*CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE* *for sustainable production intensification* Dear Subscribers, Please see herebelow the Conservation Agriculture Research Updates for December 2015 from the Cornell CA Group. Thank you Peter Hobbs for sharing. Apologies for any cross-postings. *Amir Kassam * *Moderator* e-mail: [log in to unmask] URL: www.fao.org/ag/ca ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Peter Hobbs <[log in to unmask]> Date: Sun, Dec 6, 2015 at 9:24 PM Subject: CA Newsletter To: Amir Kassam <[log in to unmask]> Cc: Lucy Hill Fisher <[log in to unmask]>, Emily Virginia Ambrose < [log in to unmask]> Dear Amir: Here is our December Conservation Agriculture Research Update. You can also review on line at http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag Can you send this out to people who get your list serve material? The hard copy is below. Peter [image: Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - December 2015] <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - December 2015 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> by Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org) <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Powered by [image: Scoop.it] <http://www.scoop.it/?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Maize crop residue uses and trade-offs on smallholder crop-livestock farms in Zimbabwe: Economic implications of intensification <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382725/2015/12/06/maize-crop-residue-uses-and-trade-offs-on-smallholder-crop-livestock-farms-in-zimbabwe-economic-implications-of-intensification?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880915300566?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 4:01 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382725/2015/12/06/maize-crop-residue-uses-and-trade-offs-on-smallholder-crop-livestock-farms-in-zimbabwe-economic-implications-of-intensification?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Leonard Rusinamhodzi, Mark T.van Wijk, Marc Corbeels, Mariana C. Rufino and Ken E. Giller. 2015. Maize crop residue uses and trade-offs on smallholder crop-livestock farms in Zimbabwe: Economic implications of intensification. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 214: 31-45. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.08.012 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382725/2015/12/06/maize-crop-residue-uses-and-trade-offs-on-smallholder-crop-livestock-farms-in-zimbabwe-economic-implications-of-intensification?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: Integrating crops and livestock is more profitable than crops alone for small farms and so a 12 year study of the trade-offs on maize residue use was initiated for these systems. Retaining crop residues in the field reduces livestock feed and farm income although grain yields increased. They conclude that it is logical that farmers prioritise the sustenance of cattle with crop residues over soil fertility management. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382725/2015/12/06/maize-crop-residue-uses-and-trade-offs-on-smallholder-crop-livestock-farms-in-zimbabwe-economic-implications-of-intensification?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382725?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382725?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382725?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382725&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Crop production and soil water management in conservation agriculture, no-till, and conventional tillage systems in Malawi <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056381509/2015/12/06/crop-production-and-soil-water-management-in-conservation-agriculture-no-till-and-conventional-tillage-systems-in-malawi?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880915300256?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 3:24 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056381509/2015/12/06/crop-production-and-soil-water-management-in-conservation-agriculture-no-till-and-conventional-tillage-systems-in-malawi?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Dan TerAvest, Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, Christian Thierfelder and John p. Reganold. 2015. Crop production and soil water management in conservation agriculture, no-till, and conventional tillage systems in Malawi. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 212: 285-296. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.07.011 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056381509/2015/12/06/crop-production-and-soil-water-management-in-conservation-agriculture-no-till-and-conventional-tillage-systems-in-malawi?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: CA is being promoted in Malawi as a way to sustainably improve water-use efficiency, reduce soil erosion, and boost crop production. In this study, three cropping systems – continuous no-till maize, CA rotation, and conventional tillage rotation – were established on smallholder farms in the Nkhotakota and Dowa districts, two distinct agroecological zones in Malawi. No-till and residue cover improved soil–water relations in hot, sandy conditions. Residue retention was critical in reducing soil erosion and increasing earthworms. No-till and residue cover did not increase yields of alternative food crops. Crop rotations had a greater impact on maize yields than tillage practices. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056381509/2015/12/06/crop-production-and-soil-water-management-in-conservation-agriculture-no-till-and-conventional-tillage-systems-in-malawi?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056381509?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056381509?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056381509?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056381509&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Weed dynamics and conservation agriculture principles: A review <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382312/2015/12/06/weed-dynamics-and-conservation-agriculture-principles-a-review?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378429015300150?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 2:45 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382312/2015/12/06/weed-dynamics-and-conservation-agriculture-principles-a-review?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Virginia Nichols, Nele Verhulst, Rachael Cox and Bram Govaerts. 2015. Weed dynamics and conservation agriculture principles: A review. Field Crops Research. 183: 56-68. doi:10.1016/j.fcr.2015.07.012 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382312/2015/12/06/weed-dynamics-and-conservation-agriculture-principles-a-review?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: Adoption of CA changes weed dynamics and communities and therefore necessitates adjusting weed control methods. This paper reviews the literature on this topic. No-till systems accumulate seeds near the soil surface where they are more likely to germinate but are also exposed to greater mortality risks through weather variability and predation. Assuming no seed input into the system, germinable seedbanks under no-till decrease more rapidly than under conventional tillage. Reducing tillage may shift weed communities from annual dicots to grassy annuals and perennials. Combining no-till, crop rotation and surface residue offers superior weed control. An integrated weed management approach is recommended. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382312/2015/12/06/weed-dynamics-and-conservation-agriculture-principles-a-review?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382312?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382312?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382312?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382312&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> On-farm experimentation on conservation agriculture maize-legume based cropping systems in Kenya: Water use efficiency and economic impacts. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382182/2015/12/06/on-farm-experimentation-on-conservation-agriculture-maize-legume-based-cropping-systems-in-kenya-water-use-efficiency-and-economic-impacts?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From journals.cambridge.org <http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=10039108&fileId=S0014479714000556&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 2:26 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382182/2015/12/06/on-farm-experimentation-on-conservation-agriculture-maize-legume-based-cropping-systems-in-kenya-water-use-efficiency-and-economic-impacts?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> A.N. Micheni, F. Kanampiu, O. Kitonyo, D.M. Mburu, E.N. Mugai, D. Makumbi and M. Kassie. 2016. On-farm experimentation on conservation agriculture maize-legume based cropping systems in Kenya: Water use efficiency and economic impacts. Experimental Agriculture. 52 (1): 51-68. doi:10.1017/S0014479714000556 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382182/2015/12/06/on-farm-experimentation-on-conservation-agriculture-maize-legume-based-cropping-systems-in-kenya-water-use-efficiency-and-economic-impacts?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: This research hypothesized that adopting CA system would improve system productivity and efficiency, hence resulting in higher profits. Four tillage treatments, including farmers’ practice (residues removed), conventional tillage (residues removed) and two CA practices with residue retention (zero tillage and furrow–ridge), were laid out in 22 farmers’ fields. Data was collected from 4 seasons from 2010-2012. Joint use of zero tillage and furrow–ridge provided higher WUE and yield advantage (25–34%) in the third and fourth seasons compared to the conventional practices. Weddings costs were reduced in CA but only because they used herbicides and reduced labor costs. They concluded that CA will certainly increase crop yields,WUE, generate more revenue and diversify risks during poor seasons. However, these benefits may not necessarily be earned in the first season, but will accrue in subsequent seasons. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382182/2015/12/06/on-farm-experimentation-on-conservation-agriculture-maize-legume-based-cropping-systems-in-kenya-water-use-efficiency-and-economic-impacts?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382182?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382182?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382182?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382182&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Nitrogen fertilization reduces yield declines following no-till adoption <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379000/2015/12/06/nitrogen-fertilization-reduces-yield-declines-following-no-till-adoption?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378429015300216?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 1:54 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379000/2015/12/06/nitrogen-fertilization-reduces-yield-declines-following-no-till-adoption?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Lundy Mark E., Pittelkow, Cameron N., Linquist, Bruce A., Liang Xinqiang, van Groenigen, Kees Jan, Lee Juhwan, Six Johan, Venterea Rodney T., and van Kessels, Chris. 2015. Nitrogen fertilization reduces yield declines following no-till adoption. Field Crops Research. 183: 204-210. doi:10.1016/j.fcr.2015.07.023 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379000/2015/12/06/nitrogen-fertilization-reduces-yield-declines-following-no-till-adoption?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: No-till, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas has been shown to reduce yields in many cases. This paper suggests nitrogen fertilizer use is a major component and helps explain these yield declines. Strong NT yield declines occur when residues are removed, and when crops are not rotated. This was based on a meta-analysis of 325 studies from 1980-2013. Applications of N fertilizer at rates of up to 85 ± 12 kg N ha−1 yr−1 significantly reduced NT yield declines in these scenarios. It is important to distinguish between no-till, a component of CA and the vital role of permanent ground cover and rotations in CA. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379000/2015/12/06/nitrogen-fertilization-reduces-yield-declines-following-no-till-adoption?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056379000?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056379000?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056379000?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056379000&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Whole-farm economic and risk effects of conservation agriculture in a crop-livestock system in western China <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056374728/2015/12/06/whole-farm-economic-and-risk-effects-of-conservation-agriculture-in-a-crop-livestock-system-in-western-china?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X14001462?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 12:01 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056374728/2015/12/06/whole-farm-economic-and-risk-effects-of-conservation-agriculture-in-a-crop-livestock-system-in-western-china?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Adam M. Komarek, Ling Ling Li and William D. Bellotti. 2015. Whole-farm economic and risk effects of conservation agriculture in a crop-livestock system in western China. Agricultural Systems. 137: 220-226. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2014.10.013 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056374728/2015/12/06/whole-farm-economic-and-risk-effects-of-conservation-agriculture-in-a-crop-livestock-system-in-western-china?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: A simulation study that looks at the economic and risk effects of different crop residue retention practices for a crop-livestock agricultural household in western China. Retaining minimal crop residues produced highest profits in the short term whereas full crop residue retention produced highest profits in the long term. Calls for comprehensive crop residue retention are unlikely to be attractive when farmers discount future profits, and when crop residues have significant value as a fuel and feed source. The economic benefits of crop residue retention can take numerous years to eventuate and retaining crop residues also increased simulated ground cover and this positive environmental impact extends beyond individual farm boundaries. Because of these time lags and external environmental benefits, providing financial incentives to retain crop residues during the initial transition years could be a policy option. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056374728/2015/12/06/whole-farm-economic-and-risk-effects-of-conservation-agriculture-in-a-crop-livestock-system-in-western-china?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056374728?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056374728?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056374728?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056374728&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Conservation Agriculture - Springer <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376230/2015/12/06/conservation-agriculture-springer?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376230/2015/12/06/conservation-agriculture-springer?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From link.springer.com <http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-319-11620-4?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 11:36 AM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376230/2015/12/06/conservation-agriculture-springer?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Farooq, Muhammad & Siddique, Kadambot (Eds). 2015. Conservation Agriculture. Springer International Publishing. Switzerland. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-11620-4 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376230/2015/12/06/conservation-agriculture-springer?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: Conservation agriculture—consisting of four components including permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, diversified crop rotations and integrated weed management—is considered the principal pathway to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of natural resources and the environment. Leading researchers in the field describe the basic principles of conservation agriculture, and synthesize recent advances and developments in conservation agriculture research. This book is a ready reference on conservation agriculture and reinforces the understanding for its utilization to develop environmentally sustainable and profitable food production systems. The book describes various elements of conservation agriculture; highlights the associated breeding and modeling efforts; analyses the experiences and challenges in conservation agriculture in different regions of the world; and proposes some pragmatic options and new areas of research in this very important area of agriculture. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376230/2015/12/06/conservation-agriculture-springer?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056376230?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056376230?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056376230?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056376230&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> What do farmers mean when they say they practice conservation agriculture? A comprehensive case study from southern Spain <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056373825/2015/12/06/what-do-farmers-mean-when-they-say-they-practice-conservation-agriculture-a-comprehensive-case-study-from-southern-spain?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880915300426?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 10:54 AM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056373825/2015/12/06/what-do-farmers-mean-when-they-say-they-practice-conservation-agriculture-a-comprehensive-case-study-from-southern-spain?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Inmaculada Carmona, Daniel M. Griffith, Maria-Auxiliadora Soriano, Jose Manuel Murillo, Engracia Madejon and Helena Gomez-Macpherson. 2015. What do farmers mean when they say they practice conservation agriculture? A comprehensive case study from southern Spain. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 213: 164-177. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.07.028 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056373825/2015/12/06/what-do-farmers-mean-when-they-say-they-practice-conservation-agriculture-a-comprehensive-case-study-from-southern-spain?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: An interesting study that looks at obstacles to CA adoption in southern Spain. Many farmers implemented some components of CA while disregarding others as a strategy to adapt to local conditions. Most farmers equated CA with direct seeded cereals without considering residues or rotations. 50% farmers used direct seeded wheat followed by tilled sunflowers and yields did not differ much from standard practices. They conclude that to overcome the most important identified problems in CA, there is a need to collaborative research with farmers and other stakeholders to develop appropriate drill technology for spring crops, identify non-cereal crops that are better adapted to CA than sunflower, improve residue management, increase energy efficiency through better fertilizer management, and promote CA among farmer groups excluded by socioeconomic barriers. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056373825/2015/12/06/what-do-farmers-mean-when-they-say-they-practice-conservation-agriculture-a-comprehensive-case-study-from-southern-spain?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056373825?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056373825?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056373825?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056373825&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Soil physical properties, yield trends and economics after five years of conservation agriculture based rice-maize system in north-western India <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379522/2015/12/06/soil-physical-properties-yield-trends-and-economics-after-five-years-of-conservation-agriculture-based-rice-maize-system-in-north-western-india?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198715001774?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 3:50 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379522/2015/12/06/soil-physical-properties-yield-trends-and-economics-after-five-years-of-conservation-agriculture-based-rice-maize-system-in-north-western-india?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Vinod K. Singh, Yadvinder-Singh, Brahma S. Dwivedi, Susheel K. Singh, Kaushik Majumdar, Mangi Lal Jat, Rajendra P. Mishra and Meenu Rani. 2016. Soil physical properties, yield trends and economics after five years of conservation agriculture based rice-maize system in north-western India. Soil and Tillage Research. 155: 133-148. doi:10.1016/j.still.2015.08.001 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379522/2015/12/06/soil-physical-properties-yield-trends-and-economics-after-five-years-of-conservation-agriculture-based-rice-maize-system-in-north-western-india?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: This paper looks at the emerging rice-maize system in NW India as an adaption strategy foe future water scarcity. The results show that zero-till direct seeded rice followed by zero-till maize with partial residue retention from both the crops improved SOC content, soil physical properties along with gradual increase in RMS yields and profitability over conventionally tilled rice and maize. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056379522/2015/12/06/soil-physical-properties-yield-trends-and-economics-after-five-years-of-conservation-agriculture-based-rice-maize-system-in-north-western-india?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056379522?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056379522?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056379522?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056379522&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> An analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of conservation agriculture as a climate change mitigation activity in Australian dryland grain production <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382462/2015/12/06/an-analysis-of-the-socio-economic-factors-influencing-the-adoption-of-conservation-agriculture-as-a-climate-change-mitigation-activity-in-australian-dryland-grain-production?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X1400170X?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 3:16 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382462/2015/12/06/an-analysis-of-the-socio-economic-factors-influencing-the-adoption-of-conservation-agriculture-as-a-climate-change-mitigation-activity-in-australian-dryland-grain-production?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Jean-Francois Rochecouste, Paul Dargusch, Donald Cameron and Carl Smith. 2015. An analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of conservation agriculture as a climate change mitigation activity in Australian drylands grain production. Agricultural Systems. 135: 20-30. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2014.12.002 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382462/2015/12/06/an-analysis-of-the-socio-economic-factors-influencing-the-adoption-of-conservation-agriculture-as-a-climate-change-mitigation-activity-in-australian-dryland-grain-production?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: The Australian government wants to reduce agricultural emissions by changing practices. CA is reduces farm emissions and sequesters carbon. This paper presents a series of systems models that describe the process of how Australian dryland grain farmers decide to change and adopt conservation agriculture practices. Results indicate that a number of economic and social factors drive the rate of practice change, and change seems to be motivated mostly by the pursuit of productivity benefits rather than environmental benefits. They conclude that emission reduction outcomes and carbon payments would not be the primary driver for change. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382462/2015/12/06/an-analysis-of-the-socio-economic-factors-influencing-the-adoption-of-conservation-agriculture-as-a-climate-change-mitigation-activity-in-australian-dryland-grain-production?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382462?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382462?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382462?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382462&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Does minimum tillage with planting basins or ripping raise maize yields? Meso-panel data evidence from Zambia <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382250/2015/12/06/does-minimum-tillage-with-planting-basins-or-ripping-raise-maize-yields-meso-panel-data-evidence-from-zambia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880915300098?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 2:36 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382250/2015/12/06/does-minimum-tillage-with-planting-basins-or-ripping-raise-maize-yields-meso-panel-data-evidence-from-zambia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Hambulo Ngoma, Nicole, M. Mason and Nicholas J. Sitko. 2015. Does minimum tillage with planting basins or ripping raise maize yields? Mesa-Panel data evidence from Zambia. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 212: 21-29. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.06.021 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382250/2015/12/06/does-minimum-tillage-with-planting-basins-or-ripping-raise-maize-yields-meso-panel-data-evidence-from-zambia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: A paucity of empirical evidence on MT yields from Zambia encouraged this paper that applied survey data from 48,000 households over 4 years to answer the above question. The conclude that ripping and planting basins can raise maize yields if done early before the onset of the rains that results in early land preparation. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382250/2015/12/06/does-minimum-tillage-with-planting-basins-or-ripping-raise-maize-yields-meso-panel-data-evidence-from-zambia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382250?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382250?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382250?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382250&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Furrow parameters in rotary strip-tillage: Effect of blade geometry and rotary speed <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382052/2015/12/06/furrow-parameters-in-rotary-strip-tillage-effect-of-blade-geometry-and-rotary-speed?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S153751101300175X?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 2:03 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382052/2015/12/06/furrow-parameters-in-rotary-strip-tillage-effect-of-blade-geometry-and-rotary-speed?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Md. A. Matin, John M. Fielke, and Jacky M.A. Desbiolles. 2014. Furrow parameters in rotary strip-tillage: Effect of blade geometry and rotary speed. Biosystems Engineering. 118: 7-15. doi:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2013.10.015 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382052/2015/12/06/furrow-parameters-in-rotary-strip-tillage-effect-of-blade-geometry-and-rotary-speed?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: An interesting paper concerning blade geometry and rotary speed on two wheel tractors for use in strip tillage. Conventional blades resulted in a poor furrow backfill (36% at 500 rpm). Straight blades improved the furrow backfill (74% at 500 rpm). Soil tilth was affected by rotary speed, but not by blade geometry. The straight blade is a recommended alternative to the conventional blade for strip tillage. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056382052/2015/12/06/furrow-parameters-in-rotary-strip-tillage-effect-of-blade-geometry-and-rotary-speed?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056382052?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056382052?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056382052?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056382052&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> A system approach to conservation agriculture <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377392/2015/12/06/a-system-approach-to-conservation-agriculture?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.jswconline.org <http://www.jswconline.org/content/70/4/82A?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 12:13 PM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377392/2015/12/06/a-system-approach-to-conservation-agriculture?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Lal, Rattan. A system approach to conservation agriculture. 2015. Journal of Soil and water Conservation. 70 (4): 82A-88A. doi:10.2489/jswc.70.4.82A <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377392/2015/12/06/a-system-approach-to-conservation-agriculture?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: This paper highlights the challenges facing agriculture in the future.The challenges of farming are exacerbated by a changing and uncertain climate, increase in risks of soil degradation by erosion and other processes driven by decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration and pool, increase in dependence on energy-based inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, high risks of shifts in spectrum of pests and pathogens, and decrease in availability of soil and water resources because of diversion to nonagricultural uses. Increasing adoption of CA requires prudent strategies to address limitations and uncertainties of NT. The objective of this article was therefore to deliberate on a system approach to CA for minimizing uncertainties and limitations while maximizing merits and ecological benefits. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377392/2015/12/06/a-system-approach-to-conservation-agriculture?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056377392?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056377392?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056377392?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056377392&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Short-term conservation agriculture and biomass-C input impacts on soil C dynamics in a savanna ecosystem in Cambodia <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377228/2015/12/06/short-term-conservation-agriculture-and-biomass-c-input-impacts-on-soil-c-dynamics-in-a-savanna-ecosystem-in-cambodia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880915300578?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 11:51 AM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377228/2015/12/06/short-term-conservation-agriculture-and-biomass-c-input-impacts-on-soil-c-dynamics-in-a-savanna-ecosystem-in-cambodia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Lyda Hok, Joao Carlos de Moraes Sa, Stephane Boulakia, Manuel Reyes, Vira Leng, Rada Kong, Florent Elie Tivet, Clever Briedis, Daiani Hartman, Lucimara Aparecida Ferrerira, Tomas Magno and Sovuthy Pheav. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 214: 54-67. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.08.013 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377228/2015/12/06/short-term-conservation-agriculture-and-biomass-c-input-impacts-on-soil-c-dynamics-in-a-savanna-ecosystem-in-cambodia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: Interesting data from Cambodia on use of CA to increase soil organic carbon in rice, soybean and cassava cropping systems. Included conventional and no-till treatments and C was compared with an adjacent reference vegetation. On average, NT SOC stocks at 0–5 cm depth was greater than those of CT by 10%, 20% and 18% and STN stocks by 8%, 25% and 16% for RcCS, SbCS and CsCS, respectively. But sub-soil layers had less SOC in NT compared to CT. Cover crops were used for providing resides. Amount and diversity of crop residues added impacts on particulate organic C and can be an indicator of C accumulation. The results confirm the hypothesis that short-term CA associated with high biomass-C inputs (particularly bi-annual rotations) promotes SOC recovery in the topsoil layer and creates a potential to increase SOC in the subsoil layers when deep-rooting cover crops are included in crop rotations. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056377228/2015/12/06/short-term-conservation-agriculture-and-biomass-c-input-impacts-on-soil-c-dynamics-in-a-savanna-ecosystem-in-cambodia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056377228?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056377228?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056377228?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056377228&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> Simulating the impact of water saving irrigation and conservation agriculture practices for rice–wheat systems in the irrigated semi-arid drylands of Central Asia <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376146/2015/12/06/simulating-the-impact-of-water-saving-irrigation-and-conservation-agriculture-practices-for-rice-wheat-systems-in-the-irrigated-semi-arid-drylands-of-central-asia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168192315006991?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> - Today, 11:16 AM <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376146/2015/12/06/simulating-the-impact-of-water-saving-irrigation-and-conservation-agriculture-practices-for-rice-wheat-systems-in-the-irrigated-semi-arid-drylands-of-central-asia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> K.P. Devkota, G. Hoogenboom, K.J. Boote, U. Singh, J.P.A. Lamers, M. Devkota, and P.L.G. Vlek. 2015. Simulating the impact of water saving irrigation and conservation agriculture practices for rice-wheat systems in the irrigated semi-arid drylands of Central Asia. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 214-215: 266-280. doi:10.1016/j.agrformet.2015.08.264 <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376146/2015/12/06/simulating-the-impact-of-water-saving-irrigation-and-conservation-agriculture-practices-for-rice-wheat-systems-in-the-irrigated-semi-arid-drylands-of-central-asia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw>'s insight: This paper from Uzbekistan shows that CERES rice and wheat models can simulate water saving irrigation and CA practices. Conventional methods of rice and wheat establishment in this area are challenged by labor, water and energy scarcity. Simulated rice yield was higher under conventional than under AWD irrigation and CA-practices.But AWD and CA practices saved significant amounts of water. Under these two practices, rice yield was limited by nitrogen and not water. Substantial amounts of N losses through leaching, immobilization by residue mulch, combined with gaseous losses through volatilization and denitrification are the major causes for the lower simulated yield of rice. Deep placement of urea supergranules could help in this respect. CA uses 3 times less water compared to conventional and so CA for rice-wheat systems of Central Asia should be adapted and considered for this region. <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4056376146/2015/12/06/simulating-the-impact-of-water-saving-irrigation-and-conservation-agriculture-practices-for-rice-wheat-systems-in-the-irrigated-semi-arid-drylands-of-central-asia?_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4056376146?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4056376146?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4056376146?forceAnonymous=1&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> <http://www.scoop.it/t/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4056376146&_tmc=Pof_BihMxRTG0TRLsetOY2vKBiYON0tdjGBfnJND8sw> ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the CA-Cop-L list, click the following link: &*TICKET_URL(CA-Cop-L,SIGNOFF);