Effect of different cover crops on C and N cycling in sorghum NT systems

Frasier, Ileana; Quiroga, Alberto; Noellemeyer, Elke

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.058

Cited by 57 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 76 publications

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“…Brassicas, such as radish ( Raphanus sativus ), mustards, and turnips, also provide a good ground cover and have been found to reduce nitrate leaching due to the deep rooting system which is able to scavenge more nutrients from depth (Cooper et al, ). Legumes, including vetch ( Vicia sativa ), crimson and berseem clover ( Trifolium incarnatum ; T. alexandrinum ), and lucerne ( Medicago sativa ), fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and have been found to improve litter quality (due to their lower C:N ratios) (Frasier, Quiroga, & Noellemeyer, ) leading to increases in soil organism biodiversity (Crotty, Fychan, Scullion, Sanderson, & Marley, ) and mineralization (Frasier et al, ). While “other” cover crops include plants like buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum ) and phacelia ( Phacelia tanacetifolia ), these are from different plant families taxonomically to other crops in a normal arable rotation and can therefore provide a disease break as well as other benefits.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The legacy of cover crops on the soil habitat and ecosystem services in a heavy clay, minimum tillage rotation

Crotty

Stoate

2019

Food and Energy Security

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Cover crops are grown as potential ways to improve soil fertility, soil structure, and biodiversity, while reducing weed/pest burdens. Yet, increased costs (in both time and fuel), farmer knowledge requirements, and yield uncertainty (green bridge effect and variable crop establishment) have led to hesitation among farmers. This study was conducted at the field scale (covering an area of nearly 20 hectares) to determine whether different cover crop mixtures affected soil properties and ecosystem services on a heavy clay soil. Measurements of soil chemistry, physics, biology, weed abundance, and subsequent crop performance were taken within a minimum tillage management system, across three cover crop mixtures (commonly sold to UK farmers). The cover crop mixtures included oats (Avena sativa), radish (Raphanus sativus), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), vetch (Vicia sativa), legumes, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and a bare stubble control followed by a spring oat crop. Soil physics (penetrometer and bulk density) and chemistry (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and organic matter) varied little across treatments, although there was significantly lower Mg in the cover crop including legumes and an increase in NO3 within this treatment. Soil biology and botanical composition were also assessed, monitoring earthworm and mesofauna abundance; and sown and unsown (weed) biomass. Epigeic earthworms were found to have significantly larger abundance in cover crop mixtures with radish present, although other meso‐ and macrofauna did not differ. Significant weed suppression was found during both the cover crop growing period and as a legacy in the subsequent crop, leading to significant yield increases and economic benefits in some treatments. Our study confirms that cover crops are providing benefits, even on heavy clay soils, including improvements in nutrient leaching risk reduction, weed suppression, and crop yield, coupled with wider ecosystem benefits. We therefore consider cover crops to have a role in sustainable management of arable rotations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The legacy of cover crops on the soil habitat and ecosystem services in a heavy clay, minimum tillage rotation

Crotty

Stoate

2019

Food and Energy Security

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“…2). Time-series of root determinations within the same plot are useful to analyze the effect of crop rotations on root dynamics [2].…”

Section: Methods Detailsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Direct field method for root biomass quantification in agroecosystems

et al. 2016

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“…The most common method of termination is by way of the roller-crimper, a cylinder with angled blades running along the outside in a pressure-maximizing chevron curve that achieves 90-100% termination in one pass [9] (p. [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. This method was designed collaboratively at Rodale Institute to achieve a number of goals, unavailable through other termination methods like those employing mowers [9] (pp.…”

Section: Impact Of Cover Crop Termination In Organic No-till Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This method was designed collaboratively at Rodale Institute to achieve a number of goals, unavailable through other termination methods like those employing mowers [9] (pp. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. The roller-crimper lays down a cover crop neatly and evenly and crushes the mature stems without severing them [9] (p. 44).…”

Section: Impact Of Cover Crop Termination In Organic No-till Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…MV uses rye and vetch, whereas KL also experiments with alternative cover crops, such as sorghum-Sudan grass as mulch for its persistence. Sorghum shoots have a C:N ratio of 77:1 [49], compared to rye with a C:N ratio of 40:1 [9] (p. 3), providing an effective season-long cover. The resulting carbon contribution to the soil per year by sorghum can be up to 78% greater than that of rye, according to Frasier et al [49].…”

Section: Ken Laing (Kl) Csa Model Vegetable Farmermentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Current State and Future Directions of Organic No-Till Farming with Cover Crops in Canada, with Case Study Support

Beach

Laing²,

Walle

2018

Sustainability

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Abstract:Eliminating regular tillage practices in agriculture has numerous ecological benefits that correspond to the intentions of organic agriculture; yet, more tillage is conducted in organic agriculture than in conventional agriculture. Organic systems face more management challenges to avoid tillage. This paper identifies factors to consider when implementing no-till practices particularly in organic agronomic and vegetable crop agriculture and describes techniques to address these factors. In some cases, future research is recommended to effectively address the current limitations. The format includes a literature review of organic no-till (OrgNT) research and two case studies of Ontario organic farmers that highlight no-till challenges and practices to overcome these challenges. Cover crops require significant consideration because they are the alternative to herbicides and fertilizers to manage weeds and provide nutrients in the OrgNT system. Equipment requirements have also proven to be unique in OrgNT systems. In the future, it is recommended that researchers involve organic farmers closely in studies on no-till implementation, so that the farmers' concerns are effectively addressed, and research is guided by possibilities recognized by the practitioners.

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Effect of different cover crops on C and N cycling in sorghum NT systems

Cited by 57 publications

References 76 publications

The legacy of cover crops on the soil habitat and ecosystem services in a heavy clay, minimum tillage rotation

The legacy of cover crops on the soil habitat and ecosystem services in a heavy clay, minimum tillage rotation

Direct field method for root biomass quantification in agroecosystems

The Current State and Future Directions of Organic No-Till Farming with Cover Crops in Canada, with Case Study Support

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