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Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in...
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Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 58304

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Guido Wyseure

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Soil and Water Management, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: irrigation; drainage; agrohydrology; land and water sustainability; soil management
Prof. Dr. Julián Cuevas González

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, University of Almería, ceiA3, 04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: Mediterranean and subtropical fruit crops; pollination; pollen–pistil interaction; fruit set and thinning; fruit crop physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jean Poesen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Geography and Tourism, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: soil erosion and conservation; sustainable land use; land slides

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A major challenge for the future is to combine both the profitability and sustainability of agriculture. The European H2020 project SoilCare, aims to identify, test and evaluate soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) which contribute to the implementation of agricultural solutions across Europe (See: https://soilcare-project.eu/en/ for the project website). The project includes 16 study sites distributed across Europe. Each study site implemented short term experiments during the duration of the project and most also ran long term experiments comparing the soil quality as a function of different treatments such as soil amendments, tillage, cover crops, nutrients, organic matter inputs. In addition, eight work-packages assess different aspects encompassing reviewing the soil-improving cropping systems, the participatory analysis of implementation and selection, methodology and analysis, upscaling at the European level, policy analysis and support, and dissemination and communication. In this way SoilCare works on a providing a holistic approach to soil quality, spanning from biophysical to human interactions at different scales.

In this Special Issue, we aim to compile scientific findings on soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) based on field experiments, including the study of policy, upscaling and dissemination. We invite papers focussing on, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • best practices for alleviating soil threats and improving soil quality based on long and short term experiments;
  • methodologies for comparing SICS across study-sites and countries;
  • policy development, upscaling of possible solutions, stakeholder involvement and dissemination of SICS.

Prof. Dr. Guido Wyseure
Prof. Dr. Julián Cuevas González
Prof. Dr. Jean Poesen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • soil quality
  • sustainable soil management
  • cropping systems
  • tillage systems
  • cover crops
  • soil policy and management
  • soil organic matter management
  • upscaling of best practices
  • stakeholder involvement
  • dissemination

Published Papers (16 papers)

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28 pages, 15411 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Soil Improving Cropping Systems (SICS) on Soil Erosion and Soil Organic Carbon Stocks across Europe: A Simulation Study
by Jantiene E. M. Baartman, Joao Pedro Nunes, Hedwig van Delden, Roel Vanhout and Luuk Fleskens
Land 2022, 11(6), 943; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11060943 - 19 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2590
Abstract
Healthy soils are fundamental for sustainable agriculture. Soil Improving Cropping Systems (SICS) aim to make land use and food production more sustainable. To evaluate the effect of SICS at EU scale, a modelling approach was taken. This study simulated the effects of SICS [...] Read more.
Healthy soils are fundamental for sustainable agriculture. Soil Improving Cropping Systems (SICS) aim to make land use and food production more sustainable. To evaluate the effect of SICS at EU scale, a modelling approach was taken. This study simulated the effects of SICS on two principal indicators of soil health (Soil Organic Carbon stocks) and land degradation (soil erosion) across Europe using the spatially explicit PESERA model. Four scenarios with varying levels and combinations of cover crops, mulching, soil compaction alleviation and minimum tillage were implemented and simulated until 2050. Results showed that while in the scenario without SICS, erosion slightly increased on average across Europe, it significantly decreased in the scenario with the highest level of SICS applied, especially in the cropping areas in the central European Loess Belt. Regarding SOC stocks, the simulations show a substantial decrease for the scenario without SICS and a slight overall decrease for the medium level scenario and the scenario with a mix of high, medium and no SICS. The scenario with a high level of SICS implementation showed an overall increase in SOC stocks across Europe. Potential future improvements include incorporating dynamic land use, climate change and an optimal spatial allocation of SICS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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27 pages, 1303 KiB  
Article
Soil-Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe
by Rudi Hessel, Guido Wyseure, Ioanna S. Panagea, Abdallah Alaoui, Mark S. Reed, Hedwig van Delden, Melanie Muro, Jane Mills, Oene Oenema, Francisco Areal, Erik van den Elsen, Simone Verzandvoort, Falentijn Assinck, Annemie Elsen, Jerzy Lipiec, Aristeidis Koutroulis, Lilian O’Sullivan, Martin A. Bolinder, Luuk Fleskens, Ellen Kandeler, Luca Montanarella, Marius Heinen, Zoltan Toth, Moritz Hallama, Julián Cuevas, Jantiene E. M. Baartman, Ilaria Piccoli, Tommy Dalgaard, Jannes Stolte, Jasmine E. Black and Charlotte-Anne Chiversadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Land 2022, 11(6), 780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11060780 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5699
Abstract
Soils form the basis for agricultural production and other ecosystem services, and soil management should aim at improving their quality and resilience. Within the SoilCare project, the concept of soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) was developed as a holistic approach to facilitate the adoption [...] Read more.
Soils form the basis for agricultural production and other ecosystem services, and soil management should aim at improving their quality and resilience. Within the SoilCare project, the concept of soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) was developed as a holistic approach to facilitate the adoption of soil management that is sustainable and profitable. SICS selected with stakeholders were monitored and evaluated for environmental, sociocultural, and economic effects to determine profitability and sustainability. Monitoring results were upscaled to European level using modelling and Europe-wide data, and a mapping tool was developed to assist in selection of appropriate SICS across Europe. Furthermore, biophysical, sociocultural, economic, and policy reasons for (non)adoption were studied. Results at the plot/farm scale showed a small positive impact of SICS on environment and soil, no effect on sustainability, and small negative impacts on economic and sociocultural dimensions. Modelling showed that different SICS had different impacts across Europe—indicating the importance of understanding local dynamics in Europe-wide assessments. Work on adoption of SICS confirmed the role economic considerations play in the uptake of SICS, but also highlighted social factors such as trust. The project’s results underlined the need for policies that support and enable a transition to more sustainable agricultural practices in a coherent way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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15 pages, 451 KiB  
Article
A New Framework to Assess Sustainability of Soil Improving Cropping Systems in Europe
by Abdallah Alaoui, Moritz Hallama, Roger Bär, Ioanna Panagea, Felicitas Bachmann, Carola Pekrun, Luuk Fleskens, Ellen Kandeler and Rudi Hessel
Land 2022, 11(5), 729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11050729 - 12 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2128
Abstract
Assessing agricultural sustainability is one of the most challenging tasks related to expertise and support methodologies because it entails multidisciplinary aspects and builds on cultural and value-based elements. Thus, agricultural sustainability should be considered a social concept, reliable enough to support decision makers [...] Read more.
Assessing agricultural sustainability is one of the most challenging tasks related to expertise and support methodologies because it entails multidisciplinary aspects and builds on cultural and value-based elements. Thus, agricultural sustainability should be considered a social concept, reliable enough to support decision makers and policy development in a broad context. The aim of this manuscript was to develop a methodology for the assessment of the sustainability of soil improving cropping systems (SICS) in Europe. For this purpose, a decision tree based on weights (%) was chosen because it allows more flexibility. The methodology was tested with data from the SoilCare Horizon 2020 study site in Germany for the assessment of the impact of the integration of cover crops into the crop rotation. The effect on the environmental indicators was slightly positive, but most assessed properties did not change over the short course of the experiment. Farmers reported that the increase in workload was outweighed by a reputation gain for using cover crops. The incorporation of cover crops reduced slightly the profitability, due to the costs for seeds and establishment of cover crops. The proposed assessment methodology provides a comprehensive summary to assess the agricultural sustainability of SICS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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26 pages, 1195 KiB  
Article
Do Agricultural Advisory Services in Europe Have the Capacity to Support the Transition to Healthy Soils?
by Julie Ingram, Jane Mills, Jasmine E. Black, Charlotte-Anne Chivers, José A. Aznar-Sánchez, Annemie Elsen, Magdalena Frac, Belén López-Felices, Paula Mayer-Gruner, Kamilla Skaalsveen, Jannes Stolte and Mia Tits
Land 2022, 11(5), 599; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11050599 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3641
Abstract
The need to provide appropriate information, technical advice and facilitation to support farmers in transitioning towards healthy soils is increasingly clear, and the role of the Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) in this is critical. However, the transformation of AAS (plurality, commercialisation, fragmentation, decentralisation) [...] Read more.
The need to provide appropriate information, technical advice and facilitation to support farmers in transitioning towards healthy soils is increasingly clear, and the role of the Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) in this is critical. However, the transformation of AAS (plurality, commercialisation, fragmentation, decentralisation) brings new challenges for delivering advice to support soil health management. This paper asks: To what extent do agricultural advisory services have the capacity to support the transition to healthy soils across Europe? Using the ‘best fit’ framework, analytical characteristics of the AAS relevant to the research question (governance structures, management, organisational and individual capacities) were identified. Analysis of 18 semi-structured expert interviews across 6 case study countries in Europe, selected to represent a range of contexts, was undertaken. Capacities to provide soil health management (SHM) advice are constrained by funding arrangements, limited adviser training and professional development, adviser motivations and professional cultures, all determined by institutional conditions. This has resulted in a narrowing down of access and content of soil advice and a reduced capacity to support the transition in farming to healthy soils. The extent to which emerging policy and market drivers incentivise enhanced capacities in AAS is an important area for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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26 pages, 2163 KiB  
Article
An Overview of Sustainability Assessment Frameworks in Agriculture
by Abdallah Alaoui, Lúcia Barão, Carla S. S. Ferreira and Rudi Hessel
Land 2022, 11(4), 537; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11040537 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5390
Abstract
Recent research established a link between environmental alterations due to agriculture intensification, social damage and the loss of economic growth. Thus, the integration of environmental and social dimensions is key for economic development. In recent years, several frameworks have been proposed to assess [...] Read more.
Recent research established a link between environmental alterations due to agriculture intensification, social damage and the loss of economic growth. Thus, the integration of environmental and social dimensions is key for economic development. In recent years, several frameworks have been proposed to assess the overall sustainability of farms. Nevertheless, the myriad of existing frameworks and the variety of indicators result in difficulties in selecting the most appropriate framework for study site application. This manuscript aims to: (i) understand the criteria to select appropriate frameworks and summarize the range of those being used to assess sustainability; (ii) identify the available frameworks to assess agricultural sustainability; and (iii) analyze the strengths, weaknesses and applicability of each framework. Six frameworks, namely SAFA, RISE, MASC, LADA, SMART and public goods (PG), were identified. Results show that SMART is the framework that considers, in a balanced way, the environmental, sociocultural and economic dimensions of sustainability, whereas others focused on the environmental (RISE), environmental and economic (PG) and sociocultural (SAFA) dimension. However, depending on the scale assessment, sector of application and the sustainability completeness intended, all frameworks are suitable for the assessment. We present a decision tree to help future users understand the best option for their objective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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26 pages, 4152 KiB  
Article
Opportunities for Mitigating Soil Compaction in Europe—Case Studies from the SoilCare Project Using Soil-Improving Cropping Systems
by Ilaria Piccoli, Till Seehusen, Jenny Bussell, Olga Vizitu, Irina Calciu, Antonio Berti, Gunnar Börjesson, Holger Kirchmann, Thomas Kätterer, Felice Sartori, Chris Stoate, Felicity Crotty, Ioanna S. Panagea, Abdallah Alaoui and Martin A. Bolinder
Land 2022, 11(2), 223; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11020223 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3396
Abstract
Soil compaction (SC) is a major threat for agriculture in Europe that affects many ecosystem functions, such as water and air circulation in soils, root growth, and crop production. Our objective was to present the results from five short-term (<5 years) case studies [...] Read more.
Soil compaction (SC) is a major threat for agriculture in Europe that affects many ecosystem functions, such as water and air circulation in soils, root growth, and crop production. Our objective was to present the results from five short-term (<5 years) case studies located along the north–south and east–west gradients and conducted within the SoilCare project using soil-improving cropping systems (SICSs) for mitigating topsoil and subsoil SC. Two study sites (SSs) focused on natural subsoil (˃25 cm) compaction using subsoiling tillage treatments to depths of 35 cm (Sweden) and 60 cm (Romania). The other SSs addressed both topsoil and subsoil SC (˃25 cm, Norway and United Kingdom; ˃30 cm, Italy) using deep-rooted bio-drilling crops and different tillage types or a combination of both. Each SS evaluated the effectiveness of the SICSs by measuring the soil physical properties, and we calculated SC indices. The SICSs showed promising results—for example, alfalfa in Norway showed good potential for alleviating SC (the subsoil density decreased from 1.69 to 1.45 g cm−1) and subsoiling at the Swedish SS improved root penetration into the subsoil by about 10 cm—but the effects of SICSs on yields were generally small. These case studies also reflected difficulties in implementing SICSs, some of which are under development, and we discuss methodological issues for measuring their effectiveness. There is a need for refining these SICSs and for evaluating their longer-term effect under a wider range of pedoclimatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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19 pages, 2720 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Effect of Pig Slurry and Mineral Fertilizer Additions on Soil Nutrient Content, Field Pea Grain and Straw Yield under Winter Wheat–Spring Barley–Field Pea Crop Rotation on Cambisol and Luvisol
by Lukáš Hlisnikovský, Ladislav Menšík, Pavel Čermák, Kateřina Křížová and Eva Kunzová
Land 2022, 11(2), 187; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11020187 - 25 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2677
Abstract
Different fertilizers have different effects on soil chemistry and crop yields. In this paper, we analyzed how long-term and regular application of mineral fertilizers, pig slurry and their combinations (15 fertilizer treatments totally) affect soil pH, nutrient content and yield of field pea [...] Read more.
Different fertilizers have different effects on soil chemistry and crop yields. In this paper, we analyzed how long-term and regular application of mineral fertilizers, pig slurry and their combinations (15 fertilizer treatments totally) affect soil pH, nutrient content and yield of field pea at two sites with different soil (cambisol and luvisol) and climatic conditions. The long-term trials evaluated in this paper were established in 1972 at Pernolec and Kostelec, Czech Republic. Results of the soil analyses (evaluated period) are from the years 2015–2020, covering two sequences of crop rotation (winter wheat–spring barley–field pea). The fertilizer treatments significantly affected the soil reaction; application of mineral fertilizers and their combinations resulted in the lowest pH values. On the other hand, the same treatments provided the highest yields and left the highest pool of nutrients in the soil. Pig slurry can provide the same yields of field pea as mineral NPK fertilizers, without a negative effect on soil reaction. Analyzing the mineral fertilizers only, a reasonable dose of N (according to the linear-plateau model) can range from 73 and 97 kg ha−1 N in Pernolec, according to the weather conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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21 pages, 2331 KiB  
Article
Perceived Causes and Solutions to Soil Degradation in the UK and Norway
by Niki Rust, Ole Erik Lunder, Sara Iversen, Steven Vella, Elizabeth A. Oughton, Tor Arvid Breland, Jayne H. Glass, Carly M. Maynard, Rob McMorran and Mark S. Reed
Land 2022, 11(1), 131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11010131 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5018
Abstract
Soil quality is declining in many parts of the world, with implications for the productivity, resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems. Research suggests multiple causes of soil degradation with no single solution and a divided stakeholder opinion on how to manage this problem. [...] Read more.
Soil quality is declining in many parts of the world, with implications for the productivity, resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems. Research suggests multiple causes of soil degradation with no single solution and a divided stakeholder opinion on how to manage this problem. However, creating socially acceptable and effective policies to halt soil degradation requires engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders who possess different and complementary knowledge, experiences and perspectives. To understand how British and Norwegian agricultural stakeholders perceived the causes of and solutions to soil degradation, we used Q-methodology with 114 respondents, including farmers, scientists and agricultural advisers. For the UK, respondents thought the causes were due to loss of soil structure, soil erosion, compaction and loss of organic matter; the perceived solutions were to develop more collaborative research between researchers and farmers, invest in training, improve trust between farmers and regulatory agencies, and reduce soil compaction. In Norway, respondents thought soils were degrading due to soil erosion, monocultures and loss of soil structure; they believed the solutions were to reduce compaction, increase rotation and invest in agricultural training. There was an overarching theme related to industrialised agriculture being responsible for declining soil quality in both countries. We highlight potential areas for land use policy development in Norway and the UK, including multi-actor approaches that may improve the social acceptance of these policies. This study also illustrates how Q-methodology may be used to co-produce stakeholder-driven policy options to address land degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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16 pages, 1903 KiB  
Article
A Multivariate Approach to Evaluate Reduced Tillage Systems and Cover Crop Sustainability
by Felice Sartori, Ilaria Piccoli, Riccardo Polese and Antonio Berti
Land 2022, 11(1), 55; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11010055 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2426
Abstract
The evaluation of the effects of conservation agriculture during the transition from conventional tillage to no-tillage requires numerous indicators to be considered. For this purpose, we monitored changes in a multi-parameter dataset during a three-year experiment that combined three tillage intensities (conventional tillage—CT; [...] Read more.
The evaluation of the effects of conservation agriculture during the transition from conventional tillage to no-tillage requires numerous indicators to be considered. For this purpose, we monitored changes in a multi-parameter dataset during a three-year experiment that combined three tillage intensities (conventional tillage—CT; minimum tillage—MT; and no tillage—NT) with three soil covering managements (tillage radish cover crop, winter wheat cover crop and bare soil). Using a multivariate analysis, we developed a Relative Sustainability Index (RSI) based on 11 physical (e.g., bulk density and penetration resistance), chemical (e.g., soil organic carbon and pH) and biological soil properties (e.g., earthworm density) to evaluate cropping systems sustainability. The RSI was most affected by tillage intensity showing higher RSI values (i.e., better performances) in reduced tillage systems. Specifically, the RSI under NT was 42% greater than that of CT and 13% greater than that of MT. Soil covering had little impact on the RSI. Among the tested parameters, the RSI was increased most by saturated hydraulic conductivity (+193%) and earthworm density (+339%) across CT and NT treatments. Our results suggest that conservation agriculture and, particularly, reduced tillage systems, have the potential to increase farm environmental and agronomic sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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10 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Compaction Alleviation Methods on Soil Health and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Jennifer Bussell, Felicity Crotty and Chris Stoate
Land 2021, 10(12), 1397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land10121397 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2454
Abstract
Soil compaction can occur due to trafficking by heavy equipment and be exacerbated by unfavourable conditions such as wet weather. Compaction can restrict crop growth and increase waterlogging, which can increase the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Cultivation can be used [...] Read more.
Soil compaction can occur due to trafficking by heavy equipment and be exacerbated by unfavourable conditions such as wet weather. Compaction can restrict crop growth and increase waterlogging, which can increase the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Cultivation can be used to alleviate compaction, but this can have negative impacts on earthworm abundance and increase the production of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In this study, a field was purposefully compacted using trafficking, then in a replicated plot experiment, ploughing, low disturbance subsoiling and the application of a mycorrhizal inoculant were compared as methods of compaction alleviation, over two years of cropping. These methods were compared in terms of bulk density, penetration resistance, crop yield, greenhouse gas emissions and earthworm abundance. Ploughing alleviated topsoil compaction, as measured by bulk density and penetrometer resistance, and increased the crop biomass in one year of the study, although no yield differences were seen. Earthworm abundance was reduced in both years in the cultivated plots, and carbon dioxide flux increased significantly, although this was not significant in summer months. Outside of the summer months, nitrous oxide production increased in the non-cultivated treatments, which was attributed to increased denitrifying activity under compacted conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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15 pages, 1626 KiB  
Article
Soil Water Retention as Affected by Management Induced Changes of Soil Organic Carbon: Analysis of Long-Term Experiments in Europe
by Ioanna S. Panagea, Antonio Berti, Pavel Čermak, Jan Diels, Annemie Elsen, Helena Kusá, Ilaria Piccoli, Jean Poesen, Chris Stoate, Mia Tits, Zoltan Toth and Guido Wyseure
Land 2021, 10(12), 1362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land10121362 - 09 Dec 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5171
Abstract
Soil water retention (SWR) is an important soil property related to soil structure, texture, and organic matter (SOM), among other properties. Agricultural management practices affect some of these properties in an interdependent way. In this study, the impact of management-induced changes of soil [...] Read more.
Soil water retention (SWR) is an important soil property related to soil structure, texture, and organic matter (SOM), among other properties. Agricultural management practices affect some of these properties in an interdependent way. In this study, the impact of management-induced changes of soil organic carbon (SOC) on SWR is evaluated in five long-term experiments in Europe (running from 8 up to 54 years when samples were taken). Topsoil samples (0–15 cm) were collected and analysed to evaluate the effects of three different management categories, i.e., soil tillage, the addition of exogenous organic materials, the incorporation of crop residues affecting SOC and water content under a range of matric potentials. Changes in the total SOC up to 10 g C kg−1 soil (1%) observed for the different management practices, do not cause statistically significant differences in the SWR characteristics as expected. The direct impact of the SOC on SWR is consistent but negligible, whereas the indirect impact of SOC in the higher matric potentials, which are mainly affected by soil structure and aggregate composition, prevails. The different water content responses under the various matric potentials to SOC changes for each management group implies that one conservation measure alone has a limited effect on SWR and only a combination of several practices that lead to better soil structure, such as reduced soil disturbances combined with increased SOM inputs can lead to better water holding capacity of the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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16 pages, 7808 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Cereal Productivity on Sandy Soil in Response to Some Soil-Improving Cropping Systems
by Jerzy Lipiec and Bogusław Usowicz
Land 2021, 10(11), 1199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land10111199 - 05 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
Little information is available on the effect of soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) on crop productivity on low fertility sandy soils although they are increasingly being used in agriculture in many regions of the world due to the growing demand for food. The study [...] Read more.
Little information is available on the effect of soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) on crop productivity on low fertility sandy soils although they are increasingly being used in agriculture in many regions of the world due to the growing demand for food. The study aimed at quantifying the effect of four soil-improving cropping systems applied on sandy soil on cereal productivity (yield of grain and straw and plant height) in a 4-year field experiment conducted in Poland with spring cereal crops: oat (2017), wheat (2018), wheat (2019), and oat (2020). The experiment included the control (C) and the following SICS: liming (L), leguminous catch crops for green manure (LU), farmyard manure (M), and farmyard manure + liming + leguminous catch crops for green manure together (M + L + LU). To quantify the effect of the SICS, classic statistics and the Bland–Altman method were used. It was shown that all yield trait components significantly increased in the last study year (2020) under SICS with M and M + L + LU. All yield trait components were significantly lower in the dry years (2018–2019) than in the wet years (2017 and 2020). The relatively large rainfall quantity in May during intensive growth at shooting and the scarce precipitation during later growth in the dry year 2019 resulted in a significantly greater straw yield compared to the other dry year 2018. The values of Bland–Altman bias (mean difference between the particular SICS and the control) varied (in kg m−2) from −0.002 for LU in 2019 to 0.128 for M and 0.132 for M + L + LU in 2020. The highest limits of agreement (LoA) were in general noted for all yield trait components (the least even yield) in the most productive SICS including M and M + L + LU in the wet year 2020. The Bland–Altman ratio (BAR) values indicate that quantification of the effects of all soil-improving practices was most uncertain in the dry year 2018 for the grain yield and in the wet year 2020 for the straw yield and much less uncertain for the plant height in all SICS and study years. The results of this study provide helpful information about the effect of the SICS on the different yield trait components depending on the period of their application and weather conditions prevailing during the growing season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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17 pages, 3767 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Soil-Improving Cropping Practices on Erosion Rates: A Stakeholder-Oriented Field Experiment Assessment
by Ioannis K. Tsanis, Konstantinos D. Seiradakis, Sofia Sarchani, Ioanna S. Panagea, Dimitrios D. Alexakis and Aristeidis G. Koutroulis
Land 2021, 10(9), 964; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land10090964 - 12 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2198
Abstract
The risk of erosion is particularly high in Mediterranean areas, especially in areas that are subject to a not so effective agricultural management–or with some omissions–, land abandonment or wildfires. Soils on Crete are under imminent threat of desertification, characterized by loss of [...] Read more.
The risk of erosion is particularly high in Mediterranean areas, especially in areas that are subject to a not so effective agricultural management–or with some omissions–, land abandonment or wildfires. Soils on Crete are under imminent threat of desertification, characterized by loss of vegetation, water erosion, and subsequently, loss of soil. Several large-scale studies have estimated average soil erosion on the island between 6 and 8 Mg/ha/year, but more localized investigations assess soil losses one order of magnitude higher. An experiment initiated in 2017, under the framework of the SoilCare H2020 EU project, aimed to evaluate the effect of different management practices on the soil erosion. The experiment was set up in control versus treatment experimental design including different sets of treatments, targeting the most important cultivations on Crete (olive orchards, vineyards, fruit orchards). The minimum-to-no tillage practice was adopted as an erosion mitigation practice for the olive orchard study site, while for the vineyard site, the cover crop practice was used. For the fruit orchard field, the crop-type change procedure (orange to avocado) was used. The experiment demonstrated that soil-improving cropping techniques have an important impact on soil erosion, and as a result, on soil water conservation that is of primary importance, especially for the Mediterranean dry regions. The demonstration of the findings is of practical use to most stakeholders, especially those that live and work with the local land. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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20 pages, 576 KiB  
Article
Soil Quality Assessment after 25 Years of Sewage Sludge vs. Mineral Fertilization in a Calcareous Soil
by Ana Simoes-Mota, Rosa Maria Poch, Alberto Enrique, Luis Orcaray and Iñigo Virto
Land 2021, 10(7), 727; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land10070727 - 10 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3003
Abstract
The aim of this work was to identify the most sensitive soil quality indicators and assess soil quality after long-term application of sewage sludge (SS) and conventional mineral fertilization for rainfed cereal production in a sub-humid Mediterranean calcareous soil. The treatments included six [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to identify the most sensitive soil quality indicators and assess soil quality after long-term application of sewage sludge (SS) and conventional mineral fertilization for rainfed cereal production in a sub-humid Mediterranean calcareous soil. The treatments included six combinations of SS at different doses (40 t ha−1 and 80 ha−1) and frequencies (every 1, 2 and 4 years), plus a control with mineral fertilization, and a baseline control without fertilization. Twenty-five years after the onset of the experiment, 37 pre-selected physical, chemical and biological soil parameters were measured, and a minimum data set was determined. Among these indicators, those significantly affected by treatment and depth were selected as sensitive. A principal component analysis (PCA) was then performed for each studied depth. At 0–15 cm, PCA identified three factors (F1, F2 and F3), and at 15–30 cm, two factors (F4 and F5) that explained 71.5% and 67.4% of the variation, respectively, in the soil parameters. The most sensitive indicators (those with the highest correlation within each factor) were related to nutrients (P and N), organic matter, and trace metals (F1 and F4), microporosity (F2), earthworm activity (F3), and exchangeable cations (F5). Only F3 correlated significantly (and negatively) with yield. From these results, we concluded that soil quality can be affected in opposite directions by SS application, and that a holistic approach is needed to better assess soil functioning under SS fertilization in this type of agrosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1914 KiB  
Review
Soil Compaction Prevention, Amelioration and Alleviation Measures Are Effective in Mechanized and Smallholder Agriculture: A Meta-Analysis
by Peipei Yang, Wenxu Dong, Marius Heinen, Wei Qin and Oene Oenema
Land 2022, 11(5), 645; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11050645 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
Background: The compaction of subsoils in agriculture is a threat to soil functioning. Measures aimed at the prevention, amelioration, and/or impact alleviation of compacted subsoils have been studied for more than a century, but less in smallholder agriculture. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted [...] Read more.
Background: The compaction of subsoils in agriculture is a threat to soil functioning. Measures aimed at the prevention, amelioration, and/or impact alleviation of compacted subsoils have been studied for more than a century, but less in smallholder agriculture. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively examine the effects of the prevention, amelioration, and impact alleviation measures in mechanized and small-holder agriculture countries, using studies published during 2000~2019/2020. Results: Mean effect sizes of crop yields were large for controlled traffic (+34%) and irrigation (+51%), modest for subsoiling, deep ploughing, and residue return (+10%), and negative for no-tillage (−6%). Mean effect sizes of soil bulk density were small (<10%), suggesting bulk density is not a sensitive ‘state’ indicator. Mean effect sizes of penetration resistance were relatively large, with large variations. Controlled traffic had a larger effect in small-holder farming than mechanized agriculture. Conclusion: We found no fundamental differences between mechanized and smallholder agriculture in the mean effect sizes of the prevention, amelioration, and impact alleviation measures. Measures that prevent soil compaction are commonly preferred, but amelioration and alleviation are often equally needed and effective, depending on site-specific conditions. A toolbox of soil compaction prevention, amelioration, and alleviation measures is needed, for both mechanized and smallholder agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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31 pages, 6101 KiB  
Review
A Review of Crop Husbandry and Soil Management Practices Using Meta-Analysis Studies: Towards Soil-Improving Cropping Systems
by René Rietra, Marius Heinen and Oene Oenema
Land 2022, 11(2), 255; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land11020255 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5101
Abstract
Coherent improvements in crop varieties and crop husbandry and soil management practices are needed to increase global crop production in a sustainable manner. However, these practices are often discussed separately, and as a result there is little overview. Here, we present a database [...] Read more.
Coherent improvements in crop varieties and crop husbandry and soil management practices are needed to increase global crop production in a sustainable manner. However, these practices are often discussed separately, and as a result there is little overview. Here, we present a database and synthesis of 154 meta-analysis studies related to ten main crop husbandry and soil management practices, including crop type and rotations, tillage, drainage, nutrient management, irrigation and fertigation, weed management, pest management, crop residue management, mechanization and technology, and landscape management. Most meta-analysis studies were related to tillage (55), followed by crop type and rotations (32), nutrient management (25), crop residue management (19), and irrigation and fertigation (18). Few studies were related to landscape management (6) and mechanization and technology (2). In terms of outcome, studies focused on crop yield and quality (81), soil quality (73), and environmental impacts (56), and little on economic effects (7) or resource use efficiency (24). Reported effects of alternative practices, relative to conventional practice, were positive in general. Effect sizes were relatively large for environmental effects (nutrient leaching, greenhouse gas emissions), and small for soil quality (except for soil life) and crop yield. Together, meta-analysis studies indicate that there is large scope for increasing cropland productivity and minimizing environmental impacts. A roadmap is provided for integration and optimization of all ten practices, and recommendations are formulated to address the gaps in meta-analysis studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable and Profitable Farming in Europe)
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