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Within hilly agricultural landscapes, topography induces lateral transfers of runoff water, so-called interplot hydrological connectivity. Runoff water from upstream plots can infiltrate downstream plots, thus influencing the water content in the root zone that drives crop functioning. The impact of runoff on crop functioning can be crucial for optimizing agricultural landscape management strategies. However, to our knowledge, no study has specifically focused on the impact on crop yield. The current study aims to comprehensively investigate the impact of runoff on crop functioning in the context of Mediterranean rainfed annual crops. To quantify this impact, we conduct a numerical experiment using the AquaCrop model and consider two hydrologically connected plots. The experiment explores a range of upstream and downstream agro-pedo-climatic conditions: crop type, soil texture and depth, climate forcing, and the area of the upstream plot. The experiment relies on data collected over the last 25 years in OMERE, an environment research observatory in northeastern Tunisia, and data from literature. A key finding in the results is that water supply through hydrological connectivity can enhance annual crop production under semiarid and subhumid climate conditions. Specifically, the results show that the downstream infiltration of upstream runoff has a positive impact on crop functioning in a moderate number of situations, ranging from 16% (wheat) to 33% (faba bean) as the average across above ground biomass and yield. Positive impact is mostly found for higher soil available water capacity and under semiarid and dry subhumid climate conditions, with a significant impact of rainfall intra-annual distribution in relation to crop phenology. These research needs to be expanded by considering both a wider range of crops and future climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability in agroecosystems relies on the optimized use of resources to achieve consistent yields while maintaining or improving soil health. The monitoring of soil quality is crucial when changes from rainfall-fed to irrigated crop systems occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different crop successions in the Mediterranean area under irrigation and different technical practices. The soil nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) balances were observed in four fields with irrigated annual crops in a two-year succession timeframe, namely, sunflower–maize (P1), sunflower–clover (P2), maize–sunflower (P3), and alfalfa–alfalfa (P4). The SOC and nutrient balance, integrating the total irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and exported yield, was calculated for each farm. Except for maize–sunflower succession (P3), all fields presented a negative SOC balance at the end of the two-year crop succession, indicating losses from 2.84 to 4.91 Mg SOC ha−1 y−1. While in N-fixing plants the soil N decreased, in the remaining crops a surplus was observed, possibly leading to future N losses. The continuous depletion of soil P revealed a potential underestimation of this nutrient. Soil K appears to be related to specific crop management practices, namely, crop residue incorporation after harvest. In annual irrigated crops under Mediterranean conditions, crop succession can induce soil fertility degradation if conservation practices are absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biennial vegetable crops are challenging to breed due to long breeding cycle times. At the same time, it is important to preserve a strong biennial growth habit, avoiding premature flowering that renders the crop unmarketable. Gene banks carry important genetic variation which may be essential to improve crop resilience, but these collections are underutilized due to lack of characterization for key traits like bolting tendency for biennial vegetable crops. Due to concerns about introducing undesirable traits such as premature flowering into elite germplasm, many accessions may not be considered for other key traits that benefit growers, leaving crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses. In this study, we develop a method for characterizing flowering to identify accessions that are predominantly biennial, which could be incorporated into biennial breeding programs without substantially increasing the risk of annual growth habits. This should increase the use of these accessions if they are also sources of other important traits such as disease resistance. We developed the CarrotOmics flowering habit trait ontology and evaluated flowering habit in the largest (N=695), and most diverse collection of cultivated carrots studied to date. Over 80% of accessions were collected from the Eurasian supercontinent, which includes the primary and secondary centers of carrot diversity. We successfully identified untapped genetic diversity in biennial carrot germplasm (n=197 with 0% plants flowering) and predominantly-biennial germplasm (n=357 with <15% plants flowering). High broad-sense heritability for flowering habit (0.81 < H²< 0.93) indicates a strong genetic component of this trait, suggesting that these carrot accessions should be consistently biennial. Breeders can select biennial plants and eliminate annual plants froma predominantly biennial population. The establishment of the predominantly biennial subcategory nearly doubles the availability of germplasm with commercial potential and accounts for 54% of the germplasm collection we evaluated. This subcollection is a useful source of genetic diversity for breeders. This method could also be applied to other biennial vegetable genetic resources and to introduce higher levels of genetic diversity into commercial cultivars, to reduce crop genetic vulnerability. We encourage breeders and researchers of biennial crops to optimize this strategy for their particular crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops in no-tillage systems may alter soil mineral N and influence the N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) of subsequent maize. The hypothesis of this work is that no-tillage systems with cover crops affect nitrate, ammonium and maize NFUE in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective was to evaluate the cover crop mineralization effect on soil N mineral and maize NFUE in a no-tillage system, with and without N topdressing. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block split-plot design. The plots were represented by cover crops (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Raphanus sativus and Mucuna aterrima). The subplots consisted of the application (WN) or non-application (NN) of N topdressing to maize. The soil was sampled in six layers (up to 60 cm) at the end (April) and at the beginning of the rainy season (November). NH4+ was lower for all cover crops and WN and NN management in April. NO3− differed between seasons and cover crops in WN and NN. The lignin concentration and N uptake of M. aterrima were the highest compared to other species. The highest NFUE was on R. sativus, showing higher fertilizer dependency. In a no-tillage system with cover crops, the N topdressing fertilization needs to be improved, considering mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares different production, economic, and selected environmental aspects of agroforestry systems in a standard (alley cropping) and a newly proposed design with fast-growing trees grown in short-rotation coppice. Our models of agroforestry systems (AFSs) are as follows: (i) alley cropping AFS with cherry and walnut trees in single rows (tree strips) with 28 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips), and (ii) coppiced tree belt AFS with poplars and willows and 25 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips). To evaluate the production characteristics of trees, we used yield curves from experimental plantations in conditions of the Czech Republic from previous research projects. Cost data were collected from long-term experimental plantations and combined with current operation and energy prices. The article presents an economic methodology for assessing the competitiveness of biomass production in AFSs under the current identified market conditions. Our results show that AFSs with short-rotation coppice can have similar economic and production results as annual crops if grown on suitable sites and with appropriate quality of agronomy. In comparison, alley cropping AFSs with fruit trees would not be economically viable for farmers without a significant subsidy for establishment and maintenance in the first years after establishment. Concerning the latest economic and political developments, the product from SRC (energy woodchips) can be evaluated as strategic, increasing the producer's independence from purchased energy fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability in agroecosystems relies on the optimized use of resources to achieve consistent yields while maintaining or improving soil health. The monitoring of soil quality is crucial when changes from rainfall-fed to irrigated crop systems occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different crop successions in the Mediterranean area under irrigation and different technical practices. The soil nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) and soil organic carbon (SOC) balances were observed in four fields with irrigated annual crops in a two-year succession timeframe, namely, sunflower–maize (P1), sunflower–clover (P2), maize–sunflower (P3), and alfalfa–alfalfa (P4). The SOC and nutrient balance, integrating the total irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and exported yield, was calculated for each farm. Except for maize–sunflower succession (P3), all fields presented a negative SOC balance at the end of the two-year crop succession, indicating losses from 2.84 to 4.91 Mg SOC ha−1 y−1. While in N-fixing plants the soil N decreased, in the remaining crops a surplus was observed, possibly leading to future N losses. The continuous depletion of soil P revealed a potential underestimation of this nutrient. Soil K appears to be related to specific crop management practices, namely, crop residue incorporation after harvest. In annual irrigated crops under Mediterranean conditions, crop succession can induce soil fertility degradation if conservation practices are absent.

In hillside watersheds, forests play a crucial role in protecting against soil erosion. Not only does forest vegetation cover serve as a biological measure to prevent soil erosion, it also generates income through sustainable management practices. However, there is a scarcity of research that evaluates and compares the profitability of perennial woody crops with that of other agricultural crops by integrating biological aspects within an economic analytical framework in Central Madagascar. In this study, we address this gap by combining a biological growth model that captures complex forest dynamics with economic management data to utilize the discounted cash flow method. We applied this approach to evaluate and compare the profitability of forest management and agricultural crop production in the hillside watershed areas of Central Madagascar, which have experienced severe humaninduced soil erosion. Although our results showed that timber production is a profitable option, other agricultural crops generate much higher profits, indicating that financial subsidies alone may not be enough to shift land use toward perennial woody crops. In addition, growing fruit trees such as oranges and mangoes appears to be a much more financially attractive option for local farmers than annual agricultural crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have the ability to recognize their kin neighbors, which may be a beneficial trait that increases inclusive fitness, by suppressing individual growth to support the combined growth of the group. However, the advantages of kin cooperation (known as kin selection theory), may differ across environmental gradients, with competition between related individuals potentially being detrimental under resource limitation (following niche partitioning theory). The study aimed to understand how quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa (Willd)) plants grow with kin or with non-kin under different nutrient supply rates. Plants were grown in treatments' post-germination for 70 days. Biomass accumulation, allocation to organs, and organ traits related to resource acquisition were measured at the end of the experiment. Total mass and shoot mass were greater for plants grown with kin than with non-kin across nutrient treatments. Plants grown with kin had greater root allocation than with non-kin under low and high nutrients. Allocation to leaves, specific leaf area, and average leaf mass were greater for plants grown with non-kin than kin under high-nutrient supply, but did not differ under low-nutrient supply. Allocation to stem was greater for plants grown with kin than non-kin under high-nutrient supply, but did not differ under low-nutrient supply. Specific taproot length and specific stem length were respectively positively and negatively related to increased fertility, but unrelated to kinship. Our results suggest that both niche partitioning and kin selection processes may be at play in quinoa, depending on whether soil nutrient competition is more important. Under both situations, quinoa plants always grew better with kin than non-kin regardless of soil nutrient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Due to their high ecological and agronomical variability, borderland regions offer an excellent opportunity to study assembly patterns. In this study we compared the influence of various factors on summer annual weed communities consisting of both native and introduced species. Location: The borderland region of Austria and Hungary. Methods: We assessed the abundance of weed species in 300 fields of six summer annual crops, and collected information on 26 background variables for each plot. We applied redundancy analysis (RDA) to estimate multivariate species responses and variation partitioning to compare the relative importance of three groups of variables (environmental variables, management variables, and country as a singleton group), and we also checked for statistical association between country and the predictors of the other two groups. Results: The full RDA model explained 22.02% of the variance in weed species composition. Variation partitioning showed that environment and management had similarly high (~8%) influence on weeds, while country had a modest yet substantial (~1%) effect, and there was relatively little overlap between the variance attributable to the three groups. Comparing the individual variables, country ranked third (after preceding crop, and actual crop). The effects of 15 further variables were also significant, including seven management, and seven environmental variables, as well as the location of the sampling plots within the fields. Comparisons between the countries showed that farming type, preceding crops, tillage system, tillage depth and field size were significantly different between the countries. Conclusions: Country exhibited a small but significant influence on weed community composition, which could not be explained with easily accessible management and environmental variables. This suggests that the distinct historical agronomical background of the two countries, possibly involving some legacies of the former Iron Curtain period, still has an impact on the weed species composition of arable fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the development of Agrivoltaics with panels placed above the plants, a new system is tested with vertical mounted bifacial photovoltaic panels, of which we present the results of the first year of two experimental sites. Such installations bring a lower shading level on the plant compared to fixed tilt or single axis tracking systems and could potentially suit fields with crops having low demands of shading. However, unlike more standard PV systems, few studies have detailed the effects of such devices on field crops. In this first experimental year, bifacial vertically mounted PV system showed interesting results with a stable or even a slight increase in annual crop yields. Also, harvest quality indicators are maintained or present favorable evolution indicating a high potential of vertical PV systems for Agrivoltaics.

Biennial vegetable crops are challenging to breed due to long breeding cycle times. At the same time, it is important to preserve a strong biennial growth habit, avoiding premature flowering that renders the crop unmarketable. Gene banks carry important genetic variation which may be essential to improve crop resilience, but these collections are underutilized due to lack of characterization for key traits like bolting tendency for biennial vegetable crops. Due to concerns about introducing undesirable traits such as premature flowering into elite germplasm, many accessions may not be considered for other key traits that benefit growers, leaving crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses. In this study, we develop a method for characterizing flowering to identify accessions that are predominantly biennial, which could be incorporated into biennial breeding programs without substantially increasing the risk of annual growth habits. This should increase the use of these accessions if they are also sources of other important traits such as disease resistance. We developed the CarrotOmics flowering habit trait ontology and evaluated flowering habit in the largest (N=695), and most diverse collection of cultivated carrots studied to date. Over 80% of accessions were collected from the Eurasian supercontinent, which includes the primary and secondary centers of carrot diversity. We successfully identified untapped genetic diversity in biennial carrot germplasm (n=197 with 0% plants flowering) and predominantly-biennial germplasm (n=357 with

In hillside watersheds, forests play a crucial role in protecting against soil erosion. Not only does forest vegetation cover serve as a biological measure to prevent soil erosion, it also generates income through sustainable management practices. However, there is a scarcity of research that evaluates and compares the profitability of perennial woody crops with that of other agricultural crops by integrating biological aspects within an economic analytical framework in Central Madagascar. In this study, we address this gap by combining a biological growth model that captures complex forest dynamics with economic management data to utilize the discounted cash flow method. We applied this approach to evaluate and compare the profitability of forest management and agricultural crop production in the hillside watershed areas of Central Madagascar, which have experienced severe human-induced soil erosion. Although our results showed that timber production is a profitable option, other agricultural crops generate much higher profits, indicating that financial subsidies alone may not be enough to shift land use toward perennial woody crops. In addition, growing fruit trees such as oranges and mangoes appears to be a much more financially attractive option for local farmers than annual agricultural crop production.

Cover crops in no-tillage systems may alter soil mineral N and influence the N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) of subsequent maize. The hypothesis of this work is that no-tillage systems with cover crops affect nitrate, ammonium and maize NFUE in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective was to evaluate the cover crop mineralization effect on soil N mineral and maize NFUE in a no-tillage system, with and without N topdressing. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block split-plot design. The plots were represented by cover crops (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Raphanus sativus and Mucuna aterrima). The subplots consisted of the application (WN) or non-application (NN) of N topdressing to maize. The soil was sampled in six layers (up to 60 cm) at the end (April) and at the beginning of the rainy season (November). NH4+ was lower for all cover crops and WN and NN management in April. NO3− differed between seasons and cover crops in WN and NN. The lignin concentration and N uptake of M. aterrima were the highest compared to other species. The highest NFUE was on R. sativus, showing higher fertilizer dependency. In a no-tillage system with cover crops, the N topdressing fertilization needs to be improved, considering mineralization.

This article compares different production, economic, and selected environmental aspects of agroforestry systems in a standard (alley cropping) and a newly proposed design with fast-growing trees grown in short-rotation coppice. Our models of agroforestry systems (AFSs) are as follows: (i) alley cropping AFS with cherry and walnut trees in single rows (tree strips) with 28 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips), and (ii) coppiced tree belt AFS with poplars and willows and 25 m-wide arable fields between them (crop strips). To evaluate the production characteristics of trees, we used yield curves from experimental plantations in conditions of the Czech Republic from previous research projects. Cost data were collected from long-term experimental plantations and combined with current operation and energy prices. The article presents an economic methodology for assessing the competitiveness of biomass production in AFSs under the current identified market conditions. Our results show that AFSs with short-rotation coppice can have similar economic and production results as annual crops if grown on suitable sites and with appropriate quality of agronomy. In comparison, alley cropping AFSs with fruit trees would not be economically viable for farmers without a significant subsidy for establishment and maintenance in the first years after establishment. Concerning the latest economic and political developments, the product from SRC (energy woodchips) can be evaluated as strategic, increasing the producer’s independence from purchased energy fuels.

This paper investigates the response of five tomato and five pepper varieties to native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculation in an organic farming system. The field experiment was conducted across a growing season at a working organic farm in Lawrence, KS, USA. The researchers hypothesized that native AM fungi inoculation would improve crop biomass production for both crop species, but that the magnitude of response would depend on crop cultivar. The results showed that both crops were significantly positively affected by inoculation. AM fungal inoculation consistently improved total pepper biomass throughout the experiment (range of +2% to +8% depending on the harvest date), with a +3.7% improvement at the final harvest for inoculated plants. An interaction between pepper variety and inoculation treatment was sometimes observed, indicating that some pepper varieties were more responsive to AM fungi than others. Beginning at the first harvest, tomatoes showed a consistent positive response to AM fungal inoculation among varieties. Across the experiment, AM fungi-inoculated tomatoes had +10% greater fruit biomass, which was driven by a +20% increase in fruit number. The study highlights the potential benefits of using native AM fungi as a soil amendment in organic farmed soils to improve pepper and tomato productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the quality of a Cambisol at different times of agricultural use in the Los Ríos region (RR), Tabasco, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Four agricultural uses were selected on a Cambisol (CM): rainfed crop (RC), annual crop (AC), pasture (Pa), and secondary vegetation (SV). These were established at three different times (1984, 2000, and 2019) with four replications. Soil was collected using an auger at a depth of 0-30 cm. The physicochemical properties of the soil --such as texture (T), bulk density (BD), aggregate stability (AS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)-- were determined. A factorial analysis of variance was performed (significance level p0.05). Variables that showed a statistically significant effect were subjected to Tukey's multiple comparison test (significance level p0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences (p-0.05) were obtained for OM, P, K, and BD contents. The high OM content present in CM with SV in all years shows a better soil quality compared to CM with RC and AC. The high BD recorded in CM with Pa since 1984 shows soil quality degradation by compaction resulting from grazing due to extensive livestock farming. Study limitations/Implications: Sustainable management practices are required to recover degraded CM. Findings/Conclusions: OM and BD contents were the best quality indicators for the CM affected by the change in agricultural use and time of use in RR, Tabasco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study has proposed and tested a semi-empirical method to estimate crop irrigation based on a water balance logic and Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI) NDVI imagery. The current paper aims at extending the same approach to the analysis of the main irrigation patterns occurred in Tuscany (Central Italy) during the 2000–2019 period. This operation was made possible by feeding the irrigation water (IW) estimation method with 250-m spatial resolution Terra/Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI images. The results of this operation were first assessed versus various reference datasets available for the region; next, the annual maps of IW estimated for the 20 study years were analyzed at province scale in conjunction with relevant agricultural statistics. The use of MODIS in place of MSI images reduces the IW estimation accuracy irregularly at local scale, depending on the size and spatial arrangement of irrigated and non-irrigated fields; the reduction in accuracy is, however, marginal over relatively large areas. Irrigated crops are decreasing throughout most Tuscany provinces, while they are increasing in the most southern and driest province. The possible reasons and implications of these findings are finally discussed in relation to the main environmental issues affecting the region.

A recent study has proposed and tested a semi-empirical method to estimate crop irrigation based on a water balance logic and Sentinel-2 Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI) NDVI imagery. The current paper aims at extending the same approach to the analysis of the main irrigation patterns occurred in Tuscany (Central Italy) during the 2000–2019 period. This operation was made possible by feeding the irrigation water (IW) estimation method with 250-m spatial resolution Terra/Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI images. The results of this operation were first assessed versus various reference datasets available for the region; next, the annual maps of IW estimated for the 20 study years were analyzed at province scale in conjunction with relevant agricultural statistics. The use of MODIS in place of MSI images reduces the IW estimation accuracy irregularly at local scale, depending on the size and spatial arrangement of irrigated and non-irrigated fields; the reduction in accuracy is, however, marginal over relatively large areas. Irrigated crops are decreasing throughout most Tuscany provinces, while they are increasing in the most southern and driest province. The possible reasons and implications of these findings are finally discussed in relation to the main environmental issues affecting the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Mexico has launched policies of agroecological transition that seek to foster healthier agri-food systems. One of these policies is the reduction and eventual elimination of glyphosate by 2024. Despite being the most used herbicide in Mexico and the world, little information exists about what factors determine a greater or reduced use of glyphosate in different socio-ecological contexts. This study aimed to explore different agricultural management, biophysical and social variables and their effects on glyphosate use in maize crops by smallholders (

This paper investigates the response of five tomato and five pepper varieties to native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal inoculation in an organic farming system. The field experiment was conducted across a growing season at a working organic farm in Lawrence, KS, USA. The researchers hypothesized that native AM fungi inoculation would improve crop biomass production for both crop species, but that the magnitude of response would depend on crop cultivar. The results showed that both crops were significantly positively affected by inoculation. AM fungal inoculation consistently improved total pepper biomass throughout the experiment (range of +2% to +8% depending on the harvest date), with a +3.7% improvement at the final harvest for inoculated plants. An interaction between pepper variety and inoculation treatment was sometimes observed, indicating that some pepper varieties were more responsive to AM fungi than others. Beginning at the first harvest, tomatoes showed a consistent positive response to AM fungal inoculation among varieties. Across the experiment, AM fungi-inoculated tomatoes had +10% greater fruit biomass, which was driven by a +20% increase in fruit number. The study highlights the potential benefits of using native AM fungi as a soil amendment in organic farmed soils to improve pepper and tomato productivity.

Cropping patterns are defined as the sequence and spatial arrangement of annual crops on a piece of land. Knowledge of cropping patterns is crucial for crop production and land-use intensity. While cropping patterns are related to crop production and land use intensity, they are rarely reported in agricultural statistics, especially those relating to small farms in developing countries. Remote sensing has enabled mapping cropping patterns by monitoring crops' spatial and temporal dynamics. In this paper, we reviewed remote sensing studies of single, sequential and intercropping patterns of annual crops practiced at local and regional scales. A total of 90 studies were selected from 753 publications based on their cropping pattern types and relevance to the scope of this review. The review found that despite the increase in single cropping pattern studies due to the Sentinel missions, studies on intercropping patterns are rare, suggesting that mapping intercropping is still challenging. More so, microwave remote sensing for mapping intercropping has not been fully explored. Given the complexities in mapping intercropping, our review highlights how less frequently used vegetation indices (VIs) that benefit from red-edge and SWIR spectral bands may improve intercropping mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex agroforestry systems (AFS) based on the diversity of natural ecosystems have been strategic for the restoration of the degraded areas allying biodiversity conservation with food production that allows minimizing restoration costs. We supposed that AFS may provide diversification of production and earnings for farmers over time depending on the system design, species utilized, and management. The financial analysis conducted in a biodiverse, multistratified, and successional AFS, with 20 species mostly from the Rainforest, associated with annual species pointed out that the restoration costs were minimized. The financial analysis was based on technical and economic coefficients obtained for two years and simulated for 20 years. The established AFS (EAFS), however, demonstrated low financial performance in the first 10 years of the project with IRR of -3.9% and 5.6% and B/C ratio of 0.8 and 1.1 for 10 and 20 years, respectively, with payback in 14 years. Based on the results obtained, simulation of a system (SAFS) was carried out from changes in the arrangement, species selection, and management. The SAFS presented IRR of 20.7% e 13.5%, B/C ratio of 1.6 and 1.8 for 10 and 20 years, respectively, with payback in 2 years. It has been shown that financial analysis might help to promote agroforestry restoration and the environmental compliance of rural properties through the financial prognosis of the system that allows the generation of products with a positive financial balance over the time required for the ecological restoration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Agricultural intensification has caused losses of global biodiversity and associated ecological services. Agroecological landscape assessments are therefore often based on the area of remaining semi-natural habitats due to their ability to promote biodiversity. Due to their structural diversity and often less intensive management in comparison to annual crops, perennial cropland could fulfil similar roles. However, comparisons of the ability of perennial cropland versus semi-natural habitat to maintain agricultural diversity are scarce. Here, we conduct such an assessment, in comparing functional group-specific patterns in ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) as indicators of anthropogenic land-use impacts on biodiversity and biological pest control. Carabid assemblages were compared between annual cropland (56 plots), perennial cropland (24 plots) and semi-natural habitats (74 plots) of varying plant diversity across nine study regions situated in Eastern China. Our results indicated that perennial crops sustained a greater carabid species richness than semi-natural habitats, whereas assemblages of semi-natural habitats contained greater proportions of large and predatory carabids. Plant species richness positively affected the overall diversity of carabids, with the strongest effects again observed in perennial cropland. Abundance-based and species-based proportions of large carabids were positively linked to plant diversity in perennial cropland and semi-natural habitats, but negatively in annual cropland. A similar response was observed for predatory carabid abundance. Perennial crops might therefore fulfil complementary roles to semi-natural habitats in agricultural biodiversity conservation. Given common trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and agricultural production, promoting perennial cropland in particular in combination with management that increases plant diversity, could enable increases in the sustainability of agricultural production systems particularly in areas with high food demand, but limited availability of arable land. Notwithstanding, semi-natural habitats remain crucial particularly with view of enhancing biological pest control services.

One of the serious shortcomings in modern forage production in Kazakhstan is the low nutritional value of forage. Cultivation of mixed crops of annual traditional forage crops with new high-protein annual forage crops Echinochloa frumentacea L. and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. will help solve this problem. Mixtures are chosen to obtain high yields and feed quality; however, the photosynthetic and other properties of such mixtures are not well understood. This research evaluated the productivity and photosynthetic activity of annual grass mixtures over three growing seasons. Sorghum var. eusorghum Pers., Echinochloa frumentacea L, and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. were grown as pure crops and in mixtures with Hordeum vulgare L. + Sorghum var. eusorghum Pers. + Sorghum sudanense hybrid P. + Pisum sativum L. Simultaneously, highly productive crops - Echinochloa frumentacea L. and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., are newly introduced crops for the north of Kazakhstan. It was analyzed feed yield, quality, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Mixed crops of annual forage crops improved forage yield, root-to-aerial ratio, and crude protein and lignin content. The results showed that the crops in the mixtures had higher net photosynthesis, water consumption, high water use efficiency, and nitrogen content in leaves (N) but a lower carbon ratio. Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. had a lower light compensation point and dark respiration rate, suggesting good shade tolerance. However, water scarcity reduced the biomass and photosynthetic capacity of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. and the herbal mixture with its inclusion, respectively. Also, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. was sensitive to soil moisture. The mixture with Echinochloa frumentacea L. had higher biomass and water use efficiency. Echinochloa frumentacea L. had a higher light saturation point in the mixture, indicating high light utilization efficiency. Based on the results, we could conclude that mixed crops improved feed production and photosynthetic capacity. The research provides a scientific basis for the creation of forage mixtures with high yields and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing biomass yield simultaneously with soil carbon (C) sequestration is a key aim of climate-smart cropping systems. Perennialization is believed to be a suitable mitigation strategy for climate change with the potential for enhancing soil C stocks. Based on a nine-year field experiment in Denmark, we measured the changes in soil C and nitrogen (N) stocks, biomass yield, and yield stability of three perennial (low-fertilized miscanthus, high-fertilized festulolium, and no N-fertilized grass-legume mixture) and two annual (continuous triticale and maize) cropping systems. We found that the changes in topsoil (0–20 cm) and 0–100 cm soil C stocks and topsoil N stocks varied significantly between cropping systems. Over nine years, topsoil C stocks increased by an average of 1.4 Mg C ha−1 in the three perennial cropping systems, while they decreased by 3.4 Mg C ha−1 in the two annual cropping systems. The 0–100 cm soil C stocks increased by 6.8 Mg C ha−1 in the three perennial cropping systems and increased by 2.3 Mg C ha−1 in the triticale system, but decreased by 2.5 Mg C ha−1 in the maize system. Topsoil N stocks increased by 0.18 Mg N ha−1 in three perennial systems while they decreased by 0.08 Mg N ha−1 in the two annual cropping systems. Changes in 0–100 cm soil N stocks did not differ significantly between cropping systems. Miscanthus, festulolium, and maize showed the highest biomass yield (17.1, 16.7, and 16.4 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively). There were no significant differences among cropping systems in yield stability. This study demonstrated the potential of perennial cropping systems in obtaining higher soil C stocks compared with annual cropping systems while maintaining high biomass yield, supporting perennialization as a promising option for climate-smart agriculture. • Changes in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks under annual and perennial cropping systems were studied over nine years. • Perennial cropping systems significantly increased topsoil C and N stocks compared to annual cropping systems. • Changes in subsoil C and N stocks did not differ significantly between annual and perennial cropping systems. • There was no significant difference in biomass yield and yield stability between annual and perennial cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous cultivation of agricultural and forest species may result in changes in plant community interactions, generating microclimatic changes within the understory and then modifying growth and yield characteristics of the intercropping systems. Thus, this study aimed to assess the radiation use efficiency, growth and yield of bean and soybean cultivated in succession under two arrangements of agroforestry and full sun. To these ends, two field experiments were conducted in Southern Brazil: bean in‐season and soybean off‐season. Absolute and relative growth rates, net assimilation rate, leaf weight ratio, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, radiation use efficiency and yield of bean and soybean were assessed. The solar radiation flux was modified by plant arrangement and tree canopy characteristics. Shading affected growth and yield characteristics and the radiation use efficiency of the studied crops. From the results obtained in this study, it is possible to recommend crop bean cultivation in agroforestry systems. However, for soybean, due to the reduced yields obtained in agroforestry systems, further research should be conducted in order to study more spaced arrangements and crop insertion in the early years of agroforestry, in order to enable its insertion in agroforestry systems in Southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma pretiosum is one of the main egg parasitoids used in the control of lepidopteran pests in Brazil. This natural enemy can be negatively affected by the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The present work used a systematic review and meta-analysis to group information from multiple studies on the selectivity of pesticides (279 commercial products) in rice, corn, soybean, apple and peach crops for immature stages (egg-larva, pre-pupa, and pupa) and adult parasitoids. The selected studies used the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) methodology with the same adaptations for T. pretiosum. The meta-analysis found that corn crops had the highest frequency of tests (2 0 7). The most frequently tested active ingredients (a.i.) were glyphosate, glyphosate isopropylamine salt, and sulfur at frequencies of 41, 32 and 24 tests, respectively. The pesticides registered for rice crops showed the greatest sublethal effects on T. pretiosum, with an approximately 47% reduction in parasitism (RP) or emergence (RE). The adult stage of the parasitoid showed greater sensitivity to the tested pesticides (65% RP), in comparison to the immature stages. In general, insecticides showed superior toxicity for all development stages of T. pretiosum, compared to herbicides and fungicides, regardless of the recommended dosage for the crop. The present study aggregates information related to selectivity for the four life stages of T. pretiosum, contributing significantly to the integration of biological control and chemical control in rice, corn, soybean, apple and peach crops in Brazil.

Cropping patterns are defined as the sequence and spatial arrangement of annual crops on a piece of land. Knowledge of cropping patterns is crucial for crop production and land-use intensity. While cropping patterns are related to crop production and land use intensity, they are rarely reported in agricultural statistics, especially those relating to small farms in developing countries. Remote sensing has enabled mapping cropping patterns by monitoring crops’ spatial and temporal dynamics. In this paper, we reviewed remote sensing studies of single, sequential and intercropping patterns of annual crops practiced at local and regional scales. A total of 90 studies were selected from 753 publications based on their cropping pattern types and relevance to the scope of this review. The review found that despite the increase in single cropping pattern studies due to the Sentinel missions, studies on intercropping patterns are rare, suggesting that mapping intercropping is still challenging. More so, microwave remote sensing for mapping intercropping has not been fully explored. Given the complexities in mapping intercropping, our review highlights how less frequently used vegetation indices (VIs) that benefit from red-edge and SWIR spectral bands may improve intercropping mapping.

The availability of accurate information on the water consumed for crop irrigation is of vital importance to support compatible and sustainable environmental policies in arid and semi-arid regions. This has promoted several studies about the use of remote sensing data to monitor irrigated croplands, which are mostly based on statistical classification and/or regression techniques. The current paper proposes a new semi-empirical approach that relies on a water balance logic and does not require local tuning. The method stems from recent investigations which demonstrated the possibility of combining standard meteorological data and Sentinel-2 (S-2) Multi Spectral Instrument (MSI) NDVI images to estimate the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of irrigated Mediterranean croplands. This ETa estimation method is adapted to drive a simplified site water balance which, for each 10-m S-2 MSI pixel, predicts the irrigation water (IW), i.e. the water which is consumed in addition to that naturally supplied by rainfall. The new method, fed with ground and satellite data from two years (2018–2019), is tested in a Mediterranean area around the town of Grosseto (Central Italy), that is covered by a particularly complex mosaic of rainfed and irrigated crops. The results obtained are first assessed qualitatively for some fields grown with known winter, spring and summer crops. Next, the IW estimates are evaluated quantitatively versus ground measurements taken over two irrigated fields, the first grown with processing tomato in 2018 and the second with early corn in 2019. Finally, the IW estimates are statistically analyzed against various datasets informative on local agricultural practices in the two years. All these analyses indicate that the proposed method is capable of predicting both the intensity and timing of the IW supply in the study area. The method, in fact, correctly identifies rainfed and irrigated crops and, in the latter case, accurately predicts the IW actually supplied. The results of the quantitative tests performed on tomato and corn show that over 50 % and 70 % of the measured IW variance is explained on daily and weekly bases, respectively, with corresponding mean bias errors below 0.3 mm/day and 2.0 mm/week. Similar indications are produced by the qualitative tests; reasonable IW estimates are obtained for all winter, springs and summer crops grown in the study area during 2018 and 2019.

Physalis philadelphica Lam. has horticultural importance because of its edible fruits. Cultivated and wild populations grow in Mexico. In this study, the complete plastome nucleotide sequence of wild plants was generated using the IonTorrent PGM sequencing technology. The plastome size was 156,804 bp and displayed the typical circular quadripartite structure, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat regions (25,595 bp) separated by a large single copy region (87,131 bp) and a small single copy region (18,483 bp). The chloroplast genome included 80 protein–coding genes, four rRNAs, and 31 tRNAs. The phylogenetic analysis based on 19 Solanaceae chloroplast genomes recovered a clade with all Physalis species. This work revealed the importance of the plastome sequence to solve infrageneric phylogenetic relationships.

The objective was to analyze the factors of innovation and their impact on the development of family agricultural production units (FAPU) of corn, beans and tomatoes crops in marginalized localities of Ejutla de Crespo in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. The innovation was analyzed with a mixed non-experimental methodological process, using stratified-random sampling, by means of the questionnaire (n = 86) applied in 2017 and analyzed by means of goodness-of-fit tests χ² (α = 0.05). The approach is systemic and evolutionary, with neochumpeterian theories. The results show the different innovation types, and how they are related to the crop and are independent of the locality. Nine out of ten factors influence some type of innovation. There is a better interaction of factors to innovate in the FAPU where the main crop is tomato in greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beninese smallholders associate food crops and cash crops with immature oil palms to reduce field maintenance costs and gain income before the palms reach productive phase. Little is known about the effects of these crops on the nutritional status and growth of the palms in their immature phase even though the yield of adult palms can be affected by the management practices during this phase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the most common oil palm-based intercropping systems found in southern Benin in terms of nutritional status and growth of the palm. Within 15 oil palm farms, we compared 15 immature oil palm fields where the crop succession associated with the oil palms was dominated by maize, cassava, tomato, and pineapple. The nutrient concentrations in the soil and the palm leaves, and growth indicators were measured at the end of the immature phase. We found that the palm growth indicators were the lowest in the successions with pineapple. N and P nutrition of the immature palms was satisfactory but K was deficient in all systems, especially in those with pineapple. The K levels in the soils and palm leaves were correlated. Rough field budgets comparing the amounts of N and K applied to the crop successions with their N and K exports from non-returning products indicated that soil indigenous K supply would be particularly depleted in the systems with pineapple. We concluded that the young oil palms were affected by the competition for K exerted by the crop successions with pineapple even though they were the most fertilized in the region. The high profitable crop is therefore associated with the lowest growth rates of the immature palms. The mineral fertilizer management in these oil palm temporary intercropping systems should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée), and the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia (Morrison), are generalist pests that cause sporadic economic damage to several annual crops in the Canadian Prairies. Early larval instars feed on foliage, whereas mature larvae eat into the stem and sever crop seedlings. Here, we evaluate the influence of annual crop species and host fertilization on the larval performance and feeding preference of both cutworm species. Performance is the ability of an insect to reach its maximum growth potential. The first set of experiments evaluated larval development and preference on canola (Brassica napus L. [Capparales: Brassicaeae]), field peas (Pisum sativa L. [Fabales: Fabaceae]), and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. [Cyperales: Poaceae]). The redbacked cutworm had higher performance on canola and peas, while the pale western cutworm had higher performance on wheat. In multiple-choice feeding experiments, the redbacked cutworm consumed more canola, whereas the pale western cutworm consumed more spring wheat. The third set of experiments evaluated larval development on fertilized and unfertilized seedlings of canola and spring wheat seedlings. When fed unfertilized seedlings, the redbacked cutworm had better performance on canola than spring wheat, whereas pale western cutworm had better performance on spring wheat than canola. Fertilizer application enhanced the performance of both cutworms regardless of the crop species. Despite their generalist feeding behavior, both cutworm species have a larval feeding preference for the host plant on which they achieve high performance. Canola-cereal cropping is a common crop rotation schedule in the region; however, this tactic will not negatively impact cutworm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural land in Europe is affected by low rooting depth (LRD) on 27.9 Mha. This marginal agricultural land can potentially be used to grow industrial crops without directly threatening food security or biodiversity conservation. However, little is known about the yield performance of industrial crops at LRD conditions. This study therefore compiles and discusses the meaningful data available in scientific literature. Twelve relevant industrial crops were identified for Europe. Currently, robust information on good growth suitability for LRD conditions is available for only one industrial crop, namely reed canary grass (RCG). Because this information was taken from field trial results from a single site, it remains unclear what role other growing conditions such as soil quality and climate play on both the yield level and the biomass quality of RCG under LRD conditions. These uncertainties about the quantitative as well as qualitative performance of industrial crop cultivation on marginal agricultural land characterized by LRD represent a major agronomic knowledge gap. Here, more knowledge needs to be compiled through both expanded crop science activities and improved international information exchange to make more optimal use of the large LRD areas available for the transition to a bioeconomy.

Tropical agricultural soils have been claimed as a source of carbon. As agricultural systems in the tropics are highly diverse, it is useful to study soil organic C (SOC) of different agricultural systems. We quantified the SOC fractions, available nutrients, and aggregate stability in eight different tropical agricultural systems, including annual crops under different management scenarios, such as organic, inorganic, and combined fertilizer applications. Annual crops treated with organic fertilizer only (A–OF), inorganic fertilizer only (A–IF), both organic and inorganic fertilizers (A–O/IF), perennial crops (PC), home gardens (HG), and abandoned home gardens (AHG) in Eutrustox soils and annual crops with organic fertilizer only (A–OFS) and uncultivated land on Quartzipsamments soil (USR) were studied. The links between SOC fractions, available nutrients, and aggregate stability in these soils were analyzed. Regression models were fitted for SOC fractions and available nutrients. Our results indicated that the different land use types exhibited significant variations in organic carbon fractions, aggregate stability, and available nutrients in soils. The available macro and micronutrients, except for nitrogen, showed a significant positive correlation with either total organic C (TOC) or carbon fractions indicating the synergy between them. The differences in soil C stocks clearly reflected the differences in litter fall and soil disturbance, as indicated by the highest C stocks in AHG. The dry weight of collected litter showed that AHG accumulated the highest litter content (97.38 g/m2) compared to the lowest (37.63 g/m2) in A–I/F. Organic matter addition to soil also increased the C stocks, even in annual crops. Aggregate stability showed a positive correlation with C fractions. The regression models developed in this study can be used to predict available nutrients by measuring TOC or C fractions in similar land use types in the tropics. This study confirmed that tropical agricultural systems that include annual crops have potential for storing and maintaining C in soils, if appropriately managed. The beneficial influence of SOC on available nutrients and aggregate stability could be a driving force to increase carbon stock in tropical agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central-north of Brazil is a region with strong presence of concrectionary soil, whose supposed disadvantages from the agronomic point of view, do not prevent their use in agriculture. However, more in-depth information about the behavior of crops of agricultural interest cultivated in this type of soil is few. Due to the observation of agricultural stands in this type of soil, it was hypothesized that plinthite ironstones concretions negatively interfere in the development of crops of agro-economic interest. The objective was to verify the growth and development of soybean cultivated in soil with the presence and absence of plinthite ironstones. Concretionary Petric Plinthosol were collected in the 0-0,20 m layer and part of the soil was sieved so that concretions larger than 3.10 mm in diameter were removed, thus leaving two treatments, soil with and without plinthite ironstones. Morphological evaluations were performed during their phenological phase. Soybean grown in soil without ironstones showed higher growth at 32 and 48 DAE and more leaflets when compared to soy crop grown in soil with ironstones. As for dry matter, soybean grown in soil without ironstones showed more values for aerial, root and total mass as well for aerial root rate when compared to soybean grown in soil with ironstones. Plinthite ironstones interfere with the growth and/or vegetative development of soybeans. Soybean has less vegetative development when grown in soil with plinthite ironstone concretions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Graphical abstract Highlights • We made an agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of Physalis angulata. • Variation in vegetative and fruit traits showed a broad genetic base in P. angulata. • Productive potential of P. angulata was similar to other Physalis species cultivated. • Four populations exhibit desirable agronomic attributes to be selected for improvement. Abstract Some species of Physalis develop fruits that are appreciated as fruit and as culinary ingredients. Only Physalis peruviana and Physalis philadelphica are grown on a larger scale in America. Physalis angulata is grown on a small scale in Jalisco, Mexico. It is a wild species with extensive cultivation potential in tropical areas and a model of wide interest due to its phytochemical, pharmacological, and nutraceutical properties. The objectives of this study were to carry out the agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of P. angulata, to determine if differences exist between both conditions, and to identify populations with outstanding agronomic attributes. Eleven populations were selected that represent the area of Mexico where this species is traditionally cultivated and consumed. A cultivated population was also used for comparison. The characterization was done with 13 descriptors and multivariate methods. A nested PERMANOVA indicated that no significant differences exist between the wild and weedy condition. The classification and ordination analyses confirmed that the condition does not determine the patterns of variation, nor does it explain the formation of the two groups identified. These analyses also demonstrated the variability in the vegetative attributes and fruit in both conditions. In addition, these analyses showed that four populations exhibit similar agronomic characteristics —a greater number of fruits per plant, of larger size (>14 mm) and more weight (>1.5 g), greater precocity (germination 4–7 days), and higher germination percentage (>95%)— to the cultivated populations. The production per hectare estimated for these populations (11–14 and up to 28 t ha−1) is similar to that recorded for other wild tomato species and slightly lower than that of P. philadelphica. Due to their agronomic attributes, these populations can be part of a core collection for a breeding program. The genetic basis of P. angulata is wide and allows the agronomic evaluation and response to nutrition trials of outstanding genotypes, which will favor greater production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bird guilds are effective to characterize functional diversity, composition and relationships with habitat. • Crops with nearby trees had higher bird predation services when compared to treeless farmland. • Using local farmers' expertise to guide data analysis presented more accurate results. • Stakeholders can adjust the methodology using different features from the landscape to estimate local services. Management decisions in agriculture regarding landscape structure, biodiversity conservation, food production, climate adaptation and other planetary issues need to be supported by sound data and innovative solutions. The food system can and must become a part of the solution, particularly if it integrates nature-based solutions promoting biodiversity as services, such as pest control provided by local birds. Birds have been shown to contribute to invertebrates' predation and pest control, among many ecosystem services, in agricultural landscapes, especially where trees are present. Trees are also services providers and can contribute to ecosystem regulation, shelter and foraging of species, among other important contributions. In this study, we developed a methodology that integrates species, trait, and crop data; pest predation indicators and local farmers' expertise, to determine the consumption of pests by birds, in intensive farming systems of Central Portugal. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between birds and service provision over a tree gradient, at the landscape level. For that, we used point count data to estimate the daily consumption of invertebrates by birds, based on energy requirements and life cycle characteristics of each species. Using species guilds, we related habitat requirements to pest control services, which showed higher predation in annual crops close to trees or woody vegetation compared to the ones with just crops. Further, we analysed the methodology's main challenges and strengths. Lastly, we concluded that the holistic characteristic of the developed process would guide stakeholders and policy' elaboration more effectively, as we have learnt that farmers' participation enabled more accurate analysis and results and could bring them closer to the research process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the central region of Russia welsh onion is a promising crop for bunch onion combined with a high sappy sheath. The annual crop in open field allows getting the product at August- September. For this purpose the cv. Nezhnosty, Aprelyskyi, Sprinter (length of sheath is 15 cm, yield is 3.7 – 3.8 kg/m2) are the most suitable. In order to get bunching onion during September-October, the cv. Long Tokio, Ishikura long wait (yield is 3.1-3.2 kg / m2), Totem F1, and Performer (yield is 2.5 kg / m2) characterized by the medium height and the vertical position of leaves (5 leaves per plant) are recommended.

Application of peatland amelioration can improve soil quality, reduce GHG emissions, and increase carbon sequestration. The research aimed to study the effect of peatland amelioration on oil palm and rubber carbon stock improvement. Research was conducted from August 2013 until June 2014. The researches on oil palm were done in Arang-arang Village, Kumpeh Subdistrict, Muaro Jambi District, and in Lubuk Ogong Village, Bandar Seikijang Sub-district, Pelalawan District. Both sites are in Jambi and Riau Province. The research on rubber was done in Jabiren Village, Jabiren Raya Subdistrict, Pulang Pisau District, Central Kalimantan Province. The study used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), in four treatments and four replications. The treatments were pugam (peat fertilizer enriched by polyvalent cation), manure; empty fruit bunch compost, and control (no application). The measurement of C stock was performed 10 months after application using nondestructive methods. The results showed that peatland amelioration treatments had no significant effect to improve C stock on oil palm in 6 years old and 7 years old of rubber. After 10 months of amelioration application, the treatments increased C - stock of oil palm and rubber were 2.1-2.4 Mg ha-1 and 5-11 Mg ha-1, respectively. Longer time observation may be needed to study the effect of ameliorant on C-stock of annual crops.

The foliar application of silicon (Si) and salicylic acid (SA) can be beneficial to plants. However, there are doubts about the interaction of Si and SA in the physiology and yield of legume crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of Si and SA on the photosynthetic variables and yield of soybean and bean grains. The experiments were composed by four treatments: potassium silicate and stabilized sodium at a concentration of 3.6 g L−1 Si in the absence and presence of SA (210 mg L−1), only SA, and without Si or SA. The interaction of Si with foliar SA enhanced photosynthesis only in soybean; it did not affect the physiological variables of bean and did not alter the yield of the two crops. The results indicated that foliar Si application at high concentrations, independently of SA application, increased the physiological variables of the soybean without affecting the yield; however, the combined application of Si and SA had an adverse effect on the physiology and yield of bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]