Ecosystem restoration is an urgent and vital measure to restore degraded land in ecologically fragile regions. The terrestrial carbon sequestration capacity is important to indicate the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration, which has attracted the interest of many researchers. Ecologically fragile regions cover a large area in China, but few studies have focused on the carbon benefit of ecological

Methane (CH4) emitted from river networks provides a globally significant, yet poorly constrained barrier for the refinement of national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and the global CH4 budget. This study employed three isotopic methodologies, i.e., a simple mixing model, apparent fractionation factor, and dual isotopes (δ13C−CH4 and δD−CH4) to identify the biogenic CH4 production pathway (BMPP)

The trees in agroforestry plots create spatial heterogeneity of high interest for adaptation, mitigation, and the provision of ecosystem services. But to what distance, exactly, from the tree? We tested a novel approach, based upon geostatistics and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sensing, to infer the distance at which a single agroforestry tree affects the surrounding under-crop, to map yield, litter

Intensive management of agroecosystems has been widely indicated as major responsible for soil degradation, thus negatively impacting on relationships between agriculture and climate change. Conservation tillage (i.e. no-till and minimum tillage) has been recommended for enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN) stocks while having a positive impact on food security, biodiversity

Recent studies showed great variations in both soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and organic carbon (SOC) in cropland across the North China Plain. This work was designed to test the hypothesis that hydrological processes associated with the Yellow River may be responsible for the differences in soil carbon dynamics over space. We selected 22 sites from the wheat-maize cropland across the Yellow River in

Aggregation affects soil properties crucial for sustainable soil management and productivity. However, longer-term studies (> five years) of treatments to enhance soil aggregation, such as addition of biochar with labile carbon to derive microbial binding agents, are limited, especially in temperate climates. To fill this gap, we established a field experiment with control, compost only, biochar only

Agricultural land-use change is a global issue with significant implications for global warming and ecosystem functionality. Uncertainty regarding carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sequestration and their dynamics after land-use change hampers an accurate understanding of the C and N cycles. To address the influence of converting agricultural land to forest on organic carbon (OC) and N sequestration and

Understanding the factors influencing agricultural productivity is vital to food security, especially for food insecure smallholder farmers. Within agricultural landscape mosaics, the arrangement of tree cover such as forests, trees, and hedgerows can positively or negatively impact agricultural productivity in fields. In such settings, forest restoration has the potential to impact food security goals

How different forms of agriculture support different bee taxa through the provision of different floral and nesting resources is largely unknown. Recent studies have found wild bees that are associated with agriculture tend to nest in soil, rather than vegetation, and so are thought to be adapted to open environments where perennial woody vegetation is sparse. However, these studies do not usually

Traditional land-use cessation allows the spread of invasive tall-grass species and thus leads to a reduction in grassland biodiversity. We hypothesized that long-term multi-year mowing of invaded grassland fosters the recovery of its taxonomic diversity and functional composition by reducing the dominance of the tall grass species Brachypodium rupestre, and that this change increases the pasture feed

Fallow fields provide suitable habitats for many farmland species in agricultural landscapes. Although the loss of fallow fields in the last few decades may be one of the major causes of the decline in farmland biodiversity, quantitative studies investigating the spatial and temporal associations between fallow fields and abundance of rice paddy organisms are few. This study focused on the Greater

The landscape patch amount and configuration at the class level profoundly affect stream nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in agricultural catchments, but their relationships and contributions to stream NP levels remain unclear. Here, we observed the stream water NP concentrations, stream flow, and landscape pattern at the class level in 11 catchments in a Chinese subtropical agricultural

Increase in farm size (IFS) can reduce fertilizer use but it may accelerate soil erosion, particularly stream channel (SC) erosion and associated nutrient losses, due to reduced farmland heterogeneity. But these positive and negative environmental impacts of IFS have never been compared. The objectives of this study were to determine the SC erosion and associated nutrient losses following IFS, and

In the last decades, western Iberian Mediterranean drylands have experienced a shift from extensive sheep to beef-cattle farming. In this 5-year study in Évora region (Southern Portugal), we investigated the role of livestock species in favouring grassland bird habitat suitability, starting from the hypothesis that livestock species complement bird habitat requirements under contrasting grazing rotation

Intensively-managed fruit-tree plantations consisting of low-stem trees have progressively replaced traditional high- and mid-stem orchards in Europe during the intensification of agriculture in the second part of the 20th century. Such perennial agricultural systems often form dense, homogeneous landscapes interspersed with open fields, urban areas and semi-natural structures. This observational study

Frequent extreme weather events, which jeopardize agriculture by affecting crop health, characterize the ongoing climate change. Temporary patches where sown plants are poorly developed (hereafter “field defects”) are likely to increase with climate change and can be colonized by other plant species. Although perennial non-crop habitats can act as refuges for beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes

Agricultural areas make up over one third of the worlds’ terrestrial area, with past and ongoing agricultural land use change and intensification being a major threat to many animal populations. In Europe, maize grown for biofuel and fodder is increasingly replacing traditional crop types, which might affect wildlife populations. Here, we used spotlight counts to estimate densities of the European

Lygus lineolaris populations have become increasingly problematic in Virginia cotton since 2013. Although production practices have changed, changes in landscape composition and climatic conditions are also anecdotally associated with increasing populations. To better understand the recent increase in L. lineolaris infestations in Virginia cotton, 56 commercial cotton fields were sampled weekly in

Agroforestry has been increasingly recognized as a key example of agroecological praxis contributing to the sustainable intensification of food production while providing a number of additional benefits to society. However, a quantitative synthesis of the impact of agroforestry on soil health and associated ecosystem services in the humid and sub-humid tropics is still lacking. The objective of this

Ecosystem services provided by silvopastoral systems are mediated by specific management practices, environmental conditions, and overall design of the system. We hypothesized that selection of tree species affects understory forage nutritive value and productivity, light/shade environment, and microclimate. The silvopastoral system was located at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro

Making agriculture more sustainable requires a greater understanding of animal-mediated ecosystem services. The beneficial effects of pest-control and pollination provided by, respectively, insectivorous birds and pollinator insects are essential for many crops. Improving these ecosystem services simultaneously in the same crop system means, first, identifying the drivers of animal biodiversity that

Agricultural non-point source pollution (NPSP) is becoming a severe threat and seriously restricting the sustainable development of agricultural economy and rural environment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Areas (TGRA). However, limited studies have focused on agricultural NPSP management in TGRA, especially for integrated technology systems with TGRA characteristics. An integrated slopping land/paddy

Previous studies showed that organic farming augmented natural enemies and enhanced pest control in the agroecosystem, but the effect may change over time, as long-term application of different cultivation methods would gradually affect the agricultural systems. In this paper, spider diversity and its plant hopper control potential were assessed in paddy fields cultivated organically for 5 (OR5), 10

The interactive effects mechanisms of different warming levels and tillage managements on crop development, growth, physiological processes, and subsequently grain yield and quality are essential to accelerate understanding of climate change impact and adaptation for crop production system, however have not been well-understood. Here, a full growth season open-field infrared warming experiment was

In an effort to address the challenges of low crop productivity and food insecurity among Africa’s smallholder farmers, Conservation Agriculture (CA) is considered a promising strategy. This study synthesized and analyzed the maize yield merits of CA systems relative to conventional farmer practices and the contribution of agro-ecological zones, seasonal rainfall regimes and soil characteristics in

The diversification of agroecosystems with shade trees has a complex role in climate change adaptation. Multiple interactions among shade tree composition, heterogeneous soil conditions, and resulting microclimate modifications makes reproducible evaluations of agroforestry as a climate change adaptation practice challenging. In this study we systematically investigate soil water and nutrient acquisition

Some of the negative effects of agricultural intensification on biodiversity can be counteracted by the implementation of practices typically associated with organic farming. The efficiency of key ecosystem services, such as natural pest control or pollination, depends on biodiversity and could determine agricultural productivity and food security. In terrestrial ecosystems, both land use and topographic

There is currently much debate around the environmental implications of ruminant farming and a need for robust data on nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) fluxes from beef and sheep grazing systems. Here we use data collected from the North Wyke Farm Platform along with the SPACSYS model to examine the N and C budgets and the N use efficiency (NUE) of grassland swards at different stages of establishment.

Both wild and managed pollinators significantly contribute to global food production by providing pollination services to crops. Colonies of commercially-reared honey bees and bumblebees are two of the largest groups of managed pollinators. Bumblebees in particular are increasingly used on soft fruit crops, such as strawberry, an economically important crop globally. Despite the use of commercial bumblebees

Grain legumes play an important role as source of food and feed in smallholder mixed systems. They also contribute to soil fertility improvement through biological nitrogen fixation. Although rhizobium inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer are known to improve grain yield of legumes, information is limited on the effect of this practice on the yield and fodder quality of the haulm. This study was conducted

Hedgerows provide valuable habitats and corridors for many species in farmland, yet a lack of appropriate management may threaten their benefits to biodiversity. Although agri-environment scheme (AES) prescriptions on hedgerow management have the potential to reverse the detrimental effect of over-trimming on wildlife, their effectiveness has rarely been addressed. The aims of the study were to (i)

Common voles are a main European facultative, fossorial, farmland rodent pest that can greatly reduce crop yields during population outbreaks. Crop protection against common voles is a complex task that requires the consideration of a set of preventive and control measures within an integrated pest management strategy. A possible option could be to modify farming practices to reduce the availability

Soybean yields on smallholder farms in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) are far below the potential yield thus creating a huge yield gap. Interventions are thus needed to bridge this yield gap and ascertain the factors influencing the yield variation. This study evaluated the on farm response of soybean to rhizobia inoculation and or mineral P fertilizer in Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana in a single

Common bean is an important crop with potential to curb malnutrition in poor Sub-Saharan African populations. Yields of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are, however poor, limited by low soil phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and poor biological N2-fixation. On-farm experiments were carried out to study the effect of N, P and rhizobia inoculation on common bean yield and yield components during the 2014/2015

Soybean production can contribute to the nitrogen economy of smallholder farming systems, but our understanding of factors explaining variability in nitrogen fixation and rotational benefits across farms and regions is limited. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was quantified with the natural abundance method in 150 farmer-managed soybean plots under different varieties and inputs in Dowa, Mchinji

The soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis can be very effective in fixing nitrogen and supply nearly all plant's demand on this nutrient, obviating the need for N-fertilizers. Brazil has been investing in research and use of inoculants for soybean for decades and with the expansion of the crop in African countries, the feasibility of transference of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) technologies between

Common bean and soybean yield poorly on smallholder farms in Rwanda. We evaluated the benefits of inoculation combined with P fertilizer and manure on yields of common bean and soybean in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs), and their residual effects on a subsequent maize crop. In the first season, the treatments included inoculum, three rates of manure, and two rates of P fertilizer, with nine replications

Improving bacterial nitrogen fixation in grain legumes is central to sustainable intensification of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. In the case of soyabean, two main approaches have been pursued: first, promiscuous varieties were developed to form effective symbiosis with locally abundant nitrogen fixing bacteria. Second, inoculation with elite bacterial strains is being promoted. Analyses of the

Continuous cereal-based cropping has led to a rapid decline in soil fertility in the Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of northern Ghana with corresponding low crop yields. We evaluated the effects of cropping system and soil fertility status on grain yields and N2-fixation by grain legumes and net N contribution to soil fertility improvement in contrasting sites in this agro-ecological zone. Maize

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an important African food legume suitable for dry regions. It is the main legume in two contrasting agro-ecological regions of Kenya as an important component of crop rotations because of its relative tolerance to unpredictable drought events. This study was carried out in an effort to establish a collection of bacterial root nodule symbionts and determine their

Climbing beans offer potential for sustainable intensification of agriculture, but their cultivation constitutes a relatively complex technology consisting of multiple components or practices. We studied uptake of improved climbing bean production practices (improved variety, input use and management practices) through co-designed demonstrations and farmer-managed adaptation trials with 374 smallholder

We conducted a systematic review of literature on the residual effects of grain legumes in cereal-based systems of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to quantify the magnitude and variability of rotational effects, to explore the importance of environmental and management factors in determining variability and to evaluate the evidence of the different mechanisms that explain rotational effects. We retrieved

Soybean grain yields in sub-Saharan Africa have remained at approximately 50% below those attained in South America despite numerous efforts. A study was conducted in Siaya County (western Kenya) involving 107 farms with soils of different fertility status. The main objective was to test combinations of two inoculants (Legumefix and Biofix) and nutrient sources (Minjingu and Sympal) to raise soybean

The impacts of rhizobium inoculation on growth and yield of chickpea have mainly been tested in experiments conducted in greenhouses or on research stations. We report the response of the crop to inoculation (I) and phosphorus fertilizer (P) application across a large number of smallholder's farms over four regions of Ethiopia, covering diverse soil fertility and agro-ecological conditions. Increased

Livestock grazing intensity (GI) is thought to have a major impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and soil quality indicators in grassland agroecosystems. To critically investigate this, we conducted a global review and meta-analysis of 83 studies of extensive grazing, covering 164 sites across different countries and climatic zones. Unlike previous published reviews we normalized the SOC and

In the most productive area of the Indo-Gangetic Plains in Northwest India where high yields of rice and wheat are commonplace, a medium-term cropping system trial was conducted in Haryana State. The goal of the study was to identify integrated management options for further improving productivity and profitability while rationalizing resource use and reducing environmental externalities (i.e., "sustainable

The effectiveness of organic farming for promoting biodiversity has been widely documented, yet most studies have been undertaken in temperate agroecosystems with a focus on birds, insects and plants. Despite the Mediterranean basin being a biodiversity hotspot for conservation priorities, the potential benefits of organic farming for biodiversity there has received little attention. Here, we assessed

Soybean inoculation with effective rhizobial strains makes unnecessary the use of N-fertilizers in the tropics. A frequently reported problem is the failure of the inoculant strains to overcome the competition imposed by indigenous rhizobial populations. The screening of indigenous rhizobia, already adapted to local conditions, searching for highly effective strains for use as inoculants represents

Heavy reliance on pesticide inputs to maintain crop yields has been an important aspect of agricultural intensification. Insecticide use has had detrimental impacts on pollinators and natural pest control agents, contributing to a decline in associated ecosystem services, and has also led to resistance development in pest populations. Throughout Europe, in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) crops, prophylactic

Organic reduced tillage aims to combine the environmental benefits of organic farming and conservation tillage to increase sustainability and soil quality. In temperate climates, there is currently no knowledge about its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and only little information about soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in these management systems. We therefore monitored nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane

Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. The growing global population is putting pressure on agricultural production systems that aim to secure food production while minimising GHG emissions. In this study, the GHG emissions associated with the production of major food commodities in India are calculated using the Cool Farm Tool. GHG emissions, based on farm management

Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from soils from grazed grasslands have large uncertainty due to the great spatial variability of excreta deposition, resulting in heterogeneous distribution of nutrients. The contribution of urine to the labile N pool, much larger than that from dung, is likely to be a major source of emissions so efforts to determine N2O emission factors (EFs) from urine and dung deposition

Improved understanding of soil fertility factors limiting crop productivity is important to develop appropriate soil and nutrient management recommendations in sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnostic trials were implemented in Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria and Tanzania, as part of the African Soils Information Service (AfSIS) project, to identify soil fertility constraints to crop production across various cropping

Global food security, particularly crop fertilization and yield production, is threatened by heat waves that are projected to increase in frequency and magnitude with climate change. Effects of heat stress on the fertilization of insect-pollinated plants are not well understood, but experiments conducted primarily in self-pollinated crops, such as wheat, show that transfer of fertile pollen may recover

Insect pollination is important for food production globally and apples are one of the major fruit crops which are reliant on this ecosystem service. It is fundamentally important that the full range of benefits of insect pollination to crop production are understood, if the costs of interventions aiming to enhance pollination are to be compared against the costs of the interventions themselves. Most

This paper examines drivers of land-cover change in the U.S. Great Plains in the last half of the twentieth century. Its central aim is to evaluate the dynamics of grassland preservation and conversion, across the region, and to identify areas of grassland that were never plowed during the period. The research compares land-cover data from 400 sample areas, selected from and nested within 50 counties

Intensification of animal production can be an important factor in the emergence of infectious diseases because changes in production structure influence disease transmission patterns. In 2004 and 2005, Thailand was subject to two highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemic waves and large surveys were conducted of the poultry sector, providing detailed spatial data on various poultry types. This study