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15 pages, 1276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Cultivation Practices and Fertilizer Use on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Kentucky Bluegrass Athletic Fields

by Kristina S. Walker and Katy E. Chapman

Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080869 - 17 Aug 2024

Viewed by 604

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are known to contribute to global climate change. A two-year field study on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) evaluated cultivation practices and fertilizer use on GHGs. The presence of urea and hollow-tine aerification resulted in the highest soil [...] Read more.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are known to contribute to global climate change. A two-year field study on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) evaluated cultivation practices and fertilizer use on GHGs. The presence of urea and hollow-tine aerification resulted in the highest soil carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. No significant differences between soil methane (CH₄) flux were observed based on fertilizer; however, in 2014 the verticutting cultivation treatment fluxed significantly more soil CH₄ than the uncultivated control. Results showed no significant differences in soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) in 2013; however, in 2014, both fertilizer and cultivation practices showed significant differences between treatments, with the urea and the hollow-tine treatments fluxing significantly more soil N₂O. The hollow-tined plots produced the greenest turf in 2013, followed by the uncultivated control and the verticutted treatment. In 2014, both the hollow-tine and the uncultivated control produced the greenest turf, followed by the verticutted treatment. The hollow-tined and uncultivated control treatments had significantly higher turfgrass quality than the verticutted treatment. The verticutted urea treatment was above acceptable levels (>6.0) for turfgrass quality following all cultivation events. The results show cultivation practices can be identified that reduce GHG emissions while maintaining turfgrass quality and color. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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18 pages, 2407 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Shade and Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens

by Katy E. Chapman and Kristina S. Walker

Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080832 - 6 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 854

Abstract

Climate change mitigation requires creative solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). Little research has been performed on GHG emissions from shaded turfgrass systems, resulting in a lack of best management practice (BMP) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the soil [...] Read more.

Climate change mitigation requires creative solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). Little research has been performed on GHG emissions from shaded turfgrass systems, resulting in a lack of best management practice (BMP) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the soil flux of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) as impacted by shade [shade (98.8%) versus sun (100%)] and differing sources (fast- versus slow-release) and rates (147 versus 294 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on creeping bentgrass putting greens. The results show that emissions of soil CO₂ and soil N₂O are significantly lower in shaded plots versus sunny plots. The presence of N fertilizer significantly increased soil CO₂ emissions over unfertilized plots. Quick-release N fertilizer fluxed significantly more soil N₂O than the slow-release N fertilizers. Turfgrass color was significantly higher on the sunny green versus the shaded green except in late summer. Turfgrass quality was significantly higher for the shaded green versus the sunny green. Milorganite improved turfgrass quality whereas urea decreased turfgrass quality due to fertilizer burn. When N is needed to improve turfgrass color and quality, the use of slow-release N sources should be a BMP for shaded greens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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13 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Beef Manure Economic Value by the Method of Equivalent Green and Mineral Fertilizer Substitution

by Veljko Šarac, Dragan Milić, Nataša Vukelić, Tihomir Novaković, Dragana Novaković, Mirjana Ljubojević and Vesna Rodić

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020125 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1527

Abstract

The imperative of sustainable agricultural development, coupled with growing challenges related to climate change reaffirms the importance of manure and increases the demand for it. Due to the underdeveloped market for manure, there is a problem in assessing its economic value, requiring appropriate [...] Read more.

The imperative of sustainable agricultural development, coupled with growing challenges related to climate change reaffirms the importance of manure and increases the demand for it. Due to the underdeveloped market for manure, there is a problem in assessing its economic value, requiring appropriate research on this topic. Thus, this research aimed to assess the manure’s economic value using the method of equivalent substitution. For this purpose, the chemical composition of manure was determined by standard agrochemical analyses concerning the content of the most important mineral elements—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O). These elements ranged from 0.49–0.60%, 0.15–1.10%, and 0.70–1.07%, respectively, and the content of organic matter ranging from 20.88 to 27.00%. Subsequently, the cost of equivalent substitution was calculated taking into account market prices for commercial fertilizers and organic matter based on the cost of an adequate quantity of white mustard—Sinapis alba L. fresh mass. The average cost of equivalent substitution for manure was determined to be 28.60 USD/t. The results of the applied t-test indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between the market prices of beef manure and the calculated prices of its substitution (t = −1.4069; df = 12; p = 0.1848), which implies that white mustard green manure could replace the deficit in animal-derived manure. Since both animal and green manures unambiguously should be prioritized over chemical fertilizers, future studies will reveal which other crops are applicable for further increments of green manure to make up for insufficient availability of animal manure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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Review

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14 pages, 973 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

An Overview of N₂O Emissions from Cropping Systems and Current Strategies to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency

by Antonio Manco, Matteo Giaccone, Terenzio Zenone, Andrea Onofri, Francesco Tei, Michela Farneselli, Mara Gabbrielli, Marina Allegrezza, Alessia Perego, Vincenzo Magliulo and Luca Vitale

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070754 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1585

Abstract

Arable soils significantly contribute to atmosphere pollution through N₂O emissions due to the massive use of N-based fertilizers and soil managements. N₂O formation in the soil occurs mainly through nitrification and denitrification processes, which are influenced by soil moisture, [...] Read more.

Arable soils significantly contribute to atmosphere pollution through N₂O emissions due to the massive use of N-based fertilizers and soil managements. N₂O formation in the soil occurs mainly through nitrification and denitrification processes, which are influenced by soil moisture, temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, and the amount of available organic carbon and nitrogen. This review synthetically presents the mechanisms of N₂O formation and emission in arable land and some of the current strategies to improve crop nutrient use efficiency. Biological nitrification inhibitor-based agronomic strategies are also presented as future prospects for the sustainable management of crops, which is missing in most of the reviews. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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13 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organic Fertilizers and Bio-Waste for Sustainable Soil Management to Support Crops and Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Mediterranean Agroecosystems: A Review

by Giuseppe Badagliacca, Giorgio Testa, Stefano Giovanni La Malfa, Valeria Cafaro, Emilio Lo Presti and Michele Monti

Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050427 - 23 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

Agriculture is facing several challenges related to its sustainability. In this regard, the need to reduce its environmental impact related to the use of synthetic inputs and its potential role in mitigating global warming and climate change call for a review of crop [...] Read more.

Agriculture is facing several challenges related to its sustainability. In this regard, the need to reduce its environmental impact related to the use of synthetic inputs and its potential role in mitigating global warming and climate change call for a review of crop management. In this context, and in the framework of achieving sustainable development goals, the use of organic fertilizers and bio-waste represents a valuable contribution to the agricultural transition towards a bioeconomy model by reducing the negative impacts of waste disposal. Farmyard manure, composts, digestate from agrifood processes, and biochar are, among organic fertilizers, commonly used to manage soils and support crop growth. These fertilizers can provide essential nutrients, improve structure, and enhance microbial activity, thus increasing soil fertility and agriculture sustainability. While organic fertilizers offer the benefits of soil fertility and plant nutrition, their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is complex and varies depending on factors such as fertilizer type, soil conditions, and management practices. Although organic fertilizers may initially increase GHG emissions, they often lead to carbon sequestration in soils highlighting a negative C balance. Additionally, organic fertilizers promote a reduction in fossil fuel consumption used for synthetic fertilizer production, further contributing to GHG emissions’ reduction. Therefore, while organic fertilizers pose challenges in managing GHG emissions, their various benefits warrant careful consideration and strategic implementation in agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

12 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessReview

Implications of Vegetal Protein Hydrolysates for Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Leafy Vegetables

by Michele Ciriello, Emanuela Campana, Stefania De Pascale and Youssef Rouphael

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020132 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1810

Abstract

Climate change and the degradation of ecosystems is an urgent issue to which the agricultural sector contributes through the overuse of productive inputs such as chemical fertilizers. A disproportionate use of nitrogenous fertilizers combined with low efficiency inevitably results in worsening environmental problems [...] Read more.

Climate change and the degradation of ecosystems is an urgent issue to which the agricultural sector contributes through the overuse of productive inputs such as chemical fertilizers. A disproportionate use of nitrogenous fertilizers combined with low efficiency inevitably results in worsening environmental problems (greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, water eutrophication, and groundwater pollution). Nevertheless, increasing population growth puts additional pressure on the already struggling agricultural world. Awareness of these problems has pushed the world of research towards the development of more sustainable but equally efficient strategies in terms of production. The use of biostimulant substances and/or micro-organisms promoting yield, resilience to abiotic stresses in plants, and increasing the functional quality of products have been indicated as a valid strategy to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices. In modern horticulture, the use of vegetable–protein hydrolysates (V-PHs) is gaining more and more interest. These biostimulants could influence plants directly by stimulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism and interfering with hormonal activity, but also indirectly as V-PHs could improve nutrient availability in plant growth substrates and increase nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. By exploiting this aspect, it would be possible to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers without affecting potential yields. After a brief introduction to the issues related to the intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers, this review focuses on the use of V-PHs as a strategy to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Starting with their heterogeneous origins and compositions, their effects on nitrogen metabolism, as well as the physiological and biochemical processes involved in these products, this review concludes with an in-depth discussion of the effects of V-PHs on major leafy vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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47 pages, 11604 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Review of the Main Process-Based Approaches for Modeling N₂O Emissions from Agricultural Soils

by Mara Gabbrielli, Marina Allegrezza, Giorgio Ragaglini, Antonio Manco, Luca Vitale and Alessia Perego

Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010098 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Modeling approaches have emerged to address uncertainties arising from N₂O emissions variability, representing a powerful methodology to investigate the two emitting processes (i.e., nitrification and denitrification) and to represent the interconnected dynamics among soil, atmosphere, and crops. This work offers an [...] Read more.

Modeling approaches have emerged to address uncertainties arising from N₂O emissions variability, representing a powerful methodology to investigate the two emitting processes (i.e., nitrification and denitrification) and to represent the interconnected dynamics among soil, atmosphere, and crops. This work offers an extensive overview of the widely used models simulating N₂O under different cropping systems and management practices. We selected process-based models, prioritizing those with well-documented algorithms found in recently published scientific articles or having published source codes. We reviewed and compared the algorithms employed to simulate N₂O emissions, adopting a unified symbol system. The selected models (APSIM, ARMOSA, CERES-EGC, CROPSYST, CoupModel, DAYCENT, DNDC, DSSAT, EPIC, SPACSYS, and STICS) were categorized by the approaches used to model nitrification and denitrification processes, discriminating between implicit or explicit consideration of the microbial pool and according to the formalization of the main environmental drivers of these processes (soil nitrogen concentration, temperature, moisture, and acidity). Models’ setting and performance assessments were also discussed. From the appraisal of these approaches, it emerged that soil chemical–physical properties and weather conditions are the main drivers of N cycling and the consequent gaseous emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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14 pages, 2396 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Smart Farming Tool for Monitoring Nutrients in Soil and Plants for Precise Fertilization

by Moreno Toselli, Elena Baldi, Filippo Ferro, Simone Rossi and Donato Cillis

Horticulturae 2023, 9(9), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9091011 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3944

Abstract

The current political, social, and economic conditions place, more than ever, the need to sustainably supply nutrients for plants, integrating low-impact, crop-adapted, variable-rate-application fertilizer solutions, at the center of attention. Fertilization plans should be based on the monitoring of soil fertility to address [...] Read more.

The current political, social, and economic conditions place, more than ever, the need to sustainably supply nutrients for plants, integrating low-impact, crop-adapted, variable-rate-application fertilizer solutions, at the center of attention. Fertilization plans should be based on the monitoring of soil fertility to address the proper rate of fertilizer application along with the development of techniques able to increase nutrient uptake efficiency. Monitoring and modelling analysis of the effects of agronomic management in different pedoclimatic conditions can provide several advantages, that include higher nutrient efficiency, increase in plant growth and yield, decreased fertilization costs, increased profit, reduced environmental impact. This approach should enter into a framework of precision farming methodologies for the distribution of nutrients adopted at different levels (region, farm, field, plot), to obtain the maximum efficiency of inputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Practices for Soil Fertility Management)

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