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"SOIL CONSERVATION"
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Analysis of conservation practices for black soil based on organic matter and nitrogen contents in the black soil region of Northeast China
Black soil conservation has attracted increasing attention from researchers. However, few studies have addressed black soil degradation and conservation mechanisms in the black soil region of Northeast China. In this study, we investigated black soil in Bei’an City in Heilongjiang Province and conducted comparisons with soil in other locations with similar environmental conditions and agricultural production levels but different reclamation histories. We predicted and analyzed the changes in the organic matter and nitrogen contents of black soils after different numbers of years under reclamation by using a gray forecast model. In addition, we aimed to identify soil conservation practices that consider the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of soils in the black soil region of Northeast China for implementation in the long term. The results showed that human and natural factors, such as long-term unsustainable cultivation practices and soil erosion, have caused the structural degradation of black soil in Northeast China. The annual decreases in the organic matter and nitrogen contents of black soil in Bei’an City were determined as 0.17% and 0.18%, respectively, using the gray forecast model. Preliminarily explorations identified the potential mechanisms associated with the effects of soil conservation practices on the organic matter and nitrogen contents, and microbial dynamics in black soils. Finally, according to the current implementation of black soil conservation practices in the black soil region of Northeast China, the outlook for future soil conservation practices is reasonable. This study provides a theoretical reference to meet the aims of protection and utilization for black soil in Northeast China in the future.
Journal Article
A world without soil : the past, present, and precarious future of the Earth beneath our feet
A scientist's manifesto addressing a soil loss crisis accelerated by poor conservation practices and climate change.
Book
Soil-erosion and runoff prevention by plant covers. A review
Soil erosion is a critical environmental problem throughout the world’s terrestrial ecosystems. Erosion inflicts multiple, serious damages in managed ecosystems such as crops, pastures, or forests as well as in natural ecosystems. In particular, erosion reduces the water-holding capacity because of rapid water runoff, and reduces soil organic matter. As a result, nutrients and valuable soil biota are transported. At the same time, species diversity of plants, animals, and microbes is significantly reduced. One of the most effective measures for erosion control and regeneration the degraded former soil is the establishment of plant covers. Indeed, achieving future of safe environment depends on conserving soil, water, energy, and biological resources. Soil erosion can be controlled through a process of assessment at regional scales for the development and restoration of the plant cover, and the introduction of conservation measures in the areas at greatest risk. Thus, conservation of these vital resources needs to receive high priority to ensure the effective protection of managed and natural ecosystems. This review article highlights three majors topics: (1) the impact of erosion of soil productivity with particular focus on climate and soil erosion; soil seal and crust development; and C losses from soils; (2) land use and soil erosion with particular focus on soil loss in agricutural lands; shrub and forest lands; and the impact of erosion in the Mediterranean terraced lands; and (3) the impact of plant covers on soil erosion with particular focus on Mediterranean factors affecting vegetation; plant roots and erosion control; and plant cover and biodiversity.
Journal Article
Redox potential (Eh) and pH as drivers of soil/plant/microorganism systems: a transdisciplinary overview pointing to integrative opportunities for agronomy
Background Oxidation-reduction and acid-base reactions are essential for the maintenance of all living organisms. However, redox potential (Eh) has received little attention in agronomy, unlike pH, which is regarded as a master variable. Agronomists are probably depriving themselves of a key factor in crop and soil science which could be a useful integrative tool. Scope This paper reviews the existing literature on Eh in various disciplines connected to agronomy, whether associated or not with pH, and then integrates this knowledge within a composite framework. Conclusions This transdisciplinary review offers evidence that Eh and pH are respectively and jointly major drivers of soil/plant/microorganism systems. Information on the roles of Eh and pH in plant and microorganism physiology and in soil genesis converges to form an operational framework for further studies of soil/plant/microorganism functioning. This framework is based on the hypothesis that plants physiologically function within a specific internal Eh-pH range and that, along with microorganisms, they alter Eh and pH in the rhizosphere to ensure homeostasis at the cell level. This new perspective could help in bridging several disciplines related to agronomy, and across micro and macro-scales. It should help to improve cropping systems design and management, in conventional, organic, and conservation agriculture.
Journal Article
The hidden half of nature : the microbial roots of life and health
\"Prepare to set aside what you think you know about yourself and microbes. Good health--for people and for plants--depends on Earth's smallest creatures. [This book] tells the story of our tangled relationship with microbes and their potential to revolutionize agriculture and medicine, from garden to gut\"--Dust jacket flap.
BOOK
HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH FOR SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGICAL PROTECTION ON THE LOESS PLATEAU
Analyse the effects of ecological management measures undertaken so far. Point out the main problems that confront effective ecological management. Suggest some measures to guide ecological management and high-quality development. Develop some models to improve the quality of clear waters and green mountains. Provide scientific and technological support for green and eco-friendly development. The Loess Plateau is the core area in the Yellow River basin for implementing environmental protection and high-quality development strategies. A series of ecological projects has implemented aimed at soil and water conservation and ecological management on the Loess Plateau over the past 70 years. The effects of the ecological projects are apparent mainly through a marked increase in vegetation cover, controlled soil erosion and reduced flow of sediment into the Yellow River, continual optimization of the industrial structure and increased production from arable land, poverty alleviation and greater prosperity, and optimal allocation of space for biological organisms. Major problems have also been analyzed in ecological management including the fragile ecosystem of the region, maintaining the stability of vegetation, lower agricultural productivity and continued risk from natural disasters. Some suitable schemes and models have been developed for the coordinated development of the region through research and demonstration, striking the optimum balance between rural industry and ecology, and increased regional capacity to supply high-quality ecological products. Countermeasures to address the problems are suggested to guide ecological management and high-quality development in the future.
Journal Article
The challenge of sustaining soils : natural and social ramifications of biomass production in a changing world
\"In this book, soils are put centre stage in the debate about global climate change and biomass production, which influences considerably the evaluation of sustainable options for the future\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Agro-ecological functions of crop residues under conservation agriculture. A review
Conservation agriculture, which is based on minimum tillage, permanent soil cover and crop rotations, has widely been promoted as a practice to maintain or improve soil quality and enhance crop productivity. To a large extent, the beneficial effects of conservation agriculture are expected to be provided by permanent soil cover with crop residues. Surface crop residues play an important role for crop growth through their benefits on soil-related structural components and processes in the agro-ecosystem, referred to in this study as agro-ecological functions. Through a meta-analysis of the literature, we have studied the relative effects of surface crop residue levels on the performance of a set of agro-ecological functions compared with a no-till bare soil, i.e., without surface residues. The selected agro-ecological functions were soil water evaporation control, soil water infiltration, soil water runoff control, soil loss control, soil nutrient availability, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and gains, weed control and soil meso- and macrofauna abundance. The potential effects of crop residue cover were quantified using boundary line models. Our main findings were (1) 8 t ha
−1
of residues were needed to decrease soil water evaporation by about 30% compared to no-till bare soil. (2) To achieve the maximum effect on soil water infiltration, water runoff and soil loss control, residue amounts of at least 2 t ha
−1
were required. (3) The effect of increasing the amounts of surface crop residues on soil nutrient supply (N, P and K) was relatively low; the boundary line models were not significant. (4) The average annual SOC gain increased with increasing amounts of residues, with a mean of 0.38 t C ha
−1
year
−1
with 4 to 5 t ha
−1
of residues. (5) Weed emergence and biomass can be reduced by 50% compared to a no-till bare soil with residue amounts of 1 t ha
−1
or more. (6) There was a weak response in soil meso- and macrofauna abundance to increasing amounts of surface crop residues. The maximum effect corresponded to an increase of 45% compared to a no-till bare soil and was reached from 10 t ha
−1
of residues. Our findings suggest that optimal amounts of surface residues in the practice of conservation agriculture will largely depend on the type of constraints to crop production which can be addressed with mulching.
Journal Article