Sustainable crop production requires the efficient use of agronomic inputs in order to increase yield without causing a negative environmental impact. In such a context, the choice of the crop succession influences the amount of fertilizers used. Scientists Jacobs et al. studied the preceding crop effects on input efficiency for sugar beet cultivation. They propose a method to assess these effects, for decision makers.
Nitrogen use efficiency is a complex trait involving many crop physiological mechanisms. Breeding for this trait has therefore not been challenged, despite its potential benefits. Scientists Lammerts van Bueren and Struik review breeding strategies for nitrogen use efficiency in vegetables and compare those with strategies in grain crops. They argue that some traits are generic across species, while other traits are crop-specific. They conclude that there is sufficient genetic variation available among modern cultivars to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Biochar favors the production of crops by improving the soil, preserving water and retaining nutrients. On the long-term, however, it remains to be studied whether or not biochar amendment on vineyard soil releases harmful pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. Scientists Maienza et al. showed that biochar application in a Tuscany vineyard has no negative impact on soil ecology, reinforcing its interest as a sustainable practice in vineyards.
Nutrient management in oil palm is important for its sustainable development. Scientists Tao et al. used for fifteen years the empty fruit bunch, an oil palm residue, to fertilize palm oil trees in an Indonesian field trial. Applying this residue maintained crop yield and temporal variability while increasing soil organic carbon. Switching from chemical fertilizer treatment to crop residue application is a sustainable practice in the palm oil agricultural management.
Micro- and secondary nutrient deficiencies are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists Kihara et al. reviewed the responses of crops such as maize, sorghum, wheat and rice to micro- and secondary nutrient applications in this region. They showed that both single and combined nutrient applications increased yields in a majority of cases. They discuss the need for amending the actual fertilizer blends accordingly.
Many organic farmers tolerate negative phosphorus budgets and rely on biological activation of soil P reserves. Scientists Ohm et al. investigated long term soil P pools and enzymatic soil activities in organic cropping systems. They show that labile inorganic P fractions in soils decrease continuously and future mobilization forces for P from more stable fractions are insecure in practical use. Organic farming should be aware of the problem and develop P-fertilizing strategies.
Buildup of phosphorus in agricultural soils due to nitrogen-based manure management can increase the risk of phosphorus loss from agricultural fields over time. Scientists Sadeghpour et al. demonstrated the long-term sustainability benefits of phosphorus removal based manure management of a dairy corn silage and alfalfa forage rotation. The work emphasizes the importance of rotation fertility management rather than single-year P management.
Micronutrients provide multiple benefits in crops. In plants, part of these micronutrients is involved in plant-soil-water relations. A new article by Dimkpa and co-workers demonstrates the effects of using a micronutrient formulation of zinc, copper and boron in mitigating drought stress on soybeans. Micronutrients increased plants growth, yield and nutrient uptake. Such a strategy contributes to decrease fertilizer losses and to zinc fortification of food crops.
Legumes are not only good for food but legume cultivation also provides nitrogen that can further fertilise other plants. Agronomists Thilakarathna et al. review how nitrogen is transferred from legumes to other plants. They suggest the co-selection of plant pairs with compatible traits.
Phosphorus is a non-renewable and strategic resource essential to produce food and other goods through. Present methods to measure soil phosphorus lack accuracy. Recena et al. designed a new method taking into account clay content and pH to make accurate predictions of phosphorus threshold values. This will contribute to a more sustainable use of phosphorus resource in agriculture.