Search

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers' practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of zinc and iron in crop production, particularly in rice-wheat cropping systems, has been increasingly recognized. The present study aimed to determine the effect of different soil samples collected from the rice-wheat cropping system of Haryana with different soil texture on rice grain yield and micronutrient content using a greenhouse trial with four levels of Fe (0, 25, 50 mg kg−1 as soil and 0.5% foliar spray of FeSO4 at 45 DAS) and four levels of Zn (0, 5, 10 mg kg−1 as soil and 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 35 DAS). This study discovered that rice grain yield showed a positive correlation with soil Zn and Fe concentrations in soil before sowing and a negative correlation with soil Fe and Zn concentrations in soil after crop harvesting. In most of the soils studied, foliar spray alone Fe @ 0.5% foliar (45 DAS) and Zn @ 0.5% foliar (35 DAS) improved Fe and Zn concentrations in rice significantly more than soil application of 25 mg Fe kg−1 and 5 mg Zn kg−1, respectively. The rice grain yield in clay soil was 14-42% higher than in sandy soil with different doses of Zn and Fe application. The order of preponderance of different Fe and Zn fractions were CA-Fe < OM-Fe < EX-Fe < FeMnOX-Fe < Res-Fe and Res-Zn > FeMnOX-Zn > OM-Zn > CA-Zn > Ex-Zn in the soils, respectively. Conclusively, concomitant consideration of grain yield and grain Zn and Fe concentrations of rice are the sustainable approach toward food targets achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the most important climate-forcing gases, and a large portion of global anthropogenic N2O emissions come from agricultural soils. Yet, how contrasting global change factors and agricultural management can interact to drive N2O emissions remains poorly understood. Here, conducted within a rice–wheat cropping system, we combined a two-year field experiment with two pot experiments to investigate the influences of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) and crop straw addition to soil in altering N2O emissions under wheat cropping. Our analyses identified consistent and significant interactions between eCO2 and straw addition, whereby eCO2 increased N2O emissions (+ 19.9%) only when straw was added, and independent of different N fertilizer gradients and wheat varieties. Compared with the control (i.e., ambient CO2 without straw addition), eCO2 + straw addition increased N2O emission by 44.7% and dissolved organic carbon to total dissolved nitrogen (DOC/TDN) ratio by 115.3%. Similarly, eCO2 and straw addition significantly impacted soil N2O-related microbial activity. For instance, the ratio of the abundance of N2O production genes (i.e., nirK and nirS) to the abundance of the N2O reduction gene (i.e., nosZ) with straw addition was 26.0% higher than that without straw under eCO2. This indicates an increased denitrification potential and suggests a change in the stoichiometry of denitrification products, affecting the balance between N2O production and reduction, leading to an increase in N2O emissions. Taken together, our results emphasize the critical role of the interaction between the specific agronomic practice of straw addition and eCO2 in shaping greenhouse gas emissions in the wheat production system studied, and underline the need to test the efficacy of greenhouse gas mitigation measures under various management practices and global change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Relay intercropping of maize and soybean can improve land productivity. However, the mechanism behind N2O emissions in this practice remains unclear. A two‐factor randomized block field trial was conducted to reveal the mechanism of N2O emissions in a full additive maize–soybean relay intercropping. Factor A was three cropping systems – that is, monoculture maize (Zea mays L.), monoculture soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) and maize–soybean relay intercropping. Factor B was different N supply, containing no N, reduced N and conventional N. Differences in N2O emissions, soil properties, rhizosphere bacterial communities and yield advantage were evaluated. RESULTS: The land equivalent ratio was 1.55–2.44, and the cumulative N2O emission (CEN2O) was notably lower by 60.2% in intercropping than in monoculture, respectively. Reduced N declined CEN2O without penalty on the yield advantages. The relay intercropping shifted soil properties – for example, soil organic matter, total N, NH4+ and protease activity – and improved the soil microorganism community – for example, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Intercropping reduced CEN2O by directly suppressing nirS‐ and amoA‐regulated N2O generation during soil N cycling, or nirS‐ and amoA‐mediated soil properties shifted to reduce CEN2O indirectly. Reduced N directly reduced CEN2O by decreasing soil N content and reducing soil microorganism activities to alleviate N2O produced in soil N cycling. CONCLUSION: Conducting a full additive maize–soybean relay intercropping with reduced nitrogen supply provides a way to alleviate N2O emissions without the penalty on the yield advantage by changing rhizosphere bacterial communities and soil N cycling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphatic fertilizers applied to soil, with time, alters into different insoluble soil phosphorus fractions. Since P fertilizers are expensive and raw material supplies are limited, it is essential to evaluate changes in phosphorus fractions and balance in soil in order to determine appropriate phosphorus fertilizer management strategies for sustainable yields. A long-term experiment (20 years) was conducted in an inceptisol with rice-rice cropping system. Soil samples were collected from six treated plots and one fallow; analyzed for phosphorus fractions using sequential extraction method. Phosphorus balance was computed. The results reveled that yield was 51.5, 112.0, 147.7 and 116.7% higher under 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK and 100% NPK + FYM over control. Irrespective of the treatments, the abundance of the various fractions of phosphorus (P) in soil as follows: Organic P (32.4% of total P) > Calcium-P (27.76% of total P) > Mineral P (24.17% of total P) > Iron-P (6.65% of total P) > Aluminum-P (3.46% of total P) > Reductant soluble P (3.22% total P) > Occluded P (1.44% of total P) > Saloid P (0.89% total P). Phosphorus activation coefficient (%) was recorded higher under 150% NPK followed by 100% NPK + FYM > 100% NPK > 50% NPK > 100% N > control > Fallow. Hence, 100% NPK + FYM treatment has maintained phosphorus fractions in a good proportion and sustainable yields under rice-rice cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the most important crop in India and additionally the hub of food security of the worldwide population. Integrated application of manures and fertilizers played a pivotal role for improvement of soil physico-chemical properties under different cropping systems as well as nutrient accumulation and grain yield in rice. The present investigation was conducted in sandy loam soil at Agronomy Research Farm of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during 2018–2019 having sub-humid climate. Field experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of two date of transplanting, which were allotted to main plots and three combinations of nutrient management options allotted for sub plots on rice crop (var. Naveen). Among all the plant parts, leaf showed higher accumulation of nitrogen (3.69, 1.92%), stem showed higher accumulation of both phosphorus (0.43, 0.35%) and potassium (2.59, 2.09%) than other plant parts during vegetative stages, while panicle showed higher accumulation of nitrogen (1.22%), phosphorus (0.28%) during harvesting stages of the rice crop. Significantly higher nitrogen accumulation in different plant parts were optimized under Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Green Manure (GM; Sesbania rostrata) (0.99, 0.46, 1.28%) method of nutrient management, while phosphorus (0.10, 0.11, 0.28%) and potassium (1.00, 1.64, 0.33%) accumulation were found to be significantly higher in different plant parts under STBFR + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) method of nutrient management. Thus, early transplanting and application of STBFR + GM/FYM could be recommended for higher nutrient accumulation in rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic manure amendments into the rainfed agricultural soil could change the carbon saturation deficit. This study was conducted in the central Himalayan region of India to assess the impact of varying quantities of farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) on changes of soil carbon saturation deficit in the rainfed agricultural system. The experimental plots with three replications and three different amendment rates, such as 15, 30, and 60 Mg ha−1 of FYM and VC were used on the traditional paddy-wheat-finger millet-fallow cropping system. The soil amended with FYM and VC showed significant (p <.05) variations in the soil carbon content, nitrogen content, total microbial activity, β-glucosidase activity, and acid phosphatase activity with an increasing rate of both the manures in each cropping season. The mean soil carbon saturation deficit values varied from 25 to 36% and 19 to 28% in the first year cropping and second year cropping seasons, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the VC amendment was better than FYM for the accumulation of more carbon content in the rainfed agricultural soils of Himalaya, whereas the organic manure amendment rates must be considered for climate change impact mitigation action policy in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A 4‐year experiment evaluated the effects of different integrated weed management (IWM) programs on the evolution of a Echinochloa crus‐galli population resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors in a maize cropping system. The programs included the continued use of ALS inhibitors, mixing them with alternative herbicides, or without ALS‐inhibitors, in all cases under maize monocrop or a biennial crop rotation. RESULTS: IWM programs that relied solely on non‐ALS‐inhibitors usually achieved high control levels across years (> 90%). Additionally, Trp574Leu‐resistant plants became prevalent (> 90%) in programs only using ALS inhibitors, while in the rest the frequency of susceptible plants did not substantially decrease below 40%. Regarding the other monitored grass weeds, Digitaria sanguinalis and Panicum dichotomiflorum were effectively controlled in programs using ALS‐inhibitors without soybean rotation or in programs without ALS‐inhibitors altogether, excepting the program relying on an 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)‐inhibitor under maize monocrop for the latter species (0%). CONCLUSION: At the end of the experiment, the only IWM programs that reduced infestation levels were the one without ALS‐inhibitors under soybean rotation, and the one with standard pre‐emergence treatments. These findings highlight the effectiveness of crop rotation and alternative herbicides both pre‐ or post‐emergence in controlling E. crus‐galli. ALS‐inhibitors, while challenged by resistance in E. crus‐galli, remain valuable tools for managing other grass weed species in maize. It is crucial to adapt IWM strategies for herbicide‐resistant E. crus‐galli and other grass weed populations to mitigate the further evolution of resistance. © 2024 Corteva Agriscience. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production systems in protected conditions are probably the most intensive agricultural systems causing biodiversity loss. Experimental sites in different European areas were established to investigate whether an agroecological approach to organic greenhouse production allows preserving or increasing biodiversity. Soil nematode communities were characterized by DNA-metabarcoding, and some biodiversity indices were calculated. A general increase in absolute number of genera indicates that the innovative treatments potentially positively influence biodiversity. A multidimensional analysis revealed that the change in nematode community compositions is caused more by country and sampling year than by the farming system. However, regionally, some shifts in biodiversity are obvious and the impact by a farming practice likely. This study is the first indication that the implementation of some agroecological measures in European protected cropping systems is feasible as at least they did not worsen (nor improve) soil biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Cereal–legume intercropping provides a solution for achieving global food security, but the mechanism of greenhouse gas emissions and net ecosystem economic benefits of maize–soybean relay intercropping are poorly understood. Hence, we conducted a two‐factor experiment to investigate the effects of cropping systems, containing maize–soybean relay intercropping (IMS), monoculture maize (M) and monoculture soybean (S), as well as three nitrogen levels at 0 (N0), 180 (N1), 240 (N2) kg N ha−1 on crop grain yield, greenhouse gas emissions, soil carbon stock and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB).The average grain yield of IMS (7.7 t ha−1) increased by 28.5% and 242.4% compared with M (6.0 t ha−1) and S (2.2 t ha−1). The land equivalent ratio (LER) of IMS was 2.0, which was mainly contributed by maize (partial LER: 1.2) rather than soybean (partial LER: 0.8). Although the total grain yield of IMS remarkably enhanced by 43.6% and 45.5% in N1 and N2 contrast in N0, the LER was 37.5% and 38.6% lower in N1 and N2 than in N0. The net global warming potential (GWP) of maize and soybean was 11.6% and 1.8% lower in IMS than in the corresponding monoculture, which resulted from a decline in GWP and enhanced soil organic carbon stock rate. Moreover, NEEB was 133.5% higher in IMS (14 032.0 Chinese yuan per year) than in M, mainly resulting from an increase in total economic gains and a decline in GWP cost. A more robust response in yield gain rather than total costs to N inputs of IMS led to 46.8% and 48.3% higher NEEB in N1 and N2 than in N0.Maize–soybean relay intercropping with 180 kg N ha−1 application can obtain yield advantages without raising environmental costs, which provides an approach to achieving sustainable agricultural production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional cereal crops are important for food and nutrition security in rural communities of southern Africa, but their productivity is often constrained by low soil water largely linked to low seasonal rainfall and long intra-seasonal dry spells. Planting basins (PB), tied ridges (TR), and conventional ploughing (CP) were evaluated, over two cropping seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022), for their effects on sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.), Moench], pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.], and finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] productivity on degraded (<0.4% soil organic carbon) and productive (>0.6% soil organic carbon) fields under rainfed conditions in Mbire (<450 mm rainfall year-1) and Mutasa (>800 mm rainfall year-1) districts in Zimbabwe. Field trials were established on degraded and productive field sites in each district, with sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet either sown as monocrops or intercropped with cowpea. The experiments were laid out in a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The highest sorghum grain yield response of 2100 kg ha-1 was attained under PB on productive soils. Overall, PB and TR increased sorghum, finger millet, and pearl millet grain yields by 43% to 58% compared with CP. Growing sorghum, finger millet, and pearl millet on productive soils increased grain yields by 64%, 33%, and 43%, respectively, compared with degraded soils. Intercropping sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet with cowpea increased cereal yields by between 23% and 42% over the sole crops. Rainwater use efficiency averaged 1 kg grain mm-1 on productive fields and 0.4 kg grain mm-1 on degraded fields. PB produced the highest net profit of $US408 on a productive field. Overall, production of sorghum and millets on productive soils gave positive economic returns irrespective of rainwater management option and cropping system. Conversely, 63% of the treatments on degraded soils recorded negative economic returns in both districts. We conclude that in-field rainwater management technologies combined with other agronomic practices like intercropping increase the productivity of sorghum and millets under rainfed conditions. However, degraded soils remain a challenge for the increased productivity of traditional cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool season legumes (Faba bean, chickpea, lentil, pea, and grass pea) are important protein harvests for food and nutrition security in many countries. They play key roles in sustainable cereal production through their ecological benefits. However, diseases and pests attack continue to have a substantial impact on crop yield and quality. Although growers used different control options to manage these biotic stresses such as pesticide application, cultural practices, and resistant varieties, there is a pressing need for the development of new, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to help farmers in facing the existing environmental issues. Recently, there is a growing interest among researchers in exploiting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for the elaboration of disease and pest control strategies in food legumes and other crops. These compounds have important functions in ecological relationships occurring between plants and their surrounding environment, as well as plants and others species, such as pests and pathogens. Due to their unique properties, VOCs can be employed in improving management alternatives for food legume diseases and pests. In this assessment, we investigated the role of VOCs in plantpest and plant-pathogen interactions and their present applications in pest and diseases control strategies. We emphasized the ecological importance of employing plant VOCs in legume farming and crop breeding. Additionally, we highlighted the potential of microbial VOCs in facilitating microbe-microbe, microbe-plant and microbe-plant-pest interactions, along with their role in food legume protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), smallholder rain-fed systems are vital, yet they are challenged by land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate risks. To address these challenges, crop diversification has been promoted as a potential pathway to enhance productivity, improve nutritional security, and offer a viable pathway out of poverty and hunger. This study explores crop diversification among 150 smallholder households in the Kasungu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe districts of Malawi, where the project Sustainable Intensification of Maize Legume Systems in East and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) has engaged the smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture (CA)-based sustainable intensification participatory research and development for seven years since 2010. This study used Simpson's diversity index (SDI) to estimate crop diversification, and a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) to analyze how smallholder farmers' socio-economic characteristics influence adoption. The findings show a prevalence of small farms of less than 1.5 hectares, with most farmers perceiving crop diversification as beneficial for soil fertility. Key adoption constraints include labor shortages and a lack of legume seeds. SIMLESA participants lead in crop rotations, with a 63% higher adoption rate, and show the highest crop diversity, with a 99% increase in farmers growing three crops and a 74% increase in those growing four crops compared to non-SIMLESA farmers. The SDI values were 0.39 for non-SIMLESA, 0.48 for SIMLESA neighbors, and 0.57 for SIMLESA participants. Access to NGO inputs, larger farm sizes, and participation in research programs were positively associated with diversification, while food insufficiency was negatively associated with its adoption. The study highlights the importance of integrating participatory research methods to promote development initiatives effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural soils are responsible for ecological functions and services that include primary production of food, fiber and fuel, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling and storage, water infiltration and purification, among others. Fungi are important drivers of most of those ecosystem services. Given the importance of fungi in agricultural soils, in this study, we aimed to characterize and analyse the changes of the soil fungal communities of three cropping systems from Madeira Island, where family farming is predominant, and investigate the response of fungi and its functional groups to soil physicochemical properties. To achieve that, we sequenced amplicons targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the rRNA region, to analyse soil samples from 18 agrosystems: 6 vineyards (V), 6 banana plantations (B) and 6 vegetable plantations (H). Our results showed that alpha diversity indices of fungal communities are similar in the three cropping systems, but fungal composition and functional aspects varied among them, with more pronounced differences in B. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the main phyla found in the three cropping systems. Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes are the predominant classes in B, representing 23.8 and 22.4%, respectively, while Sordariomycetes (27.9%) followed by Eurotiomycetes (12.3%) were the predominant classes in V and Sordariomycetes (39.2%) followed by Tremellomycetes (8.9%) in the H. Saprotrophs are the fungal group showing higher relative abundance in the three cropping systems, followed by plant pathogens. Regarding symbionts, endophytes were highly observed in B, while mycorrhizal fungi was predominant in V and H. The structure of fungal communities was mainly correlated with soil content of P, K, N, Fe, and Cu. In addition, we identified bioindicators for each cropping system, which means that cultivated crops are also drivers of functional groups and the composition of communities. Overall, the three cropping systems favored diversity and growth of taxa that play important roles in soil, which highlights the importance of conservative management practices to maintain a healthy and resilient agrosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Rice is often rotated with dryland crops to produce sufficient foodstuff, as rice is the main food crop of humans. In order to verify whether under the intensive rice‐based cropping system, high yield and good quality of rice can be achieved simultaneously to ensure food security. Five long‐term paddy–upland rotations – wheat–rice (WR), rapeseed–rice (RR), garlic–rice (GR), broad beans–rice (BR) and potato–rice (PR) – were conducted from 2014 to investigate rice yield, along with the profiling of 24 elements in rice grain.Mg, Zn, Cu, As, Mo and Sb concentrations were highest in the aleurone layer, and Ag and Cd concentrations showed little variation among different parts of the rice grain. Al, Ti, V, Si, Fe and Tl concentrations in the endosperm under GR were higher, while the Se concentration under PR was the highest. Furthermore, the yield of GR and PR were higher than the other three rotations with N supplementation, and the sustainable yield index of PR and WR were larger than 0.8.When we consider the concentration of toxic (As, Cd and Pb) and nutrient elements (Ca, Fe, Zn, Se, Cu and Mg) in the endosperm and grain yields, PR can simultaneously achieve high yield, high nutrition and low toxicity with different nitrogen treatments. Here we provide novel insights regarding the selection of rice‐based cropping systems, focused on producing nutritious and safe rice with high grain yield. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive agricultural land use negatively impacts biodiversity, including arthropod predator diversity and their pest control potential. Alley‐cropping agroforestry systems (integration of tree rows into arable land) are increasingly considered an economically viable alternative for more sustainable and biodiversity‐friendly agriculture. However, their effectiveness in promoting generalist predator diversity and pest control, especially as a function of space (distance from tree rows) and time (across the growing season) remains poorly understood. We assessed how spider abundance, taxonomic and functional diversity (as proxies of pest control potential) respond to temperate alley‐cropping agroforestry systems as compared to open croplands. Additionally, we analysed whether spiders with different habitat preferences (eurytopic, forest and open‐habitat specialists) show distinct responses. Lastly, we analysed whether the influence of agroforestry changes with decreasing tree proximity and across the growing season. Tree row proximity generally benefited the abundance, as well as taxonomic and functional diversity of the overall spider communities. Alley‐cropping promoted the abundance and taxonomic diversity of forest specialists and eurytopic spiders, without negatively affecting open‐habitat specialists. The positive effect of alley cropping was strongest within tree rows and their immediate vicinity, but was still detectable at considerably farther distances. These patterns were temporally dynamic with spider abundance and taxonomic diversity being highest within tree rows in early spring and spiders spilling over to adjacent crop rows in subsequent periods. Synthesis and applications: Overall, our findings highlight that the inclusion of tree rows benefited spiders across the entirety of the 48 m crop rows, independent of crop type. Since the peak in spider abundance and taxonomic diversity in crop rows coincided with crop pest arrival, alley‐cropping agroforestry is expected to benefit agricultural production through increased pest control potential. Alley‐cropping agroforestry may therefore be an important management strategy to develop more sustainable agricultural systems benefiting farmers and biodiversity alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are progressively being employed in an array of agricultural activities, as they come equipped with a controllable platform necessary for near real-time data acquisition. Because of these impressive advancements in geospatial technologies, the collection of important data to achieve various agricultural applications, such as crop discrimination, is increasingly being done. While they prove to be cost-effective, autonomous, and flexible in agricultural applications, a key bottleneck in such research is the lack of relevant information relating to UAV types and sensor characteristics, as well as data processing and analytical methods that are applicable for crop discrimination. As such, the study conducted a systematic review of trends, technical challenges, and opportunities. The study used PRISMA Guidelines to select, assess, and systematically review 83 articles from Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The findings of this review showed that rotary-wing UASs equipped with multispectral and RGB cameras were the most frequently used for crop classification. 90% of the reviewed articles noted that the deployment of these advanced technologies was predominantly in monoculture systems normally found in developed countries. Unfortunately, the potential of UASs for crop mapping and monitoring on heterogeneous smallholder farms normally practice mixed cropping systems is progressing slowly, because of technical challenges, operational costs, differing cropping systems, complex classification algorithms, environmental factors, and restrictive policies and regulations, especially in developing countries. Subsequently, research should prioritise developing simple algorithms that can accurately extract crop statistics from high-spatial resolution RGB imagery collected by UAS platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed communities in three cropping systems suitable for the Midwestern USA were studied from 2017 to 2020 to examine how crop diversification and the intensity of herbicide use affected weed community diversity, stand density, and aboveground mass. A baseline 2-year cropping system with corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in alternate years was diversified with cool-season crops, namely oat (Avena sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in 3-and 4-year systems. Herbicide was not applied in the cool-season crops. Changing weed management regime from broadcast to banded application and interrow cultivation in corn and omitting herbicide in cool-season crops of the 3- and 4-year rotations resulted in an overall reduction of herbicide a.i mass. The reduction in the mass of herbicide active ingredients was associated with increases in weed stand density, aboveground mass, and community diversity. Increased weed abundance under herbicide mass reduction was not associated with crop yield loss. In the cool-season crops phases of the 3- and 4-year rotations, weed emergence was increased but weed growth was not, as compared with the warm-season crop environments. The dominance of aggressive weed species such as common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq ex DC) J.D. Sauer) and common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album L.) tended to be greater in corn and soybean phases of the rotations than in oat, red clover, and alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of soil quality index is one of the suitable options to determine the productivity of a cropping system. Rice based cropping systems are the most important cropping systems followed in the North Bank Plain region. The productivity of such system has declined continuously due to deterioration of soil quality. The current study was carried out in Cambisols soil to establish soil quality index based on soil physical and chemical properties and identify quality indicators from the rice cropping system. A total of 180 geo-referenced surface soil samples were collected from five rice based cropping systems. The principal components analysis and machine learning model were used to screen the minimum data set indicators for computing the soil quality index. The minimum data set indicators were found as cation exchange capacity, micro aggregate, organic carbon, total porosity and available phosphorus. The SQI for the district ranged from 0.48 to 0.87, with an average of 0.62. The SQI was more significantly positively correlated with the rice equivalent yield of rice potato-based cropping systems, followed by rice rabi vegetables. The spatial variability of the SQI was presented on the geographical information system (GIS) platform through inverse distance weighting (IDW) method of interpolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setting 4 different culture densities of Eriocheir sinensis (0,0.45,0.68,0.90 ind/m²) in Dongying, and the changes of water and benthic community were studied. It provides theoretical basis for the construction and optimization of rice-crab co-cropping model in saline-alkali land. The results showed as follows: During the experiment, water temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were firstly high and then low, which were obviously affected by seasonal changes. There was no significant difference in water indexes among different densities of Eriocheir sinensis (P>0.05), which may be related to the obvious small culture density compared with the cultivated paddy area. The average annual water nitrogen and phosphorus content of rice and crab co-cropping system was significantly lower than that of rice single cropping system. And it is significantly higher than the single culture of aquaculture pond. The nitrogen and phosphorus absorption capacity of the co-cropping system was the highest in these three aquaculture models. Three species of benthic were detected during the experiment, which were Limnodrilus, Chironomid and Cipangopaludina. The main reason is that the sandy sediment of the Yellow River Delta is not suitable for their survival. The biomass was positively correlated with water salinity (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with water PO-P (P<0.01). In conclusion, rice-crab co-cropping in the improved saline-alkali land has obvious ecological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover cropping consists in sowing non-cash crops to improve regulating and supporting services without seeking provisioning services. Cover cropping has the potential for spatio-temporal diversification of cropping systems to help address food security while also improving environmental sustainability. However, cover crops are still poorly adopted by farmers worldwide. One of the key reasons behind this poor adoption is the difficulties in ensuring cover crop establishment that is further exacerbated by the current knowledge gaps. On the other hand, no study has yet summarized key published and unpublished information on cover crop emergence and field establishment that may help fill these knowledge gaps. In light of this, for the first time, we comprehensively review the literature to summarize and quantify information related to cover crop emergence and propose strategies for improving their field establishment. The major findings are as follows. (1) Detailed statistics on the share of arable land sown to cover crops are lacking, but the available information suggests that this share is increasing over the years ranging from 4% in the USA to 9% in the EU. (2) Four key factors—regulations and public policy incentives, economic factors, knowledge factors, and environmental factors—influence the adoption or non-adoption of cover crops by farmers. (3) Poor emergence and field establishment, due to unfavorable environmental conditions, is one of the most important obstacles to cover crop adoption across temperate regions worldwide. (4) Five forms of cover crop sowing are practiced by farmers that can be grouped into two major sowing strategies—sowing before and after harvesting cash crops—each of them presenting several strengths and limits. (5) A wide range of sowing equipment is available for farmers but their choice depends on several factors including work output and costs. Finally, we emphasize the role of a decision support system and modeling, for an optimal cover crop sowing and field establishment, which are key for enhanced quantity of biomass production and ecosystem service provisioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural systems strongly impact ecosystems by driving terrestrial degradation, water depletion, and climate change. The Life Cycle Assessment allows for comprehensive analyses of the environmental impacts of food production. Nonetheless, its application still faces challenges due to cropping systems' increased complexity and multifunctionality. Past research has emphasized the need for more holistic approaches to consider dynamic crop interactions and diverse functions of cropping systems, beyond just meeting the demand for foods and feeds. In this context, this study applied an alternative combined and multifunctional modelling approach to compare the environmental performances of two durum wheat cropping systems. The latter differed in crop rotation schedules, farming methods, tillage techniques, and genotypes grown (including both modern and old ones). Novel methodological choices were adopted in this study, aiming at best representing the complexity and peculiarities of these systems, by considering crop rotation effects and reflecting the main durum wheat stakeholders' perspectives. The results showed that the organic low-input landrace-growing system (Case 1) had considerably lower environmental impacts than the conventional high-input one (Case 2), regardless of the functional unit. The environmental hotspots were the increased land occupation and the bare fallow for Case 1 and Case 2, respectively. At the endpoint level, the most affected impact categories for both the systems of analysis were land use, fine particulate matter formation, global warming (human health), and human non-carcinogenic toxicity. Also, the midpoint analysis pointed out important differences in terms of other assessed impact categories, with Case 1 better performing for the majority of them. The identified improvement solutions include the following: the enhancement of the yield performances and the optimization of nitrogen provision from the leguminous crop for Case1, the shift toward a more efficient rotational scheme, the reduction of the use of external inputs, and the avoidance of unnecessary soil tillage operations for Case 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cropping systems depend on external nitrogen (N) to produce food. However, we lack metrics to account for society's fertilizer dependency, although excessive increases in N application damage human and environmental health. The objective of this study is to propose a novel indicator, N fertilizer dependency, calculated as the ratio between human-controllable external inputs and total N inputs. Nitrogen fertilizer dependency has a solid mathematical base being derived from closing the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) equation. This study also tests the value of the N fertilizer dependency concept at the cropping system (plant-soil) scale and at different spatial scales, from field to country, as a complementary indicator to promote sustainable production. The field experiments conducted with grain cereals as a main crop showed that when replacing the barley precedent crop with a legume, N fertilizer dependency accounted for soil legacy and was reduced by 15% in fertilized treatments. In a farm population, N fertilizer dependency ranged from 47 to 95% and accounted for the relevance of biological fixation and irrigation water N inputs, adding pertinent information to performance indicators (i.e., NUE). At the country scale, N fertilizer dependency showed different temporal patterns, depending mainly on the relevance of biological atmospheric N fixation. Nitrogen fertilizer dependency of global cropping systems has risen to ≈83% in the last five decades, even though the N exchange among regions has increased. Nitrogen fertilizer dependency has great potential to monitor the achievements of efforts aiming to boost system autonomy, and within similar agricultural systems, it can be used to identify practices that lead to a reduction of fertilizer needs. In summary, N fertilizer dependency is a new indicator to evaluate the agroenvironmental sustainability of cropping systems across the scales and provides a complementary dimension to the traditional indicators such as NUE, N output, and N surplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Manganese (Mn) deficiency due to nutrient mining by high yielding cereal–cereal cropping patterns and forgetfulness of Mn fertilizer applications becomes potential challenge in crop production. Aim: Nano‐enabled Mn fertilizers can be safer and more nutrient efficient than conventional Mn fertilizers (nutrient use efficiency ≈ 1%–3%). However, studies about nano‐Mn fertilizer synthesis and their behaviour in soil–plant system are rare. Methods: In this study, two novel nano‐Mn fertilizers, that is nano‐MnO2 (NMO) and manganese nanoclay polymer composites (Mn‐NCPC), were synthesized, characterized (dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopic and energy‐dispersive X‐ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy etc.) and investigated for their impact on growth, yield and nutrient acquisition by wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L., variety HD‐2967) in a pot culture experiment. Treatment comprised 25%, 50% and 100% of recommended dose of Mn (RDMn) through NMO along with 100% RDMn through MnSO4·H2O (MS). Effect of exposure route was also investigated using foliar spray of NMO at tillering stage. Mn‐NCPC was found to be most efficient Mn fertilizer in terms of yield, Mn uptake and use efficiency by wheat crop. Results: Nano‐sized formulations improved the solubility of Mn in soil due to its higher active surface area (NMO) and slow‐release behaviour (Mn‐NCPC); thus, minimal losses happened due to the fixing of Mn in oxide/hydroxide forms. Application of 25% RDMn through NMO fertilizers maintained equitant diethylenetriamine pentaacetate Mn content to 100% RDMn through MnSO4·H2O. Mn‐NCPC stimulated the soil enzymatic activities, namely dehydrogenase, acid–alkaline phosphatase activities. Mn‐NCPC and NMO at 100% RDMn recorded 3.51% and 5.20% improvement in grain yield, respectively, when compared to MnSO4·H2O 100%. Conclusions: Mn fertilizer doses can be reduced up to 25% of RDMn when applied through NMO or Mn‐NCPC fertilizers. However, effects of Mn‐NCPC and NMO need to be critically evaluated in long‐term field experiments in various cropping systems especially under cereal–cereal sequences for economic profitability and wide‐scale farmer's adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ridge–furrow cropping patterns, nitrogen fertilisation and seed rate regulation are popular management strategies for improving crop yields in the semi‐arid areas of Northwest China, but their interactive effects on grain yield and water use efficiency remain poorly understood. In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a two‐season field experiment was conducted on winter wheat. There were two cropping patterns (C), ridge–furrow cropping with film mulch (RC) and traditional cropping without mulch (TC), two nitrogen fertilisation rates (N), 0 and 200 kg N ha−1 (N0 and N1) and three seed rates (S), 240, 360 and 480 plants m−2 (S1, S2 and S3). The study was conducted in a split–split design with three replications (randomised blocks) and a total of 24 experimental plots. It was found that the interactive effects of C × N, C × S and N × S were significant on soil temperature (ST), leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic parameters, grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) (p < 0.05), while C × N × S was significant only for LAI, aboveground biomass (AGB), GY and WUE (p < 0.05). Compared with TC and N0, RC and N1 significantly increased SPAD value (2.4% and 15.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (19.8% and 32.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) (7.0% and 15.7%) and the effective PSII quantum production (ΦPSII) (10.7% and 5.0%). The highest GY (6773 kg ha−1 over 2020–2021 and 8036 kg ha−1 over 2021–2022) and WUE (20.03 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2020–2021, and 21.77 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2021–2022) of winter wheat were observed under RC + N1 + S2. The findings showed that the RC cropping pattern with fertilisation and seed rate regulation (360 plants m−2) of winter wheat, which is appropriate for ensuring the long‐term sustainability of agricultural production in the semi‐arid regions of Northwest China, enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic traits, yield and water use efficiency. The study might give useful information for enhancing the productivity and water use efficiency of winter wheat in this and other similar climate locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microbial agents + fertilizers boost bacterial richness in the rhizosphere soil. • Microbial agents + fertilizers resulted in a reduction of fungal diversity. • Microbial agents + fertilizer modify rhizosphere soil's microbial community structure. • Microbial agents + fertilizer reduce the pathogenic fungi. • Microbial agents + fertilizer significantly boost plant growth and yield of peanut. The soil harbors a diverse array of microorganisms, and these are essential components of terrestrial ecosystems. The presence of microorganisms in the soil, particularly in the rhizosphere, is closely linked to plant growth and soil fertility. The primary objective of this study is to assess the potential advantages of integrating microbial inoculants with compound fertilizer in enhancing peanut yield. We utilized Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology to conduct our investigation. The experimental design consists of four treatment groups: compound fertilizers (CF), compound fertilizers supplemented with microbial agents (CF + MA), compound fertilizers supplemented with microbial fertilizers (CF + MF), and compound fertilizers supplemented with both microbial agents and microbial fertilizers (CF + MM). The experimental results demonstrated a significant increase in peanut yield upon application of CF + MA, CF + MF, and CF + MM treatments. During the blossom stage and pod-setting stage, the soil's catalase, urease, and acid phosphatase activities were significantly increased in the CF + MA, and CF + MM treatments compared to the CF treatment. The application of CF + MA resulted in an increase in bacterial richness in the rhizosphere soil of peanuts, as indicated by the sequencing results. The application of CF + MA, CF + MF, and CF + MM resulted in a reduction of fungal diversity. Proteobacteria , Actinobacteria , and Acidobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla, while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant phyla in the fungal component of the rhizosphere soil microbiome across all experimental treatments. Microbial agents and fertilizers modify the peanut rhizosphere soil's microbial community structure, as per our findings. The abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (Bradyrhizobium , Rhizobium, and Burkholderia) and fungi (Trichoderma and Cladophialophora) could increase, while pathogenic fungi (Penicillium and Fusarium) decreased, thereby significantly promoting plant growth and yield of peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage and residue management practices on grain yield, economics, and soil fertility in a RWCS. The results inferred that wheat sown with happy seeder (full residue retained)-ZWW recorded 11.5% higher grain yield as compared to zero tillage sowing (residue removed)-ZWWO and 10.9% higher than farmer's practice (TRWO-CWWO, residue removed and sowing with seed cum fertilizer drill after preparatory tillage). Retention or incorporation of paddy residues produced 16.0% higher grain yield than its removal or burning simultaneously improving soil health. Puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with or without wheat stubble recorded a 33.2% significantly higher yield than zero tillage direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) without wheat stubble. System productivity in TRW-ZWW treatment was 15 and 6.8% higher than zero residue treatments and only rice residue retained/incorporated treatments, respectively, and resulted in additional returns of Rs. 28,871 ha−1 as compared with conventional RWCS. There was a significant (p <.05) improvement in soil organic carbon in residue retained/incorporated plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization has great potential to give higher yields under intensive cropping system and in enhancing the crop tolerance to drought conditions. Different responses of yield to foliar fertilization are probably associated with incorrect timing of application, use of inappropriate fertilizer and lack of concern of soil available nutrients and environmental conditions. Though soil application of nutrients cannot be replaced totally with foliar fertilization, but under various situations like rainfed condition, foliar nutrition can play very important role in enhancing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Focusing on this, a field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, under rainfed situation from 2017 to '20 to evaluate the response of foliar application of plant nutrients sprayed during moisture stress condition and to improve the growth and yield of sorghum under rainfed condition. This experiment was laid out in split plot design with replicated thrice and the treatments consisted of main plots: M1 – foliar spray during dry spell, M2 – foliar spray after relieving of stress/dry spell (with favorable soil moisture) and subplots: S1 – urea@1%, S2 – urea@2%, S3 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5%, S4 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% + recommended dose of micronutrient for foliar spray (to be decided based on soil test: zinc, boron, iron, manganese, etc.), S5 – ZnSO4@0.5%, S6 – water spray, S7 – control (no spray of any material/water) under rainfed vertisols of semiarid region. The obtained results showed that the application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% sprayed during the dry spell significantly increased the plant height, earhead length and grain test weight. This attributes resulted in higher grain yield (1448 kg ha−1), stover yield (2288 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs. 8748 ha−1), B:C (1.16) and rainwater use efficiency (3.85 kg ha−1-mm) when compared to other practices in rainfed sorghum. There is a gradual increase in total major plant nutrient uptake, viz. nitrogen (22.3 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4.56 kg ha−1) and potassium uptake (26.0 kg ha−1) with the foliar application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% applied during the dry spell condition (S3) during drought stress condition (M1). Foliar application of nutrients along with soil application has several advantages in supplementing the nutritional requirements of crops such as rapid and efficient response by the plants, less product needed and independence of soil conditions. Foliar nutrition designed to eliminate the problems like fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognized as an important method of fertilization during the dry spell under rainfed condition in modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A "business as usual" (BAU) rotation (wheat–canola–wheat–soybean) was compared with a "warm-season crop" (WS) rotation (corn–sunflower–dry bean–canola); a "biodiverse" (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop– corn/soybean intercrop—pea/canola intercrop–green fallow mixture); a "perennial grain" (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha−1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha−1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass, and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide-resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn–soybean intercrop, a cover crop, and fall-seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP) bacteria are globally dispersed pathogens that cause significant economic loss in potato and other crops. Our understanding of the SRP species diversity has expanded in recent years due to advances and adoption of whole-genome sequence technologies. There are currently 34 recognized SRP species that belong to the Dickeya and Pectobacterium genera. Methods: We used whole-genome sequencing based analysis to describe the current distribution and epidemiology of SRP isolated from diseased potato samples obtained from commercial potato cropping systems in the United States. Our primary objectives in the present study were to: (1) identify the species of these SRP isolates recovered from potato samples across 14 states in the US, (2) describe the variation among SRP isolates from various US locations and track their temporal changes, and (3) evaluate the evolutionary relationships among these SRP isolates to deduce their source. We collected 118 SRP strains from diseased potato plants and tubers in 14 states between 2015 and 2022. Results: We identified three Dickeya and eight Pectobacterium species from diseased potato samples. Dickeya dianthicola, Pectobacterium parmentieri, P. carotovorum, and P. versatile appeared to be the predominant species, constituting 83% of the isolates. Furthermore, all D. dianthicola strains studied here as well as 90% of US D. dianthicola isolates sequenced to date exhibit significant clonality. Discussion: The prevalence of this specific group of D. dianthicola, temporally and geographically, aligns with the occurrence of blackleg and soft rot outbreaks in the northeastern US after 2014. The genomic diversity observed in P. parmentieri implies multiple introductions to the US from at least four distinct sources, earlier than the arrival of the predominant group of D. dianthicola. In contrast, P. carotovorum and P. versatile appear to be widespread, long-term endemic strains in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most destructive wheat diseases worldwide. To understand the impact of human migration and changes in agricultural practices on crop pathogens, here population genomic analysis with 245 representative strains from a collection of 4,427 field isolates of Fusarium asiaticum, the causal agent of FHB in Southern China is conducted. Three populations with distinct evolution trajectories are identifies over the last 10,000 years that can be correlated with historically documented changes in agricultural practices due to human migration caused by the Southern Expeditions during the Jin Dynasty. The gradual decrease of 3ADON‐producing isolates from north to south along with the population structure and spore dispersal patterns shows the long‐distance (>250 km) dispersal of F. asiaticum. These insights into population dynamics and evolutionary history of FHB pathogens are corroborated by a genome‐wide analysis with strains originating from Japan, South America, and the USA, confirming the adaptation of FHB pathogens to cropping systems and human migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil plays a critical role as the primary reservoir of phosphorus (P) in terrestrial ecosystems. Sequential fractionation has been extensively utilized to gain insights into the characteristics and dynamics of soil P. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the different P pools in Nepalese soils. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of cropping systems on soil P fractions in the central mid-hills of Nepal. The study focused on four cropping systems: vegetable, fruit, rice, and maize-based systems, which exhibited variations in nutrient management, topography, and cropping intensity. A total of 240 soil samples (60 samples from each cropping system) were collected from multiple sites within the central mid-hill region. Standard analytical methods were used to determine the general parameters of the soils, while the sequential fractionation method was employed to assess the organic and inorganic P pools. The results indicated that the effect of cropping systems on soil pH, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content, and the proportion of sand, silt, and clay was not statistically significant in terms of general parameters. However, significant differences were observed among the different cropping systems in organic matter (OM), electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and available phosphorus. Similarly, in terms of inorganic phosphorus fractions, loosely bound P (LB-P), aluminum bound P (Al-P), iron bound P (Fe-P), and reductant soluble P (RS-P) were significantly affected, while calcium bound P (Ca-P) did not show a significant difference. Furthermore, in terms of organic phosphorus fractions, labile organic P (L-Po), fluvic acid organic P (FA-Po), and non-labile organic P (NL-Po) exhibited significant differences, whereas moderately labile organic P (ML-Po) and humic acid organic P (HA-Po) did not show a significant difference. Additionally, reductant soluble P showed a significant difference, while total P did not differ significantly. The vegetable-based system exhibited higher levels of the majority of P fractions, followed by the fruit-based, maize-based, and rice-based systems. These findings emphasize the importance of considering cropping systems and their response to different phosphorus pools, as this knowledge can contribute to the development of improved soil phosphorus management strategies and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of mixing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by host and non‐host plants on the orientation of key pests of Brassicaceae. The study aimed to understand how these mixed VOCs influence pest behaviour, which could help in tailoring pest management strategies. The orientations of flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp., and the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, towards cabbage VOCs mixed with faba bean VOCs were assessed using Y‐tube olfactometry. The pests' preferences were measured to determine if the presence of faba bean alongside cabbage altered their olfactory orientation compared to cabbage alone. Flea beetles showed a preference for cabbage VOCs alone over the cabbage–faba bean VOC mix. For DBM, no significant preference was observed between cabbage alone and the cabbage–faba bean mix. Previous findings indicated that faba bean attracts DBM, and in this study the mixture of cabbage and faba bean appeared to be more attractive than cabbage alone. The results indicate that faba bean VOCs can deter flea beetles from cabbage, potentially offering a pest management strategy. However, the effect on DBM was inconclusive, with no clear preference observed. This suggests that while faba bean VOCs may influence pest orientation, their effectiveness varies among different pest species. Additionally, herbivore damage to cabbage leaves did not appear to influence the odour‐guided orientation of either pest, irrespective of the presence or absence of faba bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascade cropping systems (CCS) utilize leachate from a primary crop to grow secondary crops and enhance the efficient use of water and fertilizers in areas with scarce water resources. A preliminary study investigated the effect of melatonin in a cascade cropping system to potentially improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. This study aimed to cultivate Salicornia fruticosa in this cropping system to reduce nutrient discharge and assess the impact of exogenous melatonin on Salicornia growth and quality. The CCS included a primary crop of Salicornia grown in an agroindustrial compost or peat. Leachates from these media were used to cultivate the same plant once again in a floating system under four treatments: compost leachate (T1), peat leachate (T2), 100% nutrient solution (NS) (T3), 50% NS (T4) strength. Four concentrations of exogenous melatoninwere applied in foliar spray: 0, 100, 200, and 400 µM. Melatonin application increased yield, with the highest values observed when plants were grown in T1. Water use efficiency was also maximized in T1 and with both 200 and 400 µM melatonin applications. The highest nitrogen use efficiency was achieved in plants grown in peat leachate. The lipid membrane damage was assessed revealing that plants grown in compost leachate exhibited the lowest MDA values regardless of melatonin concentrations. The accumulation of some antinutritional compounds (nitrate, oxalate, and sodium) were the highest in those plants grown in compost leachate. Overall, shoots grown in peat leachate exhibited the best phytochemical profile (total phenol content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity), with peak values in plants treated with 200 µM melatonin. These findings suggest that S. fruticosa can be effectively cultivated using leachate from a previous crop in a floating system and that exogenous melatonin application enhances the yield and nutritional quality of Salicornia shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicago ruthenica is a promising leguminous forage crop due to its lack of saponins, which prevents bloat in livestock from excessive consumption. Legume/grass mixed cropping is an effective forage planting method widely used in agricultural and pastoral regions. However, there is a lack of research on using legume-grass mixed cropping to establish perennial, high-yield, and high-quality cultivated grasslands in the Longxi Loess Plateau. This study conducted a legume/grass intercropping experiment in the Longxi Loess Plateau region of northwestern China, using Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis. Experimental plots were established in 2021, with field sampling and laboratory analysis starting in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The research aimed to investigate the effects of intercropping Medicago ruthenica with Bromus inermis on forage yield and quality, and to determine the optimal intercropping ratios. The experiment tested various intercropping ratios of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis in the fall (2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2), with sole crops of each species serving as controls. Results showed that, in the second and third years of mixed cropping, the forage yield under mixed cropping treatments was significantly higher than that of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis monoculture, with increases of 40.89-70.88% and 13.97-38.22% in the second year, and 131.91-199.13% and 44.06-85.82% in the third year. When the legume proportion in the mixed cropping system was around 30%, competition between the two forages reached equilibrium, demonstrating the benefits of mixed cropping. The crude protein and ether extract content of mixed forage were significantly higher than those of monoculture, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly lower, indicating a higher feeding value for the mixed forage. The legume proportion was a key factor influencing the yield of mixed forage. In conclusion, a mixed planting ratio of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis at 3:7 resulted in higher yield and nutritional quality, making it an optimal ratio for establishing cultivated forage fields in the Longxi Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusion of legumes in cereal based cropping system restores soil fertility and improves carbon storage and soil quality. In this background a field experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design using three legume species viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean as vertical strip, two residue management practices i.e. residue removal (-R) and residue retention (+R) as horizontal strip, and three nitrogen levels i.e. 100%, 75% and 50% recommended rate of nitrogen (N) application in intersectional sub plots with four replications during summer 2017 and 2018. The grain and stover yield of maize, N uptake and soil properties were monitored after each crop harvest; soil nitrogen balance and soil organic carbon were estimated. Under 100% N fertilization, cluster bean – maize cropping system with residue (+R) recorded 12.78 and 9.78% higher maize grain and stover yield, respectively than without residue (–R) treatment. Highest available N (189.9 kg ha−1) and available P (54.5 kg ha−1) were registered under cluster bean- maize cropping system. Legume residue incorporation resulted 9.65, 8.46, 7.09 and 8.86% higher (p = 0.05) WBC content, WBC stock, available N and P contents over residue removal scenario. Annually, 1.71% added carbon converted into soil organic carbon. Legume residue retention and 100% recommended rate of nitrogen application enhanced nitrogen balance. Soil N balance was highest under groundnut – maize system (165 kg ha−1). Overall, for better soil health and optimum crop production, cluster bean – maize cropping system with legume residue retention and 100% N fertilization may be promoted in semi-arid Western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the scarcity of arable land and water resources in semi-arid regions, it becomes imperative to achieve maximum yield and early maturity for winter grains. In this regard, the present research was conducted to synchronize grain and shoot maturity in high-yielding barley (cv. Behrokh) by reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation. The experimental factors included three levels of nitrogen (50, 75, and 100% plant nitrogen requirement; PNR) and three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, cutoff irrigation in the milk stage, and dough stage). Results showed that cutoff irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer caused early ripening. The interactions of irrigation and nitrogen were significant for the number of grains/spike, grain yield, straw yield, aboveground biomass, and protein yield. Grain yield in cutoff irrigation in the dough stage plus reducing 25% PNR was similar to full irrigation plus 100% PNR. In full and cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, reducing 25% PNR did not cause a significant change in straw yield. Cutoff irrigation in the dough and milk stages did not cause a significant difference in the grain protein content. In general, it is concluded that to maintain grain, straw yield, and protein quality, it is more appropriate to use 150 kg/ha of nitrogen in the conditions of cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, which could reduce the cost of fertilizer and water in addition to early ripening of the crop and minimize the environmental consequences of consuming these inputs. Early harvesting of barley also helps to prevent summer crops from encountering late-season chilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we advocate agroforestry as a sustainable agricultural method that leverages biodiversity and ecosystem services, simultaneously tackling the problems of adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and of land restoration for sustainable agriculture across scales. While the rise of industrial agriculture has been instrumental in addressing the food demands of an expanding global population, enhancing food quality, yield, productivity, and efficiency, we must now reckon with the consequences. This advancement, which prioritizes simplification, specialization, and external inputs, has escalated detrimental externalities including deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, pollution, and an increase in greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming and to exacerbated environmental crises. These demand urgent attention. In response, various agricultural methodologies such as organic, biodynamic, ecological, and biological farming have emerged, attempting to propose alternatives. However, these methods have yet to significantly alter the trajectory of mainstream agriculture. For over two decades, we have devoted our efforts to developing and refining a multispecies integrated agroforestry system for the sustainable cultivation of Ilex paraguariensis, "yerba mate," in the subtropical north-east of Argentina. With "integrated" we mean that the trees are planted within the I. paraguariensis distribution, not between alleys as in "alley cropping" or "hedgrow intercropping." The experimental work we present here was designed and implemented to enable data comparisons across consociations of multiple species of trees, at a relevant experimental scale. We achieve soil preservation and restoration, productivity comparable to or exceeding monocultures, and a significant increase in resiliency, particularly evidenced during the extreme climate events of spring and summer 2021 and 2022. These results underscore agroforestry's potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated farming system (IFS) aims to diversify the agricultural landscapes by incorporating different components to meet the multifarious needs of the burgeoning population. The present study was undertaken to understand the impact of different cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, aggregate distribution, and aggregate associated organic carbon (AAOC) in 2-IFS models of varying sizes (0.4 and 0.8 ha) established during 2008-2009. After 10 years of the study, the fodder system registered the greatest TOC and carbon stocks across IFS models, with surface soil (0-15 cm) accumulating 17 and 13% higher TOC and C stock, respectively, in 0.4 and 0.8 ha models. In 0-15 cm, macroaggregates (Ma) represented the highest proportion (75-76%) in both models. Among cropping systems, the fodder system recorded the highest large macroaggregates in both IFS models. Within 0-30 cm depth, small macroaggregates are mostly found in the perennial system (fodder, guava+turmeric, and lemon intercropping system), indicating the potential to improve the aggregate stability over the seasonal (shorter duration) system. In general, micro aggregate (Mi) fraction was pre-dominant in sub-surface soil (17.35%). The maximum AAOC was found in Ma compared to Mi fractions, with approximately 67 and 63% of total carbon associated with Ma in 0.4 and 0.8 ha IFS models, respectively. Interestingly, the 0.8 ha IFS model had higher TOC (~11%) and carbon stock (~12%) than the 0.4 ha model, but AAOC did not show a similar result, indicating the influence of cropping systems on AAOC. The study indicated that the fodder-based production system had better performance in terms of soil physical health and increased aggregate stability and content of soil carbon. This is indicative of the advantages of perennial-based systems over seasonal- or annual-based cropping systems for soil sustainability in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize-based crop systems are promoted in large scale in South Asia because they are more sustainable and efficient than rice-based systems. In the present study, using two combinations of crop residue management practices (CRM) with four precision nitrogen (N) management (PNM) systems, we assessed the impacts on soil physicochemical characteristics [soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (PR)] and crop yields in 6 years old continuous zero tillage (ZT) practices under maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system in a sandy loam soil of northwestern India. The highest SOC (5.73 g/kg) was observed in Zero Tillage with Residue Retention (ZT + R) plots. Zero-tillage with residue retention (ZT + R) significantly reduced the bulk density over the zero-tillage with no residue retention (ZT-R) across the soil depth. The bulk density in ZT + R was 6.5 and 10.7% lower at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm soil depth, respectively, than under ZT-R. The penetration resistance (PR) was significantly lower in ZT + R than in ZT-R across the soil depth. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in ZT + R was 7.4% higher at 0-15 cm depth and 11.9% higher at 15-30 cm depth than under ZT-R treatment. Among PNM treatments, the sequence of treatments in SOC content was 50%N + Green Seeker (GS) >33%N + GS > RDN > 70%N + GS. The system productivity (maize equivalent yield) under ZT + R in combination with 50%BN + GS was 15.0% higher than crops grown under ZT-R with RDN. The wheat equivalent yield under the ZT + R treatment is found to be higher (5.97) in the 50%BN + GS, which was 18% higher than the recommended dose of nitrogen treatment (5.04) and 28% higher than the 70%BN + GS treatment (4.68). Results demonstrated that plots with residue retention performed better, showing a 10% increase in system productivity. The study concludes that a ZT-based system with maize-based crop rotations (MWMb) with crop residue retention and precision nitrogen management can improve soil properties and system productivity in northwestern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture but its potential adoption in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still minimal. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic potential of maize stover biochar in cowpea-maize sequential cropping in Uganda under field conditions. The treatments included; the common farmer practice of no inorganic fertilizer and no biochar (CTR), inorganic fertilizer (F), 10 t ha−1 biochar (B10), 40 t ha−1 biochar (B40), 10 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB10), and 40 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB40), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that cowpea seed yield was not significantly affected by biochar and fertilizer application but the haulm yield was significantly improved only in FB40 treatment. Maize grain and stover yield was significantly improved only in the FB40 treatment but biochar showed a high potential to also improve yield even without inorganic fertilizer. The potential for biochar to improve maize yield either in the presence or absence of fertilizers could be attributed to the residual soil fertility from cowpeas. In both seasons, biochar significantly improved soil pH, EC, SOC, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Ca, irrespective of fertilizer application. However, exchangeable Mg did not significantly vary among the treatments. This study further revealed that in cowpea-maize rotation, optimum yield could also be possible with sole biochar application. Therefore, instead of burning the maize stovers after harvest, farmers should convert the residues into biochar and return it to the soil so as to achieve sustainable food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well documented link between cover cropping and soil microbiology, the influence of specific cover crop species on soil microbes remains poorly understood. We evaluated how soil fungal communities in a no till system respond to four cover crop treatments: no cover crop (REF), cereal ryegrass (CRYE), wild pennycress (WPEN), and a mix of pea, clover, radish, and oat (PCRO). Soil samples were collected from experimental plots following termination of cover crops from depths of 0–2 cm and 2–4 cm where cover crops had significantly increased soil organic matter. There was no significant interaction between soil depth and cover crop treatment on either alpha diversity or beta diversity. All cover crop treatments (CRYE, PCRO, and WPEN) enhanced soil fungal richness but only CRYE enhanced soil fungal diversity and altered the fungal community structure. Soil depth altered the fungal community structure but had no effect on fungal diversity and richness. Genus Fusarium which includes some of the most economically destructive pathogens was more abundant in REF and PCRO treatments compared to CRYE and WPEN. In contrast, genus Mortierella which is known to promote plant health was more abundant in all cover crop treatments relative to the REF. These findings demonstrate that cover cropping can increase soil fungal species richness and alter fungal community structure, potentially promoting the abundance of beneficial fungi and reducing the abundance of some plant pathogens within the genus Fusarium. These effects are dependent on cover crop species, a factor that should be considered when selecting appropriate cover crops for a particular cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extreme rainfall and flooding events are projected to increase in frequency and disturb biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen (N) cycle. By combining trees and grasses, silvopastoral agroforestry is expected to increase the stability of this cycle in response to flooding. However, little is known about the response of nitrification to flooding in silvopastoral systems. Aim of this study was to assess nitrification stability in response to flooding and identify the main causal relations that drive it in temperate silvopastures. Methods: The nitrification stability (i.e., resistance and resilience) was assessed in two silvopastoral systems (i.e., hedgerows and alley cropping) at three positions relative to the trees. The resistance and resilience of nitrification potential were measured in the laboratory after four weeks of flooding stress and four weeks after the end of the stress, respectively. For the first time, we used multigroup latent structural equation modeling (ML-SEM) to explore the spatial structure of causal relations between nitrification stability and soil properties across all positions of the two silvopastoral systems. Results: Tree rows of both systems favored nitrification resistance, while the mean nitrification potential under flooded conditions was on average 27% and 35% higher as compared to non-stressed soils at the two positions assessed in the grass alleys. ML-SEM revealed that the causal relations that explained these results differed between the two systems. The ML-SEM models tested were unable to explain the causal relations in the hedgerow system. However, the model that considered a covariance between soil physical properties and soil resources availability (model A) was able to explain them in the alley-cropping system. It revealed that causal relations explaining nitrification stability varied according to the position relative to the trees: in the tree rows nitrification stability was associated with higher soil organic carbon concentration and earthworm abundance; in the grass alleys it was associated with higher soil organic carbon concentration and soil bulk density. Conclusions: This study indicates that silvopastoral systems help regulate the N cycle near the trees. The results further imply that improvements in soil organic carbon concentration and soil bulk density favor the regulation of N-related processes in grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn- and soybean-dominated cropping systems create and maintain a favorable environment for summer annual weeds whose emergence and growth phenology are similar to these annual summer crops. Cropping system diversification can be an effective approach for controlling noxious weeds without increasing reliance on chemical herbicides. Diversification may be especially important for managing waterhemp, a dioecious, summer annual weed that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the US Corn Belt due to its life history characteristics and herbicide resistance profile. Compared to corn and soybean, alfalfa and oat emerge and establish earlier and are thus more competitive with warm-season weeds like waterhemp. Knowledge of vegetative and reproductive characteristics in a range of crop environments can be valuable for planning weed management strategies. However, most of the relevant characteristics for a population dynamics model were available in corn and soybean monocultures. We examined the relationship between waterhemp's abovegroundmass and fecundity under four crop species' presence within three crop rotation systems: a 2-year sequence of corn and soybean; a 3-year sequence of corn, soybean, and oat intercropped with red clover; and a 4-year sequence of corn, soybean, oat intercropped with alfalfa, and alfalfa. All the rotation systems were treated with conventional or reduced rates of herbicides. We established eighteen linear equations to predict waterhemp's fecundity from dried aboveground mass in each crop and associated crop management program since measuring the latter allows for quicker estimation of fecundity compared to counting seeds on each individual plant. Rotation system and crop phase within rotation system had significant effects on all the response variables but weed control regime on some. The sex ratios at maturity were slightly female-biased in oat and alfalfa. Mature waterhemp plants were larger in corn and soybean than in oat and alfalfa. Oat and alfalfa were planted earlier than corn and soybean and successfully competed for resources against waterhemp despite the absence of herbicide or interrow cultivation. Frequent hay cuts in alfalfa served as physical weed control and contributed to suppressing waterhemp and other weeds substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important decisions that farmers make is the allocation of resources in an optimal manner, which is often done by determining the optimal cropping pattern. The purpose of this study was to present a cultivation model compatible with the agricultural ecosystem of Shiraz Plain, Fars Province, Iran, by quantifying the environmental effects of agricultural production using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The results of LCA showed that cultivation of crops such as lentils, onions, and tomatoes had the most negative environmental effects. The ecosystem quality index for crops in this plain varied between 0.03 and 3.64 PT. The highest negative impact of crop cultivation on the quality of the ecosystem was attributed to onion, tomato, and rain-fed lentils. The results of multi-objective planning showed that farmers can achieve their economic objectives and policymakers’ environmental goals through reducing the area under cultivation. By changing the cropping pattern towards the suggested pattern for Shiraz Plain, an average decrease of 5.60% in profit was expected. However, this change is an effective step in controlling consumption of water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Achieving sustainable agriculture in terms of economic and environmental indicators is possible by reducing the cropland area and economic profit by 18.05% and 11.43%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertain impacts of climate changes on the crop water requirements disarrange the on-farm balance of water supply and demand, thus here needs to adapt a cropping pattern to sustain the Northwestern China Agro-system. Balancing the fluctuations of on-farm available water associated with the uncertainty of crops water requirements could be considered as a complex optimization model. Since the classical optimization models exhibited many problems on the farm studies, e.g., the lack of accurate information, the applied limitations, and short-time accuracy, this study has utilized the fuzzy rule-based system (FRBS). The part of this challenge is back to estimating the sum of water use based on the crops water requirements which resulted from assuming a resilience characteristic to adapt the crops with the water resource capacity under uncertain climatic changes. This study aimed to develop a methodology for operationalizing a coequality approach to balance the crop water requirement with on-farm available water and how selection of the regional suitable crops has been defined. The results of this methodology showed that agriculture sustainability in this region is achieved by planting the irrigated crops whose crop coefficients range from 0.39 to 0.64 which adapted their water demand to the water resources capacity under uncertain conditions. The optimal range of crop coefficients achieved based on this fuzzy-probabilistic approach can be the reference point of water allocation in this irrigation district, since they also are investigated based on the economic factors that are a kind of crop-pattern for sustaining the balance of water supply and demand. This cropping pattern will be a helpful government policy for the sustainability of the Gansu Provinceis the conversion factor, the Agro-system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rise in unprecedented pressure of producing enough food for an ever-growing human population resulted in the use of considerable amounts of agrochemicals in crop production. To overcome this, inclusion of annual pulse crops such as cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in cropping systems is an alternative technique for enhancing output while minimising environmental impact. Therefore, to assess the influence of different crop production systems on yield, quality and soil fertility attributes of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.)- cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) crop sequence, a long term field experiment was conducted. Methods: A field experiment was conducted on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) crop sequence under AI-NPOF Project during 2016-17 to 2020-21 at ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer (Rajasthan), India. The experiment was laid out as a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of six production systems viz., (PS1) - 100% organic, (PS2) - 75% organic + 25% innovative practice (Compost extract, cattle urine), (PS3) - Integrated (50% organic + 50% inorganic), (PS4) - Integrated (75% organic + 25% inorganic), (PS5) -100% inorganic nutrient sources and (PS6) - State recommendation] including fennel (Rabi season) - cluster bean (Kharif season) cropping sequence, whereas the second factor included the environment over the period. Result: The outcomes of study revealed that production system (PS4) - Integrated (75% organic + 25% inorganic) resulted in the maximum seed yields and yield attributes of cluster bean (1501.87 kg ha-1) and fennel (1970.19 kg ha-1). The study shows that the production system (PS4) had a 17.29 and 30.75% increment of protein as compared to PS5 and PS1 in fennel and cluster beans, respectively. Under production system PS1, the per cent increment of soil organic carbon (~25.2%) and readily available N (~9%), P (~38.5%) and K (~Non-significant) were noted over the years respectively, compared with production system (PS5). A significant positive association was observed between fennel and cluster bean grain yield and soil organic carbon (P<0.01) and the Shannon- Wiener indexes (R² = 0.75, R² = 0.69), respectively. The combined assessment of yield, quality, soil organic carbon and soil sustainability shows that rotations based on legume crops performed better and provided a model of sustainable crop intensification. Thus, adding legume to the cropping system and implementing integrated nutrient management (INM) could gradually improve soil quality in agroecologies where fennel predominates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]