*Global CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE* *for sustainable agriculture, land use and ecosystem management* Dear Subscribers, Please see herebelow the August 2021 Conservation Agriculture Scoopit Research Update from Cornell. Thank you Professor Hobbs. *Amir Kassam * *Moderator* *Global CA-CoP* e-mail: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.fao.org/conservation-agriculture URL: http://www.act-africa.org/ URL: https://ecaf.org/ URL: http://www.caa-ap.org/ ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Peter Hobbs <[log in to unmask]> Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2021 at 14:54 Subject: August CA Scoopit newsletter To: Amir Kassam <[log in to unmask]> Dear Amir: Here is our August 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 listserv 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. Note you can see all the Scoopit newsletter entries by going to this web site and clicking the "CA Research Highlights" tab on the right side of the opening page. This month's entries are copied below. Many thanks for helping to distribute this. Peter [image: Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - August 2021] <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag> Conservation Agriculture Research Updates - August 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> Potential impact of plans and policies based on the principles of conservation agriculture on the control of soil erosion in Brazil. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077126/2021/07/28/potential-impact-of-plans-and-policies-based-on-the-principles-of-conservation-agriculture-on-the-control-of-soil-erosion-in-brazil> Today, 3:59 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077126/2021/07/28/potential-impact-of-plans-and-policies-based-on-the-principles-of-conservation-agriculture-on-the-control-of-soil-erosion-in-brazil> Polidoro, J.C., de Freitas, P.L. Hernani, L.C., dos Anjos, L.H.C., Rodrigues, R.D.R., Cesario, F.V., de Andrade, A.G. & Ribeiro, J.L. 2021. Land Degradation and Development. 32 (12) 3457-3468. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077126/2021/07/28/potential-impact-of-plans-and-policies-based-on-the-principles-of-conservation-agriculture-on-the-control-of-soil-erosion-in-brazil> https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3876 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This paper provides information to society and decision-makers about the effectiveness of the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) principles with zero tillage (ZT/CA) and integrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF-CA) systems to mitigate soil erosion, the main agent of land degradation and productivity loss in Brazil. They estimate the potential loss by soil erosion with CT to be 3 billion tons in 2017. The economic impact, based only on replacement of nutrient losses, is estimated to be 15.7 billion US$ yr(-1). They conclude that the annual economic impact of the adoption of CA principles by controlling soil erosion was estimated at 1.5 billion US$ for ZT/CA in 2017. They also suggest the positive impacts of the adoption of CA principles in Brazil are the result of the determination of farmers, among many actors, and of the effectiveness of government plans and policies. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077126/2021/07/28/potential-impact-of-plans-and-policies-based-on-the-principles-of-conservation-agriculture-on-the-control-of-soil-erosion-in-brazil> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126077126?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126077126?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126077126?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126077126> Dynamics of Conservation Agriculture: a societal perspective <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126075125/2021/07/28/dynamics-of-conservation-agriculture-a-societal-perspective> From doi.org <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02161-3> - Today, 3:38 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126075125/2021/07/28/dynamics-of-conservation-agriculture-a-societal-perspective> Chatterjee, R. & Acharya, S.K. 2021. Bodiversity and Conservation. 30 96) 1599-1619. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126075125/2021/07/28/dynamics-of-conservation-agriculture-a-societal-perspective> https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02161-3 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This paper reviews the adoption behavior by farmers from literature. Key influencers on smallholdings, a gender dimension and knowledge network, institutional and policy context are also theoretically presented in relation to CA system. They conclude that there is a requirement for an understanding of the complex network of adopter-CA technology-adoption behaviour and global or national level policy formulation as well as strategic farm-level management. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126075125/2021/07/28/dynamics-of-conservation-agriculture-a-societal-perspective> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126075125?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126075125?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126075125?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126075125> Effect of precise levelling, tillage and seed sowing methods of pearlmillet based cropping systems on productivity and soil quality in dryland area. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056954/2021/07/27/effect-of-precise-levelling-tillage-and-seed-sowing-methods-of-pearlmillet-based-cropping-systems-on-productivity-and-soil-quality-in-dryland-area> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198721001392?via%3Dihub&key=516456a2d6508f26da77e862aadafde9e710b55c> - July 27, 4:08 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056954/2021/07/27/effect-of-precise-levelling-tillage-and-seed-sowing-methods-of-pearlmillet-based-cropping-systems-on-productivity-and-soil-quality-in-dryland-area> Singh, Y.P., Tomar, S.S. & Singh, S. 2021.Soil and Tillage Research. 212 105069. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056954/2021/07/27/effect-of-precise-levelling-tillage-and-seed-sowing-methods-of-pearlmillet-based-cropping-systems-on-productivity-and-soil-quality-in-dryland-area> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105069 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study looks at Pearl Millet (PM) and mustard (IM), two important dryland crops in India, with the objective to improve the soil quality, productivity of the system and make it more profitable by shifting from traditional to an innovative conservation agriculture (CA) farming system. The study was conducted on a rainy season PM based system with four dry winter season crops, IM and three legume crops- chickpea (CP), fieldpea (FP) and lentil (L) under two methods of land levelling viz. conventional (CLL) and precision laser-assisted land levelling (PLL), and three tillage and seed sowing (TSS) methods- conventional tillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT) and permanent raised broad bed- furrow (PBBF). They conclude that the TSS method with PBBF in conjunction PLL system was more productive and economically profitable, and would improve soil quality and save resources. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056954/2021/07/27/effect-of-precise-levelling-tillage-and-seed-sowing-methods-of-pearlmillet-based-cropping-systems-on-productivity-and-soil-quality-in-dryland-area> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126056954?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126056954?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126056954?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126056954> Crop rotation can be used to manipulate residue levels under no-tillage in a rainfed Mediterranean-type environment. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056873/2021/07/27/crop-rotation-can-be-used-to-manipulate-residue-levels-under-no-tillage-in-a-rainfed-mediterranean-type-environment> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016719872100132X?via%3Dihub&key=805620effcd23c5d23a6c04665bde710cc23fd66> - July 27, 3:21 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056873/2021/07/27/crop-rotation-can-be-used-to-manipulate-residue-levels-under-no-tillage-in-a-rainfed-mediterranean-type-environment> Flower, K.C., Ward, P.R., Micin, S.F. & Cordingley, N. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 212. 105062. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056873/2021/07/27/crop-rotation-can-be-used-to-manipulate-residue-levels-under-no-tillage-in-a-rainfed-mediterranean-type-environment> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105062 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This paper reports on the residue dynamics in a 12-year experiment (2007–2018) in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, comparing rotations that included: cereal (cereal/cereal/cereal); diverse (wheat/legume/canola); farmer (wheat/barley/break – legume or fallow); and wheat monoculture. Crop residue was either spread behind the harvester (retain) or windrowed at harvest and burnt before seeding (windrow burn). Within rotations, residue quantity was highest with retained residue in the cereal rotation and wheat monoculture, averaging 5.0 t ha−1 prior to seeding, which could present management problems at seeding time in some years. Residue quantity was reduced to optimal levels by including legume crops or canola in the rotation, as these residues were more rapidly broken down than cereal residues, whilst maintaining residue retention practices. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056873/2021/07/27/crop-rotation-can-be-used-to-manipulate-residue-levels-under-no-tillage-in-a-rainfed-mediterranean-type-environment> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126056873?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126056873?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126056873?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126056873> Soil compaction alleviation by deep non-inversion tillage and crop yield responses in no tilled soils of the Pampas region of Argentina. A meta-analysis. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056820/2021/07/27/soil-compaction-alleviation-by-deep-non-inversion-tillage-and-crop-yield-responses-in-no-tilled-soils-of-the-pampas-region-of-argentina-a-meta-analysis> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198721000921?via%3Dihub&key=1619a4199d388175ef8490a7bb4e94540c2c5efe> - July 27, 3:02 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056820/2021/07/27/soil-compaction-alleviation-by-deep-non-inversion-tillage-and-crop-yield-responses-in-no-tilled-soils-of-the-pampas-region-of-argentina-a-meta-analysis> Peralta, G., Alvarez, C.R. & Taboada, M.A. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 211. 105022. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056820/2021/07/27/soil-compaction-alleviation-by-deep-non-inversion-tillage-and-crop-yield-responses-in-no-tilled-soils-of-the-pampas-region-of-argentina-a-meta-analysis> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105022 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This meta-analysis reviewed experimental results (32 field studies) obtained throughout the Pampas Region in Argentina focused on the immediate effects and duration of soil mechanical alleviation measured by relevant soil physical properties and by the impact on maize and soybean yield. Treatments were a) Control (no tilled soils), and b) Subsoiled (no tilled soil subjected to mechanical compaction alleviation by deep non-inversion tillage). Soil compaction alleviation works had a durability of not more than 17 months (±2.8 months) after being performed. They conclude that deep non-inversion tillage could be a promising practice to close rainfed crop yield gaps in the region. But due to its low durability in time, further compaction prevention and structural regeneration practices such as cover crops, diversified crop rotations and controlled traffic will be needed <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126056820/2021/07/27/soil-compaction-alleviation-by-deep-non-inversion-tillage-and-crop-yield-responses-in-no-tilled-soils-of-the-pampas-region-of-argentina-a-meta-analysis> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126056820?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126056820?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126056820?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126056820> Conservation agriculture-related practices contribute to maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil improvement in Central Malawi <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036395/2021/07/26/conservation-agriculture-related-practices-contribute-to-maize-zea-mays-l-yield-and-soil-improvement-in-central-malawi> July 26, 1:46 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036395/2021/07/26/conservation-agriculture-related-practices-contribute-to-maize-zea-mays-l-yield-and-soil-improvement-in-central-malawi> Nyirenda, H. & Balaka, V. 2021. Heliyon. 7 (3). e06636. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036395/2021/07/26/conservation-agriculture-related-practices-contribute-to-maize-zea-mays-l-yield-and-soil-improvement-in-central-malawi> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06636 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study looks at the benefits of CA practices over nine years in Malawi with maize and maize intercropped with groundnut. The treatments were farmer practice (FP), Pit planting+mulch (PPM), intercropping+mulch (INM)and mulching (MC). Maize yields were higher with CA practices than FP (4.0-4.4 vs 1.8 t/ha) and also improved soil properties. The land equivalent ratio for maize and groundnut intercropping in INM was 1.77, indicating beneficial intercropping efficiency. They conclude that CA interventions contribute to increased crop yield, income, and soil fertility restoration in the agricultural land but farmer adoption will depend on the farmer's intention. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036395/2021/07/26/conservation-agriculture-related-practices-contribute-to-maize-zea-mays-l-yield-and-soil-improvement-in-central-malawi> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126036395?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126036395?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126036395?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126036395> Can an incremental approach be a better option in the dissemination of conservation agriculture? Some socioeconomic justifications from the drylands of Morocco <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036303/2021/07/26/can-an-incremental-approach-be-a-better-option-in-the-dissemination-of-conservation-agriculture-some-socioeconomic-justifications-from-the-drylands-of-morocco> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198721001379?via%3Dihub&key=5b48c88855c376e3c56c6766925dbc3110e0ba58> - July 26, 1:13 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036303/2021/07/26/can-an-incremental-approach-be-a-better-option-in-the-dissemination-of-conservation-agriculture-some-socioeconomic-justifications-from-the-drylands-of-morocco> Yigezu, Y.A., El-Shater, T., Boughlala, M., Devkota, M., Mrabet, R. & Moussadek, R. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 212. 105067. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036303/2021/07/26/can-an-incremental-approach-be-a-better-option-in-the-dissemination-of-conservation-agriculture-some-socioeconomic-justifications-from-the-drylands-of-morocco> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105067 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study uses an endogenous switching regression model to a nationally representative sample of 1901 wheat fields in Morocco to analyze the impacts of partial or full adoption of all three components of the CA system. Model results show that adoption of the complete CA system leads to 307 kg/ha (35 %) higher yields, US$99/ha (44 %) higher gross margins, and 23 kg/capita/year (38 %) more consumption of wheat relative to the conventional system. Adopting only two of the 3 pillars also leads to improved livelihood indicators compared to adoption of only one or none of the pillars. But adoption of one pillar is better than none. They conclude transition from the conventional system to CA requires the following: (1) flexibility to let farmers incrementally adopt one or more of the CA components, learn at their own pace, use some of the benefits, and improve it over time to exploit the full potential of the CA system with close follow-up and technical support from experts and extension specialists; and (2) sustained policy and institutional supports that provide incentives for farmers to adopt and for the private sector to be actively involved, especially in service provision. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126036303/2021/07/26/can-an-incremental-approach-be-a-better-option-in-the-dissemination-of-conservation-agriculture-some-socioeconomic-justifications-from-the-drylands-of-morocco> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126036303?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126036303?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126036303?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126036303> Impacts of herbicides on weeds, water productivity, and nutrient-use efficiency in dry direct-seeded rice. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035528/2021/07/26/impacts-of-herbicides-on-weeds-water-productivity-and-nutrient-use-efficiency-in-dry-direct-seeded-rice> From link.springer.com <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10333-020-00834-3> - July 26, 10:36 AM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035528/2021/07/26/impacts-of-herbicides-on-weeds-water-productivity-and-nutrient-use-efficiency-in-dry-direct-seeded-rice> Sen, S., Kaur, R., Das, T.K., Raj, R. & Shivay, Y.S. 2021. Paddy and Water Environment. 19 (1) 227-238 <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035528/2021/07/26/impacts-of-herbicides-on-weeds-water-productivity-and-nutrient-use-efficiency-in-dry-direct-seeded-rice> https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-020-00834-3 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This paper concerns issues of weeds in direct seeded rice (DSR) rather than no-till rice, but had some interesting results. They suggest that DSR can save water, labor, energy, reduce GHG's and improve soil properties so would be an important management system for rice in the future. However, weed control is essential to achieve high yield and resource efficiencies. Herbicides are one solution, but efficacy is influenced by weed species present. This study evaluated pre- and post-emergent herbicides on weeds, crops, economics, water productivity and nutrient efficiencies. Results showed treatments reduced weeds by 68-84% compared to an unweeded control. Net returns were also positive and even better than a weed free control. They concluded that integrating herbicide use with brown manuring and hand weeding was the best practice. In the brown manuring treatment, Sesbania aculeata was broadcast in the rows between the line sown rice, with this legume killed using 2,4 D after 28 days after seeding. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035528/2021/07/26/impacts-of-herbicides-on-weeds-water-productivity-and-nutrient-use-efficiency-in-dry-direct-seeded-rice> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126035528?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126035528?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126035528?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126035528> Impact of no-tillage on water purification and retention functions of soil. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077100/2021/07/28/impact-of-no-tillage-on-water-purification-and-retention-functions-of-soil> From www.jswconline.org <https://www.jswconline.org/content/76/2/116> - Today, 3:47 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077100/2021/07/28/impact-of-no-tillage-on-water-purification-and-retention-functions-of-soil> Skaalsveen, K. & Clarke, L. 2021. Journal of Soil and water Conservation. 76 (2) 116-129. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077100/2021/07/28/impact-of-no-tillage-on-water-purification-and-retention-functions-of-soil> https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.2021.00012 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This paper evaluated the chemical and physical processes in two different agricultural soils under no-tillage and conventional management practices to determine their impact on water related soil functions at field scale in the United Kingdom.Two farms were monitored; one had used NT in 2013 and the other conventional tillage with MB plow. Two soils were evaluated under each farming practice over two years. The conversion to no-tillage changed the soil structure, leading to a higher bulk density and soil organic matter content and thereby increasing the soil moisture levels. These changes impacted the denitrification rates, reducing the soil nitrate (NO3) levels. The increased plant material cover under no-tillage increased the levels of soil phosphate (PO43-) and PO43- leaching. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126077100/2021/07/28/impact-of-no-tillage-on-water-purification-and-retention-functions-of-soil> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126077100?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126077100?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126077100?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126077100> Winter cover crops and no-till promote soil macrofauna communities in irrigated, Mediterranean cropland in California, USA. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058193/2021/07/27/winter-cover-crops-and-no-till-promote-soil-macrofauna-communities-in-irrigated-mediterranean-cropland-in-california-usa> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092913932100189X?via%3Dihub&key=3d653ba8d668ce967ab36be60ec2fc6e8bd2d105> - July 27, 4:14 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058193/2021/07/27/winter-cover-crops-and-no-till-promote-soil-macrofauna-communities-in-irrigated-mediterranean-cropland-in-california-usa> Kelly, C., Fonte, S.J., Shrestha, A., Daana, K.M. & Mitchell, J.P. 2021. Applied Soil Ecology. 166. 104068 <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058193/2021/07/27/winter-cover-crops-and-no-till-promote-soil-macrofauna-communities-in-irrigated-mediterranean-cropland-in-california-usa> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2021.104068 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study evaluated soil macrofauna communities and related soil quality metrics in response to a 16-year winter cover crop and tillage trial located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, USA. Overall macrofauna abundance increased by 93% with the addition of cover crops in rotation, and 50% with the elimination of tillage. Taxonomic richness increased by 48% with cover crops in treatments managed without tillage, though there was no effect of cover crops under conventional tillage.Macrofauna abundance was positively related to total soil carbon, water infiltration, and soil aggregate stability. Macrofauna community composition was best explained by soil carbon, water stable aggregate fraction, and cover crop usage. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058193/2021/07/27/winter-cover-crops-and-no-till-promote-soil-macrofauna-communities-in-irrigated-mediterranean-cropland-in-california-usa> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126058193?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126058193?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126058193?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126058193> Sustainability, productivity, profitability and soil health with conservation agriculture based sustainable intensification of oilseed brassica production system. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126057243/2021/07/27/sustainability-productivity-profitability-and-soil-health-with-conservation-agriculture-based-sustainable-intensification-of-oilseed-brassica-production-system> From www.nature.com <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92801-z> - July 27, 3:56 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126057243/2021/07/27/sustainability-productivity-profitability-and-soil-health-with-conservation-agriculture-based-sustainable-intensification-of-oilseed-brassica-production-system> Jat, R.S., Choudhary, R.L., Singh, H.V., Meena, M.K., Singh, V.V. & Rai, P.K. 2021. Scientific Reports. 11. Article number 13366. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126057243/2021/07/27/sustainability-productivity-profitability-and-soil-health-with-conservation-agriculture-based-sustainable-intensification-of-oilseed-brassica-production-system> https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92801-z *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study was undertaken on CA-based sustainable intensification of Indian mustard for enhancing input efficiencies, farm profitability and sustainability. Permanent beds with residue retention (PB + R) improved mustard equivalent yield (11.4%) and system grain yield (10.6%) compared with conventional tillage without residue (CT − R). Maize–mustard rotation (Mz–M) increased system grain yield (142.9%) as well as mustard equivalent yield (60.7%) compared with fallow-mustard (F-M). They conclude that CA-based Mz–M system should be promoted in traditional rainfed fallow-mustard areas to improve farm production and income and help make the country self-sufficient in edible oils. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126057243/2021/07/27/sustainability-productivity-profitability-and-soil-health-with-conservation-agriculture-based-sustainable-intensification-of-oilseed-brassica-production-system> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126057243?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126057243?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126057243?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126057243> Response of boreal clay soil properties and erosion to ten years of no-till management. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058080/2021/07/27/response-of-boreal-clay-soil-properties-and-erosion-to-ten-years-of-no-till-management> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198721001136?via%3Dihub&key=5a297ac318e29c76057209de9f68c50f6e314ad5> - July 27, 3:13 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058080/2021/07/27/response-of-boreal-clay-soil-properties-and-erosion-to-ten-years-of-no-till-management> Honkanen, H., Turtola, E., Lemola, R., Heikkinen, J., Nuutinen, V., Uusitalo, R., Kaseva, J. & Regina, K. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 212. 105043. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058080/2021/07/27/response-of-boreal-clay-soil-properties-and-erosion-to-ten-years-of-no-till-management> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105043 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This study in Finland looked at soil physical, chemical and biological properties, erosion and carbon allocation to soil physical fractions between CT and NT at a clay soil site after 10 years. After 10 years various soil properties and earthworm total density, mass and species richness were determined. Total soil erosion was 56 % less in NT than in CT although surface water discharge was higher in NT. NT had a clear effect on the topsoil physical structure by decreasing the pore size and increasing soil aggregate size. This paper didn't mention residue management. The results showed that NT is an effective method to reduce erosion rates but other means to increase carbon input especially below the topsoil layer are likely required to achieve a significant increase in the carbon stock of boreal clay soils. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126058080/2021/07/27/response-of-boreal-clay-soil-properties-and-erosion-to-ten-years-of-no-till-management> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126058080?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126058080?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126058080?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126058080> Uber for tractors? Opportunities and challenges of digital tools for tractor hire in India and Nigeria <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037305/2021/07/26/uber-for-tractors-opportunities-and-challenges-of-digital-tools-for-tractor-hire-in-india-and-nigeria> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305750X21000929?via%3Dihub&key=9fea666b14d58268c934bb0bc7001ec77211af3c> - July 26, 1:54 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037305/2021/07/26/uber-for-tractors-opportunities-and-challenges-of-digital-tools-for-tractor-hire-in-india-and-nigeria> Daum, T., Villalba, R., Anidi, O., Mayienga, S.M., Gupta, S. & Birner, R. 2021. World Development. 144. 105480 <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037305/2021/07/26/uber-for-tractors-opportunities-and-challenges-of-digital-tools-for-tractor-hire-in-india-and-nigeria> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105480 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This interesting paper looks at the use of digital tools to allow farmers to access mechanization using the Uber model. This service provider provision for smallholder farmers was compared in India and Nigeria. How does it work in practice? And what is its potential to reduce the transaction costs of tractor service provision, both for tractor owners and for smallholders who use tractor services? For the empirical analysis, a mixed-methods approach was applied involving approximately 400 respondents and comprising net-maps (a participatory mapping tool), focus group discussions, interviews with tractor owners and other stakeholders, and a survey among farmers. Overall, the paper shows that Uber for tractors is a pioneering concept, but investment in enabling conditions, such as digital literacy and network coverage, is required to harness the full potential of such digital innovations for smallholder farmers in the developing world. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037305/2021/07/26/uber-for-tractors-opportunities-and-challenges-of-digital-tools-for-tractor-hire-in-india-and-nigeria> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126037305?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126037305?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126037305?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126037305> Long-term effects of contrasting tillage systems on soil C and N pools and on main microbial groups differ by crop sequence. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037222/2021/07/26/long-term-effects-of-contrasting-tillage-systems-on-soil-c-and-n-pools-and-on-main-microbial-groups-differ-by-crop-sequence> From linkinghub.elsevier.com <https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/articleSelectSinglePerm?Redirect=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167198721000659?via%3Dihub&key=5bcf4ec9c6644451846a9145d61c5f364295c264> - July 26, 1:25 PM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037222/2021/07/26/long-term-effects-of-contrasting-tillage-systems-on-soil-c-and-n-pools-and-on-main-microbial-groups-differ-by-crop-sequence> Badagliacca, G., Laudicina, V.A., Amato, G., Badalucco, L., Frenda, A.S., Giambalvo, D., Ingraffia, R., Plaia, A. & Ruisi, P. 2021. Soil and Tillage Research. 211. 104995. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037222/2021/07/26/long-term-effects-of-contrasting-tillage-systems-on-soil-c-and-n-pools-and-on-main-microbial-groups-differ-by-crop-sequence> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.104995 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: This long term study in Italy looked at the combined effects of the tillage system and crop sequence on SOC and biochemical properties associated with improved soil health. After 23 years of CT and NT, with continuous wheat vs a wheat-faba bean rotation soil samples were taken from 0-15 and 15-30 cm at three times during the year. Long-term NT increased total organic C (TOC) at a yearly rate of 0.17 g kg−1. This in turn stimulated microbial biomass, in particular Gram-negative bacteria. No differences were observed with regard to fungal biomass. Long-term NT varied widely by crop sequence, whereas in CT changes in biochemical characteristics and in the main microbial groups due to crop sequence were modest. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126037222/2021/07/26/long-term-effects-of-contrasting-tillage-systems-on-soil-c-and-n-pools-and-on-main-microbial-groups-differ-by-crop-sequence> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126037222?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126037222?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126037222?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126037222> Impacts of tillage practice on the productivity of durum wheat in Ethiopia <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035694/2021/07/26/impacts-of-tillage-practice-on-the-productivity-of-durum-wheat-in-ethiopia> From www.tandfonline.com <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311932.2020.1869382> - July 26, 11:15 AM <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035694/2021/07/26/impacts-of-tillage-practice-on-the-productivity-of-durum-wheat-in-ethiopia> Deast, B.T., Gezahegn, A.M. & Tesema, S.E. 2021. Cogent Food and Agriculture. 7 (1) 1869382. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035694/2021/07/26/impacts-of-tillage-practice-on-the-productivity-of-durum-wheat-in-ethiopia> https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2020.1869382 *Cornell Conservation Agriculture Group (soilhealth.org)*'s insight: The investigation was carried out on a farmer's field at two locations in Ethiopia.. The objective was to evaluate the impacts of conservation tillage on the productivity of durum wheat.Treatments were CT and reduced tillage (RT) with and without residue and one plowing at seeding plus roundup. Wheat yield increased by 44% at one site with RT+residue compared to RT-residue. CT yield was 23% higher compared to one plowing at seeding plus roundup. The highest net return was the RT+residue in the dryland area. <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag/p/4126035694/2021/07/26/impacts-of-tillage-practice-on-the-productivity-of-durum-wheat-in-ethiopia> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/twitter/4126035694?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/facebook/4126035694?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/share/post/linkedin/4126035694?forceAnonymous=1> <https://www.scoop.it/topic/conservation-agriculture-by-conservation-ag?rescoopPostId=4126035694> ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the CA-Cop-L list, click the following link: &*TICKET_URL(CA-Cop-L,SIGNOFF);