The soil microbiome: An essential, but neglected, component of regenerative agroecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Syrie M. Hermans, Gavin Lear, Bradley S. Case

et al.

iScience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 26(2), P. 106028 - 106028

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is gaining traction globally as an approach for meeting growing food demands while avoiding, or even remediating, the detrimental environmental consequences associated with conventional farming. Momentum building science to provide evidence for, against, putative ecosystem benefits of RA practices relative In this perspective article, we advance argument that consideration soil microbiome in research crucial disentangling varied and complex relationships have biotic abiotic environment, outline expected changes microbiomes under RA, make recommendations designing will answer outstanding questions on RA. Ultimately, deeper insights into role microbial communities soils allow development biologically relevant monitoring tools which support land managers addressing key issues agriculture.

Language: Английский

Soil and crop management practices and the water regulation functions of soils: a qualitative synthesis of meta-analyses relevant to European agriculture DOI Creative Commons
Guillaume Blanchy, G. Bragato, Claudia Di Bene

et al.

SOIL, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(1), P. 1 - 20

Published: Jan. 4, 2023

Abstract. Adopting soil and crop management practices that conserve or enhance structure is critical for supporting the sustainable adaptation of agriculture to climate change, as it should help maintain agricultural production in face increasing drought water excess without impairing environmental quality. In this paper, we evaluate evidence assertion by synthesizing results 34 published meta-analyses effects such on physical hydraulic properties relevant change European agriculture. We also review an additional 127 investigated synergies trade-offs explain terms underlying processes mechanisms. Finally, identify how responses alternative soil–crop systems vary under contrasting agro-environmental conditions across Europe. This information may practitioners policymakers draw context-specific conclusions concerning efficacy tools. Our synthesis demonstrates organic amendments adoption “continuous living cover” result significant benefits regulation function soils, mostly arising from carbon inputs stimulation biological processes. These are clearly related improved aggregation enhanced bio-porosity, both which reduce surface runoff increase infiltration. One potentially negative consequence these a reduction storage groundwater recharge, be problematic dry climates. Some important reductions nitrate leaching greenhouse gas emissions nonleguminous cover systems. The reducing tillage intensity appear much less clear-cut. Increases bulk density due traffic compaction commonly reported. However, activity reduced intensity, improve infiltration capacity losses agro-chemicals water. beneficial inconclusive, while include yield penalties increases risks pesticides nitrate. highlights knowledge gaps root growth transpiration. Thus, impacts supply other functions necessarily based inferences derived proxy variables. Based gaps, outlined several key avenues future research topic.

Language: Английский

Citations

37
Response of soil organic carbon fractions to cover cropping: A meta-analysis of agroecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Rachel Wooliver, Sindhu Jagadamma

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 351, P. 108497 - 108497

Published: March 27, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

35
A global meta‐analysis of cover crop response on soil carbon storage within a corn production system DOI Creative Commons
Deepak R. Joshi, Heidi L. Sieverding, Hui Xu

et al.

Agronomy Journal, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 115(4), P. 1543 - 1556

Published: March 22, 2023

Abstract By influencing soil organic carbon (SOC), cover crops play a key role in shaping health and hence the system's long‐term sustainability. However, magnitude by which impacts SOC depends on multiple factors, including type, climate, crop rotation, tillage growth, years under management. To elucidate how these factors influence relative impact of SOC, we conducted meta‐analysis within rotations that included corn ( Zea mays L.) accumulation. Information climatic conditions, characteristics, management, performance was extracted, resulting 198 paired comparisons from 61 peer‐reviewed studies. Over course each study, average increased 7.3% (95% CI, 4.9%–9.6%). Furthermore, crop–induced increases percent change evaluated across textures, types, rotations, biomass amounts, durations, practices, zones. Our results suggest current crop–based production systems are sequestering 5.5 million Mg per year United States have potential to sequester 175 globally. These findings can be used improve footprint calculations develop science‐based policy recommendations. Taken altogether, cropping is promising strategy atmospheric C make more resilient changing climates.

Language: Английский

Citations

33
What climate and environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture practices? an evidence review DOI Creative Commons
Emily Rehberger, Paul West, Charles Spillane

et al.

Environmental Research Communications, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(5), P. 052001 - 052001

Published: May 1, 2023

Abstract Regenerative agriculture aims to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, health and biodiversity. is often juxtaposed against ‘conventional’ which contributes land degradation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions. Although definitions of regenerative may vary, common practices include no or reduced till, cover cropping, crop rotation, use disuse external inputs such as agrichemicals, farm-derived inputs, increased perennials agroforestry, integrated crop-livestock systems, managed grazing. While the claims associated with some these are supported by more evidence than others, studies suggest that can be effective in increasing have positive effects both agriculturally environmentally. Studies across different indicate carbon, comparison conventional practices, varies widely (ranging from a nonsignificant difference high 3 Mg C/ha/y). Case range systems work effectively unison SOC, but must also consider importance maintaining yield, risk potential offsetting mitigation through conversion for agriculture. The sequestration benefit could maximized targeting soils been intensively storage potential. anticipated benefits tested furthering research on stable rather labile ensure its permanence.

Language: Английский

Citations

33
The soil microbiome: An essential, but neglected, component of regenerative agroecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Syrie M. Hermans, Gavin Lear, Bradley S. Case

et al.

iScience, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 26(2), P. 106028 - 106028

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is gaining traction globally as an approach for meeting growing food demands while avoiding, or even remediating, the detrimental environmental consequences associated with conventional farming. Momentum building science to provide evidence for, against, putative ecosystem benefits of RA practices relative In this perspective article, we advance argument that consideration soil microbiome in research crucial disentangling varied and complex relationships have biotic abiotic environment, outline expected changes microbiomes under RA, make recommendations designing will answer outstanding questions on RA. Ultimately, deeper insights into role microbial communities soils allow development biologically relevant monitoring tools which support land managers addressing key issues agriculture.

Language: Английский

Citations

32