*Global CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE* *for sustainable agriculture, land and ecosystem management* Dear Subscribers, Please see herebelow the January 2021 Scoopit newsletter on Conservation Agriculture from Cornell. Thank you Prof. Peter Hobbs for sharing. Apologies for any cross-posting. *Amir Kassam * *Moderator* *Global CA-CoP* e-mail: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.fao.org/conservation-agriculture ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Peter Hobbs <[log in to unmask]> Date: Fri, 1 Jan 2021 at 14:54 Subject: January 2021 Scoopit newsletter To: Amir Kassam <[log in to unmask]> Dear Amir: Here is our January 2021 Conservation Agriculture Scoopit Research Update. You can also view online at https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?curate=true&null Can you send this out to people who get your listserve material? The hard copy is below. An easier link to see all the research papers on CA is as follows: https://www.zotero.org/groups/348525/cornell_conservation_agriculture/collections/KGBFX8BX Also, visit our main website at http://soilhealth.org for news and other CA information. Please use this link since we had to move our web site to a new server and this links takes you to the CA web site. Many thanks for helping to distribute this. Happy New Year. Peter [image: Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - January 2021] <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag> Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - January 2021 <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag> by Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org) <https://www.scoop.it/u/conservation-ag> Powered by [image: Scoop.it] <https://www.scoop.it> Optimal design and setting of rotary strip-tiller blades to intensify dry season cropping in Asian wet clay soil conditions. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440574/2020/12/28/optimal-design-and-setting-of-rotary-strip-tiller-blades-to-intensify-dry-season-cropping-in-asian-wet-clay-soil-conditions> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016719872030636X?via%3Dihub&key=a2d10f542b0800f0e172de3ac59a9aa8ca66cff6> - Today, 3:02 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440574/2020/12/28/optimal-design-and-setting-of-rotary-strip-tiller-blades-to-intensify-dry-season-cropping-in-asian-wet-clay-soil-conditions> Matin, Md A., Hossain, Md I., Gathala, M.K., Timsina, J. & Krupnik, T.J. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 207. Article number 104854. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440574/2020/12/28/optimal-design-and-setting-of-rotary-strip-tiller-blades-to-intensify-dry-season-cropping-in-asian-wet-clay-soil-conditions> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104854 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This study looked at different strip-tillage blade designs to overcome problems of poor seed coverage found using seeding machinery compatible with CA on fine-textured clay soils in dry season cropping in South Asia. Considering machine and energy costs, blade performance, and the necessity of minimizing soil disturbance in strip-tillage, our study indicates that the use of straight blades (four blades per row) operated at a depth of 75 or 100 mm are more ideal. These specifications are likely to enhance strip-tillage stand establishment in fine-textured soils with high moisture contents, though further work is needed under actual field conditions. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440574/2020/12/28/optimal-design-and-setting-of-rotary-strip-tiller-blades-to-intensify-dry-season-cropping-in-asian-wet-clay-soil-conditions> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122440574?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122440574?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122440574?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122440574> No-till and mulching enhance energy use efficiency and reduce carbon footprint of a direct-seeded upland rice production system. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122442470/2020/12/28/no-till-and-mulching-enhance-energy-use-efficiency-and-reduce-carbon-footprint-of-a-direct-seeded-upland-rice-production-system> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652620327475?via%3Dihub&key=19cad7d27fc5e5483d375c1c9011dd48cee599f4> - Today, 2:43 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122442470/2020/12/28/no-till-and-mulching-enhance-energy-use-efficiency-and-reduce-carbon-footprint-of-a-direct-seeded-upland-rice-production-system> Yadav, G.S., Babu, S., Das, A., Mohapatra, K.P., Singh, R., Avasthe, R.K. & Roy, S. 2020. Journal of Cleaner Production. 271. Article number 122700. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122442470/2020/12/28/no-till-and-mulching-enhance-energy-use-efficiency-and-reduce-carbon-footprint-of-a-direct-seeded-upland-rice-production-system> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122700 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This paper looked at NT plus mulching to determine if it provides an environmentally cleaner crop production practice that can enhance energy use efficiency, economic profitability, and reduce the carbon footprint (CF). It compared CT with NT with 4 different mulches - rice straw mulch (RSM), Gliricidia sepium mulch (GLM), brown manuring mulch (BMM) of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and no mulch (NM) as a control. The results suggested that NT with BMM enhanced energy use efficiency, besides reducing the CF of direct-seeded upland rice production system in the Eastern Himalayas and similar eco-regions of the world. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122442470/2020/12/28/no-till-and-mulching-enhance-energy-use-efficiency-and-reduce-carbon-footprint-of-a-direct-seeded-upland-rice-production-system> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122442470?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122442470?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122442470?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122442470> Bacterivorous Nematodes Correlate with Soil Fertility and Improved Crop Production in an Organic Minimum Tillage System. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441452/2020/12/28/bacterivorous-nematodes-correlate-with-soil-fertility-and-improved-crop-production-in-an-organic-minimum-tillage-system> From www.mdpi.com <https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/17/6730> - Today, 2:14 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441452/2020/12/28/bacterivorous-nematodes-correlate-with-soil-fertility-and-improved-crop-production-in-an-organic-minimum-tillage-system> Schmidt, J.H., Hallmann, J. & Finckh. 2020. Sustainability (Switzerland). 12 (17) article number 6730. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441452/2020/12/28/bacterivorous-nematodes-correlate-with-soil-fertility-and-improved-crop-production-in-an-organic-minimum-tillage-system> https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12176730 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: Reduced nutrient mineralization rates under NT are usually compensated for by addition of mineral fertilizer, but this is not allowed in organic systems. This paper looked at an organic NT system based on cover cropping to overcome the above problem in NT in two long-term experiments. They also looked at compost addition versus mineral P and K fertilizer. Across both experiments, macronutrients (+52%), micronutrients (+11%), microbial biomass (+51%), microbial activity (+86%), and bacterivorous nematodes (+112%) increased in NT compared to CT systems. They conclude that soil fertility can be improved in organic NT systems, with cover cropping and dead mulch, over plow-based systems. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441452/2020/12/28/bacterivorous-nematodes-correlate-with-soil-fertility-and-improved-crop-production-in-an-organic-minimum-tillage-system> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122441452?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122441452?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122441452?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122441452> Conservation Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management Practices Improve Yield and Income while Reducing Labor, Pests, Diseases and Chemical Pesticide Use in Smallholder vegetable farms in Nepal <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424556/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-and-integrated-pest-management-practices-improve-yield-and-income-while-reducing-labor-pests-diseases-and-chemical-pesticide-use-in-smallholder-vegetable-farms-in-nepal> From www.mdpi.com <https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/16/6418> - December 27, 3:22 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424556/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-and-integrated-pest-management-practices-improve-yield-and-income-while-reducing-labor-pests-diseases-and-chemical-pesticide-use-in-smallholder-vegetable-farms-in-nepal> Paudel, S., Sah, L.P., Devkota, M., Poudyal, V., Prasad, P.V.V. & Reyes, M.R. 2020. Sustainability (Switzerland). 12 (16) Article number 6418. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424556/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-and-integrated-pest-management-practices-improve-yield-and-income-while-reducing-labor-pests-diseases-and-chemical-pesticide-use-in-smallholder-vegetable-farms-in-nepal> https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/16/6418 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This paper looks at ways to improve smallholder vegetable farms in Nepal using CA and IPM. Data on yield, benefit-cost ratio (B:C), labor requirement, insect and disease infestation, and pesticide sprays on five major vegetable crops (tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, cabbage, cauliflower) were measured. Overall, the improved alternative system for vegetable crops contributed not only to the improved income and livelihoods of people, but also can improve environment and human health due to the reduced use of pesticides. Further research on scaling these improved alternative practices through appropriate farmer organizations, and government and non-government actors can enhance the adoption of CA and IPM practices by smallholder vegetable producers. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424556/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-and-integrated-pest-management-practices-improve-yield-and-income-while-reducing-labor-pests-diseases-and-chemical-pesticide-use-in-smallholder-vegetable-farms-in-nepal> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122424556?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122424556?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122424556?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122424556> Why we should rethink ‘adoption’ in agricultural innovation: Empirical insights from Malawi. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423557/2020/12/27/why-we-should-rethink-adoption-in-agricultural-innovation-empirical-insights-from-malawi> From doi.org <https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3833> - December 27, 2:58 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423557/2020/12/27/why-we-should-rethink-adoption-in-agricultural-innovation-empirical-insights-from-malawi> Hermans, T.D.G., Whitfield, S., Dougill, A.J. & Thierfelder, C. 2020. Land Degradation and Development. Open Access. 12 pages. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423557/2020/12/27/why-we-should-rethink-adoption-in-agricultural-innovation-empirical-insights-from-malawi> https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3833 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This paper says that despite positive biophysical benefits of CA, low adoption rates have been the focus of several research projects. This study uses a technographic and participatory approach to move beyond the adoption framework and look at how agricultural decision making takes place, how agriculture is performed in the context of project intervention and how practice adaptation plays out in the context of interacting knowledge. The study shows that the assumed model of technology transfer with reference to climate-smart agriculture interventions is not as linear and effective as assumed previously. The study suggests that the following 4 items need to be understood (a) social dynamics and information transfer, (b) contextual costs and benefits, (c) experience and risk aversion, and (d) practice adaptation. Investments should build on existing knowledge and farming systems including a focus on the dynamic decision process to support the 'scaling up, scaling out and scaling deep' agenda for sustainable agricultural innovations. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423557/2020/12/27/why-we-should-rethink-adoption-in-agricultural-innovation-empirical-insights-from-malawi> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122423557?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122423557?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122423557?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122423557> Urochloa in Tropical Agroecosystems <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423522/2020/12/27/urochloa-in-tropical-agroecosystems> From www.frontiersin.org <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00119/full> - December 27, 2:31 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423522/2020/12/27/urochloa-in-tropical-agroecosystems> Baptistella, J.L.C., de Andrade, S.A.L., Favarin, J.L. & Mazzafera, P. 2020. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. Article number 119. 17 pages. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423522/2020/12/27/urochloa-in-tropical-agroecosystems> https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00119 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This paper looks at using the perennial grass Urochloa spp. (syn. Brachiaria spp.) commonly used as cover and companion crops in conservation agriculture in Brazil to increase soil biodiversity and soil health. This deep rooted grass contributes to carbon sequestration, soil organic matter stabilization and nutrient cycling. It also improves soil physical characteristics and influences soil nutrient dynamics, reducing nutrient losses and enhancing cycling. This review compiles data on this cover crop grass and its importance for sustainable agriculture. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423522/2020/12/27/urochloa-in-tropical-agroecosystems> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122423522?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122423522?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122423522?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122423522> Conservation Agriculture: Perspectives on Soil and Environmental Management in Indo-Gangetic Plains of South Asia <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122422417/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-perspectives-on-soil-and-environmental-management-in-indo-gangetic-plains-of-south-asia> From link.springer.com <https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-8832-3_4> - December 27, 12:25 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122422417/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-perspectives-on-soil-and-environmental-management-in-indo-gangetic-plains-of-south-asia> Kumar, R., Saurabh, K., Kumawat, N., Mishra, Hans, H., Krishna, B., Meena, R.S., Jha, B.K., Upadhyay, P.K. & Hazra, K.K. 2019. Chapter 4. In: Meena R., Kumar S., Bohra J., Jat M. (eds) Sustainable Management of Soil and Environment. Springer, Singapore. pages 123-168. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122422417/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-perspectives-on-soil-and-environmental-management-in-indo-gangetic-plains-of-south-asia> https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8832-3_4 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This is chapter 4 in a 2019 book entitled "Sustainable Management of Soil and Environment" available at https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9789811388316 This chapter looks at the prospects of CA in the wheat and rice basket of South Asia. In this region recent cereal productivity has slowed down because of technological stagnation and natural resource fatigue. Crop residues are considered a vital natural resource for protecting and sustaining soil and crop productivity and are useful for maintaining or enhancing soil organic matter (SOM). This chapter presents the perspectives on soil and environment through use of conservation agriculture (CA) for sustainable cereal production system in the Indo-Gangetic belts of South Asia. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122422417/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-perspectives-on-soil-and-environmental-management-in-indo-gangetic-plains-of-south-asia> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122422417?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122422417?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122422417?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122422417> Economic trade-offs of biomass use in crop-livestock systems: Exploring more sustainable options in semi-arid Zimbabwe. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424216/2020/12/27/economic-trade-offs-of-biomass-use-in-crop-livestock-systems-exploring-more-sustainable-options-in-semi-arid-zimbabwe> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X14000894?via%3Dihub&key=88c96b21a760f9c87f57ec11f2705db5e7a1a735> - December 27, 11:44 AM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424216/2020/12/27/economic-trade-offs-of-biomass-use-in-crop-livestock-systems-exploring-more-sustainable-options-in-semi-arid-zimbabwe> Tui, S.H., Valbuena, D., Masikati, P., Descheemaeker, K., Nyamangara, J., Claessens, L., Erenstein, E., Rooyen, A. & Nkomboni, D. 2015. Agricultural Systems. 134. 48-60. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424216/2020/12/27/economic-trade-offs-of-biomass-use-in-crop-livestock-systems-exploring-more-sustainable-options-in-semi-arid-zimbabwe> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2014.06.009 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This paper was included because of the debate about use of residues in crop-livestock systems in Africa and their impact on adoption of CA. The area in Zimbabwe for this study is a semi-arid area where yields are low and residue biomass is limited. The paper looks at the economic tradeoffs and profitability of using residues for feeding the livestock or livestock using household surveys. The results show that a maize-macuna rotation can reduce tradeoffs of residues for mulch or feed. The results also show that The poverty effects of all considered alternative biomass options are limited; they do not raise income sufficiently to lift farmers out of poverty. Further research is needed to establish the competitiveness of alternative biomass enhancing technologies and the socio-economic processes that can facilitate sustainable intensification of mixed crop-livestock systems, particularly in semi-arid environments. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424216/2020/12/27/economic-trade-offs-of-biomass-use-in-crop-livestock-systems-exploring-more-sustainable-options-in-semi-arid-zimbabwe> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122424216?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122424216?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122424216?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122424216> Vehicular traffic effects on hydraulic properties of a Crosby silt loam under a long-term no-till farming in Central Ohio, USA. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440561/2020/12/28/vehicular-traffic-effects-on-hydraulic-properties-of-a-crosby-silt-loam-under-a-long-term-no-till-farming-in-central-ohio-usa> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198720304360?via%3Dihub&key=1fbda19b91b266a9bfacb431c17d26e82663c528> - Today, 2:53 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440561/2020/12/28/vehicular-traffic-effects-on-hydraulic-properties-of-a-crosby-silt-loam-under-a-long-term-no-till-farming-in-central-ohio-usa> Yadav, G.S., Lal, R. & Meena, R.S. 2020. Soil and Tillage Research. 202. Article number 104654. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440561/2020/12/28/vehicular-traffic-effects-on-hydraulic-properties-of-a-crosby-silt-loam-under-a-long-term-no-till-farming-in-central-ohio-usa> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2020.104654 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This study identified a site under a long-term NT production system where a known compaction force of 0 Mg axle load (control, C-0), two (C-2) and four (C-4) passages of 2.5 Mg water wagon axle load was applied to cover the entire plot for 20 consecutive years to assess changes in soil hydraulic properties at a site in the Central Ohio, USA. The field was under NT-based corn–soybean rotation since 1997. A wooded lot was chosen as a baseline for comparison. They concluded that further monitoring of the impacts of compaction on soil hydraulic properties particularly on some other properties (e.g., water infiltration and air permeability) across the years is needed. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440561/2020/12/28/vehicular-traffic-effects-on-hydraulic-properties-of-a-crosby-silt-loam-under-a-long-term-no-till-farming-in-central-ohio-usa> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122440561?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122440561?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122440561?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122440561> Integrated crop residues management for a sustainable agriculture: Only answer to the stubble burning - A review <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441483/2020/12/28/integrated-crop-residues-management-for-a-sustainable-agriculture-only-answer-to-the-stubble-burning-a-review> From www.scopus.com <https://www.scopus.com/home.uri> - Today, 2:32 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441483/2020/12/28/integrated-crop-residues-management-for-a-sustainable-agriculture-only-answer-to-the-stubble-burning-a-review> Sukul, P. & Kumar, K. 2020. Plant Archives. 20. Supplement 2 2660-2664. Available at: <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441483/2020/12/28/integrated-crop-residues-management-for-a-sustainable-agriculture-only-answer-to-the-stubble-burning-a-review> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344631396_INTEGRATED_CROP_RESIDUES_MANAGEMENT_FOR_A_SUSTAINABLE_AGRICULTURE_ONLY_ANSWER_TO_THE_STUBLE_BURNING_-A_REVIEW *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: Stubble burning of rice and other crops is a common practice globally to avoid the cost of clearing the field for the next crop. But this results in environmental pollution and GHG emissions and can also affect soil health. Efforts are being made to develop techniques of using crop residues as an alternative to stubble burning, which are economically viable and are eco-friendly. Examples include animal feed, fodder, fuel like bioethanol, biochar, packaging, mushroom cultivation, composting etc. Adoption of conservation agriculture-based technologies using these crop residues will also avoid the problems of stubble burning. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122441483/2020/12/28/integrated-crop-residues-management-for-a-sustainable-agriculture-only-answer-to-the-stubble-burning-a-review> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122441483?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122441483?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122441483?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122441483> Slug Monitoring and Impacts on the Ground Beetle Community in the Frame of Sustainable Pest Control in Conventional and Conservation Agroecosystems <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440471/2020/12/28/slug-monitoring-and-impacts-on-the-ground-beetle-community-in-the-frame-of-sustainable-pest-control-in-conventional-and-conservation-agroecosystems> From www.mdpi.com <https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/6/380> - Today, 2:03 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440471/2020/12/28/slug-monitoring-and-impacts-on-the-ground-beetle-community-in-the-frame-of-sustainable-pest-control-in-conventional-and-conservation-agroecosystems> Scaccini, D., Panini, M., Chiesa, O., Tabaglio, V. & Mazzoni, E. 2020. Insects. 11 (6) 1-14. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440471/2020/12/28/slug-monitoring-and-impacts-on-the-ground-beetle-community-in-the-frame-of-sustainable-pest-control-in-conventional-and-conservation-agroecosystems> https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060380 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This is a unique paper looking at slugs as a possible issue by comparing populations from CT and CA in Italy. Predators such as ground beetles are an integrated way to control slugs and their numbers are also measured. Slugs were were common in CT than CA with more beetles in the CA, mulched plots. Soil management such as minimum- or no-tillage and the presence of cover crops/mulch are important elements influencing both slug and ground beetle presence, possibly playing a key role in the maintenance of natural enemy populations. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122440471/2020/12/28/slug-monitoring-and-impacts-on-the-ground-beetle-community-in-the-frame-of-sustainable-pest-control-in-conventional-and-conservation-agroecosystems> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122440471?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122440471?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122440471?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122440471> Conservation Agriculture Practices Can Improve Earthworm Species Richness and Abundance in the Semi-Arid Climate of Eastern Cape, South Africa <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424536/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-practices-can-improve-earthworm-species-richness-and-abundance-in-the-semi-arid-climate-of-eastern-cape-south-africa> From www.mdpi.com <https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/10/12/576> - December 27, 3:06 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424536/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-practices-can-improve-earthworm-species-richness-and-abundance-in-the-semi-arid-climate-of-eastern-cape-south-africa> Mcinga, S., Muzangwa, L., Janhi, K. & Mnkeni, P.N.S. 2020. Agronomy. 10 (12) 576-588. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424536/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-practices-can-improve-earthworm-species-richness-and-abundance-in-the-semi-arid-climate-of-eastern-cape-south-africa> https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10120576 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This study explored the effects of CA on earthworms in a semi-arid climate of the eastern Cape, South Africa. It looked at the effects of tillage, residue and rotations on earthworm abundance. Earthworm species diversity and density were highest under no-till than under CT. Residue retention improved earthworm density regardless of tillage management. Rotations that had fallow periods recorded lower earthworm numbers as compared to continuous cropping systems where wheat was grown in winter. The study concluded that maize;wheat;soybean (MWS) rotation with residue retention results in the highest earthworm abundance and species richness. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424536/2020/12/27/conservation-agriculture-practices-can-improve-earthworm-species-richness-and-abundance-in-the-semi-arid-climate-of-eastern-cape-south-africa> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122424536?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122424536?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122424536?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122424536> Collembola community structure under different land management in subtropical Brazil. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424505/2020/12/27/collembola-community-structure-under-different-land-management-in-subtropical-brazil> From doi.org <https://doi.org/10.1111/aab.12622> - December 27, 2:46 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424505/2020/12/27/collembola-community-structure-under-different-land-management-in-subtropical-brazil> de Oliveira, L.C.I., Zeppelini, D., Sousa, J.P., Baretta, D. & Klauberg-Filho, O. 2020. Annals of Applied Biology. 177 (3) 294-307. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424505/2020/12/27/collembola-community-structure-under-different-land-management-in-subtropical-brazil> https://doi.org/10.1111/aab.12622 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This study uses Collembola numbers as a good indicator of improved soil properties following a change in land management. They looked at these springtail populations in systems with a history of CA and crop-livestock use in South Brazil. The samples were also evaluated for soil chemical, physical and microbiological properties. CA and CLI management varied in the association of different Collembola's -- epigeic in CA and hemiedaphic and edaphic ones in CLI but these differences were related to different soil conditions. They conclude that Collembola community structure and species diversity were modified by the soil management systems and suggest that the Collembola community may indicate changes across land management systems in conservation agriculture. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424505/2020/12/27/collembola-community-structure-under-different-land-management-in-subtropical-brazil> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122424505?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122424505?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122424505?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122424505> Optimization of resources for sustainable wheat productivity and enhanced profitability. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423507/2020/12/27/optimization-of-resources-for-sustainable-wheat-productivity-and-enhanced-profitability> From www.sciencedirect.com <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128213162000170> - December 27, 2:18 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423507/2020/12/27/optimization-of-resources-for-sustainable-wheat-productivity-and-enhanced-profitability> Sharma, R.K., Chhokar, R.S., Gill, S.C. & Meena, R.P. 2021. Chapter 17. 289-311. Available at: <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423507/2020/12/27/optimization-of-resources-for-sustainable-wheat-productivity-and-enhanced-profitability> http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128213162000170 In. Sareen, S., Sharma, P., Singh, C., Jasrotia, P., Singh, G.P. & Sarial, A.K. (Eds.) Improving Cereal Productivity through Climate Smart Practices. Available at https://www.elsevier.com/books/improving-cereal-productivity-through-climate-smart-practices/sareen/978-0-12-821316-2 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: Chapter 17 in a 2021 book, "Improving Cereal Productivity Through Climate Smart Practices". An article looking at laser land leveling combined with CA to produce more crop per drop of water. But the chapter also looks at other factors besides NT that are required and obtained by adopting CA. It concludes that to achieve the higher productivity and profitability, adoption of a multipronged strategy of using improved varieties, balanced fertilization, appropriate irrigation, and weed management practices are a must. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122423507/2020/12/27/optimization-of-resources-for-sustainable-wheat-productivity-and-enhanced-profitability> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122423507?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122423507?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122423507?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122423507> Chapter 6. Dryland crop production in Botswana: Constraints and opportunities for smallholder arable farmers <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424248/2020/12/27/chapter-6-dryland-crop-production-in-botswana-constraints-and-opportunities-for-smallholder-arable-farmers> From www.scopus.com <https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089045335&origin=inward&txGid=23f94508afe8ec107e8f999e301d0f5e> - December 27, 12:08 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424248/2020/12/27/chapter-6-dryland-crop-production-in-botswana-constraints-and-opportunities-for-smallholder-arable-farmers> Kashe, K., Kolawole, O.D., Moroke, T.S. & Mogobe, O. 2019. Available at: <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424248/2020/12/27/chapter-6-dryland-crop-production-in-botswana-constraints-and-opportunities-for-smallholder-arable-farmers> https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089045335&origin=inward&txGid=350eed43f410a8e43151c282bdb4a3a5 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*s insight: This is chapter 6 in a 2019 book entitled "Smallholder Farmers and Farming Practices: Challenges and Prospects" available at https://novapublishers.com/shop/smallholder-farmers-and-farming-practices-challenges-and-prospects/ This chapter looks at the challenges of farming in a semi-arid area of Africa with erratic rainfall and frequents risks of crop failure. The chapter concludes that smallholders could optimally improve crop yield if they adopt appropriate technologies. They show improved crop yields with CA that also has environmental and socio-economic benefits for achieving sustainable dryland agriculture under the changing climate in Botswana. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4122424248/2020/12/27/chapter-6-dryland-crop-production-in-botswana-constraints-and-opportunities-for-smallholder-arable-farmers> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4122424248?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4122424248?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4122424248?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4122424248> <https://drive.google.com/u/0/settings/storage?hl=en&utm_medium=web&utm_source=gmail&utm_campaign=manage_storage> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/> <https://www.google.com/gmail/about/policy/> ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the CA-Cop-L list, click the following link: &*TICKET_URL(CA-Cop-L,SIGNOFF);