in terms of conserving soil organic carbon, sustaining soil fertility, and improving soil quality. In addition to positive supplementary effects on the succeeding crops, this approach also allows at utilizing and recycling on-farm biowaste more efficiently and environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The lack of approaches to consider the economic-life cycle environmental performance of cropping systems at experimental stage and the absence of evaluations regarding alternative mango systems are issues addressed in this paper. In this study, an approach for assessing the environmental-economic performance of alternative crop systems, at the experimental stage, is proposed and applied to the mango experiment in Brazil. This approach may be used in other assessments of cropping systems at experimental stage. Methods: The proposed approach encompasses three consecutive evaluations: agronomic and environmental-economic. Initially, the agronomic evaluation statistically compares the yield of alternative cropping systems (treatments in the experiment). Next, a treatment is selected among those with significant better yield and compared to the treatment representing the conventional system, considering environmental and economic criteria. The environmental criteria are the carbon and water footprints of the selected treatments, according to ISO 14067 and 14,046, while the economic is profitability (revenue minus costs with labor and inputs). This approach was applied to evaluate an 8-year mango experiment in the Sao Francisco Valley, Brazil, which intercropped mango trees with two types of plant mixtures (cover crops with different plant mixes), applying two soil management systems (tillage and no-tillage). Results and discussion: The agronomic assessment that statistically compared yields showed that four treatments (T1, T2, T4, and T5) obtained higher yields than those representing the conventional system (T3 and T6). Treatment T4 was selected among the ones with higher yields, and compared with T6 (conventional system), considering the economic and environmental criteria. The economic analysis showed that in 30 years (expected orchard life time), T4 generates a profit that is 44% higher than T6. Regarding the environmental analysis, T4 presents a 16% lower carbon footprint and from 16 to 435% lower water footprint than T6, according to the impact category considered. The scenario where land use changed from an annual crop (melon) to mango orchard further reduced both carbon and water footprints of mangoes produced in T4. Conclusions: The application of the proposed approach to the mango experiment resulted in the reduction of time and data requirements when evaluating the economic-environmental performance of mango alternative cropping systems, allowing the selection of best performing treatment. The assessment of economic-environmental performance showed that treatments with plant mixtures used as cover crops between lines of mango trees, independently of the type of mix used or the soil management applied, enhance the overall performance of mango production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella sativa L. is considered to be an alternative crop offering innovative and high-quality products. A case study was implemented on an existing farm to determine the prospects of N. sativa production in Greece and to assess the economic outcomes of the cultivation of this crop under organic and conventional cropping systems. The total production cost of organic N. sativa seeds was 6.09 €/kg, while the cost of conventional seeds was 4.77 €/ kg. The organic and conventional N. sativa seed selling prices were 17.04 and 12.01 €/kg, respectively. Moreover, the financial performance of farm is better after the introduction of N. sativa crop under organic cropping system, where the net profit increased by 63.8% compared to the initial profit of the farm, while the increase in the conventional was less at 49.2%. N. sativa constitutes an alternative crop for enhancing farmer incomes, especially under organic cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China relies heavily on the winter wheat-summer maize rotation for grain production. However, this cropping system faces challenges regarding its sustainability due to significant environmental costs. This study aims to evaluate the nitrogen footprint of different cropping systems, compare their economic benefits, and identify alternative summer crops that can optimize system yield, economic advantages, and environmental impact. A three-year field experiment was conducted to compare the economic and environmental impacts of three cropping systems: winter wheat-summer maize (W-M), winter wheat-summer soybean (W-S), and winter wheat-sweet potato (W-SP). The experiment involved assessing yield, inputs, and outputs, and conducting a comprehensive nitrogen footprint analysis for each system. Over the three experimental years, the W-S system showed the highest yield improvement for winter wheat. The W-SP system had the highest annual maize equivalent yield and total income but incurred the highest total annual cost compared to the other two systems. However, the W-SP system demonstrated the highest annual average economic profit performance, nearly double that of the other two systems. The nitrogen footprint analysis revealed that both the W-S and W-SP systems reduced reactive nitrogen emissions compared to the W-M system. Notably, the W-S system managed to reduce the nitrogen footprint by 34%. The average nitrogen footprint emissions scores for W-M, W-S, and W-SP systems were 2.1, 2.3, and 3.5, respectively. Among the three systems, the W-SP system achieved the highest economic benefits but also had the greatest negative environmental impact. The W-S system demonstrated a significant reduction in reactive nitrogen loss while maintaining productivity, indicating its potential for mitigating negative environmental impacts. Our three-year field study highlights the advantages of the W-S system in reducing the nitrogen footprint and its potential contribution to sustainable agricultural development in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen footprints (NF) in different cropping systems were evaluated. • Shifting summer maize to soybean obtained higher yields and economic benefits. • Introducing sweet potato got the highest income but paid environmental cost most. • The soybean-based system could maintain system yield and reduce NF by 34.06%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and frequent floods, pose significant challenges to agricultural systems, particularly in low-lying countries like Bangladesh. To address these challenges, floating agriculture systems have emerged as a climate-resilient alternative for crop cultivation. Floating agriculture is a traditional agricultural system where aquatic free-floating macrophytes are used as the medium for the growth of plants. This cultivation system is traditionally used for seedling development in the south and south-western regions (Barishal, Pirojpur, and Gopalganj) of Bangladesh. However, very little scientific attention has been given to using macrophytes in crop production and preparing floating beds. Therefore, the present investigation has been carried out to select suitable macrophytes for preparing a floating bed by assaying the condition of the floating bed and the morphological and yield-related factors of cultivated crops during the Robi season in 2021. Five different macrophytes, namely, Salvinia molesta, Pistia stratiotes, Lemna minor, Salvinia cucullate, and Azolla pinnata , have been used as mulching material, which has been conducted in a Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD). The plant material BARI tomato-14 has been transplanted on the floating beds to assess the effect of macrophytes on crop production. The results of the present investigation reveal that different macrophytes have distinct effects on tomato plants' growth and yield-related parameters in floating agriculture systems. Salvinia cucullata shows a better response in the stability of the floating bed, whereas Salvinia molesta exhibits better responses as mulching material on yield-related parameters of cultivated crops. • Floating agriculture is an alternative cropping system for waterlogged condition. • Macrophytes used in floating bed preparation have differential effect on tomato growth. • Salvinia molesta possess better response on tomato growth rather than other mulching materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive cropping and elevated input use to achieve high crop yields have resulted in the injudicious use of resources and a consequent reduction in profit margins for farmers in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) region of South Asia. In this region rice-wheat (RW) under conventional tillage (CT) management is the most widely cultivated cropping system. While conservation agriculture (CA)-based management practices have been demonstrated to improve cropping system performance, they are considered by many farmers to be risky, and adoption of CA in rice-based cropping systems is low. There has been little agronomic research into alternative cropping systems to develop diversification options appropriate for the EGP. We hypothesized that shifting from a conventional RW system to crop establishment practices which incorporate CA principles, combined with alternative crops could improve the whole cropping system in terms of productivity, profitability, and nutritional security (as crop protein). A long-term experiment evaluated the performance of five maize-based cropping systems under CA-based management relative to CT RW. CA-based practices improved the maize equivalent yield (MEY) by 4–15%, protein yield by 21%, input water productivity by 14–29% and the sustainable yield index by 10–11%, relative to the CT RW baseline. Cropping system labour requirements under CT were 12% higher than those under CA. The average cost of production under CT (USD $933) was 13–14% higher than in systems under CA; cropping systems under CA achieved net returns which were 31–34% higher. Diversifying from the traditional RW system to maize-based systems improved performance in all systems except maize-mustard. These results demonstrate that while cropping system performance can be improved by applying CA-based management in RW systems, diversifying to maize-based systems in combination with CA may sustainably improve smallholder productivity and profitability while reducing some of the constraints to introducing CA in rice-based systems. These findings are important for the millions of smallholder farmers across the EGP to sustainably improve food and nutrition security for South Asia. [Display omitted] • Traditional CT RW is inefficient and resource intensive in the EGP region of South Asia. • A long-term experiment evaluated CA at CT for 6 cropping systems in the EGP. • Maize-based cropping systems improved productivity, profitability and water-use efficiency relative to CT RW. • Maize-based cropping systems under CA improved cropping system protein yield relative to CT RW. • Maize-based cropping systems under CA were more profitable than CT RW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the quantity and timing of labour to fulfill the goals of different cropping systems or crop rotations is critical, but poorly quantified and understood in many agricultural systems, including the grain-growing regions of eastern Australia. Yet, labour supply and demands are important considerations for farmers and can significantly influence their agronomic management and decisions to adopt modified crop rotation systems. Here, we investigated the extent to which crop rotation systems, that differed in their intensity (i.e. the proportion of time when crops were growing), and diversity (i.e. the range of crops grown) influence labour requirements and labour productivity. We used the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to simulate a set of different crop rotations and combined the output with farmer survey data and expert knowledge derived from farm advisers to compute the labour inputs for key crop operations (i.e. sowing, spraying, harvesting). This information was used to calculate the labour required and the timing of this demand for each cropping system. We showed that as the cropping intensity increases the labour demand also increases, and vice versa. However, only small differences in labour demands were identified between systems with differing crop diversity (i.e. range of crops grown). Thus, when it comes to labour demands, crop diversity is less critical than cropping intensity. Labour demand was highly seasonal, with peaks around the intense operations of sowing and harvesting. These peak demands constrained the area that could be managed by a unit of labour, particularly as the cropping intensity increased. Further, this analysis highlights that the most profitable systems may not necessarily be the most efficient in terms of labour productivity (i.e. return per unit of labour). This analysis shows that when labour is limiting, labour demands and especially peak periods may contribute to a farmer's choice of cropping systems, adding to other critical factors like risk aversion and profit maximisation. The analysis contributes to the literature on the role of labour in the context of influencing the implementation and adoption of what are seemingly more productive or profitable farming systems. In particular, the results demonstrate how labour as a critical farm resource (i.e. its quantity, seasonality and timing, and productivity) can influence the design of crop rotations. [Display omitted] • Many cropping systems in Australia are being modified by altering their intensities and crop diversity, but their labour demands are unknown. • Crop rotations with distinct intensity and diversity are simulated in APSIM to estimate their labour demands, seasonality, and economic returns. • Altering cropping intensity had stronger influence on labour demands and returns than changing the crop diversity in the rotation. • Labour demands between rotations is not substantial to influence a farmers decision on adopting alternative or modified cropping sequences. • Findings contribute to the growing discussion on the role of labour for the design and potential feasibility of innovative cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional oilseed crops, such as linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), may represent valuable alternative crops in cropping systems dominated by cereals, due to their adaptability to poor soils and to their high economic value related to the interesting quality of the oil, which is being increasingly appreciated by consumers and industry. The aim of this study was to test the adaptability of linseed to the inland marginal areas of Tuscany, and to explore the levels of crop yield and oil quality which can be achieved in hilly and lowland environments. For three years (2011-2014), experimental open fields (1-5 ha each) were established and monitored in six commercial farms located in the inland countryside of Pisa province, Tuscany, Central Italy. The effect of environment (hilly and plain areas) was assessed in terms of yield and yield components as well as oil content and composition. Interestingly, seed yield and biomass production were very stable over years in the two areas of cultivation, irrespectively of yearly differences in weather conditions. As expected, higher yields were obtained in plain than in hilly areas. Regarding oil composition, oil extracted from linseed grown in plain environments was richer in linolenic acid, while, oppositely, both oleic and linoleic acids were more abundant in oil from hilly areas. Definitively, our results demonstrated that linseed might be a valuable alternative to cereal crops for marginal lands of Tuscany and, more in general, of Central Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid decline in groundwater table due to excessive withdrawal of water for irrigation has been posing a serious threat to sustainable agricultural production in hot arid region of India. Alternative cropping systems having low irrigation requirement have been proposed to resolve unsustainable groundwater use but trade-off with other dimensions such as yield, profitability, and environmental impacts is not well-documented. An integrated analysis of amount of groundwater use, productivity, profitability, resource-use efficiency (RUE), and environmental impacts of three cluster bean-based cropping systems [conventional cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) (CB–W), and two alternative cropping systems, namely cluster bean-Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) (CB–IM) and cluster bean–blond psyllium (Plantago ovata) (CB–BP)] under different soil management practices [two tillage types, i.e., conventional (CT), and deep tillage (DT); and three farmyard manure (FYM) application rates, i.e., 0, 5, 10 Mg ha-1] was carried out. Based on a three-year field experiment, compared to conventional CB–W, alternative cropping systems produced 28.6–47.4 % lower seed yield, but enhanced economic returns (7.6–31.1 %), while reduced amount of irrigation (− 27.9 to − 37.2 %), energy (− 22.4 to − 37.0 %), and nutrient (− 17.4 to − 46.1 %) used, global warming potential (− 20.2 to − 45.9 %) and greenhouse gas intensity (− 27.3 to − 57.7 %). Alternative cropping systems saved 1.87–2.50 × 103 m3 per year per hectare of groundwater than conventional cropping systems. Soil management practices influenced agro-economic and environmental dimensions of cropping systems. Deep tillage (DT) enhanced yield (14.0 %), economic profit (18.8 %), RUE (13.2 %, 13.8 % and 8.5 % for nutrient, water and energy use efficiency, respectively). Addition of FYM increased yield (up to 23.0 %), economic net return (up to 21.8 %), RUE (up to 22.7 %, 16.5 %, 91.0 % in water, energy and nutrient use efficiency), and reduced global warming potential (up to − 7.9 %). The CB-BP cropping system with DT and FYM addition offered the best balance of yield, profit, saving of irrigation water, energy and nutrient, while minimizing GWP. This study provides empirical evidence of the opportunities for alternative cropping systems which balance the multiple objectives of sustainable groundwater use, farmer profitability and environmental sustainability for arid region of India. The results have direct implications for sustainable utilization of underground water for similar regions of the world facing water shortage. [Display omitted] • Excessive abstraction of groundwater for irrigation has been posing threat for agriculture. • Analyzed agro-economic and environmental performances of alternative cropping systems. • Alternative cropping systems saved water, enhanced profit and reduced environmental impact. • Deep tillage and FYM application enhanced profitability and resource use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chickpea is a major legume crop of Pakistan cultivated under rice-chickpea cropping system. Integrated nutrient management is important for higher crop yields and sustainable agriculture. A field experiment was conducted to study the residual effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of chickpea crop. The treatments included control (no organic or inorganic fertilizer), NPK (36-72-0 kg ha-1), NPK (36-72-20 kg ha-1), Farmyard Manure (20 t ha-1), Poultry Manure (20 t ha-1), NPK (18-36-10 kg ha-1) + FYM (20 t ha-1), NPK (18-36-10 kg ha-1) + P.M (20 t ha-1), NPK (36-72-20 kg ha-1) + FYM (20 t ha-1), NPK (36-72-20 kg ha-1) + P.M (20 t ha-1), NPK (18-36-10 kg ha-1) + FYM (10 t ha-1), and NPK (18-36-10 kg ha-1) + P.M (10 t ha-1). All the relevant agronomic observations and chemical analysis of the soil and plant samples were recorded. The application of organic sources of farmyard manure and poultry manure in combination with inorganic NPK fertilizers had shown positive effect on chickpea plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1 and seed index. The growth and yield of chickpea significantly increased with the collective application of chemical fertilizers and organic manures. It is concluded that the application of half of recommended dose of NKP (18-36-10 kg ha-1) in combination with poultry manure or farmyard manure at the rate of 20 t ha-1 was found best combination for higher chickpea crop yields in compare to other levels of fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco also known as cigarette tobacco is a commercial crop grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Maharashtra states in India. Tobacco is considered a de-merit good because of its adverse effects on the health of the consumers and there is growing concern to replace tobacco with suitable alternative crops and livelihoods in tobacco growing regions. The main purpose of undertaking this study is to make a situation analysis of the tobacco growing region with respect to cropping pattern, background of farmers growing different crops, their perceptions on tobacco cultivation, institutional benefits available for growing tobacco and, to identify economically viable alternate crops for FCV tobacco if any and examine the factors governing their adoption. The review of literature and this study suggest that farmers are interested or willing to shift from tobacco. But, this willingness is conditional or is responsive to fulfillment of demands. Although there are alternatives that are being tried out, they are backed by huge investment in infrastructure. Studies in Tanzania, Bangladesh and India reveal that institutional support is the main factor inducing continuation of tobacco cultivation. Based on the net returns per unit of cultivation, this study indicates the possibilities of promoting ginger, chilly, sugarcane and plantation crops as alternatives to tobacco. In the case of alternative livelihoods, we could not find any instances of other remunerative livelihoods taken up by tobacco growers and non tobacco growers on large scale from the sample covered in this study. The earnings from livestock rearing, which is one of the subsidiary occupations reported by farmers is at subsistence level and cannot be compared with earnings from tobacco cultivation. As observed from the field and noted from secondary sources, FCV tobacco crop in India is like a pampered child. Its cultivation is profitable because of the domestic and international demand and institutional support extended towards its cultivation. In this background the cultivation of other crops cannot be left to the providence of natural factors. Shifting from tobacco may be possible only if similar treatment on par with tobacco is given to selected alternative crops expected to get comparable returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Missouri as well as much of the Midwest, the most popular double-cropping system was winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) followed by soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr). These two crops can also be used in an intercrop system, but optimal row spacing was important to increase crop productivity. Research was conducted to evaluate (1) winter wheat inter- and double-crop production systems, using a variety of alternative crops, and (2) the impact of different wheat row spacings on intercrop establishment and yields within the various cropping systems. Field research was conducted during droughts in 2012 and 2013. Spacing of wheat rows impacted wheat yields by 150 kg ha−1, as well as yields of the alternative crops. Narrower row spacings (150 kg ha−1) and the double-crop system (575 kg ha−1) increased yield due to the lack of interference for resources with wheat in 2013. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values determining productivity of intercrop systems of 19 and 38 cm row showed an advantage for alternative crops in 2013, but not 2012. This signified that farmers in Northeast Missouri could potentially boost yield potential for a given field and produce additional forage or green manure yields in a year with less severe drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corn (Zeamays Linneo) and bean (Phaseolusvulgaris Linneo) are the economic basis to meet the basic needs of rural families, but these crops are no longer economically viable for various reasons and jeopardize the family livelihood and productive alternatives are needed to improve the rural economy. The research was conducted during the spring-summer cycle from 1999 to 2000 in Villaflores, Chiapas, in order to evaluate the response of polyculturejamaica-bean-corn three fertilization treatments ( 00-00-00, 60-60-60 and 120-60-60 ). The experimental design was random blocks with three fertilization treatments, seven patterns of crops, and three replications and performance in the three plant species and vegetative variables were evaluated. With the data an ANOVA was performed and the treatment means were compared with the test of Tukey (p ≤ 0.05). The best vegetative response of the jamaica was to associate it with beans and corn with 60-60 fertilization treatment - 60, getting as much of: foliage (170 hojasplanta-1), branches (31 ramasplanta-1), acorns (54 bellotasplanta-1) and increased performance of dried calyxes (698 kgha-1).The beans associated with maize without fertilizations showed increase in foliage (62 hojasplanta-1) and in monoculture with fertilization 60-60 - 60 had the best performance (1,565 kgha-1)of beans. Corn had the best vegetative response (18 hojasplanta-1) associated with beans and fertilization 120 - 60-60, and the best performance was when teamed with the beans and the jamaica (7,667 kgha-1). The best equivalent land-use was 3.31 in jamaica-bean-corn crop pattern. The analysis of the results indicates that the jamaica by associating it with corn and beans represents a biological and economic production alternative to improve the economy of rural families in Mexican soils which are acidified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable production of wheat is a major consideration in terms of meeting demands for food security in vast dryland regions in Iran affected by specific environmental conditions. Effects on production from adverse environmental conditions can be minimized using stable yield cultivars under optimum management practices to stabilize wheat production in subtropical dryland regions of over than 1.2 million hectares in Iran. During the last two decades, much research has been done by the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute (DARI), this has been effective in maintaining and improving wheat yield, but there are still large gaps between experimental and on farm conditions. Wheat is the dominant cereal crop and continuous wheat cultivation systems are becoming more common. Appropriate technologies such as alternative crops instead of fallow will help in sustainable agricultural production and restrict environmental damage. Conventional breeding with a special focus on adaptation to marginal environments provides a necessary baseline in terms of genetic background into which new traits and their genes can be introduced. However, specific research objectives to identify and accumulate new and more appropriate combinations of stress-adaptive traits must follow a systematic approach and there is still much to learn about how some potentially useful traits (and their genes) interact with each other, with different genetic backgrounds, and across a range of environments including warmer and drier environments (predicted by climate change) in which they must be deployed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the usage of comparative soil water and its effects on the crops along the Great Plains in Montana. The researchers conducted the study using a variety of crops including lentil, pea, and winter wheat to assess and compare their water usage. The study also examined the rooting depths of the crops with regard to wheat-based cropping systems.

Over-exploitation of groundwater for agricultural irrigation has attracted worldwide attention because of the rapid groundwater depletion and environmental consequences induced by the current intensified cropping system. The combination of cropping system modeling with field experimentation is a powerful tool to evaluate the long-term consequences of changing water management and cropping systems under inter-annual climate variability. Here, we conducted two field experiments for early maize (EM, 2012–2018) single cropping system and winter wheat – summer maize (WWSM, 2015–2018) double cropping system in the North China Plain (NCP). Field observations were carried out for crop growth, yield, and soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) calibration with the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model. The calibrated APEX model was used to assess the long-term (35 years, 1985–2019) impacts of EM and WWSM cropping systems under four irrigation scenarios on sustainable water and crop productivity using historical weather data. Results showed that the APEX replicated growth, yield, and VMC all reasonably well with R2 > 0.5, percent bias < 25%, and index of agreement > 0.8. The model realistically simulated VMC under full irrigation (FI), while model simulations under reduced irrigation were not that accurate. Neglectable yield losses of EM were observed by changing EM-FI to rainfed (EM-RF) (7.0 vs. 6.8 Mg ha−1) and lower inter-annual yield variability. Shifting WWSM-FI to EM-RF saved 47% evapotranspiration (ET) and 115% net water use (NWU) regardless of the precipitation category years, but caused 54% reduction in yield. Critical irrigation (CI) significantly reduced ET (7%) and NWU (28%) of WWSM, without yield loss, compared to FI, indicating great potentials of water-saving through optimized irrigation strategy. Minimum irrigation (MI) saved ET by 17% and NWU of WWSM by 62%, but led to 15% EY reduction compared with FI. In conclusion, the WWSM cropping system under CI has the potential to maintain yield with less water consumption, while rainfed EM is the best alternative option for mitigating groundwater over-exploitation with a certain extent risk in crop yield losses. • We examined two cropping systems under four irrigation regimes for sustainable water use. • APEX model performs better under full irrigation compared to water stress conditions. • The wheat – maize cropping under critical irrigation maintains yield with less water use. • Minimum irrigated wheat – maize saves 62% groundwater, but loses 15% yield. • Rainfed early maize reduces 115% net water use, but loses 54% yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable intensification (SI) is envisioned as an effective strategy for developing countries to increase farm productivity while reducing negative environmental and social externalities. The development of regionally appropriate SI options however requires accounting for the knowledge and preferences of key stakeholders. In Bangladesh, the Government has requested international donors to support the development of dry season rice expansion in the coastal region. Policies however tend to be made without adequate study of farmers' preferences and ambitions; this can render crop intensification efforts ineffective. Understanding farmers' preferences for alternative crops and crop management practices are therefore crucial for success where agricultural development investments aim at incorporating the principles of SI. Using coastal Bangladesh as a case study– we aim to (1) quantify farmers' preferences for alternative irrigated crop and crop management options in comparison to the status quo (land fallowing), (2) analyze whether farmers' preferences are conditioned by concerns regarding the cost and availability of irrigation and fertilizer inputs in comparison to expected net revenues, (3) understand how the heterogeneity in preferences can be attributed to farmer and/or farm characteristics, institutional, and biophysical factors, (4) determine how much farmers' are willing to invest in different crops and crop management options – including those reliant and not reliant on irrigation. Taking 300 farmers in two diverse coastal environments, a choice experiment (CE) was employed to explore the heterogeneity in farmers' preferences for different dry " rabi " season intensification options (' boro ' rice, maize, wheat and mungbean) against the status quo (dry season land fallowing after harvest of the monsoon season rice crop). Analyses included random parameter logit modeling followed by willingness-to-invest and profit simulations. Analyses revealed strong farmer preferences against rice and in favor of irrigated maize, and also in favor of rainfed or partially irrigated mungbean as an alternative to land fallowing. Irrespective of their location and environmental conditions, respondents had largely a negative preference for irrigation and fertilizer use due to high investment costs and associated production risks in the dry season. Nonetheless, a significant positive effect on their willingness-to-intensify cropping was observed where farmers felt it feasible to provide in-field drainage to limit waterlogging risks. The study signifies the importance of accounting for farmers' preferences while developing context-specific SI policies. Improving agronomic investments, tenure security, market, credit and extension support are likely prerequisites, alongside targeted diffusion of stress-tolerant mungbean and maize varieties for SI in coastal Bangladesh. Unlabelled Image • Government's policy encourages intensified cropping in the coastal region of Bangladesh. • Analyze farmers' preferences for alternative crop intensification options using a choice experiment. • Preferences against rice and in favor of mungbean, and maize as alternative to land fallowing. • Farmers' preference for non-rice crops in place of dry season land fallowing conflicts ongoing policy favoring rice. • Agronomic investments, tenure, markets, credit, and extension are prerequisites for sustainable intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cereal feed grain grown annually worldwide on 4.2 million ha. Washington is the leading state for rainfed (i.e., non-irrigated) triticale production in the USA. A 9-year dryland cropping systems project was conducted from 2011 to 2019 near Ritzville, WA to compare winter triticale (WT) with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (WW) grown in (i) a 3-year rotation of WT-spring wheat (SW) -no-till summer fallow (NTF) (ii) a 3-year rotation of WW-SW-undercutter tillage summer fallow (UTF) and (iii) a 2-year WW-UTF rotation, We measured grain yield, grain yield components, straw production, soil water dynamics, and effect on the subsequent SW wheat crop (in the two 3-year rotations). Enterprise budgets were constructed to evaluate the production costs and profitability. Grain yields averaged over the years were 5816, 5087, and 4689 kg/ha for WT, 3-year WW, and 2-year WW, respectively (p < 0.001). Winter triticale used slightly less water than WW (p = 0.019). Contrary to numerous reports in the literature, WT never produced more straw dry biomass than WW. Winter wheat produced many more stems than WT (p < 0.001), but this was compensated by individual stem weight of WT being 60% heavier than that of WW (p < 0.001). Spring wheat yield averaged 2451 vs. 2322 kg/ha after WT and WW, respectively (p = 0.022). The market price for triticale grain was always lower than that for wheat. Winter triticale produced an average of 14 and 24% more grain than 3-year and 2-year WW, respectively, provided foliar fungal disease control, risk reduction, and other rotation benefits, but was not economically competitive with WW. A 15–21% increase in WT price or grain yield would be necessary for the WT rotation to be as profitable as the 3-year and 2-year WW rotations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overexploitation of groundwater and the excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer under the intensive double cropping system are responsible for the groundwater level decline and potential contamination in the North China Plain (NCP). Alternative cropping systems have the potential to alleviate current groundwater and N problems in the region, while there are limited studies simultaneously focusing on the impact of a change of cropping systems on crop yields, groundwater consumption, and N leaching. In this study, Field observed experiments of double-cropping system (i.e., winter wheat–summer maize) and mono-cropping system (early sowing maize) were used to calibrate and validate the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2). Then, the validated RZWQM2 model was used to evaluate the long-term crop growth and environmental impact under the local winter wheat–summer maize rotation system with practical irrigation (WW-SM_pi) and auto-irrigation (WW-SM_ai), and three alternative cropping systems (single early maize, SEM; winter wheat–summer maize and single early maize, WW-SM-SEM; winter wheat-summer maize and double single early maize, WW-SM-2SEM). The net consumption of groundwater and N leaching under WW-SM_pi were 226.9 mm yr−1 and 79.7 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Under the local rotation system, auto-irrigation could increase crop yields and N leaching. Compared with the WW-SM_ai, the alternative cropping systems, WW-SM-SEM, WW-SM-2SEM, and SEM, significantly decreased the net consumption of groundwater by 49.3%, 63.0%, and 97.8%, respectively (147.5–292.9 mm), and N leaching by 53.5%, 67.5%, and 89.6%, respectively (50.0–83.7 kg ha−1). However, the yields of the three alternative cropping systems were reduced by less than 30% (12.2%, 20.1%, and 29.7%, respectively). The simulated results indicated that appropriately decreasing the planting frequency of winter wheat is an effective approach to reduce groundwater overexploitation and N contamination with a relatively limited reduction in grain yields. The results could provide a scientific basis for cropping system adjustment in guaranteeing sustainable regional water and grain policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase of the organic cultivation of beetroot and its growing importance as a functional food, the potential advantages of open-pollinated genotypes as an alternative for F1 hybrid genotypes has been investigated. In this regard, six field experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 in three different locations to investigate the agronomic potential of new and existing open-pollinated genotypes of beetroot and their performance under the specific conditions of organic agriculture. Fifteen beetroot genotypes, including one F1 hybrid as a commercial control and one breeding line, were compared regarding their total and marketable yield, individual beet weight, diameter of beet, and leaves-growth-base width. Furthermore, five randomly selected beetroots meeting common marketable criteria were evaluated optically with regard to skin smoothness, corky surface, root tail, scab incidence, and uniformity. Results of this study indicated a significant impact of genotype on eight of the assessed traits. The cylindrical-shaped genotype, Carillon RZ, demonstrated significantly higher total and marketable yields, with 53.28 ± 3.34 t ha−1 and 44.96 ± 3.50 t ha−1, respectively, compared to the yellow-colored genotype, Burpees Golden, which obtained the lowest total yield, 36.06 ± 3.38 t ha−1, and marketable yield, 27.92 ± 3.55 t ha−1. Moreover, the comparison of the open-pollinated genotypes with the F1 hybrid, Monty RZ F1, revealed that except for the traits yield, scab, and uniformity, the open-pollinated genotypes indicated desirable competitive outcomes and thus offer suitable alternatives for organic cropping systems. Overall, the observed genetic variability can be beneficial for breeding and food product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, food security depends on very few major grain crops, actually an outcome of breeding success and globalization. This will not change in the near future. But action must be taken to stop the unprecedented pace of the erosion of biodiversity on arable fields; this is a prerequisite to ensure robust cropping systems as well as complementary food production for coming generations. Although this has been discussed for decades, little progress has been made. Most underutilized crops are no longer suitable for today's agriculture. Success can be achieved only by planning long-term breeding programmes instead of screening underutilized crops again and again. This cannot be realized, however, by market-driven private breeders. State funding is mandatory to launch a programme of a set of well-chosen crops. Guidelines are provided, based on case examples from cool temperate regions, where promising crops undergo stepwise selection process. In Europe, a programme could be established in the frame of a virtual institute, wisely investing a small part of the direct payments that go to farmers today, thereby safeguarding their future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]