Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

"Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems" explores the intricate dynamics and challenges associated with carbon and nitrogen cycling in anthropogenically maintained ecosystems. Carbon and nitrogen are essential nutrients for plant growth, and their availability and effective management are critical to the development of sustainable agriculture and many anthropogenically maintained ecosystems. This collection of articles brings together the latest research into various aspects of carbon and nitrogen cycling in anthropogenically maintained ecosystems. 

For this collection, we welcome manuscripts that provide novel insights into a broad range of topics related to carbon and nitrogen cycling in agro-ecosystems and other anthropogenically maintained ecosystems, including:

• Carbon and nitrogen sources and inputs;
• Carbon and nitrogen transformation and cycling processes;
• Carbon and nitrogen losses and environmental impacts;
• Carbon and nitrogen use efficiency and agricultural productivity;
• Carbon and nitrogen management. 

By sharing your research, you will contribute to advancing knowledge in this critical area. We look forward to receiving your submissions and assembling a comprehensive collection of articles that will shape the future of sustainable carbon and nitrogen management in anthropogenically maintained ecosystems. 

Dr. Jie Li
Dr. Adnan Mustafa
Prof. Dr. Jan Frouz
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.3	4.9	2011	19.2 Days	CHF 2600
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2600
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.1	7.4	2013	11.7 Days	CHF 2700
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.9 Days	CHF 2700
Soil Systems soilsystems	2.9	5.3	2017	39.7 Days	CHF 1800
Nitrogen nitrogen	1.6	2.6	2020	20.9 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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24 pages, 21330 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Airflow and Temperature in a Sealed Cold Storage System for Medicinal Plant Cultivation Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

by Sakkarin Wangkahart, Chaiyan Junsiri, Aphichat Srichat, Kittipong Laloon, Kaweepong Hongtong, Phaiboon Boupha, Somporn Katekaew and Sahassawas Poojeera

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122808 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 707

Abstract

Effective air circulation is crucial for plant growth, requiring adequate airflow and environmental stability. This study utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze airflow patterns in a controlled testing chamber, focusing on how miniature fan placement affects airflow direction and temperature distribution. Ten [...] Read more.

Effective air circulation is crucial for plant growth, requiring adequate airflow and environmental stability. This study utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze airflow patterns in a controlled testing chamber, focusing on how miniature fan placement affects airflow direction and temperature distribution. Ten case studies were conducted, with the CFD model validated against experimental data collected from six monitoring locations on the plant growth table. Model validation was performed using statistical analyses including coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The validation results showed strong agreement between simulated and experimental data, with R² values of 0.92 for temperature and 0.89 for airflow velocity. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in both airflow and temperature models at the 0.05 level, with the CFD model validation yielding an RMSE of 2.02 and an average absolute error of 1.17. Among the tested configurations, case M1 achieved the highest air velocity (0.317 m/s) and lowest temperature (27.03 °C), compared to M2 (0.255 m/s, 27.17 °C) and M3 (0.164 m/s, 27.18 °C). The temperature variations between cases significantly impacted cold storage efficiency, with case M1’s superior airflow distribution providing more uniform cooling. These findings offer practical guidelines for optimizing ventilation system design in medicinal plant cultivation facilities, particularly in maintaining ideal storage conditions through strategic fan placement and airflow management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 2653 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Soil Dynamics in Carbon, Nitrogen, and Enzyme Activity Under Maize–Green Manure Cropping Sequences

by Cassio Hamilton Abreu-Junior, Wanderley José de Melo, Roberto Alves de Oliveira, Paulo Henrique Silveira Cardoso, Raíssa de Araujo Dantas, Rodrigo Nogueira de Sousa, Dalila Lopes da Silva, Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira, Arun Dilipkumar Jani, Gian Franco Capra and Gabriel Maurício Peruca de Melo

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8040115 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1580

Abstract

The diversification of cropping sequences has a positive impact on soil organic carbon, while improving nutrient cycling and crop yields. The objective of this research was to assess amylase, cellulase, C and N dynamics, and maize yield on a low fertility oxisol in [...] Read more.

The diversification of cropping sequences has a positive impact on soil organic carbon, while improving nutrient cycling and crop yields. The objective of this research was to assess amylase, cellulase, C and N dynamics, and maize yield on a low fertility oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was conducted under field conditions during three maize crop succession cycles. The treatments consisted of cultivating maize during the summer, after sorghum and lablab cropped as green manure and fallow during the winter. Higher maize yields were achieved by sorghum–maize succession compared to monocropping, due to higher N fertilizer and biomass inputs to topsoil. Sorghum–maize succession also provided a higher proportion of stable C and N compared to other successions. Maize yields declined as tropical soil fertility intrinsically decreased along three crops succession cycles. Cellulase activity decreased over time, whereas amylase activity increased as the plant residues were already in advanced stages of decomposition. The sorghum–maize crop succession stood out compared to lablab and fallow as it provided the highest maize yields, while maintaining higher C and N levels, and amylase activity. This better performance was likely due to larger amounts of incorporated biomass and better mineral N fertilizer management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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18 pages, 8622 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Litter Decomposition Rates of Four Species of Agroecological Importance in the Peruvian Coast and Andean Highland

by Tomás Samaniego, Jorge Ramirez and Richard Solórzano

Nitrogen 2024, 5(3), 772-789; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen5030051 - 13 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1304

Abstract

Crop residue decomposition is fundamental for ecosystems, influencing carbon cycling, organic matter accumulation, and promoting plant development through nutrient release. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain the rate of decomposition of four commonly cultivated crops (alfalfa, maize, avocado, and eucalyptus) along the northern [...] Read more.

Crop residue decomposition is fundamental for ecosystems, influencing carbon cycling, organic matter accumulation, and promoting plant development through nutrient release. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain the rate of decomposition of four commonly cultivated crops (alfalfa, maize, avocado, and eucalyptus) along the northern coast of Lima (Huaral) and in the Ancash Mountain range (Jangas) areas. Decomposition rates were assessed using mass loss from decomposition bags measuring 15 × 10 cm, filled with 10–15 g of material tailored to each species, and buried at a depth of approximately 5 cm. Sampling occurred every three months over a year, totaling four sampling events with three replicates each, resulting in ninety-six experimental units. The findings demonstrate that the decomposition rates and the release of nutrients were markedly greater in Huaral for maize and avocado. In contrast, these rates were notably elevated in Jangas for alfalfa and eucalyptus. The leaf litter of avocado and eucalyptus (tree) had periods of accumulation and release of heavy metals such as Cd. The initial C/N ratio was one of the main factors related to the nutrient decomposition rate; in contrast, there were no significant relationships with soil properties at the study sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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11 pages, 1032 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of Nitrogen-Fixing Frankia, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Their Effects on Alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) Growth in Post-Mining Heap Soils

by Lucie Buchbauerová, Masoud M. Ardestani, Jana Rydlová, Hana Veselá and Jan Frouz

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030098 - 9 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1172

Abstract

Planting nitrogen-fixing plants in post-mining sites and similar degraded areas is a common approach to speed up soil development and buildup of the nitrogen pool in soil organic matter. The aim of this study was to explore if slower growth of alder seedlings [...] Read more.

Planting nitrogen-fixing plants in post-mining sites and similar degraded areas is a common approach to speed up soil development and buildup of the nitrogen pool in soil organic matter. The aim of this study was to explore if slower growth of alder seedlings in initial post-mining sites results from adverse soil conditions or lack of microbial symbionts. To address this question, we sampled young soil (age 15 years) and more developed soil (age 70 years) from heaps after coal mining near Sokolov (Czech Republic). Soil samples were sterilized and not inoculated or inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or AMF + Frankia, followed by planting with alder (Alnus glutinosa) seedlings germinated and precultured under sterile conditions. The effect of soil age on alder growth appeared to be non-significant. The only significant growth effect was seen with Frankia inoculation, implicating this inoculum as a key factor in later succession in post-mining soils. When the soil was fully inoculated, alder biomass was higher in developed soil supplied with iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P), indicating that iron and phosphorus availability may affect alder growth. In young soil, alder growth was highest with a combination of iron, phosphorus, and sulfur (S), and a positive effect of sulfur in young soil may correspond with a reduced, alkaline soil pH and increased phosphorus and iron availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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28 pages, 3464 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Utilization of Diversified Cover Crops as Green Manure-Enhanced Soil Organic Carbon, Nutrient Transformation, Microbial Activity, and Maize Growth

by Jiri Kucerik, Martin Brtnicky, Adnan Mustafa, Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Antonin Kintl, Julie Sobotkova, Saud Alamri, Tivadar Baltazar, Oldrich Latal, Muhammad Naveed, Ondrej Malicek and Jiri Holatko

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092001 - 2 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Studying green manure in several returning methods to enhance soil fertility and crop benefits is a strong foundation for cropland nutrient management. However, how different types of green manures and their variable doses affect the efficacy of applied manures, either buried or mulched, [...] Read more.

Studying green manure in several returning methods to enhance soil fertility and crop benefits is a strong foundation for cropland nutrient management. However, how different types of green manures and their variable doses affect the efficacy of applied manures, either buried or mulched, remain overlooked. The objective of this study was to optimize green manure management to enhance soil fertility and maize biomass using five types of green manures (white mustard, forest rye, fiddleneck, sufflower, and pea) in two different doses (low, 5 g per pot, and high, 10 g per pot), which were either buried or mulched before and after maize sowing. Results revealed that total carbon content increased due to green manure treatments, representing a 10% increase over control, particularly through buried w. mustard (10% increase before maize cultivation) and mulched safflower and pea (12% and 11% increase after maize cultivation over control). Dry maize aboveground biomass yields also improved across all variants, with buried mustard yielding 18.4 g·plant⁻¹ (compared to 8.6 g·plant⁻¹ in the control), mulched mustard yielding 16.4 g·plant⁻¹, and buried pea yielding 17.8 g·plant⁻¹. Green mulching generally acidified the soil (pH 5.71 compared to 6.21 in the control), except for buried fiddleneck (pH 6.39 after maize cultivation) at a high dose of manures. Carbon-mineralizing enzyme activities (dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase) were significantly increased by green manures, with buried fiddleneck showing a 22.6% and 20.6% increase over the control, and mulched fiddleneck showing a 24.5% and 22.4% increase under high doses. The study suggests that partially decomposed and mineralized mulched biomass may induce a negative priming effect on carbon-mineralizing enzymes due to a decrease in the C/N ratio of the soil. It emphasizes that the nutrient content and stoichiometry of green manures, alongside soil characteristics such as the C/N ratio, are critical factors for sustainable soil management and carbon sequestration. These findings underscore the need for careful selection and management of green manures to optimize soil health and carbon-storage outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 498 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Phacelia and Buckwheat Cover Crops’ Effects on Soil Quality in Organic Vegetable Production in a High Tunnel System

by Paulina Lalewicz, Iwona Domagała-Świątkiewicz and Piotr Siwek

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081614 - 24 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

Cover crops (CCs) are regarded as beneficial to agricultural practice as an option for soil quality improvement in field production systems. The main goal of this study was to assess the impact of spring phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum [...] Read more.

Cover crops (CCs) are regarded as beneficial to agricultural practice as an option for soil quality improvement in field production systems. The main goal of this study was to assess the impact of spring phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum Mill.) in a crop rotation (CC–leek–parsley, 2020–2021) on the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil in an organic high tunnel system. Soil analyses involved measurements of bulk density, water capacity, soil aggregation, soil organic carbon (SOC), available soil nutrients, as well as microbial abundance and diversity. Phacelia generated more aboveground biomass (58.2 t fresh matter ha⁻¹) than buckwheat (33.0 t ha⁻¹), and their biomass contained 161 kg N ha⁻¹ and 67 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively. A large quantity of elements, such as N, Ca, P, S, B, and Cu, were found in phacelia biomass. More Mg and Na were found in buckwheat plants. The results showed that CC biomass significantly improved some of the soil physical and chemical properties, such as soil organic carbon stock and wet aggregate stability, and decreased soil bulk density. Cover crop treatments changed the dynamics of soil bacterial and fungus populations in a high tunnel system. Phacelia increased the quantity of ammonifiers and nitrifiers in the soil substantially. Further research with a long-term focus is needed to assess the impact of cover crops on soil properties, soil quality, and subsequent crop yields in high tunnel crop rotation and management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 1176 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Diversified Cover Crops and No-Till Enhanced Soil Total Nitrogen and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Diversity: A Case Study from the Karst Area of Southwest China

by Lihua Tian, Tao Wang, Song Cui, Yuan Li, Weiyang Gui, Feng Yang, Jihui Chen, Rui Dong, Xinyao Gu, Xuechun Zhao, Mingjun Zhang, Chao Chen and Zhou Li

Agriculture 2024, 14(7), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071103 - 9 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1831

Abstract

The deteriorating soil health under continuous monoculture is commonly found across various cropping systems. This study evaluated the effects of different tillage practices (conventional tillage and no till) and species mixtures (legumes and grasses) on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community properties, soil nutrients, [...] Read more.

The deteriorating soil health under continuous monoculture is commonly found across various cropping systems. This study evaluated the effects of different tillage practices (conventional tillage and no till) and species mixtures (legumes and grasses) on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community properties, soil nutrients, and enzyme activity in a 3-year experiment. Compared with traditional tillage, the number of AMF species under no-till conditions was increased, with the Glomus group being dominant. Under different tillage conditions, TN (total N) and AN (available N) contents under no till were significantly higher than those under conventional tillage, while no significant differences among other nutrients were found. The activities of soil acid phosphatase (S-ACP), soil dehydrogenase (S-DHA), and soil sucrose (S-SC) under conventional tillage were significantly higher than those under no till, and the cover crop mixtures also had an exclusive advantage in yield. Soil organic matter (SOM) indicated a significant negative correlation with glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP). The increase in diversity associated with the AMF species community was strongly correlated with the increase in three enzyme activities, and AN was negatively correlated with all species. Tillage did not significantly change soil chemistry, except for AN, and the high concentration of AN led to a decrease in AMF species. The results of this study showed that no till was an effective measure for enriching soil micro-organism population. Additionally, soil AMF diversity was improved by cover crop mixtures, and microbial diversity was higher than that under monoculture cover crops. Different AMF groups responded differently to tillage and cover crop mixtures. Across all mixtures, the combination of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) performed the best. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 2696 KiB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Permaculture Management of Arable Soil Increases Soil Microbial Abundance, Nutrients, and Carbon Stocks Compared to Conventional Agriculture

by Rose Frances Williamson, Michaela Reay and Fotis Sgouridis

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071446 - 3 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2264

Abstract

Conventional agricultural practices severely deplete the soil of essential organic matter and nutrients, increasing its vulnerability to disease, drought, and flooding. Permaculture is a form of agroecology adopting a whole ecosystem approach to create a set of principles and design frameworks for enriching [...] Read more.

Conventional agricultural practices severely deplete the soil of essential organic matter and nutrients, increasing its vulnerability to disease, drought, and flooding. Permaculture is a form of agroecology adopting a whole ecosystem approach to create a set of principles and design frameworks for enriching soil fertility, but there is little scientific evidence of its efficiency. This study compares two permaculture managed sites with a conventional arable site to investigate the effect of permaculture management on soil fertility. We used phospholipid fatty acid analysis to estimate microbial abundance and diversity and related these to measured soil nutrients and carbon stocks. The potential of permaculture management to mitigate soil greenhouse gas emissions was assessed during a laboratory soil incubation and measurement of greenhouse gases via gas chromatography. Overall, the permaculture managed allotments had three times higher microbial biomass, one and a half times higher nitrogen, and four times higher carbon content than the arable site. Permaculture soils had larger carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide fluxes compared to arable soil, but all sites had a mean negative flux in methane. Permaculture management by use of organic amendments and no-dig practices provides a constant slow release of nutrients and build-up of organic matter and carbon and consequently promotes greater bacterial and fungal biomass within the soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 1842 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Almond Hull and Shell Amendments across Organic Matter Management of Orchard Soils

by Leah Wolff Hartman, Ellie M. Andrews, Erini G. Galatis, Amélie C. M. Gaudin, Patrick H. Brown and Sat Darshan S. Khalsa

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8020051 - 4 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

Hulls and shells are an abundant by-product from almond production with potential as an organic matter amendment (OMA). A combination of incubation study and field research was conducted in 2019–2021 to evaluate the impacts of three practices in combination on orchard soils’ C [...] Read more.

Hulls and shells are an abundant by-product from almond production with potential as an organic matter amendment (OMA). A combination of incubation study and field research was conducted in 2019–2021 to evaluate the impacts of three practices in combination on orchard soils’ C and N cycling, including a 210-day period of laboratory incubation with hulls and shells, and field sampling of orchard soils with and without historic applications of green waste compost as an OMA; with hulls and shells and with and without off-ground harvest where orchard soils remain undisturbed year round. Hulls and shells increased microbial biomass carbon in the field study by 248 μg g⁻¹ dry soil after one year (p < 0.001) and during incubation, and increased cumulative respiration in soils with and without historic OMA (p < 0.001). Historic OMA resulted in double the total soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) compared to soil without resulting in significantly higher respiration and N mineralization when amended with hulls and shells. The decomposition of hull and shell biomass following surface application progressed at similar rates in the laboratory and field (1.7 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ during incubation (R² = 0.84) and 1.3 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ in the field trial (R² = 0.91). Our results highlight the suitability of hulls and shells as a by-product source of OMA for improving soil health in orchards with historic OMA and transitioning to organic matter management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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24 pages, 6167 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Application of 1D Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

by Ragesh Nath R., Shamkumar P. Deshmukh, Sachin J. Kamble and Valmiki B. Koli

Nitrogen 2024, 5(2), 349-372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen5020023 - 22 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2570

Abstract

Ammonia, as the second most-produced chemical worldwide, serves diverse roles in the industrial and agricultural sectors. However, its conventional production via the Haber–Bosch process poses significant challenges, including high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, photocatalytic nitrogen (N₂) fixation, [...] Read more.

Ammonia, as the second most-produced chemical worldwide, serves diverse roles in the industrial and agricultural sectors. However, its conventional production via the Haber–Bosch process poses significant challenges, including high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, photocatalytic nitrogen (N₂) fixation, utilizing solar energy with minimal emissions, offers a promising method for sustainable ammonia synthesis. Despite ongoing efforts, photocatalytic nitrogen fixation catalysts continue to encounter challenges such as inadequate N₂ adsorption, limited light absorption, and rapid photocarrier recombination. This review explores how the electronic structure and surface characteristics of one-dimensional nanomaterials could mitigate these challenges, making them promising photocatalysts for N₂ fixation. The review delves into the underlying photocatalytic mechanisms of nitrogen fixation and various synthesis methods for one-dimensional nanomaterials. Additionally, it highlights the role of the high surface area of one-dimensional nanomaterials in enhancing photocatalytic performance. A comparative analysis of the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation capabilities of different one-dimensional nanomaterials is provided. Lastly, the review offers insights into potential future advancements in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 5373 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Cropping Management Practices Affect the Biochemical Properties of an Alabama Ultisol

by Dexter B. Watts, Zhongqi He, Xinhua Yin, H. Allen Torbert, Zachary N. Senwo and Haile Tewolde

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8020041 - 5 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1579

Abstract

Interest in improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems has focused on identifying management practices that promote soil health. No tillage, cover cropping, and amending soils with broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) litter are commonly adopted conservation practices that have been [...] Read more.

Interest in improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems has focused on identifying management practices that promote soil health. No tillage, cover cropping, and amending soils with broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) litter are commonly adopted conservation practices that have been shown to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, the overall influence of these conservation practices on soil health in the southeastern US are not well understood. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tillage, broiler litter (BL) applications, and cropping systems on soil biochemical properties. Soils were collected from field research plots under long-term management (>than 25 years of tillage, 15 years of broiler litter application, and 15 years of cropping system). Soil microbial biomass, C, N, and P, amidohydrolases, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated as indicators of soil health. Adopting tillage and BL into the agricultural management system modified the biochemical parameters of the soils evaluated. Most of these modifications occurred in the 0–5 cm depth. Higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC; 85%) and nitrogen (MBN; 10%) and enzyme activities of asparaginase (65%) and glutaminase (70%) were observed in the 0–5 cm depth under no tillage (NT) compared to conventional tillage (CT), indicating greater biological activities were established in these soil ecosystems. Broiler litter applications increased microbial biomass N and activities of asparaginase and glutaminase in both soil depths. In addition, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was increased following BL application in the 0–5 cm depth. The results suggest that long-term management of NT and BL additions can improve the health of eroded southeastern US soils by altering the soil biochemical parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 2809 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Nitrogen Dynamics and Key Microbial Nitrogen-Cycling Genes in an Intensive Freshwater Aquaculture Pond

by Yifeng Yan, Junbo Zhou, Chenghao Du, Qian Yang, Jinhe Huang, Zhaolei Wang, Jun Xu and Min Zhang

Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020266 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2099

Abstract

Intensive aquaculture in high-density hybrid snakehead [Channa maculata (♀) × Channa argus (♂)] fishponds can lead to toxic conditions for fish. This study investigated nitrogen migration and transformation in these fishponds during different cultivation periods. Using qPCR technology, we analyzed the abundance [...] Read more.

Intensive aquaculture in high-density hybrid snakehead [Channa maculata (♀) × Channa argus (♂)] fishponds can lead to toxic conditions for fish. This study investigated nitrogen migration and transformation in these fishponds during different cultivation periods. Using qPCR technology, we analyzed the abundance variation of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms in water and sediment to reveal the nitrogen metabolism characteristics of hybrid snakehead fishponds. The results showed that fish biomass significantly impacts suspended particulate matter (SPM) flux. At the sediment–water interface, inorganic nitrogen fluxes showed predominant NO₃⁻-N absorption by sediments and NH₄⁺-N and NO₂⁻-N release, especially in later cultivation stages. Sediments were rich in nirS and AMX 16S rRNA genes (ranging from 4.04 × 10⁹ to 1.01 × 10¹⁰ and 1.19 × 10⁸ to 2.62 × 10⁸ copies/g, respectively) with nirS-type denitrifiers potentially dominating the denitrification process. Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were found to dominate the ammonia oxidation process over ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in both water and sediment. Redundancy analysis revealed a positive correlation between SPM flux, Chlorophyll a (Chl-a), and denitrification genes in the water, and between nitrogen-cycling genes and NH₄⁺/NO₂⁻ fluxes at the interface. These findings provide a scientific basis for nitrogen control in hybrid snakehead fishponds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 2101 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Various Long-Term Fertilizer Applications on Soil Carbon Fractions in a Winter Wheat Monoculture Area

by Lifan Yang, Xuan Hu, Zixuan Chang, Hongmei Song, Tingliang Li and Li Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010082 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2154

Abstract

The Loess Plateau in China has long grappled with issues such as chronic soil erosion, poor soil structure, and diminished organic matter. Soil organic carbon plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, and fertilization is a key tool that influences it. In [...] Read more.

The Loess Plateau in China has long grappled with issues such as chronic soil erosion, poor soil structure, and diminished organic matter. Soil organic carbon plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, and fertilization is a key tool that influences it. In a comprehensive field experiment, we examined five fertilization methods: no fertilization (CK); traditional fertilization used by local farmers (FP); nutrient-balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (OF); chemical fertilizers used in conjunction with organic fertilizers (OFM); and chemical fertilizers paired with bio-organic fertilizers (OFB). Our findings revealed that the OFM and OFB treatments were the most effective, explaining 84.35% and 81.26% of the variation in soil carbon sequestration, respectively. Further, the OF, OFM, and OFB treatments demonstrated superior effectiveness compared with the FP treatment in enhancing the soil carbon fractions. However, these fertilization patterns did not significantly alter the active-to-inert carbon ratio of the soil. OF, OFM, and OFB treatments enhanced the stability of soil carbon pools more than FP treatment. In structural equation modeling, factors such as microbial biomass nitrogen and phosphorus, soil pH, and β-N-acetyl glucosidase indirectly exhibited a limiting effect on the carbon pool stability index (CPSI), while β-glucosidase displayed an indirect positive correlation with the carbon fractions. In contrast, dissolved organic carbon, low-molecular-weight organic carbon, high-molecular-weight organic carbon, and crop yield demonstrated direct positive correlations with the CPSI. Consequently, both a balanced application of chemical fertilizers and the combination of organic and chemical fertilizers were effective in enhancing and sustaining the soil’s organic carbon content, thereby contributing to soil fertility stability. To this end, this study can inform the efficient selection and use of fertilizers, improving crop yield and soil carbon content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 955 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Adjustment of Meat Consumption Structure under the Dual Goals of Food Security and Carbon Reduction in China

by Sicheng Zhao, Tingyu Li, Guogang Wang and Yongxiang Zhang

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122242 - 5 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2452

Abstract

With the progress of economic development and increase in income, there have been significant transformations in the food consumption patterns among Chinese residents. Grain consumption has declined while the consumption of livestock products such as meat, poultry, eggs, and milk has gradually risen. [...] Read more.

With the progress of economic development and increase in income, there have been significant transformations in the food consumption patterns among Chinese residents. Grain consumption has declined while the consumption of livestock products such as meat, poultry, eggs, and milk has gradually risen. Moreover, noteworthy adjustments have been observed in the meat consumption structure itself, with a substantial increase in poultry consumption and a significant decrease in pork consumption as representative of red meat. This study collects data mainly from the “Brick Agricultural Database” and “China National Grain & Oils Information Center”. And then, we employ the China Agricultural Industry Model (CASM) to simulate the economic and ecological consequences of augmenting poultry consumption as a substitute for red meat intake. The research findings demonstrate that ensuring an adequate intake of livestock products for residents without any decline will stimulate the doubling of China’s poultry meat demand by 2035 compared to 2020 while replacing pork. This would reduce feed grain requirements by 50 million tons and achieve carbon emission reductions amounting to 82 million tons. If we consider the consumption of poultry consumption growth in conjunction with its substitution for other red meats such as pork, beef, and mutton, this will save approximately 20 million tons of feed grains and lead to a reduction of around 103 million tons in carbon emissions. In conclusion, promoting future increases in poultry consumption as a substitute for pork and other red meat will yield extensive economic andecological benefits contributing toward international food security goals, as well as global carbon reduction targets. Additionally, advocating for increasing poultry consumption will also reduce the risk of chronic diseases and malignant tumors; this will significantly improve the national health states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Agro-Ecosystems and Other Anthropogenically Maintained Ecosystems)

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