Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Crop and Soil Response to Organic Management Under Mediterranean Conditions

  • Research
  • Published:
International Journal of Plant Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Organic agriculture can contribute to maintain the long-term sustainability of the agroecosystems, preserve and improve soil quality and guarantee good quality food products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different organic fertilizers and a biostimulant on crop performance and soil properties. The research was performed in an experimental farm in Southern Italy and covered a 2-year rotation of lentil and durum wheat for a period of 4 years. An organic commercial fertilizer and a compost, obtained from municipal wastes, with and without a commercial biostimulant, were compared in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that compost, as the only nutrient source, did not significantly decrease lentil and wheat grain yields, even though, in 2011 and 2012, wheat grain quality was better with the organic commercial fertilizer. Probably, the mineralization rate of compost, depending also on environmental conditions, and, consequently, the nutrient availability was not enough to meet the needs of wheat crop. Biostimulant significantly increased the straw yield of lentil by 20% and the weight of 1000 seeds of wheat by 4%. At the end of the experiment, the compost, applied at low doses, significantly increased soil TOC content (+ 3.4%) compared to the organic commercial fertilizers. Conversely, the biostimulant seemed to have no effect on the soil properties. Overall, under the local Mediterranean conditions, the compost may be used as an alternative nutrient source, with positive effects for lentil and wheat productivity, economic sustainability and soil fertility.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aguilera, E., Guzmán, G., & Alonso, A. (2015). Greenhouse gas emissions from conventional and organic cropping systems in Spain. I. Herbaceous crops. Agronomy for Sustainable Development,35, 713–724.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Albiach, R., Canet, R., Pomares, F., & Ingelmo, F. (2001). Organic matter components and aggregate stability after the application of different amendments to a horticultural soil. Bioresource Technology,76, 125–129.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ANPA Manuali e linee guida (3/2001). Metodi di analisi del compost. http://www.insprambiente.gov.it.

  • Arduini, I., Masoni, A., Ercoli, L., & Mariotti, M. (2006). Grain yield, and dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in durum wheat as affected by variety and seeding rate. European Journal of Agronomy,25, 309–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bedoussac, L., Journet, E. P., Hauggaard-Nielsen, H., Naudin, C., Corre-Hellou, G., Jensen, E. S., et al. (2015). Ecological principles underlying the increase of productivity achieved by cereal-grain legume intercrops in organic farming. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development,35, 911–935.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borghi, B., Giordani, G., Corbellini, M., Vaccino, P., Guermandi, M., & Toderi, G. (1995). Influence of crop rotation, manure and fertilizers on bread making quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). European Journal of Agronomy,4, 37–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borrelli, L., Castelli, F., Ceotto, E., Cabassia, G., & Tomasoni, C. (2014). Maize grain and silage yield and yield stability in a long-term cropping system experiment in Northern Italy. European Journal of Agronomy,55, 12–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bues, A., Preißel, S., Reckling, M., Zander, P., Kuhlman, T., Topp, K., Watson, C.L.K.S.F.L., & Murphy-Bokern, D., (2013). The Environmental Role of Protein Crops in the New Common Agricultural Policy. Brussels, Belgium: European Union. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/etudes/join/2013/495856/IPOLAGRI_ET%282013%29495856_EN.pdf. Accessed 11 July 2015.

  • Chen, S. K., Edwards, C. A., & Subler, S. (2003). The influence of two agricultural biostimulants on nitrogen transformations, microbial activity, and plant growth in soil microcosms. Soil Biology & Biochemistry,35, 9–19.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chivenge, P., Vanlauwe, B., & Six, J. (2011). Does the combined application of organic and mineral nutrient sources influence maize productivity? A meta-analysis. Plant and Soil,342, 1–30.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Debaeke, P., Aussenac, T., Fabre, J. L., Hilaire, A., Pujol, B., & Thuries, L. (1996). Grain nitrogen content of winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as related to crop management and to the previous crop. European Journal of Agronomy,5, 273–286.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dono, G., Severini, S., De Querquis, A., & Ridolfi, S. (2005). Rapporto di analisi e valutazione complessiva del modello di gestione—Valutazione economica della gestione dell’impianto di compostaggio e rapporto sui costi benefici del modello di gestione proposto—Progetto FertiLife: Fertilizzazione sostenibile di un’area orticola intensiva mediante l’utilizzo di biomasse vegetali di scarto. Life02/ENV/IT/000089. https://www.arsial.it/portalearsial/fertiLIFE/pdf/Rapanvalutazcomplessmodello.pdf.

  • Eghball, B. (2002). Soil properties as influenced by phosphorus- and nitrogen-based manure and compost applications. Agronomy Journal,94, 128–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erskine, W., & El Ashkar, F. (1993). Rainfall and temperature effects on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed yield in Mediterranean environments. The Journal of Agricultural Science,121, 347–354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Gomez, A., Bernal, M. P., & Roig, M. (2002). Growth of ornamental plants in two composts prepared from agroindustrial wastes. Bioresource Technology,83, 81–87.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • García-Martínez, A. M., Tejada, M., Díaz, A., Bautista, J. D., Rodríguez, B., & Parrado, J. (2010). Enzymatic production of an organic soil biostimulant from wheat condensed distiller solubles: Effects on soil biochemistry and biodiversity. Process Biochemistry,45, 1127–1133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrido-Lestache, E., Lopez-Bellido, R. J., & Lopez-Bellido, L. (2004). Effect of N rate, timing and splitting and N type on bread-making quality in hard red spring wheat under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Field Crops Research,85, 213–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geng, Y., Cao, G., Wang, L., & Wang, S. (2019). Effects of equal chemical fertilizer substitutions with organic manure on yield, dry matter, and nitrogen uptake of spring maize and soil nitrogen distribution. PLoS One,14(7), e0219512. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219512.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Giannakis, G. V., Kourgialas, N. N., Paranychianakis, N. V., Nikolaidis, N. P., & Kalogerakis, N. (2014). Effects of municipal solid waste compost on soil properties and vegetables growth. Compost Science & Utilization,22(3), 116–131.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hammad, H. M., Khaliq, A., Ahmad, A., Aslam, M., Malik, A. H., & Farhad, W. (2011). Influence of different organic manures on wheat productivity. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology,13, 137–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larney, F. J., & Angers, D. A. (2012). The role of organic amendments in soil reclamation: A review. Canadian Journal of Soil Science,92, 19–38.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leogrande, R., Lopedota, O., Vitti, C., Ventrella, D., & Montemurro, F. (2014). Effects of irrigation volumes and organic fertilizers on eggplant grown in Mediterranean environment. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B—Soil & Plant Science,64(6), 518–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leogrande, R., Vitti, C., Stellacci, A. M., Cocozza, C., & Ventrella, D. (2016). Response of wheat crop during transition to organic system under Mediterranean conditions. International Journal of Plant Production,10(4), 565–578.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Bellido, L., Lopez-Bellido, R. J., Castillo, J. E., & Lopez-Bellido, F. J. (2001). Effects of long-term tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertilization on bread-making quality of hard red spring wheat. Field Crops Research,72, 197–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Bellido, L., Fuentes, M., Castillo, J. E., & Lopez-Garrido, F. J. (1998). Effects of tillage, crop rotation and nitrogen fertilization on wheat-grain quality grown under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Field Crops Research,57, 265–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lotter, D. W., Seidel, R., & Liebhart, W. (2003). The performance of organic and conventional cropping systems in an extreme climate year. American Journal of Alternative Agricultures,18, 146–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moldes, A., Cendon, Y., & Barral, M. T. (2007). Evaluation of municipal solid waste compost as a plant growing media component, by applying mixture design. Bioresource Technology,98(16), 3069–3075.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nemecek, T., von Richthofen, J.-S., Dubois, G., Casta, P., Charles, R., & Pahl, H. (2008). Environmental impacts of introducing grain legumes into European crop rotations. European Journal of Agronomy,28(3), 380–393.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Page, A. L., Miller, R. H., & Keeny, D. R. (1982). Methods of Soil Analysis, Part II (2nd ed.). Madison: American Society of Agronomy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parrado, J., Bautista, J., Romero, E. J., García-Martínez, A. M., Friaza, V., & Tejada, M. (2008). Production of a carob enzymatic extract: Potential use as a biofertilizer. Bioresource Technology,99, 2312–2318.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pellejero, G., Miglierina, A., Aschkar, G., Turcato, M., & Jiménez-Ballesta, R. (2017). Effects of the onion residue compost as an organic fertilizer in a vegetable culture in the Lower Valley of the Rio Negro. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture,6, 159–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poudel, D. D., Horwath, W. R., Lanini, W. T., Temple, S. R., & van Bruggen, A. H. C. (2002). Comparison of soil N availability and leaching potential, crop yields and weeds in organic, low-input and conventional farming systems in northern California. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment,90, 125–137.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Preissel, S., Reckling, M., Schläfke, N., & Zander, P. (2015). Magnitude and farm-economic value of grain legume pre-crop benefits in Europe: A review. Field Crops Research,175, 64–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarker, A., Erskine, W., & Singh, M. (2003). Regression models for lentil seed and straw yields in Near East. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology,116, 61–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SAS Institute Inc., (2012). SAS/STAT Software, Release 9.3, Cary, N.C., USA.

  • Smolik, J. D., Dobbs, T. L., & Rickerl, D. H. (1995). The relative sustainability of alternative, conventional, and reduced-till farming systems. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture,10, 25–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soil Survey Staff. (1992). Keys of Soil Taxonomy. In Technical Monograph 19. 5th Ed.; SMSS. Blacksburg, Virginia.

  • Soumaré, M., Tack, F. M. G., & Verloo, M. G. (2003). Effects of a municipal solid waste compost and mineral fertilization on plant growth in two tropical agricultural soils of Mali. Bioresource Technology,86, 15–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stellacci, A.M., Castrignanò, A., Troccoli, A., Basso, B., & Buttafuoco, G. (2016). Selecting optimal hyperspectral bands to discriminate nitrogen status in durum wheat: A comparison of statistical approaches. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 188(3), 199: 1–15.

  • Tejada, M., Benítez, C., Gómez, I., & Parrado, J. (2011). Use of biostimulants on soil restoration: Effects on soil biochemical properties and microbial community. Applied Soil Ecology,49, 11–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO FAO (1963). Bioclimatic map of the Mediterranean zone. UNESCO, Place de Fontanay, Paris, FAO, Viale di Caracalla, Rome, NS162/III, 22A.

  • Ventrella, D., Vonella, A.V., Fornaro, F., & Giglio, L. (2016a). Durum wheat yield and protein stability depending on residue management in a long term experiment in Southern Italy. In Proceeding of ESA Congress 14—Growing Landscapes—Cultivating Innovative Agricultural Systems (pp. 17–18) 5–9 September, Session 13, Edinburgh, Scotland.

  • Ventrella, D., Stellacci, A. M., Castrignanò, A., Charfeddine, M., & Castellini, M. (2016b). Effects of crop residue management on winter durum wheat productivity in a long term experiment in Southern Italy. European Journal of Agronomy,77, 188–198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viaud, V., Angers, D. A., & Walter, C. (2010). Toward landscape-scale modeling of soil organic matter dynamics in agroecosystems. Soil Science Society of America Journal,74, 1847–1860.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vitti, C., Stellacci, A. M., Leogrande, R., Mastrangelo, M., Cazzato, E., & Ventrella, D. (2016). Assessment of organic carbon in soils: A comparison between Springer-Klee wet digestion and the dry combustion methods in Mediterranean soils (Southern Italy). CATENA,137, 113–119.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, D., He, N. P., Wang, Q., Lu, Y. L., Wang, Q. F., Xu, Z. W., et al. (2016). Effects of temperature and moisture on soil organic matter decomposition along elevation gradients on the Changbai Mountains, Northeast China. Pedosphere,26(3), 399–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xin, X. L., Qin, S. W., Zhang, J. B., Zhu, A. N., Yang, W. L., & Zhang, X. F. (2017). Yield, phosphorus use efficiency and balance response to substituting long-term chemical fertilizer use with organic manure in a wheat-maize system. Field Crops Researchs,208, 27–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Pala, M., Oweis, T., & Harris, H. (2000). Water use and water-use efficiency of chickpea and lentil in a Mediterranean environment. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research,51, 295–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The research has been supported by Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, in the framework of the Bio.Innova (Cropping systems and innovative agronomic practices in organic farming) research project (DM 314/07). The Authors thank Francesco Fornaro for collecting data in the field, Sabrina Moscelli and Marcello Mastrangelo for their skillful technical assistance in chemical analyzes carried out in the laboratory of the CREA-AA.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), Via C. Ulpiani, 5, 70125, Bari, Italy

    Rita Leogrande, Carolina Vitti, Alessandro Vittorio Vonella & Domenico Ventrella

Authors
  1. Rita Leogrande
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Carolina Vitti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Alessandro Vittorio Vonella
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Domenico Ventrella
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rita Leogrande.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Leogrande, R., Vitti, C., Vonella, A.V. et al. Crop and Soil Response to Organic Management Under Mediterranean Conditions. Int. J. Plant Prod. 14, 209–220 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-019-00079-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-019-00079-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation