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Agronomy
Special Issues
Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems
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Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 3102

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Wenxu Dong

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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 286 Huaizhong Road, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
Interests: conservation tillage; greenhouse gas emissions; ammonia volatilization; carbon sequestration; nitrogen cycle
Dr. Anna Walkiewicz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Natural Environment Biogeochemistry, Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
Interests: gas exchange in soil; emission and absorption of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O); biological activity of soil
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrient cycling in farmland is a vital safeguard for soil vitality and agricultural production, as well as a key factor in ecosystem balance. Over the years, agricultural practices have often focused on maximizing yields without considering the potential environmental consequences. As a result, the excessive use of fertilizers, improper waste management, and reduced nutrient recycling have led to nutrient imbalances, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Understanding the intricate interplay between nutrient cycling and environmental effects is crucial for addressing these challenges and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural systems. Innovative research that explores the complex interactions between nutrient cycles, soil health, water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity conservation will form the core of this Special Issue.

This Special Issue aims to explore the mechanisms and processes of nutrient cycling in farmland ecosystems, and identify innovative approaches that promote sustainable nutrient management while minimizing negative environmental consequences. This Special Issue solicits original research articles, reviews, case studies, theoretical discussions, and policy papers addressing sustainable nutrient management in agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Wenxu Dong
Dr. Anna Walkiewicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

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

Keywords

  • nutrient cycling
  • farmland ecosystems
  • soil health
  • NH3 emission
  • greenhouse gases emission
  • nitrite leaching
  • water pollution

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2433 KiB  
Article
Replacing Chemical Fertilizer with Separated Biogas Slurry to Reduce Soil Nitrogen Loss and Increase Crop Yield—A Two-Year Field Study
by Zichao Zhao, Longyun Fu, Li Yao, Yanqin Wang and Yan Li
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14061173 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 80
Abstract
The application of biogas slurry in agriculture production is regarded as a sustainable method for mitigating the environmental impacts of fertilization. To investigate the effects of biogas slurry application on soil nitrogen loss and crop yield, a field plot experiment was conducted within [...] Read more.
The application of biogas slurry in agriculture production is regarded as a sustainable method for mitigating the environmental impacts of fertilization. To investigate the effects of biogas slurry application on soil nitrogen loss and crop yield, a field plot experiment was conducted within a wheat–maize rotation system. This study assessed the effects of three levels of biogas slurry nitrogen substitution, 50% (BSF), 100% (BS), and 150% (EBS), on the yield of silage maize and wheat, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil nitrogen loss. The findings revealed that in the first year (characterized by high rainfall), the application of the biogas slurry led to increased NH3 emissions and nitrogen leaching, resulting in a notable rise in the annual nitrogen loss. Additionally, it was observed that as the amount of applied biogas slurry increased, the nitrogen loss also rose correspondingly. However, in the second year (a period of drought conditions), despite the elevated NH3 emissions from the biogas slurry, there was a significant reduction in nitrogen leaching, which resulted in reductions of 14.2% and 20.0% in annual nitrogen loss for the BSF and BS treatments, respectively, with comparable nitrogen input to the fertilizer treatment. Throughout both years, the application of biogas slurry did not decrease the yield of silage maize and wheat, and notably, the BS treatment even enhanced the crop nitrogen utilization efficiency. Compared with other nitrogen fertilizer treatments, the EBS treatment did not increase crop yield even with an increased nitrogen application rate; it also reduced the nitrogen utilization efficiency and N loss. In conclusion, employing biogas slurry to replace chemical fertilizer (equivalent nitrogen substitution) during drought years can enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency, reduce nitrogen loss, and sustain crop yield. When applying biogas slurry in years with substantial rainfall, effective measures should be implemented to mitigate nitrogen loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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25 pages, 2204 KiB  
Article
Cereal-Legume Mixed Residue Addition Increases Yield and Reduces Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fertilized Winter Wheat in the North China Plain
by Md Raseduzzaman, Gokul Gaudel, Md Razzab Ali, Arbindra Timilsina, Fiston Bizimana, Stephen Okoth Aluoch, Xiaoxin Li, Yuming Zhang and Chunsheng Hu
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14061167 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 278
Abstract
Incorporating crop residues into the soil is an effective method for improving soil carbon sequestration, fertility, and crop productivity. Such potential benefits, however, may be offset if residue addition leads to a substantial increase in soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Incorporating crop residues into the soil is an effective method for improving soil carbon sequestration, fertility, and crop productivity. Such potential benefits, however, may be offset if residue addition leads to a substantial increase in soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to quantify the effect of different crop residues with varying C/N ratios and different nitrogen (N) fertilizers on GHG emissions, yield, and yield-scaled emissions (GHGI) in winter wheat. The field experiment was conducted during the 2018–2019 winter wheat season, comprising of four residue treatments (no residue, maize residue, soybean residue, and maize-soybean mixed residue) and four fertilizer treatments (control, urea, manure, and manure + urea). The experiment followed a randomized split-plot design, with N treatments as the main plot factor and crop residue treatments as the sub-plot factor. Except for the control, all N treatments received 150 kg N ha−1 season−1. The results showed that soils from all treatments acted as a net source of N2O and CO2 fluxes but as a net sink of CH4 fluxes. Soybean residue significantly increased soil N2O emissions, while mixed residue had the lowest N2O emissions among the three residues. However, all residue amendments significantly increased soil CO2 emissions. Furthermore, soybean and mixed residues significantly increased grain yield by 24% and 21%, respectively, compared to no residue amendment. Both soybean and mixed residues reduced GHGI by 25% compared to maize residue. Additionally, the urea and manure + urea treatments exhibited higher N2O emissions among the N treatments, but they contributed to significantly higher grain yields and resulted in lower GHGI. Moreover, crop residue incorporation significantly altered soil N dynamics. In soybean residue-amended soil, both NH4+ and NO3− concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Conversely, soil NO3− content was notably lower in the maize-soybean mixed residue amendment. Overall, our findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how different residue additions from different cropping systems influence soil N dynamics and GHG emissions, offering valuable insights into effective agroecosystems management for long-term food security and soil sustainability while mitigating GHG emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
14 pages, 4262 KiB  
Article
The Seasonal Response of N2O Emissions on Increasing Precipitation and Nitrogen Deposition and Its Driving Factors in Temperate Semi-Arid Grassland
by Qin Peng, Yuchun Qi, Feihu Yin, Yu Guo, Yunshe Dong, Xingren Liu, Xiujin Yuan and Ning Lv
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1153; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14061153 - 28 May 2024
Viewed by 201
Abstract
The accurate assessment of the rise in nitrous oxide (N2O) under global changes in grasslands has been hindered because of inadequate annual observations. To measure the seasonal response of N2O emissions to increased water and nitrogen (N) deposition, one [...] Read more.
The accurate assessment of the rise in nitrous oxide (N2O) under global changes in grasslands has been hindered because of inadequate annual observations. To measure the seasonal response of N2O emissions to increased water and nitrogen (N) deposition, one year round N2O emissions were investigated by chamber weekly in the growing season and every two weeks in the non-growing season in semi-arid temperate grasslands northern China. The results showed the temperate semi-arid grassland to be a source of N2O with greater variability and contribution during the non-growing season. The individual effects of water or N addition increased N2O emissions during the growing season, while the effects of water or N addition depended on the N application rates during the non-growing season. Soil properties, particularly soil temperature and water-filled pore space (WFPS), played key roles in regulating N2O emissions. Structural equation modeling revealed that these factors explained 71% and 35% of the variation in N2O fluxes during the growing and non-growing season, respectively. This study suggested that without observations during the non-growing season it is possible to misestimate the annual N2O emissions and the risk of N2O emissions increasing under global change. This would provide insights for future management strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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20 pages, 5908 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Synergy between Humic Acid Substances, Dehydrogenase Activity and Soil Fertility
by Katarzyna Kagan, Weronika Goraj, Agnieszka Kuźniar, Anna Kruczyńska, Anna Sochaczewska, Andrzej Słomczewski and Agnieszka Wolińska
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1031; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14051031 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 628
Abstract
The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be [...] Read more.
The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be sufficient to maintain soil fertility (expressed as dehydrogenase activity—DHA, humic acid substances—HA substances, E4/E6 ratio), and yields of wheat and rapeseed cultivated in strip-till technology. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for wheat and rapeseed cultivation, and soils (0–20 cm) were sampled before sowing and after harvesting. It was found that a 20% fertilization reduction does not adversely affect the biological activity expressed by DHA. Nevertheless, the reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates led to a slight decrease in the E4/E6 ratio, which could serve as a potential indicator of fertilization reduction. DHA, E4/E6 ratio and content of HA substances were also dependent on the crop. Following harvesting, both rapeseed and wheat exhibited a positive correlation between the E4/E6 ratio and the degree of fertilization rate (FR), as well as yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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13 pages, 2432 KiB  
Article
The Biogas Production Potential and Community Structure Characteristics of the Co-Digestion of Dairy Manure and Tomato Residues
by Yanqin Wang, Yan Li, Li Yao, Longyun Fu and Zhaodong Liu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 881; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14050881 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 495
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is an important means to turn agricultural waste into resources and an important way to address the challenges in treating vegetable residues in China. In this study, the co-digestion of dairy manure with tomato residue was investigated to clarify the effect [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion is an important means to turn agricultural waste into resources and an important way to address the challenges in treating vegetable residues in China. In this study, the co-digestion of dairy manure with tomato residue was investigated to clarify the effect of the total solids (TS) of the digestion substrate on methane’s production and mechanism using the self-made anaerobic digestion device. The results showed that all treatments could rapidly ferment methane and that the daily methane production showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The optimal concentrations of the digestion substrate for liquid anaerobic digestion (L-AD), hemi-solid-state anaerobic digestion (HSS-AD), and solid-state anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) were 10%, 18%, and 25%, respectively. Compared with SS-AD and HSS-AD, L-AD gas production peaked 3–6 days earlier. Treatment TS25 had the best cumulative methane production, reaching 117.4 mL/g VS. However, treatment TS6 had acid accumulation and a very unstable system. The cumulative methane production of SS-AD was higher than that of HSS-AD and L-AD. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant flora, and Methanoculleus, Methanosarcina, and Methanobrevibacter were the main archaeal groups. The TS significantly changed the microbial community composition of the digestion system, especially the low TS treatment. The results presented herein indicated that TS significantly changed the bacterial and archaeal community composition of the digestion system, and thus with the increase in TS from 6% to 25%, the methane yield increased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 4018 KiB  
Article
Layered-Strip Fertilization Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Enhancing Absorption and Suppressing Loss of Urea Nitrogen
by Hongliang Wu, Luming Wang, Xiuping Liu, Qiang Li, Changai Lu and Wenxu Dong
Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2428; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13092428 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
Appropriate deep application of fertilizer is the key basis for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, the effects of different deep application methods and fertilizer types on nutrient migration, NUE and biomass in wheat season are unclear. Therefore, in this study, a barrel [...] Read more.
Appropriate deep application of fertilizer is the key basis for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, the effects of different deep application methods and fertilizer types on nutrient migration, NUE and biomass in wheat season are unclear. Therefore, in this study, a barrel planting test with multilayer fertilization (15N labeled urea (U) and coated urea (CU)) was conducted in a long-term positioning trial of winter wheat in the North China Plain (NCP). We quantified the migration of fertilizer N (Ndff) in soil–plant–atmosphere and its effects on wheat biomass and NUE based on surface (Usur, CUsur), layered-strip (Ustr, CUstr) and layered-mix fertilization (Umix, CUmix) of U and CU. Compared with surface fertilization, the concentration of mineral N in root zone (0–40 cm) was increased by Ustr and Umix (8.6–50.3%), and the concentration of ammonium N was decreased by CUstr and CUmix (49.6–76.0%), but there was no change in the nitrate N. The biomass and total N absorption of wheat tissues (straw and root) were increased by 12.3–38.9% under Ustr and CUstr. Meanwhile, the distribution of Ndff in the 0–10 cm soil was decreased under Ustr and CUstr, but it was increased in the 10–30 cm soil, thereby promoting the absorption of Ndff in wheat tissues by 12.3–28.7%. The rates of absorption and loss of Ndff were the highest (57.6–58.5%) and the lowest (4.5%) under Ustr and CUstr, respectively, compared with other treatments. Consequently, layered-strip fertilization optimized the migration and utilization of Ndff within the soil–plant–atmosphere system. This approach equalized distribution, enhanced absorption and minimized losses of Ndff, resulting in an increase in NUE by 9.6–16.7%. Under the same treatment, CU was more suitable for crop nutrient requirements than U, which was more conducive to the improvement of NUE. Our findings will provide a scientific basis for the precise directional fertilization of winter wheat in the NCP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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