scholarly journals Symbiotic Performance of Herbaceous Legumes in Tropical Cover Cropping Systems

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basil Ibewiro ◽  
Martin Onuh ◽  
Nteranya Sanginga ◽  
Bernard Vanlauwe ◽  
Roel Merckx
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Atmospheric Nitrogen ◽  
Lablab Purpureus ◽  
Herbaceous Legumes ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
15N Isotope Dilution Technique

Increasing use of herbaceous legumes such as mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis [Wright] Bruck) and lablab (Lablab purpureus [L.] Sweet) in the derived savannas of West Africa can be attributed to their potential to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2). The effects of management practices on N2fixation in mucuna and lablab were examined using 15N isotope dilution technique. Dry matter yield of both legumes at 12 weeks was two to five times more in in situ mulch (IM) than live mulch (LM) systems. Land Equivalent Ratios, however, showed 8 to 30% more efficient utilization of resources required for biomass production under LM than IM systems. Live mulching reduced nodule numbers in the legumes by one third compared to values in the IM systems. Similarly, nodule mass was reduced by 34 to 58% under LM compared to the IM systems. The proportion of fixed N2in the legumes was 18% higher in LM than IM systems. Except for inoculated mucuna, the amounts of N fixed by both legumes were greater in IM than LM systems. Rhizobia inoculation of the legumes did not significantly increase N2fixation compared to uninoculated plots. Application of N fertilizer reduced N2fixed in the legumes by 36 to 51% compared to inoculated or uninoculated systems. The implications of cover cropping, N fertilization, and rhizobia inoculation on N contributions of legumes into tropical low-input systems were discussed.

scholarly journals Dry Matter Production, Nutrient Cycled and Removed, and Soil Fertility Changes in Yam-Based Cropping Systems with Herbaceous Legumes in the Guinea-Sudan Zone of Benin

Scientifica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Raphiou Maliki ◽  
Brice Sinsin ◽  
Anne Floquet ◽  
Denis Cornet ◽  
Eric Malezieux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Total N ◽  
Herbaceous Legumes ◽  
Andropogon Gayanus ◽  
The Impact

Traditional yam-based cropping systems (shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn, and short fallow) often result in deforestation and soil nutrient depletion. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of yam-based systems with herbaceous legumes on dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrients removed and recycled, and the soil fertility changes. We compared smallholders’ traditional systems (1-year fallow ofAndropogon gayanus-yam rotation, maize-yam rotation) with yam-based systems integrated herbaceous legumes (Aeschynomene histrix/maize intercropping-yam rotation,Mucuna pruriens/maize intercropping-yam rotation). The experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2004 cropping seasons with 32 farmers, eight in each site. For each of them, a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replicates was carried out using a partial nested model with five factors: Year, Replicate, Farmer, Site, and Treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure was applied to the dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrient contribution to the systems, and soil properties at depths 0–10 and 10–20 cm. DM removed and recycled, total N, P, and K recycled or removed, and soil chemical properties (SOM, N, P, K, and pH water) were significantly improved on yam-based systems with legumes in comparison with traditional systems.

scholarly journals Soil organic carbon concentrations and storage in irrigated cotton cropping systems sown on permanent beds in a Vertosol with restricted subsoil drainage

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 799 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. R. Hulugalle ◽  
T. B. Weaver ◽  
L. A. Finlay ◽  
V. Heimoana
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Carbon Dynamics ◽  
Wheat Stubble ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics ◽  
Carbon Concentrations

Long-term studies of soil organic carbon dynamics in two- and three-crop rotations in irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) based cropping systems under varying stubble management practices in Australian Vertosols are relatively few. Our objective was to quantify soil organic carbon dynamics during a 9-year period in four irrigated, cotton-based cropping systems sown on permanent beds in a Vertosol with restricted subsoil drainage near Narrabri in north-western New South Wales, Australia. The experimental treatments were: cotton–cotton (CC); cotton–vetch (Vicia villosa Roth. in 2002–06, Vicia benghalensis L. in 2007–11) (CV); cotton–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), where wheat stubble was incorporated (CW); and cotton–wheat–vetch, where wheat stubble was retained as in-situ mulch (CWV). Vetch was terminated during or just before flowering by a combination of mowing and contact herbicides, and the residues were retained as in situ mulch. Estimates of carbon sequestered by above- and below-ground biomass inputs were in the order CWV >> CW = CV > CC. Carbon concentrations in the 0–1.2 m depth and carbon storage in the 0–0.3 and 0–1.2 m depths were similar among all cropping systems. Net carbon sequestration rates did not differ among cropping systems and did not change significantly with time in the 0–0.3 m depth, but net losses occurred in the 0–1.2 m depth. The discrepancy between measured and estimated values of sequestered carbon suggests that either the value of 5% used to estimate carbon sequestration from biomass inputs was an overestimate for this site, or post-sequestration losses may have been high. The latter has not been investigated in Australian Vertosols. Future research efforts should identify the cause and quantify the magnitude of these losses of organic carbon from soil.

scholarly journals Tillage, Cover Cropping, and Nitrogen Fertilization Influence Tomato Yield and Nitrogen Uptake

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Upendra M. Sainju ◽  
Bharat P. Singh ◽  
Syed Rahman ◽  
V.R. Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Vicia Villosa ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
Tomato Yield ◽  
Leaf N Concentration ◽  
Dry Fruit

Management practices can influence tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) yield and N uptake. The effects of tillage (no-till, chisel plowing, and moldboard plowing), cover crop [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) vs. none], and N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg·ha-1 N) on transplanted tomato yield and N uptake were studied in the field from May to August in 1996 and 1997 on a Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Kandiudults) in central Georgia. Plowing increased fresh and dry fruit yield and N uptake in 1996 and N fertilization increased yield and N uptake in 1996 and 1997. Plowing also increased stem and leaf dry weights and N uptake from 40 to 118 days after transplanting (DAT) in 1996. Fertilization increased stem weight and N uptake with or without hairy vetch from 54 to 68 DAT in 1996 and stem and leaf weights and N uptake at 68 DAT in 1997. Both hairy vetch and N fertilization increased leaf N concentration in 1997. Recovery of N by the plants was lower with hairy vetch than with N fertilization, but was similar to or greater with 90 than with 180 kg·ha-1 N. We conclude that reduced tillage, such as chisel plowing, with 90 kg·ha-1 N can sustain tomato yield and N uptake, with reduced potentials of sediments and/or NO3 contamination in surface and groundwater.

Comparative studies on the yield of some herbaceous legumes and effects of storage on the quality of their pellets

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-308
Author(s):  
V. O. A. Ojo ◽  
D. K. Oyaniran ◽  
O. O. Adewumi ◽  
T. A. Adeyemi ◽  
T. O. Muraina
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Lablab Purpureus ◽  
Storage Duration ◽  
Herbaceous Legumes ◽  
Saponin Content ◽  
Calopogonium Mucunoides

Dry matter yield of herbaceous legumes and effects of storage length of their pellets on the chemical composition were investigated. A two phased field and laboratory experiment were conducted. In the first experiment, the yield of the forage legumes using a 5 x 2 factorial experiment consisting of five herbaceous legumes (Lablab purpureus, Mucuna pruriens, Centrosema molle, Centrosema pascorum and Calopogonium mucunoides) and two harvesting ages (6 and 12 weeks after sowing) laid out in a split-plot design was determined. The second experiment was the selection of herbaceous legumes with higher yields from Experiment 1 using a 3 x 4 factorial experiment consisting of the three herbaceous legumes (L. purpureus, C. mucunoides and M. pruriens) used to make pellets and four storage lengths (0 i.e. fresh, 30, 60 and 90 days). Treatments in both experiments were replicated three times. Results showed that legumes harvested 12 weeks after sowing (WAS) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher dry matter yield (2.73 t ha-1) than legumes at 6 WAS, while Lablab purpureus1 produced the highest (P < 0.05) dry matter yield (2.94 t ha ) of the legumes evaluated.. The physical characteristics of the herbaceous legumes pellets such as colour, odour and moldiness at different storage length showed that they were between fair and good pellets. The L. purpureus and M. pruriens had higher (P < 0.05) CP content than C. mucunoides. Differences in the CP content of pellets with the storage lengths employed was not significant (P > 0.05). Higher oxalate, phytate and saponin contents were found in mucunoides pellets than in other legumes pellets while the tannin content was in the order of M. pruriens (43.63 mg kg-1) > L. purpureus (26.00 mg kg-1) > C. mucunoides (20.31 mg kg-1). In conclusion, increasing age at harvest increased the yield of the legumes, while increasing storage duration decreased the CP content but increased the NDF, ADF and saponin content of the pellets.

scholarly journals Microbial Signatures in Fertile Soils Under Long-Term N Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
María B. Villamil ◽  
Nakian Kim ◽  
Chance W. Riggins ◽  
María C. Zabaloy ◽  
Marco Allegrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Block Design ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ribosomal Database Project ◽  
Fertilization Rates ◽  
Continuous Corn ◽  
Potential Nitrification

Long-term reliance on inorganic N to maintain and increase crop yields in overly simplified cropping systems in the U.S. Midwest region has led to soil acidification, potentially damaging biological N2 fixation and accelerating potential nitrification activities. Building on this published work, rRNA gene-based analysis via Illumina technology with QIIME 2.0 processing was used to characterize the changes in microbial communities associated with such responses. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) for each archaeal, bacterial, and fungal taxa were classified using the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP). Our goal was to identify bioindicators from microbes responsive to crop rotation and N fertilization rates following 34–35 years since the initiation of experiments. Research plots were established in 1981 with treatments of rotation [continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CCC) and both the corn (Cs) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) (Sc) phases of a corn-soybean rotation], and of N fertilization rates (0, 202, and 269 kg N/ha) arranged as a split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. We identified a set of three archaea, and six fungal genera responding mainly to rotation; a set of three bacteria genera whose abundances were linked to N rates; and a set with the highest number of indicator genera from both bacteria (22) and fungal (12) taxa responded to N fertilizer additions only within the CCC system. Indicators associated with the N cycle were identified from each archaeal, bacterial, and fungal taxon, with a dominance of denitrifier- over nitrifier- groups. These were represented by a nitrifier archaeon Nitrososphaera, and Woesearchaeota AR15, an anaerobic denitrifier. These archaea were identified as part of the signature for CCC environments, decreasing in abundance with rotated management. The opposite response was recorded for the fungus Plectosphaerella, a potential N2O producer, less abundant under continuous corn. N fertilization in CCC or CS systems decreased the abundance of the bacteria genera Variovorax and Steroidobacter, whereas Gp22 and Nitrosospira only showed this response under CCC. In this latter system, N fertilization resulted in increased abundances of the bacterial denitrifiers Gp1, Denitratisoma, Dokdonella, and Thermomonas, along with the fungus Hypocrea, a known N2O producer. The identified signatures could help future monitoring and comparison across cropping systems as we move toward more sustainable management practices. At the same time, this is needed primary information to understand the potential for managing the soil community composition to reduce nutrient losses to the environment.

scholarly journals Agricultural Management Practices to Sustain Crop Yields and Improve Soil and Environmental Qualities

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 768-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Upendra M. Sainju ◽  
Wayne F. Whitehead ◽  
Bharat P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Soil Organic C ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Cover Cropping ◽  
C And N

In the past several decades, agricultural management practices consisting of intensive tillage and high rate of fertilization to improve crop yields have resulted in the degradation of soil and environmental qualities by increasing erosion and nutrient leaching in the groundwater and releasing greenhouses gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), that cause global warming in the atmosphere by oxidation of soil organic matter. Consequently, management practices that sustain crop yields and improve soil and environmental qualities are needed. This paper reviews the findings of the effects of tillage practices, cover crops, and nitrogen (N) fertilization rates on crop yields, soil organic carbon (C) and N concentrations, and nitrate (NO3)-N leaching from the soil. Studies indicate that conservation tillage, such as no-till or reduced till, can increase soil organic C and N concentrations at 0- to 20-cm depth by as much as 7–17% in 8 years compared with conventional tillage without significantly altering crop yields. Similarly, cover cropping and 80–180 kg N ha–1year–1fertilization can increase soil organic C and N concentrations by as much as 4–12% compared with no cover cropping or N fertilization by increasing plant biomass and amount of C and N inputs to the soil. Reduced till, cover cropping, and decreased rate of N fertilization can reduce soil N leaching compared with conventional till, no cover cropping, and full rate of N fertilization. Management practices consisting of combinations of conservation tillage, mixture of legume and nonlegume cover crops, and reduced rate of N fertilization have the potentials for sustaining crop yields, increasing soil C and N storage, and reducing soil N leaching, thereby helping to improve soil and water qualities. Economical and social analyses of such practices are needed to find whether they are cost effective and acceptable to the farmers.

scholarly journals Soil Health Management Enhances Microbial Nitrogen Cycling Capacity and Activity

mSphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialin Hu ◽  
Virginia L. Jin ◽  
Julie Y. M. Konkel ◽  
Sean M. Schaeffer ◽  
Liesel G. Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
N Cycling ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Hairy Vetch ◽  
Inorganic N

ABSTRACT Soil microbial transformations of nitrogen (N) can be affected by soil health management practices. Here, we report in situ seasonal dynamics of the population size (gene copy abundances) and functional activity (transcript copy abundances) of five bacterial genes involved in soil N cycling (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria [AOB] amoA, nifH, nirK, nirS, and nosZ) in a long-term continuous cotton production system under different management practices (cover crops, tillage, and inorganic N fertilization). Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), a leguminous cover crop, most effectively promoted the expression of N cycle genes, which persisted after cover crop termination throughout the growing season. Moreover, we observed similarly high or even higher N cycle gene transcript abundances under vetch with no fertilizer as no cover crop with N fertilization throughout the cover crop peak and cotton growing seasons (April, May, and October). Further, both the gene and transcript abundances of amoA and nosZ were positively correlated to soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We also found that the abundances of amoA genes and transcripts both positively correlated to field and incubated net nitrification rates. Together, our results revealed relationships between microbial functional capacity and activity and in situ soil N transformations under different agricultural seasons and soil management practices. IMPORTANCE Conservation agriculture practices that promote soil health have distinct and lasting effects on microbial populations involved with soil nitrogen (N) cycling. In particular, using a leguminous winter cover crop (hairy vetch) promoted the expression of key functional genes involved in soil N cycling, equaling or exceeding the effects of inorganic N fertilizer. Hairy vetch also left a legacy on soil nutrient capacity by promoting the continued activity of N cycling microbes after cover crop termination and into the main growing season. By examining both genes and transcripts involved in soil N cycling, we showed different responses of functional capacity (i.e., gene abundances) and functional activity (i.e., transcript abundances) to agricultural seasons and management practices, adding to our understanding of the effects of soil health management practices on microbial ecology.

Adapting Nitrogen Fertilization to Unpredictable Seasonal Conditions with the Least Impact on the Environment

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Tremblay ◽  
Carl Bélec
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Saturation Index ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
N Budget ◽  
Reference Plot ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Primary Driver

Weather is the primary driver of both plant growth and soil conditions. As a consequence of unpredictable weather effects on crop requirements, more inputs are being applied as an insurance policy. Best management practices (BMPs) are therefore about using minimal input for maximal return in a context of unpredictable weather events. This paper proposes a set of complementary actions and tools as BMP for nitrogen (N) fertilization of vegetable crops: 1) planning from an N budget, 2) reference plot establishment, and 3) crop sensing prior to in-season N application based on a saturation index related to N requirement.

Concepts and Practices for Improving Nitrogen Management for Vegetables

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Hochmuth
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Nitrogen Management ◽  
Land Grant ◽  
Land Grant Universities ◽  
Production Practices ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
N Management

Efficient N management practices usually involve many potential strategies, but always involve choosing the correct amount of N and the coupling of N management to efficient water management. Nitrogen management strategies are integral parts of improved production practices recommended by land-grant universities such as the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Univ. of Florida. This paper, which draws heavily on research and experience in Florida, outlines the concepts and technologies for managing vegetable N fertilization to minimize negative impacts on the environment.

Nitrate Leaching to a Shallow Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Aquifer as Influenced by Conventional No-Till and Low-Input Sustainable Grain Production Systems

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 691-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Craig ◽  
R. R. Weil
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Atlantic Coastal Plain ◽  
Grain Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Low Input ◽  
No Till

In December, 1987, the states in the Chesapeake Bay region, along with the federal government, signed an agreement which called for a 40% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to the Bay by the year 2000. To accomplish this goal, major reductions in nutrient loadings associated with agricultural management practices were deemed necessary. The objective of this study was to determine if reducing fertilizer inputs to the NT system would result in a reduction in nitrogen contamination of groundwater. In this study, groundwater, soil, and percolate samples were collected from two cropping systems. The first system was a conventional no-till (NT) grain production system with a two-year rotation of corn/winter wheat/double crop soybean. The second system, denoted low-input sustainable agriculture (LISA), produced the same crops using a winter legume and relay-cropped soybeans into standing wheat to reduce nitrogen and herbicide inputs. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater were significantly lower under the LISA system. Over 80% of the NT groundwater samples had NO3-N concentrations greater than 10 mgl-1, compared to only 4% for the LISA cropping system. Significantly lower soil mineral N to a depth of 180 cm was also observed. The NT soil had nearly twice as much mineral N present in the 90-180 cm portion than the LISA cropping system.

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