Pelletized organomineral vs. inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers: impact on wheat nutritional status, productivity, and grain quality

 

Carciochi W.D., J.L. Ferrari, L. Orden, J.A. Galantini. 2024. Pelletized organomineral vs. inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers: impact on wheat nutritional status, productivity, and grain quality. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02045-9

The literature presents conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of organomineral fertilizers (OMFs) in comparison to inorganic counterparts. Furthermore, limited information is available comparing these fertilizer sources in terms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity, especially in Mollisols from humid regions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of OMFs with that of inorganic fertilizers as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sources, with a focus on their influence on wheat nutrition, yield, and grain quality. Three field trials were conducted in the Argentinean Pampas to compare OMFs enriched with N and P (OMF + N and OMF + P) against urea and monoammonium phosphate, respectively. The greenness index (GI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured to characterize the nutritional status of the crop. Grain yield and quality parameters (i.e., hectolitre weight, protein, and gluten concentration) were determined. The main findings of this study were: (i) the combined application of OMF + N and OMF + P increased wheat yield by 13% (588 kg ha−1) compared to inorganic fertilizers; (ii) OMF + N exhibited slower N release compared to urea; (iii) GI and, particularly, NDVI were related to grain yield (R2 = 0.71 and 0.81, respectively); and (iv) fertilizer sources did not affect grain quality parameters. In conclusion, OMFs offer a suitable option for contributing to the recycling of nutrients in agroecosystems and reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers, allowing increased wheat yield while maintaining grain quality in Mollisols of humid regions.

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Soil sampling to Soil Organic Carbon evaluation

 

Soils are key for food production and climate change mitigating, as they constitute the main reservoir of organic carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Maintaining and/or increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) improves soil health and its physical, chemical and biological fertility, in addition to promoting water storage, increasing food production potential and sustaining other ecosystem functions.

The main objective of this protocol is to offer users a unified and easy-to-adopt methodological tool that helps to reliably and successfully measure SOC reserves under various managements and help to measure of changes over time. This technical/guideline protocol has been developed jointly and voluntarily by AAPRESID, CREA and the Argentine Association of Soil Science (AACS), to promote the adoption of sustainable soil management practices that allow maximizing SOC reserves.

In Spanish  (------)

Long-term crop rotation effects on organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in Haplustoll soil fractions

 Long-term crop rotation effects on organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in Haplustoll soil fractions

Soil organic matter (SOM) or carbon (SOC) consists of a number of fractions (which can be separated by granulometric wet sieving) having different properties among them. Information on fraction nutrient distribution and long-term crop rotations is lacking for semiarid environments. The objective of this research was to study the agronomic effects on soil OC, N, and P factions. The humified OC was the largest and least variable fraction of the SOC. Soil under continuous mixed pasture had higher OC contents than under annually tilled treatments. Similarly, soil total nitrogen under the cropped treatments decreased from 1.7 g N kg^-1 in noncultivated soils (reference plots) to 1.0, 0.7 and 0.7 g N kg^-1 under mixed pasture, pasture-crop, and wheat-crop respectively, in the fine soil fraction. The reference plots also showed significantly lower levels of organic phosphorus (Po) in comparison to the other treatment (from 67.1 µg Po g^-1 to greater than 100 µg Po g^-1 in the fine fraction of the treatments and years). The noncultivated soil showed larger values of Po and inorganic P in the large-size granulometric fraction (0.1-2 mm) than in the soil fine fraction (0-01 mm). However, the rotation treatments had greater concentrations of P in the fine fraction. The Po from the coarse fraction appears to be the most labile and sensitive fraction to tillage and environmental conditions, and may be closely related to P availability.

Keywords semiarid soil fractionation, organic P, inorganic P, tillage systems

Rosell R.A., J.A. Galantini, L.G. Suñer. 2000. Long-term crop rotation effects on organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in Haplustoll soil fractions. Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation 14 (4) 309-316.

 

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The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity

 The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity in the Pampean semiarid region of Argentina. 2. Nutrient balance, yield and grain quality

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the semiarid region of Argentina has often been grown as a low-input crop. Rainfall scarcity and distribution are the main characteristics of the region. Consequently, knowledge of the effect of different management practices is the key to sustainable crop production. The objective of this work was to study the effect of 15 years of different wheat management practices on plant nutrition, dry matter production and grain yield and quality. The treatments were: continuous wheat (WW), wheat-grazing natural grasses (WG) and wheat-legume: [vetch (Vicia sativa L.) plus oat (Avena sativa L.) or Triticale (Triticum aestivum L.  Secale cereale L.)] (WL), with and without fertilizer (N  P) application. The WW and WL treatments involved annual tillage and a long fallow period (4-6 months) under stubble mulch, and WG involved annual alternate tillage and a short fallow (1 month). The experiment was started in 1975 and the data presented were obtained in 1989. Wheat yields were higher with the WW than with the WG rotation, but in both rotations fertilization was required to obtain better grain quality (protein content higher than 11 per cent). The wheat-legume rotation resulted in the highest yield, protein content, and better yield components. Fertilizer application did not increase dry matter production but improved nutrient uptake and grain quality. Yield component differences could be attributed to water availability due to different fallow length. The wheat-legume rotation seemed to be the best practice 

Galantini J.A., M.R. Landriscini, J.O. Iglesias, A.M. Miglierina, R.A. Rosell. 2000. The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity in the Pampean semiarid region of Argentina. 2. Nutrient balance, yield and grain quality. Soil & Tillage Research 53: 137-144.

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The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity

 The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity in the pampean semiarid region of Argentina. 1. Soil physical and chemical properties

Wheat in the semiarid region of Argentina has often been grown as a low-input crop. Rainfall scarcity and distribution are the main characteristics of this region. The knowledge of the combined effects of crop rotation and fertilization on soil physical and chemical properties are the key for a sustainable crop production. Soil properties for an Entic Haplustoll in the semiarid region of Argentina were evaluated, where different crop rotations were used for 15 years. Wheat-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (WW), wheat-grazing natural grasses (WG) and wheat-legume [vetch (Vicia sativa L.) plus oat (Avena sativa L.) or Triticale (Triticum aestivum L.  Secale cereale L.)] (WL) rotations with and without fertilizer (64 kg N and 16 kg P ha^-1) were studied. The annual wheat cropping system (WW) resulted in the lowest soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (Nt) levels. Extractable phosphorus (Pext) values were sufficient for wheat growth with all treatments and decreased with depth. Fertilizer applications significantly increased the proportion of large pores (>8.81 mm) in the 0±0.07 m depth of the WW and WG system plots. A decrease in the proportion of medium size pores (0.19-8.81 mm) and in the water holding capacity was observed in the WG rotation plots. The fertilized treatments resulted in the following sequence of available water: WL > WW > WG. Bulk density was similar with all treatments for each depth, except with the fertilized WG treatment that had the lowest value in the 0-0.07 m depth. These results showed the positive influence of legume inclusion (WL) and alternate cattle grazing (WG) on SOC and Nt contents.

Miglierina A.M., J.O. Iglesias, M.R. Landriscini, J.A. Galantini, R.A. Rosell. 2000. The effects of crop rotations and fertilization on wheat productivity in the pampean semiarid region of Argentina. 1. Soil physical and chemical properties. Soil & Tillage Research 53: 129-135. 

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Nutrient accumulation, balance and partition patterns in different wheat production systems

 

Little research has been done on the accumulation of N, P, K, and S in wheat plants growing under different crop production systems in the Pampean Semiarid Region. Consequently, the effects of wheat-grazing (TP), wheat-wheat (TT), and wheat-clover (TL), with and without fertilizer, production systems on total aerial dry matter (TADM) and N, P, K, and S accumulation at different growth stages were studied. Nutrient plant concentration decreased with the length of the cycle. Phosphorus and sulfur adequate levels were observed along wheat growing season. N deficiencies were observed since booting wheat growth stage. Potassium concentration sharply dropped between 90-140 growing days. Nitrogen, P, K and S uptake (kg ha^-1) gradually increased reaching the highest value at booting. Legume in crop sequences gave highest wheat dry matter, nutrient uptake and grain yield. Fertilizer application increased TADM and grain yield only in TT and TL.

Galantini J.A., M.R. Landriscini, R.A. Rosell. 2000. Patrones de acumulación, balance y partición de nutrientes en diferentes sistemas de producción de trigo. Revista de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (RIA-INTA) 29 (2) 99-110.

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Factors determining phosphorus availability in soils under no tillage in southwest of Buenos Aires

 

The objective of this work was to analyze factors that would affect P availability for winter crops in soils under no tillage (SD) of the southwestern portion of Buenos Aires province –Argentina–. Extractable P, microbial activity and acid phosphatase activity presented a great stratification in all evaluated sites and years, which could affect P availability. Also, in 10-20 cm there were limitations in aeration porosity, which could affect the crop accessibility to soil P. These factors would explain the high response to phosphoric fertilization in soils under SD where P values were above sufficiency levels.

Extractable P; Stratification; Fertilization.

López F.M., M.E. Duval, J.M. Martínez, J.A. Galantini. 2019. Condicionantes de la disponibilidad de fósforo en suelos bajo siembra directa del sudoeste bonaerense. Ciencia del Suelo 37 (1) 158-163.

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Nitrogen balance in a plant-soil system under different cover crop-soybean cropping in Argentina

 Cover crops (CC) provide many benefits for the soil and the following crop but their effects on nitrogen (N) release and balance in continuous no-tillage soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) production are little known. Estimation of the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in intensive agricultural systems under soybean is essential to understanding the N dynamics and to determining the balances and crop demands. This study (2006–2011) was performed on a Typic Argiudoll under no-tillage in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims were to study the effect of fall winter CC, such as wheat (W), oats (O), oats + vetch (O + V) and vetch (V), on the yield and N-content of the following crop (soybean) and to quantify the contribution of the BNF and N-balance. Three methodologies were used for BNF estimation: 1) a linear regression model between BNF and N-uptake by soybean; 2) the natural 15N abundance in soybean and 3) the average BNF in the Pampa region. Gramineous CC developed more dry matter than pure legume species, with intermediate values for the gramineous-legume mixture. Biological fixation provides 60–70% of absorbed N, according to the estimation method. Within the rainfall range of 500–1000 mm during the soybean cycle, CC did not affect the grain yield or soybean dry matter production. The partial N-balance was always positive, with differences between the techniques used for BNF estimation. Cover crops have contributed to the positive soil N-balance. Gramineous CC stored 22% more N content in the soil surface layer than the others. Cover crops showed 15% higher index of N-stratification on the surface compared to the control soil. Using CC would be an efficient alternative to produce biomass and to supply N to the soil for the subsequent crop

Cover crops Soybean Biological fixation N-balance Mollisol

Landriscini M.R., J.A. Galantini, M.E. Duval, J.E. Capurro. 2019. Nitrogen balance in a plant-soil system under different cover crop-soybean cropping in Argentina. Applied Soil Ecology 133:124-131.

doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2018.10.005

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Cover crops reduce environmental impact by improving soil biological properties and crop yield

 

Cover crops (CC) represent a potential practice to reduce the use of herbicides and the impact on the environment. In addition to controlling weeds and increasing crop yields, they allow to increase microbial biomass and activity through the addition of crop residues. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of the inclusion of CC and herbicide application on microbial activity, labile organic matter and crop yield. The assay was done under a soybean - corn rotation system without tillage. It was made on a split plot design with three replicates, where the main factor was the previous crop of the summer crop, a cover crop, and bare fallow (B). The secondary factor was the post-emergence chemical control of weeds during the summer crop, with and without glyphosate applications. The soil sampling was carried out at 10 cm depth during four consecutive crop seasons (2013/2014, 2015/2016; 2016/2017 and 2017/2018), until 15 days after applying the last dose of glyphosate. The biological variables Respiration (R); Fluorescein diacetate (FDA), Acid Phosphatase (AF); and chemical soil variables, particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), Anaerobic nitrogen (AnN), and soybean and corn yields were measured. In addition, the environmental impact index for each management was calculated. In general, the inclusion of CC increased R, 51% the FDA and 21% AF; and the applications of herbicide decreased contents of POC by 36%, PON 40% and AnN by 25% in one crop seasons apparently influenced by the temperatures and rainfall. Soybean and corn yields were higher with applications, ardless of the previous crop. However, the plots with CC without herbicide application exceeded the levels of B without application by 30%. The CC favored the biological properties of the soil without modify crops yields, reducing the environmental risk 64% even making applications. On the other hand, the applications of herbicide affected the labile soil organic matter fractions increasing the environmental risk respect to the management without applications. From the evaluated soil conditions, CC used in agricultural systems to promote soil biological properties and crop yields is recommended. This practice reduces environmental impact even in combination with herbicide application.

Triticale, Rye, Vetch, Glyphosate

Boccolini M.F., C.R. Cazorla, J.A. Galantini, P.A. Belluccini, T. Baigorria. 2019. Cultivos de cobertura disminuyen el impacto ambiental mejorando propiedades biológicas del suelo y el rendimiento de los cultivos. RIA (INTA) 45(3) 412-425.

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Soil stabilisation by water repellency under no-till management for soils with contrasting mineralogy and carbon quality

 

No-till soil management is common around the globe, but the impacts on soil structural quality varies depending on cropping practice and inherent soil properties. This study explored water repellency as a driver of soil stabilization, as affected by soil mineralogy, granulometry and organic carbon quality in three Mollisols and one Vertisol under no-till management and with different levels of cropping intensity. The studied soils were located along a west-east textural gradient in the northern part of the Pampean region of Argentina. Cropping intensity treatments evaluated in each one of the soils were: Poor Agricultural Practices (PAP) close to a monoculture, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) involving a diverse crop rotation and more targeted inputs, and the soil in the surrounding natural environment (NE) as a reference. NE had the greatest aggregate stability (MWD) of all cropping intensities, with GAP being more stable than PAP for Mollisols and PAP being greater than GAP for the Vertisol. This trend matched the Repellency Index (Rindex), with greater Rindex associated with greater MWD, including the difference between the Mollisols and Vertisol. However, the persistence of water repellency, measured by the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) test followed the trend NE > GAP > PAP regardless of soil type. The increases in Rindex and MWD were related to higher intensification as measured by the Crop Sequence Index, and decreased with greater soybean occurrence in the sequence. Both WDPT and Rindex were closely related to aggregate stability, particularly for Mollisols. These results highlight the importance of considering the inherent soil characteristics texture and mineralogy to understand aggregate stabilization mediated by water repellency. Good correlations between soil water repellency, organic carbon fractions and aggregate stability were found. Under no-till, crop rotations can be altered to increase soil stability by inducing greater water repellency in the soils. The findings suggest that water repellency is a major property influencing soil structure stabilization, thus providing a useful quality indicator

Behrends Kraemer F., P. Hallett, H.J.M. Morrás, L. Garibaldi, D. J. Cosentino, M. Duval, J.A. Galantini. 2019. Soil stabilisation by water repellency under no-till management for soils with contrasting mineralogy and carbon quality. Geoderma 355: 113902. Doi 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.113902

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Humification and N mineralization of crop residues in semi-arid Argentina

Crop residues in the soil play a fundamental role in organic matter dynamics and have effects on numerous beneficial soil properties. The humification of residues depends on soil nutrient status and physical and meteorological conditions. The prediction of the humification rate and of the size and decomposition of fresh and humified soil organic matter has been attempted with equations and models which require several constants. To simplify the procedure. Janssen developed an equation which utilizes only one constant, permits calculation of the young (fresh) and old (humified) soil organic matter pools and predicts the production of available or mineralized nitrogen. The validity of Janssen's equation was tested in three production systems (a crop rotation and two tillage procedures) in a sandy-loam textured, thermic, entic Haplustoll soil in the Pampean semi-arid region of Argentina. The model produced results compatible with actual field data, but information on soil available water was essential for fitting and interpreting the organic matter dynamics.

Humification; residue; mineralization; semi-arid region; wheat; agricultural systems

Galantini J.A., R.A. Rosell, A.E. Andriulo, A.M. Miglierina, J.O. Iglesias. 1992. Humification and N mineralization of crop residues in semi-arid Argentina. The Science of the Total Environment (Holanda), 117/118: 263-270.

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Soil stabilisation by water repellency under no-till management for soils with contrasting mineralogy and carbon quality

No-till soil management is common around the globe, but the impacts on soil structural quality varies depending on cropping practice and inherent soil properties. This study explored water repellency as a driver of soil stabilization, as affected by soil mineralogy, granulometry and organic carbon quality in three Mollisols and one Vertisol under no-till management and with different levels of cropping intensity. The studied soils were located along a west-east textural gradient in the northern part of the Pampean region of Argentina. Cropping intensity treatments evaluated in each one of the soils were: Poor Agricultural Practices (PAP) close to a monoculture, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) involving a diverse crop rotation and more targeted inputs, and the soil in the surrounding natural environment (NE) as a reference. NE had the greatest aggregate stability (MWD) of all cropping intensities, with GAP being more stable than PAP for Mollisols and PAP being greater than GAP for the Vertisol. This trend matched the Repellency Index (Rindex), with greater Rindex associated with greater MWD, including the difference between the Mollisols and Vertisol. However, the persistence of water repellency, measured by the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) test followed the trend NE > GAP > PAP regardless of soil type. The increases in Rindex and MWD were related to higher intensification as measured by the Crop Sequence Index, and decreased with greater soybean occurrence in the sequence. Both WDPT and Rindex were closely related to aggregate stability, particularly for Mollisols. These results highlight the importance of considering the inherent soil characteristics texture and mineralogy to understand aggregate stabilization mediated by water repellency. Good correlations between soil water repellency, organic carbon fractions and aggregate stability were found. Under no-till, crop rotations can be altered to increase soil stability by inducing greater water repellency in the soils. The findings suggest that water repellency is a major property influencing soil structure stabilization, thus providing a useful quality indicator

Behrends Kraemer F., P. Hallett, H.J.M. Morrás, L. Garibaldi, D. J. Cosentino, M. Duval, J.A. Galantini. 2019. Soil stabilisation by water repellency under no-till management for soils with contrasting mineralogy and carbon quality. Geoderma 355: 113902. Doi 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.113902

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Organic fractions: Stratification under soil tillage

Quality and Quantity of Organic Fractions as Affected by Soil Depth in an Argiudoll under Till and No-till Systems

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of tillage systems on the quantity and quality of organic carbon fractions at different soil layers.

Study Design: The experimental design was a split plot with three blocks. The long-term effects (25 years) of conventional- (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems on a Tipic Argiudoll was sampled at 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-20 cm soil depth.

Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out at Tornquist (38° 07’ 06” S - 62°02’ 17” O) and soil sampling was performed during wheat seeding (June 2011).

Methodology: Total soil organic carbon (SOC) content and the following fractions were determined: Coarse particulate (POCc, 105-2000 µm), fine particulate (POCf, 53-105 µm) and mineral-associated (MOC, 0-53 µm) carbon fractions; humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids; and total (CHt) and soluble (CHs) carbohydrates. The main physico-chemical properties of HA and FA were analyzed using both FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Results: After 25 years, total SOC at the 0-20 cm depth was 9% higher in no-tilled than in tilled soils. The POCf was the SOM fraction that turned out to be the most sensitive to tillage effects. The POCc:POCf:MOC ratio at 0-20 cm was similar for NT (3:14:82) and CT (5:10:84); however, differences were found across soil depths. Tilled soils showed higher aromaticity, starting by CH-degradation, in more superficial soil layers.

Conclusion: The no-tillage system presented a different pattern which can be related to distribution of crop residues and conditions for humification along the soil depth.

Tillage system; soil organic carbon; chemical and physical fractionation.

Galantini, J.A.; M. Duval; J.M. Martinez; V. Mora; R. Baigorri & J.M. García-Mina. 2016. Quality and quantity of organic fractions as affected by soil depth in an argiudoll under till and no-till systems. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 10 (5) - doi:10.9734/IJPSS/2016/25205

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Soil organic fractions: Soil quality

Soil organic fractions content and quality under wheat production systems in the semiarid Pampas

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the key factor in the production systems, and the knowledge of their fractions dynamic and equilibrium is important to reach high productivity and agriculture sustainability. The effect on organic fractions distribution and quality of the following production systems were studied: continuous wheat (TT), wheat–natural grass each year (TP) and wheat – legume (TL). Labile fractions, physically separated (particulate SOM, MOP) and chemically separated (fulvic acid, AF), showed high sensibility to crop sequence. Continuous wheat affected labile and recalcitrant organic fractions contents. The tillage increase caused SOM decrease, changes in labile to recalcitrant fraction ratios, nutrient losses (N and S) and modified humic acid (AH) structure. The AH from cultivated soils showed higher aromatic groups content and lower aliphatic and N compounds groups than AH from reference soil.

Organic fractions, Production systems, Semiarid region

Galantini J.A. 2001. Contenido y calidad de las fracciones orgánicas del suelo bajo rotaciones con trigo en la región semiárida pampeana. Revista de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (RIA-INTA) 30 (1) 125-146.

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Soil organic fractions: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphourus and Sulphur

Organic fractions, N, P, and S changes in a semiarid Haplustoll of Argentine under different crop sequences

Crop sequences play an important role in changing soil properties. The knowledge of the chemical composition, turnover, dynamics, and biological effects of different fractions of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) components will result in a better understanding of soil productivity. The objective of this research was to compare the effects of crop rotation on SOC, N, P, and S evolution in two granulometric fractions of an Entic Haplustoll. Rotations of mixed pasture (5.5 years)-annual crops (4.5 years) (Pa-C), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-sunflower (Heliantus annus L.) (W-S), and a reference (Ref), which was located between them, were studied. Fine (<100 µm, FF) and coarse (100-2000 µm, CF) soil granulometric fractions were separated by wet sieving. In each fraction total N and S, and several SOC and P forms were determined. Similar contents (5.23 to 6.07 Mg ha-1) of humic acid (HA) carbon were found in the three situations. The Pa-C rotation maintained the SOC level at 17.33 Mg ha-1 in the Fine Fraction during a 10-year period. On the contrary, SOC was sharply lower (11.16 Mg ha-1) in the same fraction in the W-S treatment. Losses of SOC, N, P and S were highest in the Coarse Fraction thus showing the dynamics of this soil fraction and its important role in plant nutrient turnover and availability to growing crops.

Soil organic carbon, N, P, S, Semiarid, Entic Haplustoll

Galantini J.A. and R.A. Rosell. 1997. Organic fractions, N, P, and S changes in a semiarid Haplustoll of Argentine under different crop sequences. Soil and Tillage Research 42: 221-228.

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Nitrogen balance in a plant-soil system under different cover crop-soybean cropping in Argentina

Cover crops (CC) provide many benefits for the soil and the following crop but their effects on nitrogen (N) release and balance in continuous no-tillage soybean (Glycinemax L. Merr.) production are little known. Estimation of the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in intensive agricultural systems under soybean is essential to understanding the N dynamics and to determining the balance and crop demand. This study (2006–2011) was performed on a Typic Argiudoll under no-tillage in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims were to study the effect of fall winter CC, such as wheat (W), oats (O), oats + vetch (O + V) and vetch (V), on the yield and N-content of the following crop (soybean) and to quantify the contribution of the BNF and N-balance. Three methodologies were used for BNF estimation: 1) a linear regression model between BNF and N-uptake by soy- bean; 2) the natural ¹⁵N abundance in soybean and 3) the average BNF in the Pampa region. Gramineous CC developed more dry matter than pure legume species, with intermediate values for the gramineous-legume mixture. Biological fixation provides 60–70% of absorbed N, according to the estimation method. Within the rainfall range of 500–1000 mm during the soybean cycle, CC did not affect the grain yield or soybean dry matter production. The partial N-balance was always positive, with differences between the techniques used for BNF estimation. Cover crops have contributed to the positive soil N-balance. Gramineous CC stored 22% more N- content in the soil surface layer than the others. Cover crops showed 15% higher index of N-stratification on the surface compared to the control soil. Using CC would be an efficient alternative to produce biomass and to supply N to the soil for the subsequent crop

Landriscini M.R., J.A. Galantini, M.E. Duval, J.E. Capurro. 2019. Nitrogen balance in a plant-soil system under different cover crop-soybean cropping in Argentina. Applied Soil Ecology 133:124-131. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2018.10.005

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Soil Physical compaction in production systems

Physical properties in no till soils of the southwest of Buenos Aires

Soil physical quality has great importance as a regulator of several processes that affect the functioning of agroecosystems. However, because physical quality problems are complex, persistent, difficult to solve, often its importance is not recognized and its effects are attributed to other causes. Since the large expansion of no tillage (NT) in the southwest of Buenos Aires (SOB), it is needed a more detailed knowledge of the physical condition of soils under NT. In addition, in this chapter there were included some aspects to be considered in the future for the adequate implementation of the NT in the region, which would allow the development of conservation agriculture (CA). Soils under NT in the region showed great variations in the accumulation of surface residues and a large proportion did not have adequate soil cover (> 30%), a necessary requirement of CA. Therefore, in studies that evaluate the effect of NT it is crucial to detail both the amount of residues and the soil cover. In terms of soil porosity, the main limitation was associated with low macroporosity (pores> 30 μm) that would affect soil aeration and root growth. Although it is not possible to attribute the loss of macroporosity to NT management, the way in which it has been implemented in the region (e. g. used in soils with a plow pan, lack of rotations, scarce soil cover) has not been able to reverse the problems of physical degradation. In soils of the SOB under NT it is necessary the development of land management practices that contribute to the biotic regeneration of soil structure (e.g. pasture rotations, inclusion of crops with deep roots) to ensure adequate physical quality. In addition, in the region it would be very important to increase soil cover by residues and to establish crop rotations, to move towards CA.

López, F.M.; M. Duval; J.M. Martínez; J.A. Galantini. 2018. Propiedades físicas en suelos bajo siembra directa del sudoeste bonaerense. En: Compactaciones Naturales y Antrópicas en Suelos Argentinos (Eds. Perla Imbellone y Carina Álvarez) 532-547.

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Cover Crops in the Production System

Cover crops in the Southeastern region of Buenos Aires, Argentina: effects on organic matter physical fractions and nutrient availability

In the Southeastern region of Buenos Aires province, soybean monoculture has led to a decline in soil organic matter (SOM) levels in soil, mostly the labile fractions. The reduction of SOM has a negative impact on the soil environment. Cover crops (CC) constitute an alternative to maintain or improve SOM levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oat as CC on (a) the SOM dynamics and (b) the availability of macro- and micronutrients in a representative soil of the Southeastern region of Buenos Aires province. Total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (TON), as well as their labile and mineral-associated fractions, and macro- and micronutrient availability were determined. The treatments were soybean monoculture with and without oat as cover crop. The increases in SOC and TON were 22.7% and 11%, respectively, when CC was included to the soybean monoculture. These increases were observed mostly in the labile fractions, with increases of 61.3 and 38.7% for the particulate coarse organic carbon (PCOf) and particulate fine organic carbon (PCOf), respectively, and 79.2% for the particulate coarse organic nitrogen (NOPg). Regarding the nutrients, an increase of 47.6% was observed in manganese (Mn) in the first 5 cm of soil depth, and a decrease in phosphorous (P) availability in the same soil layer due to its consumption and retention by CC. It can be conclude that CC presented a surface soil effect on the dynamic of SOM, increasing C, N, and available Mn contents, but decreasing soil P availability

Oat, Soybean monoculture, Particulate organic carbon and nitrogen

Beltrán M.J., H. Sainz Rozas, J.A. Galantini, R.I. Romaniuk, P. Barbieri. 2018. Cover crops in the Southeastern region of Buenos Aires, Argentina: effects on organic matter physical fractions and nutrient availability. Environmental Earth Sciences 77:428. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-018-7606-0.

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Cover Crops in the Production System

BOOK CHAPTERS

Cultivos de cobertura de Vicia villosa Roth. en el valle bonaerense del Río Colorado

Vanzolini J.I.; J.A. Galantini; R. Agamennoni. 2013. Cultivos de cobertura de Vicia villosa Roth. en el valle bonaerense del Río Colorado. Cap 4 en “Contribución de los cultivos de cobertura a la sustentabilidad de los sistemas de producción”, Eds. C. Álvarez; A. Quiroga; D. Santos; M. Bodrero, Ediciones INTA, págs. 21-28. ISBN 978-987-679-177-9

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Sistemas de cultivos de cobertura de suelo de otoño-invierno: Sus efectos sobre la disponibilidad de agua

  

Sá Pereira E. de, J.A. Galantini, A. Quiroga. 2013. Sistemas de cultivos de cobertura de suelo de otoño-invierno: Sus efectos sobre la disponibilidad de agua. Cap 10 en “Contribución de los cultivos de cobertura a la sustentabilidad de los sistemas de producción”, Eds. C. Álvarez; A. Quiroga; D. Santos; M. Bodrero, Ediciones INTA, págs. 76-82. ISBN 978-987-679-177-9

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Cultivos de Cobertura

Vanzolini J.I., J.A. Galantini. 2013. Cultivos de Cobertura. Cap. 10 en Vicias: Bases agronómicas para el manejo en la Region Pampeana. (Eds. P. Renzi y M.A. Cantamutto). pags. 233-250.  ISBN: 978-987-521-470-5

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Cover Crops in the Production System

Autumn-winter cover crop effects on yield and corn N accumulation in Southwestern Buenos Aires

Cover crops (CC) have an effect on nitrogen (N) accumulation and on successive crop yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate yields, yield components and N accumulation of maize using as previous crops different CC and evaluating the response to N fertilization. Five experiments were conductedd on a Typic Argiudioll (USDA Soil Taxonomy) of Coronel Suárez. The species used as CC were: Oats (Avena sativa), Hairy vetch (Vicia sativa) and control (chemical fallow). The experimental design consisted of split-plots in three randomized complete blocks, with main plots corresponding to the cover crops treatment and subplots to the fertilizer treatment (N applied at the V4-V6 corn stage). The treatments in the main plots were the CC. The effects of CC varied according to the corn yield component.. Hairy vetch and N fertilization at different rates increased the N absorption efficiency. A greater N absorption was not always related to increases in corn yields, probably due to the climatic variability among years. There was a tendency for greater corn yields with hairy vetch as a preceding cover crop. N application reduced hairy vetch N recovery during the second year and increased N recovery during the first and third year. Fertilizer application effects varied among previous crops with a low response to N when the previous crop was hairy vetch, a variable response when in fallow and a significant response when the previous crop was oats.

Cover crops, corn, hairy vetch, clover, oats, yield, nitrogen.

Sá Pereira E. de, J.A. Galantini, A. Quiroga, M.R. Landriscini. 2014. Efecto de los cultivos de cobertura otoño invernales, sobre el rendimiento y acumulación de N en maíz en el sudoeste bonaerense. Ciencia del Suelo 32 (2) 219-231.

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