scholarly journals A Slash-And-Mulch Improved-Fallow Agroforestry System: Growth and Nutrient Budgets over Two Rotations

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1125
Author(s):  
Aaron H. Joslin ◽  
Steel S. Vasconcelos ◽  
Francisco de Assis Oliviera ◽  
Osvaldo R. Kato ◽  
Lawrence Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Secondary Succession ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Improved Fallow ◽  
Cedrela Odorata ◽  
Nutrient Accumulation ◽  
N Accumulation ◽  
C Stocks ◽  
K Fertilization

Agroforestry systems are important, globally affecting 1.2 billion people and covering 0.6 billion hectares. They are often cited for providing ecosystem services, such as augmenting soil fertility via N accumulation and increasing soil C stocks. Improved-fallow slash-and-mulch systems have the potential to do both, while reducing nutrient losses associated with burning. In the absence of burning, these systems also have the potential to grow trees through multiple rotations. This project collected soil, mulch, and biomass data over the course of one 9-year crop-fallow rotation and the first two years of the second rotation. A split-plot design was used to assess the effects of P + K fertilization and inclusion of an N-fixing tree species, Inga edulis, on crop and tree biomass production. Fertilization increased growth and nutrient accumulation during Rotation 1 by an average of 36%, ranging from 11% in Parkia multijuga to 52% in Ceiba pentandra. Residual P + K fertilization improved tree and crop growth 20 months into Rotation 2 by an average of 50%, ranging from 15% in Cedrela odorata to 73% in Schizolobium amazonicum. The improved-fallow slash-and-mulch system increased the rates of secondary succession biomass accumulation (11−15 Mg ha−1 yr−1) by 41–64% compared to natural succession (7–8 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Furthermore, P + K fertilization increased secondary-succession biomass accumulation by 9–24%. Nutrient accumulation through biomass production was adequate to replace nutrients exported via crop root and timber stem harvests.

scholarly journals Competition for Light Affects Alfalfa Biomass Production More Than Its Nutritive Value in an Olive-Based Alley-Cropping System

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Alberto Mantino ◽  
Cristiano Tozzini ◽  
Enrico Bonari ◽  
Marcello Mele ◽  
Giorgio Ragaglini
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Alley Cropping ◽  
Light Availability ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Olive Orchard ◽  
Competition For Light ◽  
Perennial Legumes

Cropping among trees with perennial legumes is one option for increasing agro-ecosystem services, such as improving the nitrogen supply and increasing soil protection by herbaceous vegetation. Moreover, cropping under the canopy of olive trees should diversify the farm production, compared to the traditional fallow management. Among perennial legumes, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) produces abundant biomass under Mediterranean rainfed condition. Based on this, a two-year field experiment was implemented in southern Tuscany in a rainfed olive orchard to test the competition for light effects on alfalfa biomass production and nutritive value. Light availability under the tree canopy was measured by hemispherical photos. In both years, the alfalfa yield of under-canopy varied according to the tree presence. A significant relationship between biomass production and light availability was recorded. The nutritive value of under-canopy alfalfa was similar to that of the open-grown alfalfa. However, same significant differences did however occur, between shaded and sole crop. When differences were found, under-canopy herbage was characterised by a higher content of crude protein and a lower content of fibre with respect to open-grown. In a hilly silvoarable olive orchard, alfalfa biomass accumulation was reduced mainly due to scarce light availability, therefore tree management such as pruning and plantation layout can enhance the herbage productivity. Studying shade tolerant forage legumes in order to enhance the yield and nutritive value of herbage production in rainfed agroforestry systems is essential.

scholarly journals Valorization of a Bio-Stabilized Municipal Solid Waste Amendment for Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Fertilization

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1109
Author(s):  
Sara Martinez ◽  
Sara Sánchez-Moreno ◽  
Jose Luis Gabriel ◽  
Cristina Álvarez ◽  
Maria del Mar Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Vicia Faba ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
Nutrient Accumulation ◽  
Mineral Fertilization ◽  
Vicia Faba L

The valorization of municipal solid waste (MSW) can serve as an organic amendment in agriculture while reducing solid waste accumulation in the environment. This research aimed to evaluate the valorization of a bio-stabilized MSW amendment for the production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) crop. For this purpose, biomass production and growth, as well as, seed yield and seed components, seed nutrient accumulation, plant pigments, soil properties, and microorganisms were evaluated in comparison with faba bean mineral fertilization in a greenhouse experiment. The results demonstrated that the bio-stabilized MSW amendment achieved similar biomass production, plant growth, seed yield, nitrogen and protein content, and pigment content as the mineral fertilization treatment. On the other hand, the organic fertilization did not exhibit significant effects on the yield components number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per pod, and nutrient accumulation in seeds with respect to mineral and control treatments in both soils. Sandy and clay soil properties were improved in the organic treatments in comparison with the control soils by increasing soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and other soil nutrients, and providing a suitable pH for faba bean growth. Additionally, biological activity was favored by applying this source of organic fertilizer, enriching the nematode community. Reusing bio-stabilized MSW for agronomical purposes can add value to this waste product, serving as an effective alternative to mineral fertilizers in faba bean cultivation.

scholarly journals MYB61 is regulated by GRF4 and promotes nitrogen utilization and biomass production in rice

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yihong Gao ◽  
Zuopeng Xu ◽  
Lanjun Zhang ◽  
Shance Li ◽  
Shaogan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Cellulosic Biomass ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Cellulose Synthesis ◽  
N Utilization ◽  
C Metabolism ◽  
N Use

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is a macronutrient that boosts carbon (C) metabolism and plant growth leading to biomass accumulation. The molecular connection between nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) and biomass production remains unclear. Here, via quantitative trait loci analysis and map-based cloning, we reveal that natural variation at the MYB61 locus leads to differences in N use and cellulose biogenesis between indica and japonica subspecies of rice. MYB61, a transcriptional factor that regulates cellulose synthesis, is directly regulated by a known NUE regulator GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR4 (GRF4), which coordinates cellulosic biomass production and N utilization. The variation at MYB61 has been selected during indica and japonica domestication. The indica allele of MYB61 displays robust transcription resulting in higher NUE and increased grain yield at reduced N supply than that of japonica. Our study hence unravels how C metabolism is linked to N uptake and may provide an opportunity to reduce N use for sustainable agriculture.

scholarly journals Biomass Production and Potential Fixed Nitrogen Inputs from Leguminous Cover Crops in Subtropical Avocado Plantations

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Terry J. Rose ◽  
Lee J. Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
N Losses ◽  
N Accumulation ◽  
Tree Crop ◽  
Nitrogen Inputs ◽  
Legume Cover Crops

Nitrogen (N) fertiliser is applied to perennial horticultural crops to increase yields, but subsequent N losses in subtropical plantations may be high due to intense rainfall and warmer temperatures. While legume cover crops could potentially contribute N to the tree crops and reduce fertiliser-N requirements, few studies have quantified potential fixed-N inputs from cover crops legumes in tropical or subtropical tree crop systems. To address this, we investigated growth and N fixation of summer-growing Pinto peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W. C. Greg cv. Amarillo) and winter/spring dominant white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. Haifa) grown as a mixed species cover crop in two commercial subtropical avocado (Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass) plantations. Legume biomass was assessed prior to mowing of the inter-row (fortnightly in summer and every 6–8 weeks over winter) and N fixation was estimated using the 15N natural abundance technique. Biomass production was 7377 kg ha−1 (930 kg ha−1 for white clover and 6447 kg ha−1 for Pinto peanut) at the first site over the 14-month period from December 2014 to January 2016, and 4467 kg ha−1 (1114 kg ha−1 for white clover and 3353 kg ha−1 for Pinto peanut) at the second site over the same period. Estimation of N fixation was not possible at the first site, due to a lack of difference in isotopic discrimination between the legume shoots and the reference plant (kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.)) material. While legume shoots accumulated 157 kg N ha−1 (38 kg ha−1 for white clover and 119 kg ha−1 for Pinto peanut) across the season at site 1, the % N derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa) in legumes was relatively low (50–60% in Pinto peanut during the warmer months and around 30% in autumn and early spring, and from 13 % in April to 69% in September for white clover). The low %Ndfa in the legumes may have been due to low rainfall or molybdenum (Mo) deficiency. Ultimately the legume cover crops contributed an estimated 50 kg fixed N ha−1, which could partially offset fertiliser N requirements of the tree crop. Our results demonstrate the need to quantify N fixation in legume cover crops to assess potential N benefits as opposed to relying on typical measurements of legume biomass and N accumulation.

Changes in carbon storage of broadcast burn plantations over 20 years

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Kranabetter ◽  
A M Macadam
Keyword(s):  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Prescribed Burn ◽  
Soil C ◽  
C Storage ◽  
C Stocks ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Forest Floors

The extent of carbon (C) storage in forests and the change in C stocks after harvesting are important considerations in the management of greenhouse gases. We measured changes in C storage over time (from postharvest, postburn, year 5, year 10 and year 20) in logging slash, forest floors, mineral soils and planted lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) trees from six prescribed-burn plantations in north central British Columbia. After harvest, site C in these pools averaged 139 Mg ha-1, with approximately equal contributions from mineral soils (0–30 cm), forest floors and logging slash. Together these detrital pools declined by 71 Mg C ha-1, or 51% (28% directly from the broadcast burn, and a further 23% postburn), in the subsequent 20 yr. Postburn decay in logging slash was inferred by reductions in wood density (from 0.40 to 0.34 g cm-3), equal to an average k rate of 0.011 yr-1. Losses in forest floor C, amounting to more than 60% of the initial mass, were immediate and continued to year 5, with no reaccumulation evident by year 20. Mineral soil C concentrations initially fluctuated before declining by 25% through years 10 and 20. Overall, the reductions in C storage were offset by biomass accumulation of lodgepole pine, and we estimate these plantations had become a net sink for C before year 20, although total C storage was still less than postharvest levels. Key words: C sequestration, forest floors; coarse woody debris; soil organic matter

scholarly journals Radiation use efficiency, N accumulation and biomass production of high-yielding rice in aerobic culture

2010 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisuke Katsura ◽  
Midori Okami ◽  
Hiroaki Mizunuma ◽  
Yoichiro Kato
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Radiation Use Efficiency ◽  
N Accumulation ◽  
Aerobic Culture ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Radiation Use

Seasonal biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of wheat, barley and oat on a Black Chernozem Soil in Saskatchewan

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 1005-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. Malhi ◽  
A. M. Johnston ◽  
J. J. Schoenau ◽  
Z. L. Wang ◽  
C. L. Vera
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Uptake Rate ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Nutrient Accumulation ◽  
Maximum Biomass ◽  
Cereal Species

Dry matter and nutrient accumulation in the growing season are the main factors in the determination of seed yield and nutrient use efficiency. Field experiments were conducted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) in 1998 and 1999 at Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine the biomass accumulation and plant nutrient uptake at different growth stages, and their relationship with days after emergence (DAE) and growing degree days (GDD). All crops generally followed a similar pattern of biomass and nutrient accumulation in the growing season, which increased continuously with growing time, with much faster increase at early growth stages than at late growth stages. Maximum biomass accumulation rate and amount usually occurred at late boot stage (46–47 DAE or 443–460 GDD) and ripening stage (89–90 DAE or 948–1050 GDD), respectively. Maximum rate of nutrient uptake occurred at tillering to stem elongation stages (22–36 DAE or 149–318 GDD). Maximum amount of nutrient uptake generally occurred at the beginning of flowering to medium milk stages (61–75 DAE or 612–831 GDD), except for P in 1998 when it occurred at late milk to ripening stages (80–90 DAE or 922–1050 GDD). In general, the maximum nutrient uptake rate and amount, respectively, occurred earlier than maximum biomass accumulation rate and amount. For various cereal species/cultivars, maximum biomass accumulation rate was 204–232 kg ha-1 d-1, and maximum uptake rate of N, P, K and S, respectively, was 3.2–5.7, 0.30–0.60, 3.85–7.05 and 0.45–0.60 kg ha-1 d-1. The findings suggest that a sufficient supply of nutrients from soil and fertilizers at early growth stages is of great importance for optimum crop yield. Key words: Barley, biomass accumulation, cereals, growth stages, nutrient uptake, oat, wheat

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document