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Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Innovative Cropping Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 7571

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Dr. Edward Wilczewski

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Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, J. J. Śniadeckich in Bydgoszcz, Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Interests: cultivation technology; cereal crop rotation; cultivation management
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Prof. Dr. Ewa Szpunar-Krok

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Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Technology and Life Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Zelwerowicza 4 St., 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: legumes; sustainable agriculture; abiotic stress; plant physiology; plant fertilization; plant product quality
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Prof. Dr. Mariola Staniak

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Department of Crop Production and Yield Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
Interests: crop production; yield quality; abiotic stress; plant physiology; weed control; biodiversity; organic farming; legumes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past six decades, the intensification of agricultural practices has primarily focused on (i) increasing crop yields and economic returns for farmers and (ii) improving food supply/security for an increasing global population. Intensification practices introduced during this period included efficient tillage and soil cultivation technologies, shorter rotations/monoculture systems, higher mineral fertilizer and pesticide inputs and the introduction of crop varieties with higher yield potential. However, in many crop production systems, these practices also lead to soil erosion, a reduction in soil quality, erosion and reduced biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. For example, intensive tillage, combined with high mineral fertilization, increases the mineralization of organic carbon in the soil, thereby contributing to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Conservation agriculture (CA) may be the answer to these threats. CA is a crop and soil management practice for sustainable agriculture, defined by three related principles: minimum tillage and soil disturbance, permanent organic soil cover, and diversified crop rotations. Adherence to these principles improves soil quality, optimizes yields, and reduces production costs. Conservation practices can minimize soil erosion, directly increase CO₂ sequestration and organic matter levels in the soil, improve the efficiency of water retention in soil and water use efficiency by crops, stimulate C and N cycling, and thereby mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. CA's success is driven by component technologies such as water, weed, and nutrient management strategies to support crops under reduced tillage conditions.

Our aim is to present conservation agricultural practices and management systems that that deliver high crop yields and quality while maintaining/enhancing soil quality/fertility, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.

Both original research and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Edward Wilczewski
Prof. Dr. Ewa Szpunar-Krok
Prof. Dr. Mariola Staniak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

conservation agriculture
farming systems
reduced tillage
crop rotation
intercropping
cover crops
crop residue management
water management
soil organic matter management
weed management
yield and crop quality

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Related Special Issue

Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality in Agronomy (14 articles)

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4254 KB

Open AccessArticle

Weed Structure and Yield Response to Crop Sequence and Chemical Protection in Long-Term Experiment with Winter Wheat

by Arkadiusz Stępień

Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090887 - 28 Apr 2026

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Long-term simplification of cropping systems and crop protection practices promotes increased weed infestation and may lead to yield decline. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of crop sequence systems and levels of crop protection on weed infestation, weed community diversity, and grain yield of winter wheat under long-term field experiment conditions. The research was conducted in a static field experiment established in 1967 in Bałcyny, Poland. Two cropping systems were analyzed, monoculture and a six-course crop rotation, combined with three levels of protection: no protection, herbicide, and herbicide + fungicide. Weed density, biomass, and species composition were evaluated, as well as diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener and Simpson) and grain yield. Monoculture significantly increased weed density and biomass, promoting the dominance of competitive species such as Apera spica-venti and Centaurea cyanus. In the crop rotation system, lower weed infestation, higher species diversity, and a more even community structure were observed. The application of herbicide effectively reduced weed infestation; however, it led to a decline in species diversity and an increase in the dominance of tolerant species. Grain yield was strongly negatively correlated with the level of weed infestation. The highest yields were obtained in the crop rotation system with full chemical protection, whereas monoculture resulted in a significant yield reduction regardless of the level of protection. These results highlight the key role of crop rotation and integrated crop protection in reducing weed infestation and stabilizing winter wheat yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Effect of Tillage Intensity and Multiple Cropping on Physiological and Agronomic Performance of Rainfed Durum Wheat Grown Under Semi-Arid Conditions

by Hatem Zgallai, Olfa Boussadia, Amir Souissi, Mohsen Rezgui and Mohamed Annabi

Agronomy 2026, 16(6), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16060669 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 469

Abstract

Managing tillage intensity and diversifying crop rotation are important sustainability levers for conservation agriculture (CA) with the potential to enhance crop resilience, resource efficiency, and yield stability. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the effect of reduced tillage intensities and cereal–legume rotation systems on the agronomic and physiological performance of rainfed durum wheat grown under Mediterranean semi-arid conditions. To this end, a two cropping seasons field experiment was conducted in northeast Tunisia where the combined effects of two reduced tillage intensities (minimum and no-tillage; MT and NT) and two legume-based crop rotation systems (biennial and triennial; B and T) were compared to the more traditional conventionally tilled monocropping system (CT and M). Crop rotation, particularly when integrated with no-tillage (NT), significantly improved wheat development and grain yield, along with key yield attributes such as thousand-kernel weight and spike density. The interaction between tillage and crop sequence was highly influential; for instance, the NT × T (no-tillage × triennial rotation) combination achieved the highest grain yields (240 and 236 g m⁻² in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, respectively), while the CT × M (conventional tillage × monoculture) interaction resulted in the lowest productivity (143 and 135 g m⁻²). Physiologically, the integration of reduced tillage and legume–cereal rotations optimized the photosynthetic apparatus, as evidenced by significantly improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. However, a prominent trade-off was identified: while NT × T maximized productivity, conventional tillage (CT) maintained superior grain protein (18.6%) and gluten concentrations, indicating a nitrogen dilution effect in high-yielding conservation systems. These results demonstrate that while no-tillage and triennial rotations (faba bean–wheat–barley) are robust strategies for climate-resilient yields in semi-arid environments, they must be coupled with optimized nitrogen management to offset quality declines. Consequently, this study establishes the NT × T interaction as a superior model for sustainable rainfed farming, provided that nutrient synchronization is addressed to ensure nutritional security under increasingly unpredictable Mediterranean climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 449 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rotating Intercrops in Continuous Maize Cultivation: Interaction Between Main Crop, Intercrops, and Weeds

by Austėja Švereikaitė, Jovita Balandaitė, Ugnius Ginelevičius, Aušra Sinkevičienė, Rasa Kimbirauskienė, Lina Juodytė and Kęstutis Romaneckas

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020142 - 6 Jan 2026

Viewed by 563

Abstract

Continuous cropping leads to declines in soil productivity and biodiversity, as well as a deterioration of overall phytosanitary conditions. What if we rotate the intercrops instead of the main crops? In a stationary three-year field experiment, maize was intercropped with Fabaceae (faba bean, crimson and Persian clovers, and blue-flowered alfalfa), Poaceae (winter rye, annual ryegrass, spring barley, and common oat), and Brassicaceae (white mustard, spring oilseed rape, oilseed radish, and spring Camelina) intercrops in separate growing seasons. Fabaceae intercrops developed slowly and competed poorly with weeds. The highest air-dried biomass (ADM) was produced by Persian and crimson clovers (approx. 86 g m⁻²). Intercrops of the Poaceae family, particularly rye and oats, as well as ryegrass, which was the most productive at 200 g m⁻² ADM, germinated faster and competed effectively with weeds. Brassicaceae intercrops also developed rapidly, especially mustard, Camelina, and radish (the most productive 206 g m⁻² ADM). Most intercrops competed with maize and reduced its biomass productivity; however, their competitive effects were weaker than those of weeds. A strong negative correlation between maize and weed biomass was detected (max. r = −0.946; p < 0.01). Complex evaluation index (CEI) showed that the crimson clover–annual ryegrass–spring oilseed rape rotation (CC-AR-SR) was the most productive and was effective in suppressing major weeds Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album, Polygonum lapathifolium, and Cirsium arvense, less competitive with maize (CEI 4.82), and can be used as an Integrated Pest Management tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 502 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Soil Micronutrient Critical Values Using Mehlich 3 Extractant for Principal Field Crops

by Jolanta Korzeniowska, Ewa Stanislawska-Glubiak and Wojciech Lipinski

Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112661 - 20 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1591

Abstract

Reliable soil critical values (SCVs) for micronutrients are essential for accurate fertilizer recommendations. This study established crop-specific SCVs for boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) extracted with Mehlich-3 under Polish soil and climatic conditions. Extensive paired soil–plant datasets were collected for wheat (n = 1921), oilseed rape (n = 1944), and maize (n = 916) across all provinces. Micronutrients were determined in all soil and plant samples, with soil extractions performed using the Mehlich-3 method. Two plant-based calibration approaches were applied: (i) regression models linking the bioaccumulation factor (plant-to-soil concentration ratio) to soil properties, and (ii) the highyield method, defining SCVs as the lower quintile of micronutrient levels in soils from high-yielding fields. Both approaches yielded comparable results. Soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and texture were the key variables influencing SCVs, which differed among crops and elements: B and Mn were pH-dependent, Cu correlated with organic carbon, while Fe and Zn were associated with phosphorus or texture. Final SCVs ranged from B 0.10–0.90, Cu 1.0–2.2, Fe 160–280, Mn 30–75, and Zn 2.5–7.0 mg kg⁻¹, depending on crop and soil class. These empirically derived, crop-specific Mehlich-3 SCVs provide a robust basis for micronutrient diagnostics and fertilizer management in temperate agricultural soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 2308 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Chiseling Versus Root Bio-Tillage on Soil Physical Quality and Soybean Yield in a Long-Term No-Till System

by Gustavo Ferreira da Silva, Bruno Cesar Ottoboni Luperini, Jéssica Pigatto de Queiroz Barcelos, Fernando Ferrari Putti, Sacha J. Mooney and Juliano Carlos Calonego

Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051249 - 21 May 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

Occasional mechanical intervention can help alleviate compaction symptoms in no-till systems, but its effects compared to well-established crop rotation systems are uncertain. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical and biological chiseling of the soil (via millet and sunn hemp cover crops) on soil physical properties, root development, and soybean yield in a long-term experiment. The treatments consisted of crops rotations used in the spring harvest: (I) triticale (autumn–winter), millet (spring), and soybean (summer); (II) triticale (autumn–winter), sunn hemp (spring), and soybean (summer); and (III) triticale (autumn–winter), fallow/soil chiseling (spring), and soybean (summer). Mechanical chiseling reduced bulk density and penetration resistance in the upper 0.10 m layer by 6% and 37%, respectively. However, its effects did not extend below this depth. Conversely, millet and sunn hemp maintained higher penetration resistance in surface layers but reduced resistance in deeper layers (0.20–0.40 m) by up to 27% compared to chiseling. These cover crops also improved root growth (up to 71% higher root dry mass), soil microporosity, and total porosity. Notably, sunn hemp enhanced water infiltration (151 mm accumulated) and basic infiltration rate (180 cm h⁻¹), outperforming chiseling by 30% and 85%, respectively. Soybean yield was highest under sunn hemp, with an 18% increase over chiseling. Thus, growing millet and sunn hemp in a long-term production system can improve the soil’s physical properties, ensuring better infiltration, storage, and availability of water in the soil for plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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Review

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21 pages, 2528 KB

Open AccessReview

A Tillage-Dependent System of Arable Pests: How Soil Condition and Prevailing Climate Influence Pest Occurrence?

by Sándor Keszthelyi, Zoltán Tóth and Adalbert Balog

Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061454 - 15 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

Conventional and conservation tillage systems are applied differently in agricultural practices. Considering the current trends, the spread of tillage before denser crop cultures can also be observed in the case of other crops. These systems alter microclimatic conditions in the cultivated layer, soil surface, and crop canopy by physically modifying the soil environment. This greatly influences the occurrence and success of microbiome, plant, and animal organisms. At the same time, it has a decisive influence on the occurrence and damage caused to crops by harmful microorganisms and herbivorous pests. This review investigates how tillage systems influence the emergence and mass propagation of herbivores, based on their soil dependency. The impact of soil as a medium on pests will be analysed by grouping them according to their soil attachment and providing cultivation and agro-zoological examples. We highlight that selecting a tillage system should consider soil-dwelling pest ecology, as this knowledge is critical for optimizing both soil health and crop protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality—2nd Edition)

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