The Experts below are selected from a list of 5439 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Bram Govaerts - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
molecular characterization of soil bacterial communities in contrasting Zero Tillage systems
Plant and Soil, 2010Co-Authors: Javier A Cejanavarro, Bram Govaerts, Flor N Rivera, Leonardo Patinozuniga, Rodolfo Marsch, Anton Vilasanjurjo, Luc DendoovenAbstract:It is well known that agricultural practices change the physical and chemical characteristics of soil. As a result, microbial populations can also be affected. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect on soil bacterial communities of Zero Tillage (ZT) under maize monoculture (MM) with crop residue removal (-R) (MM/-R treatment), compared to a ZT system under wheat monoculture (WW) with crop retention (+R) (WW/+R treatment). Phylogenetic analysis was used to characterize soil bacterial communities. Phylogenetic groups found exclusively in MM/-R were Caldilineales, Chromatiales, Oscillatoriales, Legionellales, Nitrosomonadales and unclassified ∂-Proteobacteria, while Bacillales, Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales and Rubrobacteriales were found only in WW/+R. Sequences of bacteria related to fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. were detected only in WW/+R. Acidobacteria, a largely unknown group of bacteria, were the dominant group in both treatments with a relative proportion of 0.703 and 0.517 for MM/+R and WW/-R respectively. It was found that Zero Tillage with removal of crop residue in soil cultivated with a monoculture of maize strongly reduced microbial diversity (H = 3.30; D = 0.9040) compared to soil where crop residue was retained in a wheat Zero Tillage situation (H = 4.15; D = 0.9848).
-
stable high yields with Zero Tillage and permanent bed planting
Field Crops Research, 2005Co-Authors: Bram Govaerts, Ken D Sayre, Jozef DeckersAbstract:Subtropical highlands of the world have been densely populated and intensively cropped. Agricultural sustainability problems resulting from soil erosion and fertility decline have arisen throughout this agro-ecological zone. This article considers practices that would sustain higher and stable yields for wheat and maize in such region. A long-term field experiment under rainfed conditions was started at El Batan, Mexico (2240 m a.s.l.; 19.318N, 98.508W; fine, mixed, thermic, Cumulic Haplustoll) in 1991. It included treatments varying in: (1) rotation (continuous maize (Zea mays) or wheat (Triticum aestivum) and the rotation of both); (2) Tillage (conventional, Zero and permanent beds); (3) crop residue management (full, partial or no retention). Small-scale maize and wheat farmers may expect yield improvements through Zero Tillage, appropriate rotations and retention of sufficient residues (average maize and wheat yield of 5285 and 5591 kg ha 1 ), compared to the common practices of heavy Tillage before seeding, monocropping and crop residue removal (average maize and wheat yield of 3570 and 4414 kg ha 1 ). Leaving residue on the field is critical for Zero Tillage practices. However, it can take some time—roughly 5 years—before the benefits are evident. After that, Zero Tillage with residue retention resulted in higher and more stable yields than alternative management. Conventional Tillage with or without residue incorporation resulted in intermediate yields. Zero Tillage without residue drastically reduced yields, except in the case of continuous wheat which, although not high yielding, still performed better than the other treatments with Zero Tillage and residue removal. Zero Tillage treatments with partial residue removal gave yields equivalent to treatments with full residue retention (average maize and wheat yield of 5868 and 5250 kg ha 1 ). There may be scope to remove part of the residues for fodder and still retain adequate amounts to provide the necessary ground cover. This could make the adoption of Zero Tillage more acceptable for the small-scale, subsistence farmer whose livelihood strategies include livestock as a key component. Raised-bed cultivation systems allow both dramatic reductions in Tillage and opportunities to retain crop residues on the soil surface. Permanent bed treatments combined with rotation and residue retention yielded the same as the Zero Tillage treatments, with the advantage that more varied weeding and fertilizer application practices are possible. It is important small-scale farmers have access to, and are trained in the use of these technologies. # 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sacha J Mooney - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
examining the potential for climate change mitigation from Zero Tillage
The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, Sofie Sjogersten, D L Sparkes, Sacha J MooneyAbstract:The benefits of reduced and Zero-Tillage systems have been presented as reducing runoff, enhancing water retention and preventing soil erosion. There is also general agreement that the practice can conserve and enhance soil organic carbon (C) levels to some extent. However, their applicability in mitigating climate change has been debated extensively, especially when the whole profile of C in the soil is considered, along with a reported risk of enhanced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The current paper presents a meta-analysis of existing literature to ascertain the climate change mitigation opportunities offered by minimizing Tillage operations. Research suggests Zero Tillage is effective in sequestering C in both soil surface and sub-soil layers in tropical and temperate conditions. The C sequestration rate in tropical soils can be about five times higher than in temperate soils. In tropical soils, C accumulation is generally correlated with the duration of Tillage. Reduced N2O emissions under long-term Zero Tillage have been reported in the literature but significant variability exists in the N2O flux information. Long-term, location-specific studies are needed urgently to determine the precise role of Zero Tillage in driving N2O fluxes. Considering the wide variety of crops utilized in Zero-Tillage studies, for example maize, barley, soybean and winter wheat, only soybean has been reported to show an increase in yield with Zero Tillage (7·7% over 10 years). In several cases yield reductions have been recorded e.g. c. 1–8% over 10 years under winter wheat and barley, respectively, suggesting Zero Tillage does not bring appreciable changes in yield but that the difference between the two approaches may be small. A key question that remains to be answered is: are any potential reductions in yield acceptable in the quest to mitigate climate change, given the importance of global food security?
-
impacts of Zero Tillage on soil enzyme activities microbial characteristics and organic matter functional chemistry in temperate soils
European Journal of Soil Biology, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, D L Sparkes, Sacha J Mooney, Wesley T Fraser, Sofie SjogerstenAbstract:Zero Tillage management of agricultural soils has potential for enhancing soil carbon (C) storage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mechanisms which control carbon (C) sequestration in soil in response to Zero Tillage are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the links between Zero Tillage practices and the functioning of the soil microbial community with regards to C cycling, testing the hypothesis that Zero Tillage enhances biological functioning in soil with positive implications for C sequestration. Specifically, we determined microbial respiration rates, enzyme activities, carbon source utilization and the functional chemistry of the soil organic matter in temperate well drained soils that had been Zero tilled for seven years against annually tilled soils. Zero tilled soils contained 9% more soil C, 30% higher microbial biomass C than tilled soil and an increased presence of aromatic functional groups indicating greater preservation of recalcitrant C. Greater CO2 emission and higher respirational quotients were observed from tilled soils compared to Zero tilled soils while microbial biomass was 30% greater in Zero tilled soils indicating a more efficient functioning of the microbial community under Zero Tillage practice. Furthermore, microbial enzyme activities of dehydrogenase, cellulase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase and peroxidase were higher in Zero tilled soils. Considering Zero Tillage enhanced both microbial functioning and C storage in soil, we suggest that it offers significant promise to improve soil health and support mitigation measures against climate change.
-
to what extent can Zero Tillage lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from temperate soils
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, Sofie Sjogersten, D L Sparkes, Craig J Sturrock, J Craigon, Sacha J MooneyAbstract:Soil Tillage practices have a profound influence on the physical properties of soil and the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance. However there have been very few integrated studies on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) and soil biophysical and chemical characteristics under different soil management systems. We recorded a significantly higher net global warming potential under conventional Tillage systems (26–31% higher than Zero Tillage systems). Crucially the 3-D soil pore network, imaged using X-ray Computed Tomography, modified by Tillage played a significant role in the flux of CO2 and CH4. In contrast, N2O flux was determined mainly by microbial biomass carbon and soil moisture content. Our work indicates that Zero Tillage could play a significant role in minimising emissions of GHGs from soils and contribute to efforts to mitigate against climate change.
Shamsudheen Mangalassery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
examining the potential for climate change mitigation from Zero Tillage
The Journal of Agricultural Science, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, Sofie Sjogersten, D L Sparkes, Sacha J MooneyAbstract:The benefits of reduced and Zero-Tillage systems have been presented as reducing runoff, enhancing water retention and preventing soil erosion. There is also general agreement that the practice can conserve and enhance soil organic carbon (C) levels to some extent. However, their applicability in mitigating climate change has been debated extensively, especially when the whole profile of C in the soil is considered, along with a reported risk of enhanced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The current paper presents a meta-analysis of existing literature to ascertain the climate change mitigation opportunities offered by minimizing Tillage operations. Research suggests Zero Tillage is effective in sequestering C in both soil surface and sub-soil layers in tropical and temperate conditions. The C sequestration rate in tropical soils can be about five times higher than in temperate soils. In tropical soils, C accumulation is generally correlated with the duration of Tillage. Reduced N2O emissions under long-term Zero Tillage have been reported in the literature but significant variability exists in the N2O flux information. Long-term, location-specific studies are needed urgently to determine the precise role of Zero Tillage in driving N2O fluxes. Considering the wide variety of crops utilized in Zero-Tillage studies, for example maize, barley, soybean and winter wheat, only soybean has been reported to show an increase in yield with Zero Tillage (7·7% over 10 years). In several cases yield reductions have been recorded e.g. c. 1–8% over 10 years under winter wheat and barley, respectively, suggesting Zero Tillage does not bring appreciable changes in yield but that the difference between the two approaches may be small. A key question that remains to be answered is: are any potential reductions in yield acceptable in the quest to mitigate climate change, given the importance of global food security?
-
impacts of Zero Tillage on soil enzyme activities microbial characteristics and organic matter functional chemistry in temperate soils
European Journal of Soil Biology, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, D L Sparkes, Sacha J Mooney, Wesley T Fraser, Sofie SjogerstenAbstract:Zero Tillage management of agricultural soils has potential for enhancing soil carbon (C) storage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mechanisms which control carbon (C) sequestration in soil in response to Zero Tillage are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the links between Zero Tillage practices and the functioning of the soil microbial community with regards to C cycling, testing the hypothesis that Zero Tillage enhances biological functioning in soil with positive implications for C sequestration. Specifically, we determined microbial respiration rates, enzyme activities, carbon source utilization and the functional chemistry of the soil organic matter in temperate well drained soils that had been Zero tilled for seven years against annually tilled soils. Zero tilled soils contained 9% more soil C, 30% higher microbial biomass C than tilled soil and an increased presence of aromatic functional groups indicating greater preservation of recalcitrant C. Greater CO2 emission and higher respirational quotients were observed from tilled soils compared to Zero tilled soils while microbial biomass was 30% greater in Zero tilled soils indicating a more efficient functioning of the microbial community under Zero Tillage practice. Furthermore, microbial enzyme activities of dehydrogenase, cellulase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase and peroxidase were higher in Zero tilled soils. Considering Zero Tillage enhanced both microbial functioning and C storage in soil, we suggest that it offers significant promise to improve soil health and support mitigation measures against climate change.
-
to what extent can Zero Tillage lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from temperate soils
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, Sofie Sjogersten, D L Sparkes, Craig J Sturrock, J Craigon, Sacha J MooneyAbstract:Soil Tillage practices have a profound influence on the physical properties of soil and the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance. However there have been very few integrated studies on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) and soil biophysical and chemical characteristics under different soil management systems. We recorded a significantly higher net global warming potential under conventional Tillage systems (26–31% higher than Zero Tillage systems). Crucially the 3-D soil pore network, imaged using X-ray Computed Tomography, modified by Tillage played a significant role in the flux of CO2 and CH4. In contrast, N2O flux was determined mainly by microbial biomass carbon and soil moisture content. Our work indicates that Zero Tillage could play a significant role in minimising emissions of GHGs from soils and contribute to efforts to mitigate against climate change.
Olaf Erenstein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Factors affecting the adoption of Zero Tillage wheat in the rice-wheat systems of India and Pakistan
Outlook on Agriculture, 2020Co-Authors: Olaf Erenstein, Umar FarooqAbstract:Zero Tillage planting of wheat after rice has been the main success in the quest for resource-conserving technologies that can save water, reduce production costs and improve production in the Indo–Gangetic Plains, the cereal bowl of South Asia. Binomial logit models are used to assess the structural factors associated with its adoption in the rice–wheat systems of India's Haryana state and Pakistan's Punjab province. Zero Tillage adoption is closely associated with a more favourable resource base and rice–wheat specialization in both study areas. This calls for a closer consideration of equity implications in future research and development.
-
Assessing the impact of adaptive agricultural research on accelerating technology deployment: the case of Zero Tillage wheat in India.
Outlook on Agriculture, 2020Co-Authors: Olaf Erenstein, Vijay LaxmiAbstract:A critical assumption in the impact assessment of an agricultural R&D effort is whether the effort in question has a substitute – that is, whether the innovation would also happen under other settings. This paper takes the case of Zero Tillage wheat in India to explore diverging counterfactual scenarios whereby, in the ‘without’ case, the innovation would not have been introduced or would have been introduced only with a ten-year or five-year lag. The authors quantify how the assumed counterfactual scenario affects various impact assessment indicators. They show that, even when assuming a conservative five-year lag and based on induced supply-shift gains alone, the investment in Zero Tillage R&D by the international agricultural research system was highly beneficial. The ability of Zero Tillage to combine cost savings and yield gains, its wide applicability and significant R&D spill-ins contributed to the high returns. The case thus highlights the high potential gains from successful adaptive research, ev...
-
impact of Zero Tillage adoption on household welfare in pakistan
International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 2013Co-Authors: Olaf ErensteinAbstract:The current study was carried out to estimate the impact of Zero Tillage technology adoption on household welfare in Pakistan. For the study cross sectional data set was collected from 234 households in the rice-wheat area of Pakistani Punjab. The data was collected through stratified random sampling technique from 3 main districts of rice-wheat area namely Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and Hafizabad. The empirical analysis was carried out by employing the propensity score matching approach to correct for potential sample selection biased ness that may arise due to systematic differences between adopters and non adopters. The empirical result indicates that adoption of Zero Tillage technology has positive and significant impact on wheat yield and household income while non significant impact on rice yield. Most importantly the adoption of Zero Tillage technology can help to reduce poverty among rural households in the range of 8-10 percent.
-
Triangulating technology diffusion indicators: Zero Tillage wheat in South Asia's irrigated plains.
Experimental Agriculture, 2010Co-Authors: Olaf ErensteinAbstract:Impact assessment hinges on reliable indicators of technology uptake, but this poses particular challenges for new agronomic practices in emerging economies. This paper presents a triangulation approach to assess technology diffusion and illustrates it by assessing the extent and dynamics of Zero Tillage wheat in South Asia's rice-wheat systems. Various diffusion indicators from three different data methods (secondary data, supply-side surveys, demand-side surveys) are contrasted for two different locations (India's Haryana State and Pakistan's Punjab province) for the period 2000–2004. Such multi-indicator, multi-site and multi-year triangulation enhances the robustness of the inferences and provides the necessary perspective. The three sources coincide in terms of diffusion of Zero Tillage wheat having increased since 2000, but in particular the empirical surveys show a much slower uptake and subsequent stagnation in the Pakistan Punjab study area. The paper thereby reiterates the need for empirical ground truthing of technology uptake and the need for robust and complementary diffusion indicators.
-
impact of Zero Tillage in india s rice wheat systems
Impact Studies, 2007Co-Authors: Vijay Laxmi, Olaf Erenstein, R K GuptaAbstract:To date, the most widely adopted resource conserving technology (RCT) in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)has been Zero-Tillage (ZT) for wheat after rice, particularly in India. This report reviews and synthesizes the experience with Zero Tillage in the Indian IGP. Zero Tillage of wheat after rice generates significant benefits at the farm level, both in terms of significant yield gains (6–10%, particularly due to timelier planting of wheat) and cost savings (5–10%, particularly Tillage savings). These benefits explain the widespread interest of farmers and the rapidity of the diffusion across the Indian IGP, further aided by the wide applicability of this mechanical innovation. The study subsequently reports on the findings of village-level focus-group discussions in Punjab, Haryana and Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP). These typically corroborate the findings reported in the reviewed literature. They also highlight the significant extent and speed of ZT adoption in each village as well as the attendant substantial cost savings and yield increases. A conservative ex-ante assessment of supply-shift gains alone (excluding other social and environmental gains), shows that the investment in Zero Tillage/reduced Tillage (ZT/RT) research and development by the Rice-Wheat Consortium of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (RWC) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico (CIMMYT) was highly beneficial with a benefit-cost ratio of 39, a net present value (NPV) of US$ 94 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 57%. The study highlights the potential gains from successful technology transfer and adaptation in natural resources management (NRM).
Gong Meng - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Study on the Straw Covering and Zero-Tillage Cultivation Technique of Potato
Horticulture & Seed, 2020Co-Authors: Gong MengAbstract:[Objective] The aim of the study was to discuss the feasibility of the straw covering and Zero-Tillage cultivation technique of potato.[Method] The straw covering and Zero-Tillage cultivation technique was analyzed from growth periods,economic characters,yield,quality and economic benefit of potato.[Result] Compared with the routine film mulching,the yield of potato with the straw covering and Zero-Tillage cultivation was higher about 2.9%,but the net income was lower about 16%.[Conclusion] The straw covering and Zero-Tillage cultivation technique of potato should be modified to spread and application after reducing the cost.
