Cassava, maize and tree root development as affected by various agroforestry and cropping systems in Bénin, West Africa

Soil fertility levels, climate, aboveground interaction for light in plant canopies, and belowground interactions of the root systems for nutrients and water have an important influence on the performance of cropping systems. This study aims at identifying the impact of agroforestry treatments and fertilizer application on the root development of cassava-based cropping systems. At three sites in southern Bénin, the root development of intercropped maize (Zea mays) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) vs. sole-cropped cassava was monitored in an NPK fertilizer treatment and a no-fertilizer and no-mulch treatment. The latter represented local farmers’ practice. In addition, root development of sole-cropped cassava in three agroforestry systems was recorded at the same sites consisting of: (i) annually planted Cajanus cajan, (ii) perennial alleys, and (iii) a tree block of a Gliricidia sepium, Flemingia macrophylla, Parkia biglobosa, Millettia thonningii mixture. Soil monolith sampling was used to extract roots and generate data on the morphological development of root systems and their interactions. In general, intercropping reduced cassava root length density (RLD). Fertilizer applications significantly increased (P≤0.05) the RLD of intercropped maize and intercropped cassava at all sites. Annual alleys of C. cajan developed smaller RLD and root weight densities (RWD) than the perennial tree mixture, leading to less interference with cassava. Block arrangement of the tree mixture had detrimental effects on the cassava growth in the adjacent rows, indicated by high RLD and RWD of the tree mixture. However, the overall effect on cassava yield was positive, when the crop yield is calculated on an entire field basis.     

Ecological benefits of the alley cropping agroforestry system in sensitive regions of Europe

Alley cropping is an agroforestry system that offers a promising land use alternative for the temperate zone. On the same field, the sustainable production of food and biomass is possible, while simultaneously, especially in marginal areas, the ecological function of the landscape can be improved. Thus, alley cropping corresponds with the increasing demand for renewable energy resources and for a specific adaptation to the predicted changes of climatic conditions within Central Europe.However, presently, little knowledge exists regarding the effects of alley cropping on the environment. In this study a literature survey was undertaken to provide an overview of the different ecological benefits arising from alley cropping systems within temperate Europe. Abiotic factors (nutrient cycle, microclimate), biotic factors (biodiversity) and the effects on the carbon cycle are discussed in detail.Summarising, the results showed that alley cropping may be an ecologically advantageous land use system for sustainable food and biomass production in comparison with conventional agricultural practices. As a very flexible, but low-input system, alley cropping can supply biomass resources in a sustainable way and at the same time provide ecological benefits.     

Soil N balance as affected by soybean maturity class in the Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Legume–cereal rotation may reduce the fertilizer requirement of the cereal crop and we hypothesize that the benefit depends on the maturity class of the soybean. Field trials were therefore conducted in 1995 in four Guinea savanna sites to monitor the effect of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivation on the N balance of the soil. In trial 1, an early (TGx1485-1D) and a late (TGx1670-1F) soybean were grown to maturity along with a maize (Zea mays L.) reference plot. In trial 2, six varieties of soybean (early: TGx1485-1D, TGx1805-2E and TGx1681-3F; medium: TGx1809-12E and TGx923-2E; late: TGx1670-1F) were grown to maturity along with a reference maize plot. The total nitrogen (N) content, aboveground N₂ fixed, and N remaining in the stover were higher in the medium and the late varieties than in early varieties. Also, the early varieties had higher nitrogen harvest indices (81–84%) than medium and late varieties (74–79%). From the N balance calculation, it was found that medium and late maturing soybean resulted in an addition of 4.2 kg N ha⁻¹ to the soil, whereas the early maturing varieties resulted in depletion of the soil N reserve by 5.6 kg N ha⁻¹ (P<0.05). On average, among the medium and late varieties, late maturing TGx923-2E resulted in an addition of 9.5 kg N ha⁻¹ to the soil. When the stover was not returned to the field, early soybean resulted in more negative N balance than the medium and late soybean (P<0.05). Therefore, planting an early variety of soybean for one season resulted in net depletion of soil N, even when the soybean residues were returned to the soil and N₂ fixed in the roots and N in the fallen leaf litter were included in the N balance calculations. Contrary to this, planting medium and late soybean for one season resulted in an addition of N to the soil. Therefore, medium and late soybean should be used as a preceding crop in legume–cereal rotation, if possible, to minimize or avoid depletion of soil N by early varieties of soybean.     

Soil water depletion under various leguminous cover crops in the derived savanna of West Africa

Leguminous cover crops have the potential of making cropping systems in the tropics sustainable if they would not deplete resources such as soil water and nutrients to the detriment of companion crops. Therefore, a study was carried out at Alabata, Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, to evaluate the effects of leguminous cover crops on soil water suctions in 1993 and 1994 in order to assess the possibility of integrating them into the farming systems of the savanna zone of West Africa. In 1993, 13 leguminous cover crops (Aeschynomene histrix, Centrosema brasilianum, Centrosema pascuorum, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria verrucosa, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Lablab purpureus, Mucuna pruriens, Psophocarpus palustris, Pseudovigna argentea, Pueraria phaseoloides and Stylosanthes hamata) were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Maize and natural fallow (mainly Chromolaena odorata and Imperata cylindrica) were included as comparisons. Only six of the legumes (A. histrix, C. pascuorum, C. cajan, C. ochroleuca, M. pruriens, and P. phaseoloides) were included in the measurements in the 1994 new plots. Soil water suctions at various stages of legume growth were measured at daily or weekly intervals (depending on the frequency of rainfall events) using tensiometers installed at 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depths. Soil water suctions exceeding 10 kPa (theoretical field capacity) were observed mainly between 6 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), and by 20 WAP when cover crops had matured and rainfall frequency was very low. Soil water suctions were significantly related (r²>0.80) to dry matter between 8 and 10 WAP. The studied cover crops were classified in three groups which can be used as a guide for choosing the legumes in tropical farming systems. Soil water depletion was markedly influenced by growth characteristics of legumes and distribution of rainfall during the rainy season. Leguminous cover crops conserved soil water after their growth needs were satisfied.     

Alternative cropping systems for sustainable water and nitrogen use in the North China Plain

Serious water deficits and excessive nitrogen (N) applications are threatening the sustainability of intensive agriculture in the North China Plain (NCP). This study examined the possibility of replacing the conventional system (Con.W/M) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.), with an optimized double cropping system (Opt.W/M), a 2-year system (winter wheat/summer maize-spring maize, W/M-M), and a monoculture system (spring maize, M) based on optimal water and N management strategies. From 2004 to 2010, a long-term field experiment conducted in the NCP showed that although >70 mm of irrigation water can be saved with Opt.W/M compared with Con.W/M, annual net groundwater use under Opt.W/M was still 250 mm, 65-90% of which was consumed during the winter wheat season. When wheat production was decreased, 35% and 61% of irrigation water could be reduced in W/M-M and M compared to Con.W/M, respectively. As a result, annual groundwater use was decreased to 190 mm in W/M-M and 94 mm in M. Meanwhile, the N fertilizer rate was reduced 59% and 72% in W/M-M and M compared to Con.W/M, respectively. There were no significant differences in net economic returns between Con.W/M and W/M-M across the 6-year period. In the 6 years, no significant economic loss was observed between Con.W/M and M except in the 2008-2010 rotation. The W/M-M and M systems showed great potential to reduce water and N application and achieve groundwater use balance, and thus should be considered for economic and sustainable agricultural development in the NCP.     

Soil C storage as affected by tillage and straw management: An assessment using field measurements and model predictions

Soil tillage and straw management are both known to affect soil organic matter dynamics. However, it is still unclear whether, or how, these two practices interact to affect soil C storage, and data from long term studies are scarce. Soil C models may help to overcome some of these problems. Here we compare direct measurements of soil C contents from a 9 year old tillage experiment to predictions made by RothC and a cohort model. Soil samples were collected from plots in an Irish winter wheat field that were exposed to either conventional (CT) or shallow non-inversion tillage (RT). Crop residue was removed from half of the RT and CT plots after harvest, allowing us to test for interactive effects between tillage practices and straw management. Within the 0–30 cm layer, soil C contents were significantly increased both by straw retention and by RT. Tillage and straw management did not interact to determine the total amount of soil C in this layer. The highest average soil C contents (68.9 ± 2.8 Mg C ha^?1) were found for the combination of RT with straw incorporation, whereas the lowest average soil C contents (57.3 ± 2.3 Mg C ha^?1) were found for CT with straw removal. We found no significant treatment effects on soil C contents at lower depths. Both models suggest that at our site, RT stimulates soil C storage largely by decreasing the decomposition of old soil C. Extrapolating our findings to the rest of Ireland, we estimate that RT will lead to C mitigation ranging from 0.18 to 1.0 Mg C ha^?1 y^?1 relative to CT, with the mitigation rate depending on the initial SOC level. However, on-farm assessments are still needed to determine whether RT management practices can be adopted under Irish conditions without detrimental effects on crop yield.     

Identification of biomes affected by marginal expansion of agricultural land use induced by increased crop consumption

In a previous study, the global agricultural expansion caused by wheat consumption in four different countries was modelled with the aim of establishing land use life cycle inventories. The previous study estimated the areas affected by expansion (in terms of square meters) but did not explain how to characterise these areas. The present study ascribes so-called biomes (natural potential vegetation) to the areas affected by agricultural expansion in order to provide a basis for assessing the environmental impacts from land use in the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). The methodology builds on agricultural statistics and maps of global agricultural areas and the global distribution of biomes. The application of the method is illustrated with four examples. The results indicate that agricultural expansion on land suited for crop cultivation (cultivable land) typically affects forest biomes or potential grassland/steppe, whereas expansion on land suited for grazing but not for crop cultivation (grazable land) typically occurs on potential shrubland or a few other biomes depending on the region. Some uncertainty applies to the results but it is concluded that it is feasible to identify biomes affected by agricultural expansion and that the biomes can therefore be used as a starting point for land use LCIA.     

Soil erosion induced by land use changes as determined by plough marks and field evidence in the Aksum area (Ethiopia)

The aim of the research presented here was to analyse soil erosion in response to changes in agricultural and soil conservation practices throughout history. The Aksum area (Tigray, northern Ethiopia) presents favourable conditions for the development of a long-term approach for assessing soil conservation techniques that have been applied for centuries (i.e., since the Aksumite kingdom, 400 BC to 800 AD). These techniques have been maintained until the present day, and parts of the terraced systems of the area are still in use. During the 1970s, social and political events led to a remarkable change in land use patterns, and large arable areas were converted into grazing land, resulting in a significant increase in soil loss. The rates of soil erosion were evaluated based on analyses of the deep scratches (plough marks) left on stones in the soil by the maresha, the ard plough pulled by oxen used in agricultural practices of the area, and the patinas, varnishes and weathering rinds exposed by soil loss after the abandonment of the fields. The study results show average rates of soil erosion of 2.8 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ and 65.8 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ for the soil conservation conditions under traditional agriculture (long-term observations) and accelerated erosion after abandonment (short-term observations), respectively. A comparison using recently calibrated erosion evaluation techniques conducted to support the field measurements revealed a close correlation between the calculated and recorded data.     

紫色土壤有机碳活性组分对生物炭施用量的响应

土壤有机碳(SOC)是土壤最重要的组成部分,土壤活性有机碳是引起土壤碳库变化的关键,为研究在不同施用量生物炭还田下土壤有机碳及其活性组分的影响,本试验在重庆国家紫色土肥力与肥料效益长期监测基地测定了无物料还田(CK)、生物炭还田(8 000 kg·hm-2,BC)、0.5倍生物炭还田(4 000 kg·hm-2,0.5 BC)、2倍生物炭还田(16 000 kg·hm-2,2BC)配施化肥处理下的紫色土丘陵区油菜/玉米轮作制中土壤有机碳及活性组分含量.结果表明:(1)施用生物炭可以显著提高土壤有机碳的含量(P0.05),在一定范围内,生物炭的施用量与土壤有机碳含量成正比.适量的生物炭施入土壤后,土壤微生物量碳(SMBC)含量上升,但0.5BC和2BC处理下土壤微生物量碳反而减少.生物炭不同施入量均可提高土壤可溶性碳(DOC)和土壤易氧化碳(ROC)的含量,其中0.5BC处理的含量最高,分别为198.83 g·kg-1和4.86 g·kg-1.(2)生物炭的施用均显著降低了土壤微生物熵和ROC/SOC,其中0.5BC处理最低,分别较CK处理下降了20.45%和4.11%,而2BC处理最高.0.5BC和BC处理均能提高DOC/SOC,且0.5BC处理显著高于BC处理.总体上,虽然生物炭还田微生物活性较低,但土壤有机碳及其稳定性较高,有利于土壤有机碳积累,促进土壤固碳.同时适量的生物炭还田可以持续稳定增长土壤有机碳含量,少量生物炭0.5BC处理还田可提高土壤中可溶性有机碳和易氧化有机碳含量.     

Competition of the active roots of Cassia siamea Lam. and Zea mays L.(cv.Katumani Composite B) in an alley cropping trial in semi arid Kenya

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Floc structure and membrane fouling affected by sodium alginate interaction with Al species as model organic pollutants

Membrane filtration combined with pre-coagulation has advantages in advanced wastewater treatment. As a model of a microbial polysaccharide, research on the effect of sodium alginate(SA) on alum hydrolysis has been rare; therefore, it is necessary to gain insight into the interface interaction between SA molecules and Al species, and the role SA plays during floc formation. In this study, the interaction mechanism between SA and Al species has been investigated, by evaluating the effect of SA on floc characteristics and membrane fouling during coagulation–ultrafiltration with different Al species coagulants(AlCl3 and preformed Al13). Al 2 p X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) confirmed that the complexation of ligands and Al species strongly affects the reaction pathways for Al hydrolysis and the final nature of the flocs, as Al13 can be decomposed into octahedral precipitates when SA is added. The presence of SA can affect floc properties, which have important impacts on the characteristics of the cake layer and membrane fouling. Due to the bridging ability of SA, the floc strength increased by about 50% using Ala, which was much better than preformed Al13, with a percentage increase of only about 6%. Moreover,the recovery factor of HA-flocs was decreased from 96% to 43% with SA addition of 0.5 mg/L.It was concluded that SA can affect the characteristics of the cake layer and membrane fouling through participating in the formation of primary flocs and altering the Al hydrolysis pathway.     

有机物料影响下土壤溶液中镉形态及其有效性研究

研究了盆载种稻条件下，有机物料对土壤水溶性镉、易解离太镉和可解离态锯的含量变化及其有效性的影响，结果表明，不添加外源镉时，分蘖期猪烘和泥炭均降低了水溶性镉总量，水溶性镉的３４％～７７％可被阳离子交换树脂解离，８７％以上可被螯合树脂解离，到成熟期水生镉的解离度升高，水溶性镉总量与ＤＯＣ和ＰＨ的变化趋势相反，添加外源镉时分蘖期猪烘和泥炭均降低水溶性 量，成熟期水溶性镉总量与ＤＯＣ的变化呈相反趋势，在不     

Variations in soil properties along three toposequences in Burkina Faso and implications for the development of improved cropping systems

Three toposequences representing different stages in the degradation process were studied for the Sudanian Savanna zone of Burkina Faso. Morphological, chemical and mineralogical soil data are presented for the major toposequence land types easily recognized in the landscape.Owing to their low initial fertility, most soils of uplands and upper and mid-slopes are prone to rapid degradation when cultivation is intensified and fallow periods are shortened due to growing populations and the presence of growing animal herds. Once the permanent vegetation has been removed, these soils tend to develop dense surface crusts which reduce moisture infiltration, thereby increasing runoff and erosion as well as the risks of drought. By contrast, the soils of the lower slopes are more fertile and their moisture availability is more assured. The lowland soils are generally the most fertile but may suffer from occasional waterlogging. The local agriculture will often permanently occupy the lower slopes and lowland fields, whereas the higher fields will be in fallow systems. The cropping systems vary simultaneously among different land types. Based on the soil studies and crop adaptation patterns to toposequence land types, certain modifications to the present cropping systems and cultural practices are proposed to developed more stable and sustainable production systems for upland areas in particular.     

Econometric analysis of the determinants of adoption of alley farming by farmers in the forest zone of southwest Cameroon

Slash-and-burn agriculture continues to expand in many parts of the forest zone of Cameroon. One alternative land use to slash-and-burn system is alley farming. This paper quantifies, using an econometric model, the factors determining farmers’ adoption and use of alley farming variants in southwest of Cameroon, based on a survey of 156 farmers in 11 villages in the region.The analysis showed that male farmers are more likely to adopt than women. Adoption is higher for farmers with contacts with extension agencies working on agroforestry technologies. Adoption is higher for farmers belonging to farmers’ groups. Adoption is lower for farmers in areas with very high population pressure, as farmers in such areas may have greater labor productivity from use of less labor intensive natural resource management technologies like chemical fertilizers. Adoption is higher for farmers in areas facing fuel wood scarcity. Farmers have made adaptations to the conventional alley farming technology recommended by researchers, the most significant adaptation being the introduction of fallow periods into the system. Farmers use alley farming as a land use option, not as a replacement for the slash-and-burn system, since land supply is still relatively elastic. Achieving increased impact with alley farming variants requires effective targeting. Results showed that econometric modeling using farmer and village characteristics, socioeconomic and institutional variables can lead to more effective targeting to farmers and locations where higher adoption rates may occur.     

Toxicity and subcellular distribution of cadmium in wheat as affected by dissolved organic acids

We aim to investigate the effects of humic acid (HA) and citric acid (CA) on the toxicity and subcellular distribution of Cd in wheat. Results show that the toxicity and uptake of Cd decreased with increasing HA. The EC₅₀ values of Cd increased from 3.36 μmol/L to 4.96 and 7.33 μmol/L at 50 and 250 mg/L HA, respectively, but decreased to 1.39 μmol/L in the presence of CA based on free ion activity model (FIAM). HA decreased the relative subcellular distribution of Cd in the heat-denatured proteins (decreased from 54% to 33%) but increased Cd in the heat-stable proteins in root (from 25% to 50%) at 7.61 μmol/L {Cd²⁺} (free Cd activity), which resulted in decreasing Cd toxicity. However, CA increased Cd toxicity due to the increased internalization of Cd although the relative subcellular distributions of Cd exhibited a decrease in the heat-denatured proteins and increase in the granule fraction compared to the control at high-level Cd. The FIAM could not predict the toxicity of Cd in the presence of organic acids. Alternatively, the internal Cd accumulation and subcellular Cd concentration were better to describe the toxicity of Cd to wheat.     

Arsenic dynamics in the rhizosphere and its sequestration on rice roots as affected by root oxidation

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of root oxidation on arsenic （As） dynamics in the rhizosphere and As sequestration on rice roots. There were significant differences （P 〈 0.05） in pH values between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, with pH 5.68-6.16 in the rhizosphere and 6.30-6.37 in non-rhizosphere soils as well as differences in redox potentials （P 〈 0.05）. Percentage arsenite was lower （4%-16%） in rhizosphere soil solutions from rice genotypes with higher radial oxygen loss （ROL） compared with genotypes with lower ROL （P 〈 0.05）. Arsenic concentrations in iron plaque and rice straw were significantly negatively correlated （R = -0.60, P 〈 0.05）. Genotypes with higher ROL （TD71 and Yinjingmanzhau） had significantly （P 〈 0.001） lower total As in rice grains （1.35 and 0.96 mg/kg, respectively） compared with genotypes with lower ROL （IAPAR9, 1.68 mg/kg; Nanyangzhan 2.24 mg/kg） in the As treatment, as well as lower inorganic As （P 〈 0.05）. The present study showed that genotypes with higher ROL could oxidize more arsenite in rhizosphere soils, and induce more Fe plaque formation, which subsequently sequestered more As. This reduced As uptake in aboveground plant tissues and also reduced inorganic As accumulation in rice grains. The study has contributed to further understanding the mechanisms whereby ROL influences As uptake and accumulation in rice.     

Al与F的络合作用对土壤吸附Al和F的影响

研究了Al-F络合作用对土壤吸附Al和F的影响以及吸附前的溶液中铝化学形态的差异。提高Al或F的加入量将人别使分配在土壤溶液中的F或Al的数量增加，即Al-F络合作用地使Al和F在土壤固-液间的分配平衡向液相移动，土壤对Al-F络合物吸附程度很小，吸附前，3种不同F/Al比溶液中Al^3 ，AlF^2 的浓度随着F/Al比的增加逐渐降低，AlF2^ ,AlF3^0的浓度则逐渐升高，与土壤作用后，溶液中Al主要与AlF^2 ,AlF2^ 的形式存在，以AlF^2 的数量居多。     

不同植被覆盖度对流域氮素径流流失的影响

以 8.27km² 纸坊沟流域 1∶400比例模型为研究对象 ,在人工控制条件下 ,模拟天然降雨 (降雨强度 2 mm/min,历时30 min) ,研究不同植被覆盖度对流域氮素流失的影响 ,揭示小流域土壤氮素随径流流失规律 .研究表明 :当流域植被覆盖度分别为 60%、40%、20%和 0%时 ,土壤铵态氮流失量分别为 87.08、44.31、25.16和 13.71 kg/ km² ;硝态氮流失量分别为 85.50、74.05、63.95和 56.23kg/km²;而流域有机质流失量为 15.67、24.02、44.68和 164.87;全氮流失量为 0.81、1.18、1.98和7.51t/ km².产流过程中径流及泥沙中氮素含量随产流时间的延长呈下降趋势 ,而流失累积量呈逐渐增大趋势 .植被覆盖虽能有效地减少土壤侵蚀和全氮的流失 ,却能增加土壤矿质氮的流失 .     

改良剂对土壤铜镉有效性和微生物群落结构的影响

以一次性添加木炭、石灰和磷灰石稳定化修复4年后的土壤为研究对象,探讨了土壤中铜镉有效性和土壤微生物群落结构的变化.结果表明,3种改良剂的添加提高了土壤pH值,降低了土壤交换性酸和交换性铝的含量,使铜镉由活性态向非活性态和潜在活性态转化,其中磷灰石和石灰的处理效果优于木炭处理; Biolog测试发现,培养192h,木炭、石灰和磷灰石处理土壤AWCD值(0.61、0.76和0.70)分别是对照的1.33、1.65和1.52倍;且Shannon和McIntosh指数均较对照有所提高,表现为:石灰 > 磷灰石 > 木炭,表明改良剂处理后增加了土壤微生物对碳源的利用能力,提高了其功能多样性.PCR-DGGE分析结果显示,改良剂处理后土壤细菌优势群的数量显著增加,木炭、石灰和磷灰石处理Shannon指数分别比对照提高了0.22、0.39和0.24.相关性分析表明,土壤酸度和重金属有效性是影响稳定化修复重金属污染土壤细菌结构多样性差异的主要因素.