*Global CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE* *for sustainable production intensification and land management* Dear Subscribers, Please see herebelow the May 2016 Conservation Agriculture Research Update from Peter Hobbs at Cornell. Thank you for sharing. *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, May 8, 2016 at 10:25 PM Subject: May CA newsletter To: Amir Kassam <[log in to unmask]> Dear Amir: Here is our May 2016 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 - May 2016] <http://sco.lt/6qMXhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - May 2016 <http://sco.lt/6qMXhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> by Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org) <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Powered by [image: Scoop.it] <http://sco.lt/6WS02L?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Crop residue retention enhances soil properties and nitrogen cycling in smallholder maize systems of Chiapas, Mexico <http://sco.lt/9DVhdB?track_p_id=8X4ZwZkk15FGiDO_%40EMaEhX&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/7wCk7N?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - Today, 9:14 AM <http://sco.lt/9DVhdB?track_p_id=8X4ZwZkk15FGiDO_%40EMaEhX&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Murphy, Ryan P., Montes-Molina, Joaquin A., Govaerts, Bram, Six, Johan, van Kessel, Chris, & Fonte, Steven J. 2016. Applied Soil Ecology. 103:110-116. <http://sco.lt/9DVhdB?track_p_id=8X4ZwZkk15FGiDO_%40EMaEhX&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2016.03.014 <http://sco.lt/8EN4RV?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This study looked at the key CA components on soil quality and nutrient use efficiency in an irrigated field experiment in Chiapas, Mexico. There were two levels each of tillage (conventional and zero) and residue management (with and without) in a full factorial. Crop residue led to small increases in aggregate stability and greater fungal phospholipid fatty acids. It also resulted in a 110% increase in recovery of fertilizer derived N. Efects of tillage were less prominent, but tillage did increase mid-season available P by 60%. What was not reported in the abstract was the interaction of tillage and residue. <http://sco.lt/9DVhdB?track_p_id=8X4ZwZkk15FGiDO_%40EMaEhX&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8WXOld?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8ohj5l?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/96s3Pt?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/4jVX4D?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Short and long-term effects of different irrigation and tillage systems on soil properties and rice productivity under Mediterranean conditions <http://sco.lt/7afDpx?track_p_id=a%40y6P3QSTiQ88GD6M_cxziE&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/51frOL?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:49 AM <http://sco.lt/7afDpx?track_p_id=a%40y6P3QSTiQ88GD6M_cxziE&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Javier Sánchez-Llerena, Antonio López-Piñeiro, Ángel Albarrán, David Peña, Daniel Becerra, José Manuel Rato-Nunes. 2016. European Journal of Agronomy. 77: 101-110. doi: 10.1016/j.eja.2016.04.005 <http://sco.lt/7afDpx?track_p_id=a%40y6P3QSTiQ88GD6M_cxziE&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: Under Mediterranean conditions flood irrigated rice is not sustainable. This paper studies aerobic rice with conventional and zero-tillage as an alternative by measuring soil properties and rice yields over 3 years. Sprinkler irrigation was also included in treatments. Soil properties improved with no-till and sprinkler irrigation after three years. But yields of NT + sprinkler were lower in the early years than conventional but reached similar yields in the 3rd year. But NT + S saved 75% of the total water applied. They conclude that high yields of rice (almost 10t/ha) and water savings make NT + S a sustainable option. <http://sco.lt/7afDpx?track_p_id=a%40y6P3QSTiQ88GD6M_cxziE&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5JqBiT?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5c0W2b?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5uAqMj?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6CLAgr?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Weed emergence as affected by maize (Zea mays L.)-cover crop rotations in contrasting arable soils of Zimbabwe under conservation agriculture <http://sco.lt/8Lef0j?track_p_id=06pr3SY_SsT2YWVB13kXPNM&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/6UVV0z?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:43 AM <http://sco.lt/8Lef0j?track_p_id=06pr3SY_SsT2YWVB13kXPNM&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Blessing Mhalanga, Stephanie Chessman, Bhagirath Singh Chauhan, Christain Thierfelder. 2016. Crop Protection. 81: 47-56. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2015.12.007 <http://sco.lt/8Lef0j?track_p_id=06pr3SY_SsT2YWVB13kXPNM&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: Weeding by smallholder farmers in Southern Africa is labor intensive, tedious and costly. This paper looks at the use of cover crops as an integrated weed management system in Zimbabwe in 4 contrasting soils in four locations. Three major weeds were studied that dominated in all 4 locations -- Galinsoga parviflora, Commelina benghalensis and Richardia scabra. Different cover crops performed differently. Pigeonpea that had poor shading qualities was less competitive with Cyperus esculentus. They conclude that more information is needed on emergence requirements of specific weeds and to select cover crops best suitable for their control. <http://sco.lt/8Lef0j?track_p_id=06pr3SY_SsT2YWVB13kXPNM&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6mfpL7?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/74q9fF?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7N0TzN?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7fAoJV?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Versatile Strip Seed Drill: A 2-Wheel Tractor-Based Option for Smallholders to Implement Conservation Agriculture in Asia and Africa <http://sco.lt/7Oc5xJ?track_p_id=a6I3dvcXpTS8GPu2g_CpJrv&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.mdpi.com <http://sco.lt/7xL8dd?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:37 AM <http://sco.lt/7Oc5xJ?track_p_id=a6I3dvcXpTS8GPu2g_CpJrv&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Md. Enamul Haque, Richard W. Bell, Amir Kassam, Md. Nur Nobi Mia. 2016. Environments. 3(1): 1. doi:10.3390/environments3010001 <http://sco.lt/7Oc5xJ?track_p_id=a6I3dvcXpTS8GPu2g_CpJrv&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: Smallholders need a low cost seed drill for minimal soil disturbance while establishing various crops. One for a small two-wheel tractor would be attractive for planting ZT in small fields. This paper describes such a drill that does strip tillage and plants seed and fertilizer in a single pass. They also could change the seed meters so small and larger seed crops could use this drill. The paper provides data on time to plant and diesel use in Bangladesh. Grain yield was similar to treatments with CT. But higher yields of lentil and mustard were obtained with this drill. <http://sco.lt/7Oc5xJ?track_p_id=a6I3dvcXpTS8GPu2g_CpJrv&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8FVSxl?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8XfnHt?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8pq7c1?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/980Rw9?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> No favorable effect of reduced tillage on microbial community diversity in a silty loam soil (Belgium) <http://sco.lt/59ksQz?track_p_id=4NhCz8vGXbq_3RRf1E1cd4G&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/4kdvaT?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - April 27, 1:17 AM <http://sco.lt/59ksQz?track_p_id=4NhCz8vGXbq_3RRf1E1cd4G&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Florine Degrune, Nicolas Theodorakopoulos, Marc Dufrêne, Giles Colinet, Bernard Bodson, Marie-Pierre Hiel, Bernard Taminiau, Carine Nezer, Georges Daube, Micheline Vandenbol. 2016. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 224: 12-21. doi:10.1016/j.eja.2016.02.001 <http://sco.lt/59ksQz?track_p_id=4NhCz8vGXbq_3RRf1E1cd4G&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This paper looks at how tillage regime (conventional vs. reduced) and crop residues affect microbial communities at two sampling depths (0-5 and 15-20 cm) in Belgium. All combinations were studied for 6 years. Depth emerged as the main factor responsible for variationin microbial diversity followed by tillage regime but crop residue had no influence. For both bacteria and fungi, diversity was higher in the surface layer and surprisingly higher in the conventional compared to the reduced. These differences were explained by taxa loss rather than taxa replacement. The paper discusses how the presence of certain indicator taxa play an ecological role in crop productivity. <http://sco.lt/59ksQz?track_p_id=4NhCz8vGXbq_3RRf1E1cd4G&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/52oFub?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5KyaEj?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5d8uYr?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5vJEsz?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Beyond conservation agriculture <http://sco.lt/6mBhHl?track_p_id=aoc4mfkSgFN7tCUP8_Nd%40zn&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From journal.frontiersin.org <http://sco.lt/6DTZD7?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - April 20, 2:15 PM <http://sco.lt/6mBhHl?track_p_id=aoc4mfkSgFN7tCUP8_Nd%40zn&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Ken E. Giller, Jens A. Andersson, Marc Corbeels, John Kirkegaard, David Mortensen, Olaf Erenstein & Bernard Vanlauwe. 2015. Frontiers in Plant Science: Agroecology and Land Use Systems. Published: 28 October 2015. Volume 6 Article 870. <http://sco.lt/6mBhHl?track_p_id=aoc4mfkSgFN7tCUP8_Nd%40zn&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00870 <http://sco.lt/6VdtXF?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: A review article that discusses CA as a possible approach for sustainable intensification, something that will be required for future food production. It looks at where CA has been successful and where it has not. The authors suggest that CA promotion in the (sub)- tropics has been disappointing and there has been limited adoption by small holder farmers in developing countries. However, they do highlight the benefits rising from CA from the ease of crop management, energy/cost/time savings, and soil and water conservation. They suggest pragmatic doption on larger mechanized farms but limited uptake by smallholder farmers in developing countries. They prefer to promote approaches to provide soil and crop management options to enable farmers to sustainably intensify their agriculture. <http://sco.lt/6mBhHl?track_p_id=aoc4mfkSgFN7tCUP8_Nd%40zn&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6noDrN?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/75yYBV?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7O8sVd?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7gJCpl?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Evaluating manual conservation agriculture systems in southern Africa <http://sco.lt/5P8JKD?track_p_id=9WkZKxWq355WxNOA_SE4emF&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/7yTX9t?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:51 AM <http://sco.lt/5P8JKD?track_p_id=9WkZKxWq355WxNOA_SE4emF&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Christain Thierfelder, Rumbidzai Matemba-Mutasa, W. Trent Bunderson, Munyaradzi Mutenje, Isiah Nyagumbo, Walter Mupangwa. 2016. Agriculture, Ecosystems, & Environment. 222:112-124. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2016.02.009 <http://sco.lt/5P8JKD?track_p_id=9WkZKxWq355WxNOA_SE4emF&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This paper reviews basin and direct seeding methods in Southern Africa from central Mozambique to central Malawi. They show variation in performance in different environments. Direct seeded maize was better than conventional tillage in 9/14 comparisons. Basin systems were only better in 2 sites (15% better) with a 9% yield penalty in a third site. Direct seeding was outyielded other treatments in high rainfall areas. CA systems , especially direct seeding gave better financial returns due to reduced labor costs and higher yields. They conclude that CA requires site specific adaptation to the different ecologies to benefit farmers. <http://sco.lt/5P8JKD?track_p_id=9WkZKxWq355WxNOA_SE4emF&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8GdrU1?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8YoBo9?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8qyW8H?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/998qSP?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Conservation agriculture in irrigated intensive maize-based systems of north-western India: Effects on crop yields, water productivity and economic profitability <http://sco.lt/7deYnh?track_p_id=1C6wNpS2_Wb1Xd3P3FetoRx&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/4lmK6j?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:45 AM <http://sco.lt/7deYnh?track_p_id=1C6wNpS2_Wb1Xd3P3FetoRx&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> C.M. Parihar, Jat, S.L., Singh, A.K., Kumar, B., Yadvinder-Singh, Pradhan, S., Pooniya, V., Dhauja, A., Jat, M.L., Jat, J.K., & Yadav, O.P. 2016. Field Crops Research. In Press. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2016.03.013 <http://sco.lt/7deYnh?track_p_id=1C6wNpS2_Wb1Xd3P3FetoRx&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: Maize systems are being suggested in NW India to replace rice-wheat because of declining water table issues and climate change. CA is also suggested for these maize systems and 6 years of data are reported in this paper on CA-based management on permanent beds and flat and compared to conventional tillage for 4 intensive maize based systems. All crop yields were maximum for ZT on flat but wheat outperformed ZT and CT on beds. First 3 years beds were better but after that ZT on the flat was best. Both better than CT. ZT and PB reduced the irrigation water requirement compared to CT. Addition of a legume -- mung bean or sesbania increased economic profits. <http://sco.lt/7deYnh?track_p_id=1C6wNpS2_Wb1Xd3P3FetoRx&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/53weQr?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5M6ykz?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5eHJ57?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5wRdPF?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Agronomic improvements can make future cereal systems in South Asia far more productive and result in a lower environmental footprint <http://sco.lt/9AkSQL?track_p_id=08Zict4_3HArIS2WmnuAI3b&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From doi.wiley.com <http://sco.lt/6EbxjN?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:40 AM <http://sco.lt/9AkSQL?track_p_id=08Zict4_3HArIS2WmnuAI3b&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Jagdish Kumar Ladha, et. al. 2015. Global Change Biology. 22 (3): 1054-1074. doi: 10.1111/gcb.13143 <http://sco.lt/9AkSQL?track_p_id=08Zict4_3HArIS2WmnuAI3b&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This study was done in 4 locations in densely populated areas of South Asia. There were 3 futuristic cropping systems and management scenarios compared with current management. With best management practices including CA and cropping system diversification, the productivity of rice- and wheat-based cropping system s increased significantly and the global warming potential decreased. Positive economic returns, less use of water andf labor, nitrogen and fossil fuel energy per unit of food produced were also achieved. CA practices enabled intensification and diversification of rice-wheat systems, but less so for rice-rice ones. <http://sco.lt/9AkSQL?track_p_id=08Zict4_3HArIS2WmnuAI3b&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6WmI3V?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6owcNd?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/776whl?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7PHH1t?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> The adoption problem; or why we still understand so little about technological change in African agriculture <http://sco.lt/4vfsTx?track_p_id=3zNH5aZDCQ_DD6PZSdmmHY2&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/4vfsTx?track_p_id=3zNH5aZDCQ_DD6PZSdmmHY2&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.ingentaconnect.com <http://sco.lt/7hRbM1?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - May 5, 12:31 AM <http://sco.lt/4vfsTx?track_p_id=3zNH5aZDCQ_DD6PZSdmmHY2&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Dominic Glover, James Sumberg, Jens A. Andersson. 2016. The adoption problem; or why we still understand so little about technological change in African agriculture.Outlook on Agriculture. 45: 3-6. doi: 10.5367/oa.2016.0235 <http://sco.lt/4vfsTx?track_p_id=3zNH5aZDCQ_DD6PZSdmmHY2&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This paper suggests that although adoption is a measure of technical change and plays an important role in the evaluation of investment in reserach and development, it is seriously flawed and leads to inaccurate and misleading conclusions. The paper suggests a replacement concept to provide a better basis for this flaw. <http://sco.lt/4vfsTx?track_p_id=3zNH5aZDCQ_DD6PZSdmmHY2&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/7zbvg9?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8HmG0H?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8ZwaKP?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/8s6ueX?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Performance and sensitivity of the DSSAT crop growth model in simulating maize yield under conservation agriculture <http://sco.lt/6uG2u9?track_p_id=7xbFKboQ7S5B7e_gxjEkL%40m&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/9AHEyf?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - April 27, 1:12 AM <http://sco.lt/6uG2u9?track_p_id=7xbFKboQ7S5B7e_gxjEkL%40m&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Marc Corbeels, Guillaume Chirat, Samir Messad, Christain Thierfelder. 2016. European Journal of Agronomy. 76: 41-53. doi:10.1016/j.eja.2016.02.001 <http://sco.lt/6uG2u9?track_p_id=7xbFKboQ7S5B7e_gxjEkL%40m&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: This paper uses crop growth modeling to look at soil and water nutrient dynamics as modified by crop residues and tillage using data from a long term maize experiment in Zambia. The results indicate that DSSAT can be used to simulate crop responses to CA, especially mulching effects on soil water balance. But some factors like plough pan formation under conventional practice or improved soil structure under CA not modeled in DSSAT may need to be considered to reproduce observed crop yield effects of CA vs. CP. <http://sco.lt/6uG2u9?track_p_id=7xbFKboQ7S5B7e_gxjEkL%40m&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/4muicz?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5552x7?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5NFNHF?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/5fPhbN?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> 16S metagenomics reveals changes in the soil bacterial community driven by soil organic C, N-fertilizer and tillage-crop residue management <http://sco.lt/7YUWw5?track_p_id=9bAnYVnonL95MC8U_ryLLCC&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> From www.sciencedirect.com <http://sco.lt/5xa1vV?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> - April 20, 12:07 PM <http://sco.lt/7YUWw5?track_p_id=9bAnYVnonL95MC8U_ryLLCC&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> Yosef Chavez-Romero, Yendi E. Navarro-Noya, Silvia C. Reynoso-Martinez, Yohana Sarria-Guzman, Bram Govaerts, Nele Verhultz, Luc Dendooven & Marco Luna-Guido. 2016. 16S metagenomics reveals changes in the soil bacterial community driven by soil organic C, N-fertilizer and tillage-crop residue management. Soil and Tillage Research. 159: 1-8. doi:10.1016/j.still.2016.01.007 <http://sco.lt/7YUWw5?track_p_id=9bAnYVnonL95MC8U_ryLLCC&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)* <http://sco.lt/4vIzhJ?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1>'s insight: Interesting paper on the effect of CA practices and especially tillage (with and without), residue management (burned, incorporated or surface mulch) and fertilizer (with or without) on tilled or permanent beds (PB) on the soil microbial community in a long term maize-wheat experiment in NW Mexico. The soil organic carbon was highest in the PB, residue retained treatment and loweest in the burned and tilled plots. Bacterial communities were affected by tillage-residue, fertilizer and soil organic carbon. The paper has data on how the different bacterial communities were affected. <http://sco.lt/7YUWw5?track_p_id=9bAnYVnonL95MC8U_ryLLCC&_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6FkMFd?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6XugZl?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/6q50tt?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> <http://sco.lt/78FLE1?_tmc=2N3Yo7lYDnweTlDNpL6RObjz1sgswUoVsZDOzSVx2k8&track=1> ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the CA-Cop-L list, click the following link: &*TICKET_URL(CA-Cop-L,SIGNOFF);