Nitrogen(N)fixation by legumes and nitrogen transfer to cereals have been considered as important pathways for overyielding and higher N use efficiency in cereal/legume intercropping systems.However,the extent to whic...Nitrogen(N)fixation by legumes and nitrogen transfer to cereals have been considered as important pathways for overyielding and higher N use efficiency in cereal/legume intercropping systems.However,the extent to which root morphology contributes to N fixation and transfer is unclear.A two-factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to quantify the N fixation,transfer and root morphology characteristics of the maize/alfalfa intercropping system in two consecutive years using the 15N-urea leaf labeling method,and combining two N levels with three root separation techniques.N application could inhibit N fixation and transfer in a maize/alfalfa intercropping system.Irrespective of the N application level,compared with plastic sheet separation(PSS),no separation(NS)and nylon mesh separation(NNS)significantly increased the total biomass(36%)and total N content(28%),while the N fixation rate also sharply increased by 75 to 134%,and the amount of N transferred with no root barrier was 1.24–1.42 times greater than that with a mesh barrier.Redundancy analysis(RDA)showed that the crown root dry weight(CRDW)of maize and lateral root number(LRN)of alfalfa showed the strongest associations with N fixation and transfer.Our results highlight the importance of root contact for the enhancement of N fixation and transfer via changes in root morphology in maize/alfalfa intercropping systems,and the overyielding system was achieved via increases in maize growth,at the cost of smaller decreases in alfalfa biomass production.展开更多
In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a ...In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.展开更多
[Objectives]To address the weeding challenges within the corn and soybean strip intercropping field and identify appropriate herbicide types and application methods suitable for the corn and soybean strip intercroppin...[Objectives]To address the weeding challenges within the corn and soybean strip intercropping field and identify appropriate herbicide types and application methods suitable for the corn and soybean strip intercropping fields in Siyang County.[Methods]The trial comprised six herbicide treatments and one blank control,with investigations conducted to assess efficacy,safety,and yield.[Results]Each herbicide treatment effectively controlled weeds,demonstrated high safety,and enhanced the yields of both soybeans and corn.The combined application of soil sealing with stem and leaf spray exhibited superior overall weed control compared to soil sealing alone.At 28 d following stem and leaf spray,the plant control effect and fresh weight control effect against weeds in the combined treatment of soil sealing with stem and leaf spray all exceeded 89%.[Conclusions]This study offers technical support for advancing the practice of strip intercropping between corn and soybeans.展开更多
A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.Ther...A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.There were four treatments comprising of cocoa sole,cocoa/plantain,cocoa/coconut and cocoa/coconut/plantain intercrop.The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block(RCB)replicated three times.Result obtained showed that cocoa/plantain was significantly higher(p<0.05)than all other treatments in all parameters considered and closely followed by cocoa/coconut,then cocoa sole with cocoa/plantain/coconut giving the least performance.The same trend was observed in the nutrient uptake.It was also observed in the trial that the two crops:cocoa and coconut did not show any deleterious effect on their growth when intercropped together.This showed that the two crops are compatible when grown on the same piece of land.Therefore,cocoa/coconut intercrop could be recommended to cocoa farmers in south west Nigeria to increase their revenue generation when coconut starts bearing fruit instead of sole planting of cocoa.展开更多
The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To i...The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To identify the role of DA-6 in mitigating high-density stress and increasing yield,we conducted a two-year field experiment examining changes in branching architecture and other yield traits of soybeans in maize-soybean strip intercropping systems.In the planting system,two soybean cultivars(ND:Nandou 25 and QH:Qihuang 34)were grown under three planting densities(D1:102,000 plants ha^(-1),D2:130,000 plants ha^(-1),D3:158,000 plants ha^(-1))with DA-6 treatments(DA0:water control;DA60:60 mg L^(-1);DA100:100 mg L^(-1)).Applying DA-6 at 60 mg L^(-1)at the fourth trifoliolate leaf stage increased soybean yield,with QH yield rising by 22.4% and 29.5% at D3 density,and ND yield by 29.5% and 30.0% at D2 density in 2022 and 2023,respectively,compared with D1 under DA0.DA-6improved photosynthesis in both varieties under D2 density,with DA60 increasing ND canopy photosynthetic rate by 15.1%-16.4% and QG by 9.1%-20.6% over two years.In ND,DA-6 enhanced branching,raising the leaf area index by 37%,branch number from 3.6 to 4.7 per plant,and total pod number by 19.7%.In QH,yield grains were mainly due to a 17% increase in the number of stem pods and a 6.5% improvement in hundred-grain weight.In the maize-soybean strip intercropping system,QH achieved a high yield by forming a high-density(D2 to D3)main stem pod,and ND by combining moderate density(D1 to D2)with DA-6-induced branching.展开更多
Maize/soybean intercropping systems are commonly used in developing countries,but few studies have been performed to elucidate the differences in nutrient efficiency and rhizosphere microbiome,especially when maize is...Maize/soybean intercropping systems are commonly used in developing countries,but few studies have been performed to elucidate the differences in nutrient efficiency and rhizosphere microbiome,especially when maize is intercropped with different soybean varieties.In this study,field experiments were conducted to compare the growth and yield of two soybean(Glycine max)varieties,BD2 and YC03-3,and one maize(Zea mays)variety,Huazhen,in mono-cropped and intercropped cultures.The plant biomass and N content of both crops in BD2/maize intercropping were significantly improved compared to their monoculture,but no such effects were observed in the plants of YC03-3/maize intercropping.The yield of BD2 intercropped with maize exhibited a 37.5%increment above that of BD2 in monoculture.Moreover,19.2-29.1%longer root length of maize and 19.0-39.4%larger root volume of BD2 were observed in BD2/maize intercropping than in monoculture,but no growth advantage was observed in YC03-3/maize intercropping.Maize showed root avoidance when intercropped with BD2,but space competition when intercropped with YC03-3.16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that compared with the monoculture system,rhizobacteria community composition in BD2/maize intercropping changed more significantly than that of the YC03-3/maize intercropping system.In BD2/maize intercropping,most of the rhizobacteria community biomarker bacteria of BD2 were positively correlated with plant biomass,as well as plant P and N content.Maize tended to recruit Rhizobiales and Proteobacteria,which showed positive correlation with plant biomass and N content,respectively,as well as soil available N.In conclusion,soybean varieties determined the advantages of maize/soybean intercropping through root-root interactions and modification of rhizobacteria communities.Our insight emphasizes a linkage between root traits and the rhizobacteria community,which shows the importance of optimizing intercropping systems by selection of appropriate crop varieties.展开更多
Agricultural management practices influence soil health.In this study,agricultural lands of cold arid Hanna village,Balochistan,Pakistan,were studied to assess soil properties and the abundance of soil macrofauna spec...Agricultural management practices influence soil health.In this study,agricultural lands of cold arid Hanna village,Balochistan,Pakistan,were studied to assess soil properties and the abundance of soil macrofauna species.Five orchards,five tree-based intercropping(TBI)systems,two croplands and a barren unprotected rangeland were sampled.Soil properties,such as texture,concentrations of organic matter(SOM),organic carbon(SOC),mineral nitrogen and bioavailable phosphorus,pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed.The abundance and species of soil surface-dwelling and upper soil layer-dwelling(0-5 cm)macrofauna were also measured.Orchards and croplands were older than TBI systems.than the same agricultural systems(cropland or orchards),which were under intense tillage practice or receiving no fertilizer input.Our results demonstrate that the diversified cropping systems with the reduced(shallow)tillage and the amendment of both synthetic and organic fertilizers,promoted soil quality in this cold-winter desert.This study is a source of evidence for the farmers of this region,which highlights the importance of conservation agriculture and crop diversification under TBI system for improving soil quality.It warrants further investigation to evaluate biological indicators of soil health(soil microbial biomass,microbial diversity,microfauna,mesofauna and macrofauna)being influenced by various management practices in this region.Furthermore,the relationship between soil quality and crop production under various management practices in this region needs to be evaluated.Such an extensive study will further help encourage farmers to adopt the best management practice in their fields.展开更多
Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping...Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping is mainly attributed to the large amount of purchased resources such as water and fertilizer,plastic film,and mechanical power.These lead to a decline in cultivated land quality and exacerbate intercrops'premature root and canopy senescence.So,the application of traditional intercropping faces major challenges in crop production.This paper analyzes the manifestations,occurrence mechanisms,and agronomic regulatory pathways of crop senescence.The physiological and ecological characteristics of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are reviewed in this paper.The main agronomic regulatory pathways of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are based on above-and blow-ground interactions,including collocation of crop varieties,spatial arrangement,water and fertilizer management,and tillage and mulch practices.Future research fields of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence should focus on the aspects of selecting and breeding special varieties,application of molecular biology techniques,and developing or applying models to predict and evaluate the root and canopy senescence process of intercrops.Comprehensive analysis and evaluation of different research results could provide a basis for enhancing intercropping delay root and canopy senescence through adopting innovative technologies for regulating the physio-ecological characteristics of intercrops.This would support developing and adopting high-yield,efficient,and sustainable intercropping systems in arid and semi-arid areas with high population density,limited land,and abundant light and heat resources.展开更多
A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural producti...A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of intercropping maize with leguminous green manure on grain yield and N utilization under reduced N-fertilization conditions.A field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted in northwestern China from 2018 to 2021.The main plots consisted of two cropping systems:maize-common vetch intercropping(IM)and sole maize(SM).The subplots had three N levels:zero N application(N0,0 kg ha^(-1)),a 25%reduction from the traditional chemical N supply(N1,270 kg ha^(-1)),and the traditional chemical N supply(N2,360 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the negative effects of N reduction on maize grain yield and N uptake were compensated by intercropping leguminous green manure,and the improvements increased with cultivation years.The integrated system involving maize-leguminous green manure intercropping and a reduced N supply enhanced N translocation from maize vegetative organs to grains and increased the nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in maize leaves.The supercompensatory effect in maize leaves increased year by year,reaching values of 16.1,21.3,and 25.5%in 2019,2020,and 2021,respectively.These findings suggest that intercropping maize with leguminous green manure under reduced chemical N input can enhance N assimilation and uptake in maize.By using this strategy,chemical fertilizer is effectively replaced by leguminous green manure,thereby improving N use efficiency and maintaining stable yields in the maize-based intercropping system.展开更多
Background The mulch-free subsurface drip irrigation system demonstrated water-saving potential as an alternative to traditional mulch-based drip irrigation while also eliminating residual film pollution at source.How...Background The mulch-free subsurface drip irrigation system demonstrated water-saving potential as an alternative to traditional mulch-based drip irrigation while also eliminating residual film pollution at source.However,delayed sowing is unavoidable in mulch-free cultivation in ecological regions with a short frost-free period.Intercropping with cumin,which has a shorter growth period,served as an effective strategy to improve land use efficiency during the early growth stages of cotton.Therefore,a two-year field experiment was conducted to study the effects of intercropping cumin at the seeding rate of 2.5(ID1),3.85(ID2),and 5.2(ID3)kg・hm−2 on cotton growth,interspecies competition,fiber quality,and water use efficiency(WUE),as well as system economic benefits under subsurface drip irrigation.Monocropping cotton was used as the control(CK)treatment.Results At the initial flowering(IF)stage(the end of the co-growth period of cotton and cumin),cotton plant height in ID2 and ID3 treatments decreased by 5.93%–16.53%and 10.87%–31.11%,respectively,cotton stem diameter by 11.41%–14.25%and 3.37%–26.49%,respectively,and vegetative biomass by 14.46%–30.65%and 22.59%–49.91%,respectively,compared with CK treatment.With the increase in cumin density,the crop growth rate(CGR)and compensation effect in cotton tended to significantly decrease at the IF stage regardless of organs considered.For the non-co-growth period(after harvesting cumin),cotton reproductive organ biomass in ID2 and ID3 treatments increased by 4.09%‒14.61%at the boll opening stage,crop growth rate in reproductive organs by 20.74%and 74.26%from peak boll to boll opening stages compared with CK treatment,due to an enhancement of 19.09%and 49.30%in the compensation effect.Compared with ID1,the aggressivity treated by ID2 and ID3 decreased by 12.82%–46.34%and 17.95%–31.71%,respectively.However,owing to a greater number of green bolls in the upper canopy at the harvest stages in the ID3 treatment,the system production value(closely related to yield)treated by ID2 was 11.69%–16.89%,6.56%–20.02%,and 16.48%–59.83%greater than that of the ID1,ID3,and CK treatments,respectively.This also led to the highest WUE and net profit under the ID2 treatment.Conclusion Intercropping cumin with medium density improved the cotton biomass accumulation characteristics and increased resources such as land and water utilization efficiency and economic benefits through a stronger compensation effect after harvesting cumin under subsurface drip irrigation without mulch.This study not only provides alternatives to residual film pollution in arid cotton fields but also establishes a sustainable agro-ecological-economic planting paradigm by reducing plastic use and enhancing water and fertilizer use efficiency,holding significant implications for advancing resource-efficient agricultural systems.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the impact of soybean intercropping on soil fertility in the planting areas of high-quality peach orchards in Shenxi Town,Zunyi City,Guizhou Province.[Methods]Soil s...[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the impact of soybean intercropping on soil fertility in the planting areas of high-quality peach orchards in Shenxi Town,Zunyi City,Guizhou Province.[Methods]Soil samples were collected during the seedling,growth,and maturity stages of soybeans from both non-intercropped soil(control check group,CK)and soybean-intercropped soil(Qiandou 11,experimental group,EK).Analysis was conducted on soil fertility properties,including alkali-hydrolyzable N,available P,and available K.[Results]The impact of soybean intercropping on soil physicochemical properties was primarily manifested as the increased levels of alkali-hydrolyzable N and available K and the decreased level of available P in the soil during the seedling,growing,and maturity stages.Overall,this approach optimized and enhanced soil fertility in the peach orchards,providing a viable pathway for soil improvement in peach orchards located in karst areas.[Conclusions]The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the high-quality development of high-quality peach orchards.展开更多
In recent years,due to China's limited resources of arable land area,the disparity between the supply and demand of soybeans is considerable,which makes intercropping widely used in agriculture,especially intercro...In recent years,due to China's limited resources of arable land area,the disparity between the supply and demand of soybeans is considerable,which makes intercropping widely used in agriculture,especially intercropping of cereals and legumes.Intercropping is a fundamental technique to enhance the field climate,optimize light use,increase biodiversity,decrease the occurrence of harmful organisms and diseases,and maximize resource utilization and land use efficiency.In order to clarify the effects of maize and soybean in intercropping and monoculture modes,this study analyzed 50 English literatures and 45 Chinese literatures,focusing on plant height,root morphology,leaf area index(LAI),relative chlorophyll content and other influencing factors.These analyses laid a good foundation for the further study of maize-soybean intercropping system.It was observed that in the maize-soybean intercropping system,the marginal effect of maize and the nitrogen-fixing function of soybean should be fully utilised,while taking into account the suitability of monocropping and intercropping modes.To this end,the yields of maize and soybean can be improved by reducing maize-soybean row spacing,increasing maize-soybean belt spacing and an increase in the number of rows of soybeans to be able to reduce the degree of shading,and increasing the light of soybean,In addition,it is necessary to choose the best intercropping pattern and other measures according to the crop growth conditions in different areas and the sunshine situation in different local directions,in order to achieve high yields of soybeans and maize.展开更多
The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,pr...The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.展开更多
Phthalate esters(PAEs)are an emerging pollutant due to widespread distribution in environmental mediums that have attracted widespread attention over recent years.However,there is little information about tea plantati...Phthalate esters(PAEs)are an emerging pollutant due to widespread distribution in environmental mediums that have attracted widespread attention over recent years.However,there is little information about tea plantation soil PAEs.A total of 270 soil samples collected from 45 tea plantations in the major high-quality tea-producing regions of Jiangsu,Zhejiang,and Anhui provinces in China were analyzed for seven PAEs.The detection frequency of PAEs in tea plantation soil was 100%.DBP,DEHP,and DiBP were the main congeners in tea plantation soil.The PAEs concentrations in the upper soil were significantly higher than those in the lower soil.The concentration of tea plantation soil PAEs in Jiangsu Province was significantly lower than those in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.Intercropping with chestnuts can effectively reduce the contamination level of PAEs in tea plantation soil.Correlation analysis,redundancy analysis,partial correlation analysis,and structural equation modeling methods further confirmed the strong direct influence of factors such as chestnut–tea intercropping,temperature,and agricultural chemicals on the variation of PAEs in tea plantation soil.The health and ecological risk assessments indicated that non-carcinogenic risk was within a safe range and that there was a high carcinogenic risk via the dietary pathway,with DBP posing the highest ecological risk.展开更多
Recent publications have highlighted the development of an alternate cotton-peanut intercropping as a novel strat-egy to enhance agricultural productivity.In this article,we provide an overview of the progress made in...Recent publications have highlighted the development of an alternate cotton-peanut intercropping as a novel strat-egy to enhance agricultural productivity.In this article,we provide an overview of the progress made in the alternate cotton-peanut intercropping,specifically focusing on its yield benefits,environmental impacts,and the underlying mechanisms.In addition,we advocate for future investigations into the selection or development of appropriate crop varieties and agricultural equipment,pest management options,and the mechanisms of root-canopy interactions.This review is intended to provide a valuable reference for understanding and adopting an alternate intercropping system for sustainable cotton production.展开更多
Barshore is a small village in the Pishin District,Balochistan,Pakistan,with dry summers and cold rainy winters.This is an agrarian region,mostly with orchards of various fruit trees.This study investigated the physic...Barshore is a small village in the Pishin District,Balochistan,Pakistan,with dry summers and cold rainy winters.This is an agrarian region,mostly with orchards of various fruit trees.This study investigated the physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various agricultural management practices of this region.The concentrations of soil organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),nutrients,pH,electrical conductivity,soil texture,and the abundance and number of species of soil macrofauna of the agricultural fields were measured.Fifteen agricultural fields were sampled.Fourteen fields were orchards of apple,apricot or the mixture of apple and apricot trees and one field was a cropland,cultivated with wheat as a monocrop.The orchards were under conservation agricultural practices;whereas,the cropland was under conventional management.These agricultural lands were 2-26 years old.The concentration of soil organic matter(SOM)in the upper 0-10 cm depth of these field sites ranged from 11.6 g kg^(-1)to 32.8 g kg^(-1)soil.As compared to cropland,orchards had significantly higher concentration of SOM and SOC.A total of 18 soil macrofauna species were found and the most common and abundant were ants(Monomorium minimum,Camponotus pennsylvanicus,Solenopsis invicta,and Lasius niger)followed by Arion ssp.(Brown Slug)and earthworm Lumbricus terrestris.Regression analysis revealed non-significant relationship of the age and the concentration of SOM with the number of macrofauna species and with the concentrations of total mineral nitrogen,bioavailable phosphorus and clay.The existence of ants had no relationship with the concentration of SOM;whereas,existence of Lumbricus terrestris tended to had a positive relationship with the concentration of SOM.The field of tree-based intercropping system was 2 years of age since the land was converted from rangeland to a cropland,had two ant species coexisting.This indicates the positive influence of crop diversification on soil macrofauna.展开更多
Sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition is an important sustainable agricultural pattern that can alter soil ecological functions,thereby affecting straw decomposition in the soil.However,the me...Sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition is an important sustainable agricultural pattern that can alter soil ecological functions,thereby affecting straw decomposition in the soil.However,the mechanisms underlying changes in soil organic carbon(SOC)composition and microbial communities during straw decomposition under long-term intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition remain unclear.In this study,we conducted an in-situ microplot incubation experiment with^(13)C-labeled soybean straw residue addition in a two-factor(cropping pattern:sugarcane monoculture(MS)and sugarcane/soybean intercropping(SB);nitrogen addition levels:reduced nitrogen addition(N1)and conventional nitrogen addition(N2))long-term experimental field plot.The results showed that the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the residual particulate organic carbon(POC)and residual microbial biomass carbon(MBC)contents during straw decomposition,and the straw carbon in soil was mainly conserved as POC.Straw addition changed the structure and reduced the diversity of the soil microbial community,but microbial diversity gradually recovered with decomposition time.During straw decomposition,the intercropping pattern significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Ascomycota.In addition,straw addition reduced microbial network complexity in the sugarcane/soybean intercropping pattern but increased it in the sugarcane monoculture pattern.Nevertheless,microbial network complexity remained higher in the SBN1 treatment than in the MSN1 treatment.In general,the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the diversity of microbial communities and the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with organic matter decomposition,and the changes in microbial communities were mainly driven by the residual labile SOC fractions.These findings suggest that more straw carbon can be sequestered in the soil under sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition to maintain microbial diversity and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.展开更多
Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to inve...Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.展开更多
In recent years,the area dedicated to cotton cultivation in eastern Henan Province has experienced a continuous decline.Developing efficient multi-cropping systems for cotton and increasing the multiple cropping index...In recent years,the area dedicated to cotton cultivation in eastern Henan Province has experienced a continuous decline.Developing efficient multi-cropping systems for cotton and increasing the multiple cropping index represent effective strategies to stabilize the cotton planting area and enhance the income of cotton farmers.This paper presents an overview of intercropping systems and the benefits associated with cotton rotation and intercropping practices.Specifically,it discusses the"early maturing cotton-wheat"rotation system,the"cotton-watermelon"intercropping system,the"cotton-Dutch bean"intercropping system,and the"early maturing cotton-peanut-garlic"intercropping system.展开更多
Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using Ci...Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using CiteSpace software, we visually analyzed research literature from the Web of Science (WOS) core database, spanning 2004 to 2024. The focus was on the impact of rubber agroforestry ecosystems on soil microbial communities. The results indicate significant attention from Chinese researchers, who have published numerous influential papers in this field. Authors Liu Wenjie have contributed the most papers, although no stable core author group exists. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading research institution in terms of publication volume. While there is close collaboration between different institutions and countries, the intensity of researcher cooperation is low. The most cited literature emphasizes soil nutrients and structure in rubber agroforestry, laying a foundation for soil microorganism studies. Most cited journals are from countries like Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Key research areas include the effects of rubber intercropping on soil microbial communities, agroforestry management, and soil health. Research development can be divided into three stages: the initial stage (2010-2015), the development stage (2015-2020), and the mature stage (2020-2024). Current studies show that rubber intercropping and rubber-based agroforestry systems enhance soil microbial communities, positively impacting soil health. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of rubber agroforestry systems and improved management plans. Future research could explore the effects of species composition on soil microbiological characteristics and develop methods for species interactions. An in-depth study of the soil microbial community’s structure and function, and its relationship with rubber trees, is crucial. Developing effective, rationally designed rubber agroforestry systems and underground soil microbiome technology will promote sustainability and improve plantation productivity.展开更多
基金This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31471945)。
文摘Nitrogen(N)fixation by legumes and nitrogen transfer to cereals have been considered as important pathways for overyielding and higher N use efficiency in cereal/legume intercropping systems.However,the extent to which root morphology contributes to N fixation and transfer is unclear.A two-factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to quantify the N fixation,transfer and root morphology characteristics of the maize/alfalfa intercropping system in two consecutive years using the 15N-urea leaf labeling method,and combining two N levels with three root separation techniques.N application could inhibit N fixation and transfer in a maize/alfalfa intercropping system.Irrespective of the N application level,compared with plastic sheet separation(PSS),no separation(NS)and nylon mesh separation(NNS)significantly increased the total biomass(36%)and total N content(28%),while the N fixation rate also sharply increased by 75 to 134%,and the amount of N transferred with no root barrier was 1.24–1.42 times greater than that with a mesh barrier.Redundancy analysis(RDA)showed that the crown root dry weight(CRDW)of maize and lateral root number(LRN)of alfalfa showed the strongest associations with N fixation and transfer.Our results highlight the importance of root contact for the enhancement of N fixation and transfer via changes in root morphology in maize/alfalfa intercropping systems,and the overyielding system was achieved via increases in maize growth,at the cost of smaller decreases in alfalfa biomass production.
文摘In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.
文摘[Objectives]To address the weeding challenges within the corn and soybean strip intercropping field and identify appropriate herbicide types and application methods suitable for the corn and soybean strip intercropping fields in Siyang County.[Methods]The trial comprised six herbicide treatments and one blank control,with investigations conducted to assess efficacy,safety,and yield.[Results]Each herbicide treatment effectively controlled weeds,demonstrated high safety,and enhanced the yields of both soybeans and corn.The combined application of soil sealing with stem and leaf spray exhibited superior overall weed control compared to soil sealing alone.At 28 d following stem and leaf spray,the plant control effect and fresh weight control effect against weeds in the combined treatment of soil sealing with stem and leaf spray all exceeded 89%.[Conclusions]This study offers technical support for advancing the practice of strip intercropping between corn and soybeans.
文摘A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.There were four treatments comprising of cocoa sole,cocoa/plantain,cocoa/coconut and cocoa/coconut/plantain intercrop.The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block(RCB)replicated three times.Result obtained showed that cocoa/plantain was significantly higher(p<0.05)than all other treatments in all parameters considered and closely followed by cocoa/coconut,then cocoa sole with cocoa/plantain/coconut giving the least performance.The same trend was observed in the nutrient uptake.It was also observed in the trial that the two crops:cocoa and coconut did not show any deleterious effect on their growth when intercropped together.This showed that the two crops are compatible when grown on the same piece of land.Therefore,cocoa/coconut intercrop could be recommended to cocoa farmers in south west Nigeria to increase their revenue generation when coconut starts bearing fruit instead of sole planting of cocoa.
基金supported by the earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-04-PS21)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD2300401)a recipient of a joint Ph.D.scholarship supported by the China Scholarship Council(CSC)(202306910067)。
文摘The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To identify the role of DA-6 in mitigating high-density stress and increasing yield,we conducted a two-year field experiment examining changes in branching architecture and other yield traits of soybeans in maize-soybean strip intercropping systems.In the planting system,two soybean cultivars(ND:Nandou 25 and QH:Qihuang 34)were grown under three planting densities(D1:102,000 plants ha^(-1),D2:130,000 plants ha^(-1),D3:158,000 plants ha^(-1))with DA-6 treatments(DA0:water control;DA60:60 mg L^(-1);DA100:100 mg L^(-1)).Applying DA-6 at 60 mg L^(-1)at the fourth trifoliolate leaf stage increased soybean yield,with QH yield rising by 22.4% and 29.5% at D3 density,and ND yield by 29.5% and 30.0% at D2 density in 2022 and 2023,respectively,compared with D1 under DA0.DA-6improved photosynthesis in both varieties under D2 density,with DA60 increasing ND canopy photosynthetic rate by 15.1%-16.4% and QG by 9.1%-20.6% over two years.In ND,DA-6 enhanced branching,raising the leaf area index by 37%,branch number from 3.6 to 4.7 per plant,and total pod number by 19.7%.In QH,yield grains were mainly due to a 17% increase in the number of stem pods and a 6.5% improvement in hundred-grain weight.In the maize-soybean strip intercropping system,QH achieved a high yield by forming a high-density(D2 to D3)main stem pod,and ND by combining moderate density(D1 to D2)with DA-6-induced branching.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000504 and 2023YFD1901300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172658,32172659 and 32302662)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2021A1515010826).
文摘Maize/soybean intercropping systems are commonly used in developing countries,but few studies have been performed to elucidate the differences in nutrient efficiency and rhizosphere microbiome,especially when maize is intercropped with different soybean varieties.In this study,field experiments were conducted to compare the growth and yield of two soybean(Glycine max)varieties,BD2 and YC03-3,and one maize(Zea mays)variety,Huazhen,in mono-cropped and intercropped cultures.The plant biomass and N content of both crops in BD2/maize intercropping were significantly improved compared to their monoculture,but no such effects were observed in the plants of YC03-3/maize intercropping.The yield of BD2 intercropped with maize exhibited a 37.5%increment above that of BD2 in monoculture.Moreover,19.2-29.1%longer root length of maize and 19.0-39.4%larger root volume of BD2 were observed in BD2/maize intercropping than in monoculture,but no growth advantage was observed in YC03-3/maize intercropping.Maize showed root avoidance when intercropped with BD2,but space competition when intercropped with YC03-3.16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that compared with the monoculture system,rhizobacteria community composition in BD2/maize intercropping changed more significantly than that of the YC03-3/maize intercropping system.In BD2/maize intercropping,most of the rhizobacteria community biomarker bacteria of BD2 were positively correlated with plant biomass,as well as plant P and N content.Maize tended to recruit Rhizobiales and Proteobacteria,which showed positive correlation with plant biomass and N content,respectively,as well as soil available N.In conclusion,soybean varieties determined the advantages of maize/soybean intercropping through root-root interactions and modification of rhizobacteria communities.Our insight emphasizes a linkage between root traits and the rhizobacteria community,which shows the importance of optimizing intercropping systems by selection of appropriate crop varieties.
文摘Agricultural management practices influence soil health.In this study,agricultural lands of cold arid Hanna village,Balochistan,Pakistan,were studied to assess soil properties and the abundance of soil macrofauna species.Five orchards,five tree-based intercropping(TBI)systems,two croplands and a barren unprotected rangeland were sampled.Soil properties,such as texture,concentrations of organic matter(SOM),organic carbon(SOC),mineral nitrogen and bioavailable phosphorus,pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed.The abundance and species of soil surface-dwelling and upper soil layer-dwelling(0-5 cm)macrofauna were also measured.Orchards and croplands were older than TBI systems.than the same agricultural systems(cropland or orchards),which were under intense tillage practice or receiving no fertilizer input.Our results demonstrate that the diversified cropping systems with the reduced(shallow)tillage and the amendment of both synthetic and organic fertilizers,promoted soil quality in this cold-winter desert.This study is a source of evidence for the farmers of this region,which highlights the importance of conservation agriculture and crop diversification under TBI system for improving soil quality.It warrants further investigation to evaluate biological indicators of soil health(soil microbial biomass,microbial diversity,microfauna,mesofauna and macrofauna)being influenced by various management practices in this region.Furthermore,the relationship between soil quality and crop production under various management practices in this region needs to be evaluated.Such an extensive study will further help encourage farmers to adopt the best management practice in their fields.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32101857 and U21A20218)the China Agricultural University Corresponding Support Research Joint Fund(GSAU-DKZY-2024-001)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Program in Gansu Province,China(24ZDNA008and23JRRA1407)the Fuxi Young Talents Fund of Gansu Agricultural University,China(Gaufx-03Y10).
文摘Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping is mainly attributed to the large amount of purchased resources such as water and fertilizer,plastic film,and mechanical power.These lead to a decline in cultivated land quality and exacerbate intercrops'premature root and canopy senescence.So,the application of traditional intercropping faces major challenges in crop production.This paper analyzes the manifestations,occurrence mechanisms,and agronomic regulatory pathways of crop senescence.The physiological and ecological characteristics of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are reviewed in this paper.The main agronomic regulatory pathways of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are based on above-and blow-ground interactions,including collocation of crop varieties,spatial arrangement,water and fertilizer management,and tillage and mulch practices.Future research fields of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence should focus on the aspects of selecting and breeding special varieties,application of molecular biology techniques,and developing or applying models to predict and evaluate the root and canopy senescence process of intercrops.Comprehensive analysis and evaluation of different research results could provide a basis for enhancing intercropping delay root and canopy senescence through adopting innovative technologies for regulating the physio-ecological characteristics of intercrops.This would support developing and adopting high-yield,efficient,and sustainable intercropping systems in arid and semi-arid areas with high population density,limited land,and abundant light and heat resources.
基金supported by the‘Double First-Class’Key Scientific Research Project of Education Department in Gansu Province,China(GSSYLXM-02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A20218 and 32160765)+3 种基金the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-22-G-12)the Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province,China(20JR5RA037 and 21JR7RA836)the Postdoctoral Research Start-up Foundation of Gansu Province,China(03824034)the Postdoctoral Research Start-up Foundation of Gansu Agricultural University,China(202403)。
文摘A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of intercropping maize with leguminous green manure on grain yield and N utilization under reduced N-fertilization conditions.A field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted in northwestern China from 2018 to 2021.The main plots consisted of two cropping systems:maize-common vetch intercropping(IM)and sole maize(SM).The subplots had three N levels:zero N application(N0,0 kg ha^(-1)),a 25%reduction from the traditional chemical N supply(N1,270 kg ha^(-1)),and the traditional chemical N supply(N2,360 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the negative effects of N reduction on maize grain yield and N uptake were compensated by intercropping leguminous green manure,and the improvements increased with cultivation years.The integrated system involving maize-leguminous green manure intercropping and a reduced N supply enhanced N translocation from maize vegetative organs to grains and increased the nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in maize leaves.The supercompensatory effect in maize leaves increased year by year,reaching values of 16.1,21.3,and 25.5%in 2019,2020,and 2021,respectively.These findings suggest that intercropping maize with leguminous green manure under reduced chemical N input can enhance N assimilation and uptake in maize.By using this strategy,chemical fertilizer is effectively replaced by leguminous green manure,thereby improving N use efficiency and maintaining stable yields in the maize-based intercropping system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31250512).
文摘Background The mulch-free subsurface drip irrigation system demonstrated water-saving potential as an alternative to traditional mulch-based drip irrigation while also eliminating residual film pollution at source.However,delayed sowing is unavoidable in mulch-free cultivation in ecological regions with a short frost-free period.Intercropping with cumin,which has a shorter growth period,served as an effective strategy to improve land use efficiency during the early growth stages of cotton.Therefore,a two-year field experiment was conducted to study the effects of intercropping cumin at the seeding rate of 2.5(ID1),3.85(ID2),and 5.2(ID3)kg・hm−2 on cotton growth,interspecies competition,fiber quality,and water use efficiency(WUE),as well as system economic benefits under subsurface drip irrigation.Monocropping cotton was used as the control(CK)treatment.Results At the initial flowering(IF)stage(the end of the co-growth period of cotton and cumin),cotton plant height in ID2 and ID3 treatments decreased by 5.93%–16.53%and 10.87%–31.11%,respectively,cotton stem diameter by 11.41%–14.25%and 3.37%–26.49%,respectively,and vegetative biomass by 14.46%–30.65%and 22.59%–49.91%,respectively,compared with CK treatment.With the increase in cumin density,the crop growth rate(CGR)and compensation effect in cotton tended to significantly decrease at the IF stage regardless of organs considered.For the non-co-growth period(after harvesting cumin),cotton reproductive organ biomass in ID2 and ID3 treatments increased by 4.09%‒14.61%at the boll opening stage,crop growth rate in reproductive organs by 20.74%and 74.26%from peak boll to boll opening stages compared with CK treatment,due to an enhancement of 19.09%and 49.30%in the compensation effect.Compared with ID1,the aggressivity treated by ID2 and ID3 decreased by 12.82%–46.34%and 17.95%–31.71%,respectively.However,owing to a greater number of green bolls in the upper canopy at the harvest stages in the ID3 treatment,the system production value(closely related to yield)treated by ID2 was 11.69%–16.89%,6.56%–20.02%,and 16.48%–59.83%greater than that of the ID1,ID3,and CK treatments,respectively.This also led to the highest WUE and net profit under the ID2 treatment.Conclusion Intercropping cumin with medium density improved the cotton biomass accumulation characteristics and increased resources such as land and water utilization efficiency and economic benefits through a stronger compensation effect after harvesting cumin under subsurface drip irrigation without mulch.This study not only provides alternatives to residual film pollution in arid cotton fields but also establishes a sustainable agro-ecological-economic planting paradigm by reducing plastic use and enhancing water and fertilizer use efficiency,holding significant implications for advancing resource-efficient agricultural systems.
基金Supported by Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Guizhou Province(S2024106642161)Zunyi City and Zunyi Normal University Joint Technology Research Fund(ZSKH HZ Z(2023)159)+3 种基金Zunyi Science and Technology Support Program Project(ZSKHZC NS[2023]15)Science and Technology Commissioner Innovation and Entrepreneurship Service Training Demonstration Base of Guizhou Province(HHG2025001)Natural Science Research Project of Department of Education of Guizhou Province(QJJ[2023]043)Zunyi Science and Technology Innovation Team Project(ZKCTD008).
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the impact of soybean intercropping on soil fertility in the planting areas of high-quality peach orchards in Shenxi Town,Zunyi City,Guizhou Province.[Methods]Soil samples were collected during the seedling,growth,and maturity stages of soybeans from both non-intercropped soil(control check group,CK)and soybean-intercropped soil(Qiandou 11,experimental group,EK).Analysis was conducted on soil fertility properties,including alkali-hydrolyzable N,available P,and available K.[Results]The impact of soybean intercropping on soil physicochemical properties was primarily manifested as the increased levels of alkali-hydrolyzable N and available K and the decreased level of available P in the soil during the seedling,growing,and maturity stages.Overall,this approach optimized and enhanced soil fertility in the peach orchards,providing a viable pathway for soil improvement in peach orchards located in karst areas.[Conclusions]The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the high-quality development of high-quality peach orchards.
文摘In recent years,due to China's limited resources of arable land area,the disparity between the supply and demand of soybeans is considerable,which makes intercropping widely used in agriculture,especially intercropping of cereals and legumes.Intercropping is a fundamental technique to enhance the field climate,optimize light use,increase biodiversity,decrease the occurrence of harmful organisms and diseases,and maximize resource utilization and land use efficiency.In order to clarify the effects of maize and soybean in intercropping and monoculture modes,this study analyzed 50 English literatures and 45 Chinese literatures,focusing on plant height,root morphology,leaf area index(LAI),relative chlorophyll content and other influencing factors.These analyses laid a good foundation for the further study of maize-soybean intercropping system.It was observed that in the maize-soybean intercropping system,the marginal effect of maize and the nitrogen-fixing function of soybean should be fully utilised,while taking into account the suitability of monocropping and intercropping modes.To this end,the yields of maize and soybean can be improved by reducing maize-soybean row spacing,increasing maize-soybean belt spacing and an increase in the number of rows of soybeans to be able to reduce the degree of shading,and increasing the light of soybean,In addition,it is necessary to choose the best intercropping pattern and other measures according to the crop growth conditions in different areas and the sunshine situation in different local directions,in order to achieve high yields of soybeans and maize.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971853)。
文摘The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.
基金supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Key Research and Development Program,China(2020C02026)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072626 and 32001910)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Provincial Universities of Zhejiang,China(2021YW41)the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students of China Jiliang University(2023-96)。
文摘Phthalate esters(PAEs)are an emerging pollutant due to widespread distribution in environmental mediums that have attracted widespread attention over recent years.However,there is little information about tea plantation soil PAEs.A total of 270 soil samples collected from 45 tea plantations in the major high-quality tea-producing regions of Jiangsu,Zhejiang,and Anhui provinces in China were analyzed for seven PAEs.The detection frequency of PAEs in tea plantation soil was 100%.DBP,DEHP,and DiBP were the main congeners in tea plantation soil.The PAEs concentrations in the upper soil were significantly higher than those in the lower soil.The concentration of tea plantation soil PAEs in Jiangsu Province was significantly lower than those in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.Intercropping with chestnuts can effectively reduce the contamination level of PAEs in tea plantation soil.Correlation analysis,redundancy analysis,partial correlation analysis,and structural equation modeling methods further confirmed the strong direct influence of factors such as chestnut–tea intercropping,temperature,and agricultural chemicals on the variation of PAEs in tea plantation soil.The health and ecological risk assessments indicated that non-carcinogenic risk was within a safe range and that there was a high carcinogenic risk via the dietary pathway,with DBP posing the highest ecological risk.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32101844)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2021QC188 and ZR2022MC103).
文摘Recent publications have highlighted the development of an alternate cotton-peanut intercropping as a novel strat-egy to enhance agricultural productivity.In this article,we provide an overview of the progress made in the alternate cotton-peanut intercropping,specifically focusing on its yield benefits,environmental impacts,and the underlying mechanisms.In addition,we advocate for future investigations into the selection or development of appropriate crop varieties and agricultural equipment,pest management options,and the mechanisms of root-canopy interactions.This review is intended to provide a valuable reference for understanding and adopting an alternate intercropping system for sustainable cotton production.
基金We are grateful to the Department of Soil Science,Agricultural,Research Institute,Quetta,Pakistan for provision of laboratory facilities for chemical analysis of soil samples.We extend our gratitude to the Department of Zoology,University of Balochistan,Pakistan for the identification of soil fauna。
文摘Barshore is a small village in the Pishin District,Balochistan,Pakistan,with dry summers and cold rainy winters.This is an agrarian region,mostly with orchards of various fruit trees.This study investigated the physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various agricultural management practices of this region.The concentrations of soil organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),nutrients,pH,electrical conductivity,soil texture,and the abundance and number of species of soil macrofauna of the agricultural fields were measured.Fifteen agricultural fields were sampled.Fourteen fields were orchards of apple,apricot or the mixture of apple and apricot trees and one field was a cropland,cultivated with wheat as a monocrop.The orchards were under conservation agricultural practices;whereas,the cropland was under conventional management.These agricultural lands were 2-26 years old.The concentration of soil organic matter(SOM)in the upper 0-10 cm depth of these field sites ranged from 11.6 g kg^(-1)to 32.8 g kg^(-1)soil.As compared to cropland,orchards had significantly higher concentration of SOM and SOC.A total of 18 soil macrofauna species were found and the most common and abundant were ants(Monomorium minimum,Camponotus pennsylvanicus,Solenopsis invicta,and Lasius niger)followed by Arion ssp.(Brown Slug)and earthworm Lumbricus terrestris.Regression analysis revealed non-significant relationship of the age and the concentration of SOM with the number of macrofauna species and with the concentrations of total mineral nitrogen,bioavailable phosphorus and clay.The existence of ants had no relationship with the concentration of SOM;whereas,existence of Lumbricus terrestris tended to had a positive relationship with the concentration of SOM.The field of tree-based intercropping system was 2 years of age since the land was converted from rangeland to a cropland,had two ant species coexisting.This indicates the positive influence of crop diversification on soil macrofauna.
基金supported by the China National Key R&D Program during the 14th Five-year Plan Period(2022YFD1901603)。
文摘Sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition is an important sustainable agricultural pattern that can alter soil ecological functions,thereby affecting straw decomposition in the soil.However,the mechanisms underlying changes in soil organic carbon(SOC)composition and microbial communities during straw decomposition under long-term intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition remain unclear.In this study,we conducted an in-situ microplot incubation experiment with^(13)C-labeled soybean straw residue addition in a two-factor(cropping pattern:sugarcane monoculture(MS)and sugarcane/soybean intercropping(SB);nitrogen addition levels:reduced nitrogen addition(N1)and conventional nitrogen addition(N2))long-term experimental field plot.The results showed that the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the residual particulate organic carbon(POC)and residual microbial biomass carbon(MBC)contents during straw decomposition,and the straw carbon in soil was mainly conserved as POC.Straw addition changed the structure and reduced the diversity of the soil microbial community,but microbial diversity gradually recovered with decomposition time.During straw decomposition,the intercropping pattern significantly increased the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Ascomycota.In addition,straw addition reduced microbial network complexity in the sugarcane/soybean intercropping pattern but increased it in the sugarcane monoculture pattern.Nevertheless,microbial network complexity remained higher in the SBN1 treatment than in the MSN1 treatment.In general,the SBN1 treatment significantly increased the diversity of microbial communities and the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with organic matter decomposition,and the changes in microbial communities were mainly driven by the residual labile SOC fractions.These findings suggest that more straw carbon can be sequestered in the soil under sugarcane/soybean intercropping with reduced nitrogen addition to maintain microbial diversity and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture.
文摘Wheat is one of the most important cereals in the world, serving as a staple for millions globally. In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, it has become incumbent for many countries to invest in wheat production. Improving cropping systems for wheat production is paramount. Intercropping cereals with legumes has tremendous advantages. Therefore, this study was designed to optimize wheat production by intercropping it with soybean at different densities. Between March and August 2023, a randomized complete block design trial was conducted in Bambili, North West of Cameroon with treatments T1 (wheat monocrop at 200,000 plants ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T2 (soybean monocrop at 250,000 plants ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T3 (200,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T4 (100,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>), T5 (200,000 wheat and 250,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) and T6 (100,000 wheat and 125,000 soybean ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>). Results revealed that growth parameters of wheat were not significantly influenced by monocrop or intercrop. The yield of wheat was significantly higher in the monocrop than the intercrop treatments, with slight variation amongst the intercrop treatments. Soybean yield was higher in the monocrop than in the intercrop, with no variations amongst the intercrop treatments. Only the land equivalence ratio (LER) for T5 was greater than 1.0. The competitive ratio for T5 was 0.54 for wheat and 1.90 for soybean, comparatively lower than the other monocrop treatments. Intercropping wheat and soybean at 200,000:250,000 ratio is recommended.
基金Supported by China Agricultural Industry Research System(CARS-15-38).
文摘In recent years,the area dedicated to cotton cultivation in eastern Henan Province has experienced a continuous decline.Developing efficient multi-cropping systems for cotton and increasing the multiple cropping index represent effective strategies to stabilize the cotton planting area and enhance the income of cotton farmers.This paper presents an overview of intercropping systems and the benefits associated with cotton rotation and intercropping practices.Specifically,it discusses the"early maturing cotton-wheat"rotation system,the"cotton-watermelon"intercropping system,the"cotton-Dutch bean"intercropping system,and the"early maturing cotton-peanut-garlic"intercropping system.
文摘Rubber agroforestry systems positively impact soil microbial communities. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore the research status, hotspots, and development trends related to these effects. Using CiteSpace software, we visually analyzed research literature from the Web of Science (WOS) core database, spanning 2004 to 2024. The focus was on the impact of rubber agroforestry ecosystems on soil microbial communities. The results indicate significant attention from Chinese researchers, who have published numerous influential papers in this field. Authors Liu Wenjie have contributed the most papers, although no stable core author group exists. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading research institution in terms of publication volume. While there is close collaboration between different institutions and countries, the intensity of researcher cooperation is low. The most cited literature emphasizes soil nutrients and structure in rubber agroforestry, laying a foundation for soil microorganism studies. Most cited journals are from countries like Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Key research areas include the effects of rubber intercropping on soil microbial communities, agroforestry management, and soil health. Research development can be divided into three stages: the initial stage (2010-2015), the development stage (2015-2020), and the mature stage (2020-2024). Current studies show that rubber intercropping and rubber-based agroforestry systems enhance soil microbial communities, positively impacting soil health. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of rubber agroforestry systems and improved management plans. Future research could explore the effects of species composition on soil microbiological characteristics and develop methods for species interactions. An in-depth study of the soil microbial community’s structure and function, and its relationship with rubber trees, is crucial. Developing effective, rationally designed rubber agroforestry systems and underground soil microbiome technology will promote sustainability and improve plantation productivity.
