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Sustainable Crop Production Intensification

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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2017) | Viewed by 110066

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Prof. Dr. Michele Pisante

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Agronomy and Crop Sciences Research and Education Center, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
Interests: abiotic and biotic plant stress; climate adaptation and mitigation; conservation agriculture; precision farming; sustainability
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Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable agriculture integrates the concepts of continuing improvement in agriculture productivity, profitability, and competitiveness by sustainable management of natural resources. One the eve of declining natural resources, changing climate and increasing food demands, the shift from the existing intensive production system to a more sustainable system needs to be an evolving and continuing process. Intertwining challenges of climate change and competition for land, water and energy require attention in the following areas: bridging the gap between actual and potential productivity levels in the agriculture of developing countries; investing in agricultural innovation, broadly defined; and improving national and international research co-operation. For multi-objective optimization, a set of soil-crop-nutrient-water-landscape system management practices, known as Conservation Agriculture (CA), has the potential to achieve all of these goals. CA has the potential for managing decreasing soil productivity and improving the resource-use efficiency and the natural resources base. Hence, it adapts to and mitigates climate change and leads to a more efficient use of inputs to reduce production costs. The integrated approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification with adoption of Conservation Agriculture practices, represent a new conceptual issue on Ecosystem ‘Functions’ and ‘Services’ for the predominant sustainable farming systems.

Manuscripts (reviews, perspectives, or original articles) are invited, and may include, but are not limited to, these topics:

the major challenges and developments in sustainable agriculture research;
intensification crop production for sustainable agriculture;
develop environmentally and profitable food production systems;
ecological sustainability of farming systems;
innovations for improving efficiency and rationale use of natural resources;
technological options and new areas of research for Sustainable Crop Production Intensification;
Conservation Agriculture practices for Ecosystem ‘Functions’ and ‘Services’.

Prof. Dr. Michele Pisante
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Sustainable agriculture research
Crop Production Intensification
Improving efficiency use of natural resource
Adapting to climate change
Soil-crop-nutrient-water-landscape management
Conservation Agriculture
Ecosystem Functions and Services

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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13 pages, 955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durum Wheat Quality, Yield and Sanitary Status under Conservation Agriculture

by Francesco Calzarano, Fabio Stagnari, Sara D’Egidio, Giancarlo Pagnani, Angelica Galieni, Stefano Di Marco, Elisa Giorgia Metruccio and Michele Pisante

Agriculture 2018, 8(9), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8090140 - 8 Sep 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5183

Abstract

In Mediterranean environments the adoption of Conservation Agriculture (CA) would allow growers to achieve environmental, agronomic and economic sustainability. We investigated the effect of different combination of crop establishment treatments and crop sequence (conventional tillage (CT) and durum wheat monocropping (WW); conventional tillage (CT) and durum wheat following faba beans (WF); zero tillage (ZT) and durum wheat monocropping (WW); zero tillage (ZF) and durum wheat following faba beans (WF) on yield, grain quality traits as well as on disease incidence and severity in durum wheat (var. Saragolla). The results of two years of data of a long-term experiment (seven-year experiment; split-plot design) are discussed. The CA approach (ZT + WF), which always induced the highest grain yields (6.1 t ha⁻¹ and 3.3 t ha⁻¹ in 2016 and 2017) thanks to an increased number of spikes m⁻² (296 vs. 269 and 303 vs. 287 spikes m⁻² in 2016 and 2017, respectively) as well as a more pronounced ear length, demonstrated significantly positive influences in terms of grain quality. It promoted grain protein accumulation (12.1% for ZT + WF vs. 11.4% for ZT + WW and 12.4% for ZT + WF vs. 10.6% for ZT + WW in 2016 and 2017) and improved the gluten quality (in terms of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) sedimentation test) and colour of the grain. The abundance of crop residues determined a higher incidence and severity of Zymoseptoria tritici leaf symptoms under the CA system; nevertheless, the late appearance of infection was the main reason for not affecting yield and quality traits. The presence of faba beans (WF) in the rotation significantly reduced leaf symptoms in Z. tritici. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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11 pages, 1179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gaseous Emissions after Soil Application of Pellet Made from Composted Pig Slurry Solid Fraction: Effect of Application Method and Pellet Diameter

by Niccolò Pampuro, Patrizia Busato and Eugenio Cavallo

Agriculture 2018, 8(8), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8080119 - 1 Aug 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4262

Abstract

The study aimed at determining ammonia and GHG emissions from soil fertilized with pellets made from composted pig slurry solid fraction and to evaluate the effects of pellet diameter and pellet application method on gaseous emissions. A laboratory scale experiment was carried out investigating two composts: pig slurry solid fraction compost (SSFC) and pig slurry solid fraction mixed with wood chips compost (WCC). The two composts were pelettized in two different diameters—6 and 8 mm—by means of mechanical pelletizer. In total, eight fertilized treatments plus one unfertilized control were included in the experiment. The investigated pellets were applied at the same nitrogen rate (equivalent to 200 kg ha⁻¹) using two different methods (on soil surface and incorporated into the soil). Ammonia (NH₃) emission was monitored immediately after pellet application, while nitrous oxide (N₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) were measured on a 57-day incubation period. As expected, ammonia volatilization was not detected from any of the treatments investigated. At the end of the experiment, the cumulative amounts of N₂O, CO₂ and CH₄ ranged from 2.70 mg N-N₂O m⁻² to 24.30 mg N-N₂O m⁻², from 601.89 mg C-CO₂ m⁻² to 1170.34 mg C-CO₂ m⁻² and from 1.22 mg C-CH₄ m⁻² to 1.31 mg C-CH₄ m⁻², respectively. The overall results of the investigation highlighted that application on the soil surface reduced nitrous oxide emission, while the carbon dioxide emission increased significantly with smaller pellet diameter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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14 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Higher Crop Yield Levels in the North Savo Region—Means and Challenges Indicated by Farmers and Their Close Stakeholders

by Heikki Lehtonen, Taru Palosuo, Panu Korhonen and Xing Liu

Agriculture 2018, 8(7), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8070093 - 26 Jun 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5612

Abstract

The sustainable intensification of farming systems is expected to increase food supply and reduce the negative environmental effects of agriculture. It is also seen as an effective adaptation and mitigation strategy in response to climate change. Our aim is to determine farmers’ and other stakeholders’ views on how higher crop yields can be achieved from their currently low levels. This was investigated in two stakeholder workshops arranged in North Savo, Finland, in 2014 and 2016. The workshop participants, who were organized in discussion groups, considered some agricultural policies to discourage the improvement of crop yields. Policy schemes were seen to support extensification and reduce the motivation for yield improvements. However, the most important means for higher crop yields indicated by workshop participants were improved soil conditions with drainage and liming, in addition to improved crop rotations, better sowing techniques, careful selection of cultivars and forage grass mixtures. Suggested solutions for improving both crop yields and farm income also included optimized use of inputs, focusing production at the most productive fields and actively developed farming skills and knowledge sharing. These latter aspects were more pronounced in 2016, suggesting that farmers’ skills are increasingly being perceived as important. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

26 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Exploring the Relationships between Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Yields, and Soil Properties in Cropping Systems

by Gevan D. Behnke, Cameron M. Pittelkow, Emerson D. Nafziger and María B. Villamil

Agriculture 2018, 8(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8050062 - 26 Apr 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6209

Abstract

Relationships between greenhouse gas emissions, yields, and soil properties are not well known. Utilizing two datasets from long-term cropping systems in Illinois, USA, our we aim to address these knowledge gaps. The objective of this study was to explore the relationships between the physical and chemical properties and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of soil, and cash crop yields over a four-year time-period and following 15 years of treatment implementation in Illinois, USA. The experimental layout was a split-plot arrangement involving rotation and tillage treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The studied crop rotations were continuous corn [Zea mays L.] (CCC), corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS), continuous soybean (SSS), and corn-soybean-wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] (CSW), with each phase being present for every year. The tillage options were chisel tillage (T) and no-tillage (NT). We used an array of multivariate approaches to analyze both of our datasets that included 31 soil properties, GHG emissions (N₂O, CO₂, and CH₄) and cash crop yields. The results from our analyses indicate that N₂O emissions are associated with a low soil pH, an increased Al concentration, the presence of soil nitrate throughout the growing season, an increase in plant available water (PAW) and an increased soil C concentration. Likewise, soil CO₂ respiration was correlated with low pH, elevated Al concentrations, low Ca, increased PAW, higher levels of microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and lower water aggregate stability (WAS). Emissions of CH₄ were associated with increased levels of MBC. Lastly, the yield index (YdI) was correlated with lower levels of soil Ca and available P and lower values of WAS. The association between high YdI and lower WAS can be attributed to tillage, as tillage lowers WAS, but increases yields in highly productive cropping systems in the Midwest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

15 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Chicken Manure Application on Cassava Biomass and Root Yields in Two Agro-Ecologies of Zambia

by Gizachew Kebede Biratu, Eyasu Elias, Pheneas Ntawuruhunga and Nhamo Nhamo

Agriculture 2018, 8(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8040045 - 21 Mar 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 11828

Abstract

Fertilizer application is known to increase crop yields and mitigate net soil nutrient mining due to continuous removal. However, smallholder farmers rarely apply adequate fertilizers because of high cost, limited availability and lack of awareness. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chicken manure on cassava root and biomass yield at Kabangwe and Mansa, two locations representing agroecological zones II and III, respectively, in Zambia. With the aim of exploring alternative soil fertility management for smallholder farmers, the effect of sole chicken manure and mineral fertilizers was evaluated on cassava. The treatments were four levels of chicken manure (0, 1.4, 2.8, 4.2 ton/ha) and a single level of mineral NPK applied at 100N-22P-83K kg/ha as recommended. The design was a Randomized Complete Block (RCBD), with three replications using the improved cassava variety “Mweru” during the 2015/2016 growing season. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) treatment effects on cassava root yields and yield components (fresh and dry root, leaf, stem, and total biomass) at both sites. The highest mean fresh (27.66 ton/ha) and dry root yield (9.55 ton/ha), and total fresh biomass (53.68 ton/ha) and dry biomass (16.12 ton/ha) production were achieved with the application of 4.2 ton/ha of chicken manure. This treatment showed 71% and 81% fresh root yield advantage over the control at Mansa and Kabangwe, respectively. While the marginal rate of return (MRR) was negative for the mineral fertilizer, it was positive for all the chicken manure treatments with the maximum (315%) achieved from the application of 4.2 ton/ha. The study concludes that application of chicken manure significantly increases the yield and biomass production of cassava and is economically efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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12 pages, 558 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Soil Organic Matter and Microbial Biomass under Long-Term Crop Rotation and Tillage in Illinois, USA

by Stacy M. Zuber, Gevan D. Behnke, Emerson D. Nafziger and Maria B. Villamil

Agriculture 2018, 8(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8030037 - 9 Mar 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7426

Abstract

Crop rotation and tillage alter soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics by influencing the soil environment and microbes carrying out C and N cycling. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of long-term crop rotation and tillage on the quantity of C and N stored in SOM and microbial biomass. Two experimental sites were used to evaluate four rotations—continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CCC), corn-soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) (CS), corn-soybean-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (CSW), and continuous soybean (SSS), each split into chisel tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) subplots. The CSW rotation increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content compared to SSS; SSS also reduced total nitrogen (TN) compared to other rotations. Levels of SOC and TN were 7% and 9% greater under NT than CT, respectively. Rotation did not affect microbial biomass C and N (MBC, MBN) while tillage reduced only MBN at 10–20 cm compared to NT, likely related to dispersion of N fertilizers throughout the soil. Despite the apparent lack of sensitivity of microbial biomass, changes in SOC and TN illustrate the effects of rotation and tillage on SOM dynamics. The inclusion of crops with high C: N residues and no-till use both support higher C and N content in the top 20 cm of the soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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17 pages, 1442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Living Mulch Performance in a Tropical Cotton System and Impact on Yield and Weed Control

by Vinay Bhaskar, Robin R. Bellinder, Antonio DiTommaso and Michael F. Walter

Agriculture 2018, 8(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8020019 - 31 Jan 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8012

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major crop in the Vidarbha region of central India. The vertisol soils on which much of the cotton is grown have been severely degraded by the tropical climate, excessive tillage and depletion of organic matter. Living mulches have the ability to mitigate these problems but they can cause crop losses through direct competition with the cotton crop and unreliable weed control. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 at four locations in Vidarbha to study the potential for growing living mulches in mono-cropped cotton. Living mulch species evaluated included gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.], sesbania [Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.], sorghum sudan grass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. Drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet & Harlan] and sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.). Living mulch height was controlled through mowing and herbicides were not used. Living mulches generated 1 to 13 tons ha⁻¹ of dry matter across sites and years. Weed cover was negatively correlated with both living mulch biomass and cover. Where living mulches were vigorous and established quickly, weed cover was as low as 7%, without the use of herbicides, or inter-row tillage. In a dry year, living mulch growth had a negative impact on cotton yield; however, in a year when soil moisture was not limiting, there was a positive relationship between cotton yield and living mulch biomass. Use of living mulches in cotton production in the Vidarbha region of India is feasible and can lead to both effective weed suppression and acceptable cotton yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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14 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surfactin Protects Wheat against Zymoseptoria tritici and Activates Both Salicylic Acid- and Jasmonic Acid-Dependent Defense Responses

by Geraldine Le Mire, Ali Siah, Marie-Noëlle Brisset, Matthieu Gaucher, Magali Deleu and M. Haissam Jijakli

Agriculture 2018, 8(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8010011 - 9 Jan 2018

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7343

Abstract

Natural elicitors induce plant resistance against a broad spectrum of diseases, and are currently among the most promising biocontrol tools. The present study focuses on the elicitor properties of the cyclic lipopeptide surfactin on wheat, in order to stimulate the defenses of this major crop against the challenging fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. The protection efficacy of surfactin extracted from the strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens S499 was investigated through greenhouse trials. Surfactin protected wheat by 70% against Z. tritici, similarly to the chemical reference elicitor Bion^®50WG. In vitro biocidal assays revealed no antifungal activities of surfactin towards the pathogen. A biomolecular RT-qPCR based low-density microarray tool was used to study the relative expression of 23 wheat defense genes. Surfactin significantly induced wheat natural defenses by stimulating both salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-dependent signaling pathways. Surfactin was successfully tested as an elicitor on the pathosystem wheat–Z. tritici. These results promote further sustainable agricultural practices and the reduction of chemical inputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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5414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Agro-Ecological Practices on Soil Losses and Cash Crop Yield

by Daniela De Benedetto, Francesco Montemurro and Mariangela Diacono

Agriculture 2017, 7(12), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture7120103 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7318

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of agro-ecological practices on soil losses, by assessing experimental field topography changes and cauliflower crop yield after an artificial extreme rainfall event. Data were collected in an innovative experimental device in which different combined agronomic strategies were tested such as hydraulic arrangement, crop rotations and agro-ecological service crops (ASC) introduction. The collection of elevation data was carried out in kinematic way before rainfall, and in punctual surveys to evaluate the effects of artificial event on this parameter. Non-parametric tests were performed to evaluate differences between samples. High-resolution digital elevation models were generated from independent data using kriging, and elevation difference maps were produced. The results indicated that the data before and after the artificial rainfall were statistically different. The raised strips suffered soil loss showing that the strip with permanent intercropping was higher than that in the absence of ASC. A significant rise of elevation was registered in the furrowed strips after rainfall, and deposition of soil occurred at the lowest areas of the experimental field. Moreover, the study showed a relationship between cash crop yield and elevation: the areas with lower elevation (higher flooding) were characterized by the lowest yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Input Maize-Based Cropping Systems Implementing IWM Match Conventional Maize Monoculture Productivity and Weed Control

by Guillaume Adeux, Simon Giuliano, Stéphane Cordeau, Jean-Marie Savoie and Lionel Alletto

Agriculture 2017, 7(9), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture7090074 - 6 Sep 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8251

Abstract

Conventional Maize Monoculture (MM), a dominant Cropping System in South-Western France, is now questioned for environmental reasons (nitrate leaching, pesticide use and excessive irrigation). Three low-input Cropping Systems (CS) using diverse weeding strategies (MM_LI, a Low-Input MM implementing ploughing, a combination of on-row spraying and in-between row cultivation and cover crops; MM_CT, Conservation Tillage MM implementing chemical control and cover crops; Maize-MSW, maize managed similar to MM_LI but rotated with soybean & wheat) were compared to a reference system (MM_Conv, a conventional MM with tillage and a high quantity of inputs). Potential of Infestation of weeds (PI), weed biomass and crop production of these CS were compared during the first five years after their establishment. Yields were also assessed in weed-free zones hand-weeded weekly in 2014 and 2015. Weed communities did not drastically differ among CS. PI and weed biomass were higher in MM_CT, especially for Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv. and were comparable between MM_Conv, MM_LI and Maize-MSW. Analysis of covariance between CS and weed biomass did not reveal a significant interaction, suggesting that weed biomass affected yield similarly among the CS. Comparison between weedy and weed-free zones suggested that weeds present at maize maturity negatively affected yields to the same extent for all four CS, despite having different weed biomasses. Grain yields in MM_Conv (11.3 ± 1.1 t ha⁻¹) and MM_LI (10.6 ± 2.3 t ha⁻¹) were similar and higher than in MM_CT (8.2 ± 1.9 t ha⁻¹. Similar yields, weed biomasses and PI suggest that MM_LI and Maize-MSW are interesting alternatives to conventional MM in terms of weed control and maize productivity and should be transferred to farmers to test their feasibility under wider, farm-scale conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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Review

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24 pages, 4830 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancing Intercropping Research and Practices in Industrialized Agricultural Landscapes

by K. Ann Bybee-Finley and Matthew R. Ryan

Agriculture 2018, 8(6), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8060080 - 8 Jun 2018

Cited by 163 | Viewed by 30421

Abstract

Sustainable intensification calls for agroecological and adaptive management of the agrifood system. Here, we focus on intercropping and how this agroecological practice can be used to increase the sustainability of crop production. Strip, mixed, and relay intercropping can be used to increase crop yields through resource partitioning and facilitation. In addition to achieving greater productivity, diversifying cropping systems through the use of strategic intercrops can increase yield stability, reduce pests, and improve soil health. Several intercropping systems are already implemented in industrialized agricultural landscapes, including mixed intercropping with perennial grasses and legumes as forage and relay intercropping with winter wheat and red clover. Because intercropping can provide numerous benefits, researchers should be clear about their objectives and use appropriate methods so as to not draw spurious conclusions when studying intercrops. In order to advance the practice, experiments that test the effects of intercropping should use standardized methodology, and researchers should report a set of common criteria to facilitate cross-study comparisons. Intercropping with two or more crops appears to be less common with annuals than perennials, which is likely due to differences in the mechanisms responsible for complementarity. One area where intercropping with annuals in industrialized agricultural landscapes has advanced is with cover crops, where private, public, and governmental organizations have harmonized efforts to increase the adoption of cover crop mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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10 pages, 2188 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Intensification in Dryland Cropping Systems—Perspectives for Adaptions across the Western Siberian Grain Belt

by Insa Kühling, Shohrukh Atoev and Dieter Trautz

Agriculture 2018, 8(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture8050063 - 29 Apr 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5905

Abstract

The Western Siberian grain belt is of global significance in terms of agricultural production as well as carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation. Regional downscaling of general circulation models predict increasing drought risks and water scarcity for this area. Additionally, significant land-use changes took place in this region after the dissolution of the USSR and collapse of the state farm system: Land-use intensity in Western Siberia (Russian Federation) continuously decreased on grassland, whilst on cropland the intensity increased through recultivation of abandoned cropland and rising fertilizer inputs since 2003. Together, these changing conditions have led to challenges for sustainable agriculture in this semi-arid environment. For sustainable land management, strategies for adapted crop production systems are needed. In agronomic field trials, the potential of enhanced water use efficiency as contribution to a resilient agricultural system under changing climate conditions was evaluated and related to the common practice and regional research. In participatory on-farm trials, higher average soil water content (+40%) in the top soil layer led to higher grain yield (+0.4 t ha⁻¹) and protein yield (+0.05 t ha⁻¹) under no-till compared to the common practice of conventional tillage. Despite this, regional research still promotes bare fallowing with beneficial effects only in the first harvest after fallow, whereas the potential of no-till was visible each year, even under above-average wet and cool growing conditions. In this case study from the Western Siberian grain belt, we depict a possible pathway to make cereal production in Western Siberia more sustainable. However, the approach of applied sustainable intensification by promoting no-till is related to the negative concomitant effect of increased herbicide applications. Due to the strict rejection of GMOs in Russian agriculture by the federal government, this is a great opportunity to maintain a large, pristine area of over 17 million km² with a lower risk of glyphosate-dependent cropping systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Crop Production Intensification)

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