I. D. Di Mola, E. Cozzolino, L. Ottaiano, Riccardo Riccardi, P. Spigno, M. Fagnano, M. Mori
Biodegradable films are a valuable and sustainable alternative to plastic films for mulching soils since they avoid the environmental and economic problems related to plastic removal and disposal. Nevertheless, the fast degradation of such materials could make them unsuitable for mid- to long-term use. In a field experiment, the agronomic performance of a biodegradable mulching film (MB) was compared to that of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film for two consecutive lettuce cycles (winter and spring). In the conditions of this trial, MB showed good resistance to atmospheric agents, with a reduction of its integrity and mechanical properties only after six months. The effects on soil temperature and lettuce yield did not differ from those obtained with LDPE films. The effect on harvest timing was the same as that with LDPE in the spring cycle, while in the winter cycle, the harvest was delayed by about five days compared to LDPE. Mulching films reduced nitrate accumulation in leaves mainly during the winter cycle. However, the effect needs to be further explored with experiments in different pedoclimatic conditions that consider the effects of mulching on nitrification and nitrate-reductase activity that could be affected by changes in soil temperature and moisture. Highlights - Biodegradable mulching films (MB) showed good mechanical resistance in the medium-long term (2 consecutive lettuce cycles). - Decrease in integrity and resistance to tearing became significant after 150-170 days. - The effect of MB on lettuce yield quantity and quality was comparable with that using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. - The effects of both mulching films on leaf nitrate content need further research in different pedoclimatic conditions. - MB can be recommended since it reduces the economic and environmental costs of removal and disposal of LDPE films.
{"title":"Agronomic and environmental benefits of ‘re-using’ a biodegradable mulching film for two consecutive lettuce cycles","authors":"I. D. Di Mola, E. Cozzolino, L. Ottaiano, Riccardo Riccardi, P. Spigno, M. Fagnano, M. Mori","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2061","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable films are a valuable and sustainable alternative to plastic films for mulching soils since they avoid the environmental and economic problems related to plastic removal and disposal. Nevertheless, the fast degradation of such materials could make them unsuitable for mid- to long-term use. In a field experiment, the agronomic performance of a biodegradable mulching film (MB) was compared to that of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film for two consecutive lettuce cycles (winter and spring). In the conditions of this trial, MB showed good resistance to atmospheric agents, with a reduction of its integrity and mechanical properties only after six months. The effects on soil temperature and lettuce yield did not differ from those obtained with LDPE films. The effect on harvest timing was the same as that with LDPE in the spring cycle, while in the winter cycle, the harvest was delayed by about five days compared to LDPE. Mulching films reduced nitrate accumulation in leaves mainly during the winter cycle. However, the effect needs to be further explored with experiments in different pedoclimatic conditions that consider the effects of mulching on nitrification and nitrate-reductase activity that could be affected by changes in soil temperature and moisture.\u0000Highlights - Biodegradable mulching films (MB) showed good mechanical resistance in the medium-long term (2 consecutive lettuce cycles). - Decrease in integrity and resistance to tearing became significant after 150-170 days. - The effect of MB on lettuce yield quantity and quality was comparable with that using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. - The effects of both mulching films on leaf nitrate content need further research in different pedoclimatic conditions. - MB can be recommended since it reduces the economic and environmental costs of removal and disposal of LDPE films.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46572565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Maucieri, M. Tolomio, Giorgia Raimondi, Arianna Toffanin, F. Morari, A. Berti, M. Borin
Agricultural management affects soil fertility through the frequency and type of agronomic practices such as mechanical operations, type and rate of fertilizers, crop rotations, and residue management. This study evaluated the evolution of soil chemical properties (pH; electrical conductivity; soil organic carbon, SOC; total Kjeldahl nitrogen, TKN; and available phosphorous, PO4-P) over time in two farming systems, organically and conventionally managed, after 5 and 14 years after the establishment of both systems, in northeastern Italy. SOC content remained stable in the conventional farming system, but slightly decreased in the organic farming system, despite inputs from organic amendments. In contrast, soil TKN remained consistently higher in the organic farming system. The PO4-P increased over time, in both farming systems. Moreover, we observed that an increase of 1% in soil clay content resulted in increases of 0.0534 and 0.0053 g kg–1 in SOC and TKN, respectively. In conclusion, our results indicate that organic management does not have an advantage over conventional management in terms of soil organic matter accumulation. Highlights - Organic management did not increase soil organic carbon content 14 years after the system was established. - The soil organic carbon was stable over time in the conventional system. - Soil organic nitrogen was higher in the organic farm than in the conventional farm. - Soil C/N ratios in organic and conventional management were <10, indicating active mineralization.
农业管理通过农艺措施的频率和类型影响土壤肥力，如机械操作、肥料的类型和速率、作物轮作和残留物管理。这项研究评估了在意大利东北部两个有机和常规管理的农业系统建立5年和14年后，土壤化学性质（pH值、电导率、土壤有机碳SOC、总凯氏氮TKN和有效磷PO4-P）随时间的演变。有机碳含量在传统农业系统中保持稳定，但在有机农业系统中略有下降，尽管有机改良剂提供了投入。相比之下，有机农业系统中的土壤TKN始终较高。在两种耕作系统中，PO4-P都随时间增加。此外，我们观察到，土壤粘土含量增加1%，SOC和TKN分别增加0.0534和0.0053 g kg–1。总之，我们的研究结果表明，在土壤有机质积累方面，有机管理并不比传统管理具有优势。亮点-在该系统建立14年后，有机管理并没有增加土壤有机碳含量。-在传统系统中，土壤有机碳随时间的推移是稳定的有机农场的土壤有机氮高于传统农场有机和常规管理中的土壤C/N比<10，表明矿化活跃。
{"title":"Organic versus conventional farming: Medium-term evaluation of soil chemical properties","authors":"C. Maucieri, M. Tolomio, Giorgia Raimondi, Arianna Toffanin, F. Morari, A. Berti, M. Borin","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2114","url":null,"abstract":"Agricultural management affects soil fertility through the frequency and type of agronomic practices such as mechanical operations, type and rate of fertilizers, crop rotations, and residue management. This study evaluated the evolution of soil chemical properties (pH; electrical conductivity; soil organic carbon, SOC; total Kjeldahl nitrogen, TKN; and available phosphorous, PO4-P) over time in two farming systems, organically and conventionally managed, after 5 and 14 years after the establishment of both systems, in northeastern Italy. SOC content remained stable in the conventional farming system, but slightly decreased in the organic farming system, despite inputs from organic amendments. In contrast, soil TKN remained consistently higher in the organic farming system. The PO4-P increased over time, in both farming systems. Moreover, we observed that an increase of 1% in soil clay content resulted in increases of 0.0534 and 0.0053 g kg–1 in SOC and TKN, respectively. In conclusion, our results indicate that organic management does not have an advantage over conventional management in terms of soil organic matter accumulation.\u0000Highlights - Organic management did not increase soil organic carbon content 14 years after the system was established. - The soil organic carbon was stable over time in the conventional system. - Soil organic nitrogen was higher in the organic farm than in the conventional farm. - Soil C/N ratios in organic and conventional management were <10, indicating active mineralization.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41903342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alireza Safahani Langeroodia, P. Tedeschi, E. Allevato, S. Stazi, Rana Muhammad Aadil, R. Mancinelli, E. Radicetti
There is growing interest in developing environment-friendly farming practices that can limit the impact of drought stress in agriculture. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the agronomic responses of sunflower. Field experiments were conducted in the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons in semi-arid environments of Iran. The following treatments were adopted: i) three levels of biochar [0, 2.5 and 5 t ha–1 of biochar called Bl, Bm and Bh, respectively]; and ii) three irrigation levels (50, 30 and 10% of the maximum available water (MAW) called 50MAW, 30MAW and 10MAW, respectively)]; iii) two levels of AMF inoculation (with and without the addition of AMF called +AMF and –AMF, respectively). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. At flowering, the leaf area index (LAI) was generally higher in the plants subjected to Bh-+AMF (on average 4.95), even if the LAI values changed according to biochar application (Bh > Bm > Bl) and the level of irrigation (50MAW > 30MAW > 10MAW). At harvesting, sunflower seed yield was highest in +AMF and in Bh (on average 53.9 and 51.2 g plants–1, respectively). Sunflower plants subjected to Bh-+AMF showed the highest seed yield under all irrigation levels (79.4, 57.1 and 32.3 g plant–1 in 50MAW, 30MAW and 10MAW, respectively). The application of biochar combined with AMF resulted in an increase in agronomic responses compared to untreated plants (Bl- –AMF) such as root biomass (+15%), stem diameter (+12%), plant height (+5%) and head diameter (+15%). Seed protein was higher in +AMF than –AMF (on average 20.7 vs 17.2 g m–2, respectively) and in Bh and Bm compared with Bl (on average 19.4 vs 18.2 g m–2, respectively). The oil content of seeds was affected by biochar application and AMF inoculation, especially under 50MAW and 30MAW irrigation levels; conversely, no differences were observed under the 10MAW irrigation level. Sunflower yield characteristics were positively correlated to the net photosynthesis rate and negatively affected by hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content. The results showed that the adoption of biochar and AMF may represent as a successful strategy to balance crop productivity in a semi-arid environment. Although further research is required for a better understanding of the irrigation and fertilization schedule, these preliminary results could be extended to other crops which have similar requirements to sunflower. Highlights - The combined effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on sunflower are studied. - Biochar application and mycorrhiza inoculation improved plant performance. - Biochar and AMF positively affected the net photosynthesis rate of sunflower plants. - The adoption of biochar and AMF may mitigate the effect of drought conditions. - Biochar and AMF can support sunflower cultivation.
人们对发展环境友好的农业做法越来越感兴趣，这种做法可以限制干旱压力对农业的影响。本研究的主要目的是研究生物炭和丛枝菌根真菌（AMF）对向日葵农艺反应的联合影响。2018年和2019年生长季节在伊朗半干旱环境中进行了田间试验。采用了以下处理：i）三种水平的生物炭[0、2.5和5 t ha–1的生物炭，分别称为Bl、Bm和Bh]；和ii）三个灌溉水平（分别为50MAW、30MAW和10MAW的最大可用水（MAW）的50%、30%和10%）]；iii）两种水平的AMF接种（分别添加和不添加称为+AMF和-AMF的AMF）。实验设计为随机完全区组设计。在开花时，即使叶面积指数随生物炭施用量（Bh>Bm>Bl）和灌溉水平（50MAW>30MAW>10MAW）的变化而变化，Bh-+AMF处理的植物的叶面积指数（LAI）通常较高（平均4.95）。收获时，+AMF和Bh的向日葵种子产量最高（平均分别为53.9和51.2 g植物-1）。在所有灌溉水平下，施用Bh-+AMF的向日葵植株表现出最高的种子产量（分别为79.4、57.1和32.3 g植株——50MAW、30MAW和10MAW）。与未处理的植物（Bl-–AMF）相比，生物炭与AMF联合应用导致农艺反应增加，如根生物量（+15%）、茎直径（+12%）、株高（+5%）和茎头直径（+15%。+AMF中的种子蛋白高于-AMF（平均分别为20.7和17.2 g m–2），Bh和Bm中的种子蛋白质高于Bl（平均分别分别为19.4和18.2 g m–1）。施用生物炭和接种AMF对种子含油量有影响，尤其是在50MAW和30MAW灌溉水平下；相反，在10MAW灌溉水平下没有观察到差异。向日葵产量特性与净光合作用速率呈正相关，而与过氧化氢和丙二醛含量呈负相关。结果表明，采用生物炭和AMF可能是在半干旱环境中平衡作物生产力的一种成功策略。尽管需要进一步的研究来更好地了解灌溉和施肥时间表，但这些初步结果可以推广到其他与向日葵有类似要求的作物。亮点-研究了生物炭和丛枝菌根真菌对向日葵的联合作用施用生物炭和接种菌根提高了植物的性能生物炭和AMF对向日葵植物的净光合作用速率有正向影响采用生物炭和AMF可以减轻干旱条件的影响生物炭和AMF可以支持向日葵的种植。
{"title":"Agronomic response of sunflower subjected to biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi application under drought conditions","authors":"Alireza Safahani Langeroodia, P. Tedeschi, E. Allevato, S. Stazi, Rana Muhammad Aadil, R. Mancinelli, E. Radicetti","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2086","url":null,"abstract":"There is growing interest in developing environment-friendly farming practices that can limit the impact of drought stress in agriculture. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the agronomic responses of sunflower. Field experiments were conducted in the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons in semi-arid environments of Iran. The following treatments were adopted: i) three levels of biochar [0, 2.5 and 5 t ha–1 of biochar called Bl, Bm and Bh, respectively]; and ii) three irrigation levels (50, 30 and 10% of the maximum available water (MAW) called 50MAW, 30MAW and 10MAW, respectively)]; iii) two levels of AMF inoculation (with and without the addition of AMF called +AMF and –AMF, respectively). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. At flowering, the leaf area index (LAI) was generally higher in the plants subjected to Bh-+AMF (on average 4.95), even if the LAI values changed according to biochar application (Bh > Bm > Bl) and the level of irrigation (50MAW > 30MAW > 10MAW). At harvesting, sunflower seed yield was highest in +AMF and in Bh (on average 53.9 and 51.2 g plants–1, respectively). Sunflower plants subjected to Bh-+AMF showed the highest seed yield under all irrigation levels (79.4, 57.1 and 32.3 g plant–1 in 50MAW, 30MAW and 10MAW, respectively). The application of biochar combined with AMF resulted in an increase in agronomic responses compared to untreated plants (Bl- –AMF) such as root biomass (+15%), stem diameter (+12%), plant height (+5%) and head diameter (+15%). Seed protein was higher in +AMF than –AMF (on average 20.7 vs 17.2 g m–2, respectively) and in Bh and Bm compared with Bl (on average 19.4 vs 18.2 g m–2, respectively). The oil content of seeds was affected by biochar application and AMF inoculation, especially under 50MAW and 30MAW irrigation levels; conversely, no differences were observed under the 10MAW irrigation level. Sunflower yield characteristics were positively correlated to the net photosynthesis rate and negatively affected by hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content. The results showed that the adoption of biochar and AMF may represent as a successful strategy to balance crop productivity in a semi-arid environment. Although further research is required for a better understanding of the irrigation and fertilization schedule, these preliminary results could be extended to other crops which have similar requirements to sunflower.\u0000Highlights - The combined effects of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on sunflower are studied. - Biochar application and mycorrhiza inoculation improved plant performance. - Biochar and AMF positively affected the net photosynthesis rate of sunflower plants. - The adoption of biochar and AMF may mitigate the effect of drought conditions. - Biochar and AMF can support sunflower cultivation.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49154335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Sillo, G. Marino, E. Franchi, Matthew R. Haworth, E. Zampieri, I. Pietrini, Danilo Fusini, C. Mennone, M. Centritto, R. Balestrini
In the context of the climate change scenario in the Mediterranean, natural root-microorganism associations have an impact on the resilience and productivity of crops, and the exploitation of these interactions represents innovative, cost-effective and sustainable crop adaptation strategies. An open field experiment with two commercial Italian tomato cultivars was performed. The soil bacterial communities associated with the two commercial Italian tomato genotypes were characterized alongside their physiological and molecular responses under wellwatered and moderate water deficit (100% and 75% of crop evapotranspiration) treatments. The two genotypes showed contrasting responses to water deficit, primarily through diverse rhizosphere microbiota recruitment under the two irrigation treatments. Highlights - Two tomato genotypes were studied under water deficit in a pilot field trial. - The two genotypes responded differently to water stress from eco-physiological and transcriptomic points of view. - The two genotypes recruited diverse root-associated microbiota, particularly under water deficit.
{"title":"Impact of irrigation water deficit on two tomato genotypes grown under open field conditions: From the root-associated microbiota to the stress responses","authors":"F. Sillo, G. Marino, E. Franchi, Matthew R. Haworth, E. Zampieri, I. Pietrini, Danilo Fusini, C. Mennone, M. Centritto, R. Balestrini","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2130","url":null,"abstract":"In the context of the climate change scenario in the Mediterranean, natural root-microorganism associations have an impact on the resilience and productivity of crops, and the exploitation of these interactions represents innovative, cost-effective and sustainable crop adaptation strategies. An open field experiment with two commercial Italian tomato cultivars was performed. The soil bacterial communities associated with the two commercial Italian tomato genotypes were characterized alongside their physiological and molecular responses under wellwatered and moderate water deficit (100% and 75% of crop evapotranspiration) treatments. The two genotypes showed contrasting responses to water deficit, primarily through diverse rhizosphere microbiota recruitment under the two irrigation treatments.\u0000Highlights - Two tomato genotypes were studied under water deficit in a pilot field trial. - The two genotypes responded differently to water stress from eco-physiological and transcriptomic points of view. - The two genotypes recruited diverse root-associated microbiota, particularly under water deficit.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47107735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of biodegradable plastic films in agriculture and their fate in soil","authors":"A. Kishimoto-Mo, Henry Y. Sintim, L. Ledda","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2155","url":null,"abstract":"Not available","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44301430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Henry Y. Sintim, K. Shahzad, A. Bary, D. P. Collins, E. Myhre, M. Flury
Biodegradable plastic mulch is potentially a suitable alternative to conventional polyethylene mulch because of the limited disposal options of the latter. However, biodegradable plastic mulch must perform better or comparably to polyethylene mulch to be widely adopted. Gas exchange and soil microclimate are important factors impacted by the use of plastic mulch, which in turn have implications on crop productivity. A controlled-environment study was established in a greenhouse to assess gas exchange and soil microclimate dynamics under biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches with and without planting holes, as well as the impact of the mulches on the growth of sweet corn (Zea mays). A no-mulch condition was included as control. In addition, we monitored CO2 concentrations in the vicinity of planting holes (chimney effect) in a greenhouse and agricultural field conditions under sweet corn production. The plastic mulches (both biodegradable plastic and polyethylene mulches) decreased the soil O2concentration to a minimum of 181–183 mmol mol-1, and when compared to the no-mulch, the plastic mulches reduced water loss within 50 days by 35–68 mm. The paper mulch inhibited light penetration more than did the plastic mulches. There was an increase in the CO2 concentration at 2.5 cm above the planting holes in the plastic mulches compared to that under the no-mulch. However, the differences were not discernible at 15 cm above the ground. Consequently, we did not observe significant impacts on the growth of sweet corn, possibly, because the canopy height of sweet corn was more than 15 cm within a few days after planting. Overall, the plastic mulches did not reduce O2 concentration below 100 mmol mol-1, the minimum level in which plant growth becomes impaired. Also, the often reported improved growth of sweet corn from plastic mulching could be attributable to other factors, such as weed control, reduced water loss, and early season soil warming, rather than elevated CO2 concentrations and fluxes in the vicinity of planting holes. Highlights- Gas exchange and soil microclimate dynamics under biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches were assessed - Elevated CO2 levels were observed near planting holes of plastic mulches (both biodegradable and polyethylene) - The plastic mulches inhibited O2 exchange, but not to a level that could impair plant growth - Polyethylene mulch conserved soil water better than biodegradable plastic and paper mulches - Paper mulch inhibited light penetration better than plastic mulches
{"title":"Differential gas exchange and soil microclimate dynamics under biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches","authors":"Henry Y. Sintim, K. Shahzad, A. Bary, D. P. Collins, E. Myhre, M. Flury","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.1979","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.1979","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable plastic mulch is potentially a suitable alternative to conventional polyethylene mulch because of the limited disposal options of the latter. However, biodegradable plastic mulch must perform better or comparably to polyethylene mulch to be widely adopted. Gas exchange and soil microclimate are important factors impacted by the use of plastic mulch, which in turn have implications on crop productivity. A controlled-environment study was established in a greenhouse to assess gas exchange and soil microclimate dynamics under biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches with and without planting holes, as well as the impact of the mulches on the growth of sweet corn (Zea mays). A no-mulch condition was included as control. In addition, we monitored CO2 concentrations in the vicinity of planting holes (chimney effect) in a greenhouse and agricultural field conditions under sweet corn production. The plastic mulches (both biodegradable plastic and polyethylene mulches) decreased the soil O2concentration to a minimum of 181–183 mmol mol-1, and when compared to the no-mulch, the plastic mulches reduced water loss within 50 days by 35–68 mm. The paper mulch inhibited light penetration more than did the plastic mulches. There was an increase in the CO2 concentration at 2.5 cm above the planting holes in the plastic mulches compared to that under the no-mulch. However, the differences were not discernible at 15 cm above the ground. Consequently, we did not observe significant impacts on the growth of sweet corn, possibly, because the canopy height of sweet corn was more than 15 cm within a few days after planting. Overall, the plastic mulches did not reduce O2 concentration below 100 mmol mol-1, the minimum level in which plant growth becomes impaired. Also, the often reported improved growth of sweet corn from plastic mulching could be attributable to other factors, such as weed control, reduced water loss, and early season soil warming, rather than elevated CO2 concentrations and fluxes in the vicinity of planting holes.\u0000 \u0000Highlights- Gas exchange and soil microclimate dynamics under biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches were assessed - Elevated CO2 levels were observed near planting holes of plastic mulches (both biodegradable and polyethylene) - The plastic mulches inhibited O2 exchange, but not to a level that could impair plant growth - Polyethylene mulch conserved soil water better than biodegradable plastic and paper mulches - Paper mulch inhibited light penetration better than plastic mulches","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42216703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marco Bianchini, L. Trozzo, P. D’Ottavio, Marco Giustozzi, M. Toderi, L. Ledda, M. Francioni
Soil-biodegradable mulch films are a promising solution to replace conventional polyethylene-based mulch films, the use of which has led to negative environmental impacts. Soil-biodegradable mulch films are specifically designed to be incorporated into the soil at the end of the cropping cycle, and are expected to be biodegraded by soil microorganisms. The biodegradability of such products must be tested under laboratory-controlled conditions following international standards, although these can fail to represent real environmental conditions where mulch films are used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil refinement on the degradation rates of three different commercial soil-biodegradable mulch films after their incorporation into the soil. The hypotheses were that: (i) soil refinement (i.e., ploughing followed by grubbing) creates more favourable conditions for film biodegradation compared to ploughing alone; and (ii) different mulch films show different degradation rates. An open-field completely randomised design was applied to test the effects of soil refinement by ploughing to 0.35 m depth without and with subsequent grubbing to 0.15 m depth twice. Three commercially available soil-biodegradable mulch films were sampled in 2020 (i.e., two Mater-bi-based, one Ecovio-based) at the end of a zucchini growing season (~3 months) when films were still lying above ground, and were later buried at 0.2 m depth inside mesh bags. Biodegradation rates of the sampled films were assessed with the indirect indicators of film weight loss and surface area loss at ~2-month intervals over 314 days. The results showed that soil refinement significantly accelerated degradation of the three tested mulch films by 14% and 17% according to the loss of weight and surface area indicators, respectively. One Mater-bi-based film showed higher degradation rates compared to the other two films. Future studies are needed to quantify the time needed for these different mulch films to be completely biodegraded. Such studies should be carried out following standards for laboratory incubation and/or in-field quantification of residual polymers in the soil over time. Highlights- Degradation rates of three biodegradable mulch films were evaluated in the open-field.- Soil refinement accelerates the degradation of film weight (14%) and surface (17%).- Highest degradation rates were observed for one Mater-bi-based film.- Fastest degradation rates were observed in spring for all the tested films.- Weight and surface area loss indicators showed positive relationship.
{"title":"Soil refinement accelerates in-field degradation rates of soil-biodegradable mulch films","authors":"Marco Bianchini, L. Trozzo, P. D’Ottavio, Marco Giustozzi, M. Toderi, L. Ledda, M. Francioni","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2044","url":null,"abstract":"Soil-biodegradable mulch films are a promising solution to replace conventional polyethylene-based mulch films, the use of which has led to negative environmental impacts. Soil-biodegradable mulch films are specifically designed to be incorporated into the soil at the end of the cropping cycle, and are expected to be biodegraded by soil microorganisms. The biodegradability of such products must be tested under laboratory-controlled conditions following international standards, although these can fail to represent real environmental conditions where mulch films are used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil refinement on the degradation rates of three different commercial soil-biodegradable mulch films after their incorporation into the soil. The hypotheses were that: (i) soil refinement (i.e., ploughing followed by grubbing) creates more favourable conditions for film biodegradation compared to ploughing alone; and (ii) different mulch films show different degradation rates. An open-field completely randomised design was applied to test the effects of soil refinement by ploughing to 0.35 m depth without and with subsequent grubbing to 0.15 m depth twice. Three commercially available soil-biodegradable mulch films were sampled in 2020 (i.e., two Mater-bi-based, one Ecovio-based) at the end of a zucchini growing season (~3 months) when films were still lying above ground, and were later buried at 0.2 m depth inside mesh bags. Biodegradation rates of the sampled films were assessed with the indirect indicators of film weight loss and surface area loss at ~2-month intervals over 314 days. The results showed that soil refinement significantly accelerated degradation of the three tested mulch films by 14% and 17% according to the loss of weight and surface area indicators, respectively. One Mater-bi-based film showed higher degradation rates compared to the other two films. Future studies are needed to quantify the time needed for these different mulch films to be completely biodegraded. Such studies should be carried out following standards for laboratory incubation and/or in-field quantification of residual polymers in the soil over time.\u0000Highlights- Degradation rates of three biodegradable mulch films were evaluated in the open-field.- Soil refinement accelerates the degradation of film weight (14%) and surface (17%).- Highest degradation rates were observed for one Mater-bi-based film.- Fastest degradation rates were observed in spring for all the tested films.- Weight and surface area loss indicators showed positive relationship.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43467797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Tsuboi, Kimiko Yamamoto-Tamura, A. Takada, S. Yonemura, Yuko Takada Hoshino, H. Kitamoto, A. Kishimoto-Mo
The purpose of this study was to develop a method for detecting microbial activity based on soil esterase activity during biodegradation of polyester biodegradable mulch films after plowing the field. Herein, we report that the p-nitrophenyl butyrate (pNP–C4) substrate, among five pNP fatty acid substrates (pNP–acetate (C2), –C4, –hexanoate (C6), –decanoate (C10), and dodecanoate (C12)) in a cultivated field, is a specific indicator for detecting microbial activity associated with biodegradation of biodegradable polyesters. To evaluate film degradation by loss of weight and visual area, pieces of three different films were placed independently in meshed plastic bags and buried in a cultivated field in Japan, for seven months. One was made from poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and two were biodegradable polyester (poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) and poly(butylene succinate)-type polymer)-based commercial films (hereafter described as films A and B) and weathered for three months in the cultivated field. The soil that adhered to the mesh bag and film was retrieved and mixed, and their esterase activities were measured using the five pNP fatty acid substrates. From the loss of visual area, the time taken from burial to accelerated degradation increased, in the order of PBSA, film A, and film B. The reproducibility of the hydrolytic activity values of pNP–C2, –C4, and –C6 in bulk soil were considered sufficient to measure baselines for the enzymatic activities. Among these substrates, the hydrolytic activity of pNP–C4 was significantly higher in the degradation process of PBSA and film A. In addition, unlike the pNP–C2 and –C6, the hydrolytic activity of the pNP–C4 in the bulk soil was not affected by changes in soil temperature and moisture under the conditions of this experiment. Therefore, the pNP–C4 hydrolytic activity can aid in the detection of the microbial activity associated with the biodegradation of polyester-based biodegradable mulch films in cultivated field soils.
{"title":"Selection of p-nitrophenyl fatty acid substrate suitable for detecting changes in soil esterase activity associated with degradation of biodegradable polyester mulch films: a field trial","authors":"S. Tsuboi, Kimiko Yamamoto-Tamura, A. Takada, S. Yonemura, Yuko Takada Hoshino, H. Kitamoto, A. Kishimoto-Mo","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2040","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to develop a method for detecting microbial activity based on soil esterase activity during biodegradation of polyester biodegradable mulch films after plowing the field. Herein, we report that the p-nitrophenyl butyrate (pNP–C4) substrate, among five pNP fatty acid substrates (pNP–acetate (C2), –C4, –hexanoate (C6), –decanoate (C10), and dodecanoate (C12)) in a cultivated field, is a specific indicator for detecting microbial activity associated with biodegradation of biodegradable polyesters. To evaluate film degradation by loss of weight and visual area, pieces of three different films were placed independently in meshed plastic bags and buried in a cultivated field in Japan, for seven months. One was made from poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and two were biodegradable polyester (poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) and poly(butylene succinate)-type polymer)-based commercial films (hereafter described as films A and B) and weathered for three months in the cultivated field. The soil that adhered to the mesh bag and film was retrieved and mixed, and their esterase activities were measured using the five pNP fatty acid substrates. From the loss of visual area, the time taken from burial to accelerated degradation increased, in the order of PBSA, film A, and film B. The reproducibility of the hydrolytic activity values of pNP–C2, –C4, and –C6 in bulk soil were considered sufficient to measure baselines for the enzymatic activities. Among these substrates, the hydrolytic activity of pNP–C4 was significantly higher in the degradation process of PBSA and film A. In addition, unlike the pNP–C2 and –C6, the hydrolytic activity of the pNP–C4 in the bulk soil was not affected by changes in soil temperature and moisture under the conditions of this experiment. Therefore, the pNP–C4 hydrolytic activity can aid in the detection of the microbial activity associated with the biodegradation of polyester-based biodegradable mulch films in cultivated field soils.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47317691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cover crops provide agro-ecological services like erosion control, improvement of soil quality, reduction of nitrate leaching and weed control. Before planting the subsequent cash crop, cover crops need to be terminated with herbicides, mechanically or with the help of frost (winterkill). Winterkill termination is expected to increase its relevance in the next years, especially for organic farming due to limitations in the use of herbicides and for conservation agriculture cropping systems. Termination by frost depends on complex interactions between genotype, development stage and weather conditions. To understand these interactions for management purposes, crop frost damage models, whose review is the purpose of this article, can be very useful. A literature search led to the collection of eight frost damage models, mainly dedicated to winter wheat. Three of these models are described in detail because they appear suited to adaptation to cover crops. Indeed, they explicitly simulate frost tolerance acquisition and loss as influenced by development stage using a crop frost tolerance temperature, whose rate of variation depends on the processes of hardening and dehardening. This tolerance temperature is compared daily with environmental temperature to calculate frost damage to the vegetative organs. The three models, when applied to winter wheat in Canada, Norway and France, have shown good agreement between measured and simulated crop frost tolerance temperature (when declared, the root mean squared error was 2.4°C). To compare the behaviour of these models, we applied them in two locations with different climatic conditions (temperate climate: Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, and continental climate: Saskaatoon, Canada) with respect to frost tolerance acquisition. This comparison revealed that the three models provide different simulated dates for the frost damage event in the continental site, while they are more similar in the temperate site. In conclusion, we have shown that the reviewed models are potentially suitable for simulating cover crop frost damage. Highlights - Frost termination is very important for cover crops and needs to be simulated with crop models. - Lacking a cover crop frost damage model, we review eight models simulating damage of cash crops, namely cereals. - Three of these models are also applicable to cover crops and are described in more detail. - The simulated crop frost tolerance temperature decreases and increases with hardening and dehardening, respectively. - This tolerance temperature is compared with environmental temperature to calculate frost damage to the crop.
{"title":"A review of crop frost damage models and their potential application to cover crops","authors":"Mara Gabbrielli, A. Perego, M. Acutis, L. Bechini","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.2046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.2046","url":null,"abstract":"Cover crops provide agro-ecological services like erosion control, improvement of soil quality, reduction of nitrate leaching and weed control. Before planting the subsequent cash crop, cover crops need to be terminated with herbicides, mechanically or with the help of frost (winterkill). Winterkill termination is expected to increase its relevance in the next years, especially for organic farming due to limitations in the use of herbicides and for conservation agriculture cropping systems. Termination by frost depends on complex interactions between genotype, development stage and weather conditions. To understand these interactions for management purposes, crop frost damage models, whose review is the purpose of this article, can be very useful. A literature search led to the collection of eight frost damage models, mainly dedicated to winter wheat. Three of these models are described in detail because they appear suited to adaptation to cover crops. Indeed, they explicitly simulate frost tolerance acquisition and loss as influenced by development stage using a crop frost tolerance temperature, whose rate of variation depends on the processes of hardening and dehardening. This tolerance temperature is compared daily with environmental temperature to calculate frost damage to the vegetative organs. The three models, when applied to winter wheat in Canada, Norway and France, have shown good agreement between measured and simulated crop frost tolerance temperature (when declared, the root mean squared error was 2.4°C). To compare the behaviour of these models, we applied them in two locations with different climatic conditions (temperate climate: Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, and continental climate: Saskaatoon, Canada) with respect to frost tolerance acquisition. This comparison revealed that the three models provide different simulated dates for the frost damage event in the continental site, while they are more similar in the temperate site. In conclusion, we have shown that the reviewed models are potentially suitable for simulating cover crop frost damage.\u0000Highlights - Frost termination is very important for cover crops and needs to be simulated with crop models. - Lacking a cover crop frost damage model, we review eight models simulating damage of cash crops, namely cereals. - Three of these models are also applicable to cover crops and are described in more detail. - The simulated crop frost tolerance temperature decreases and increases with hardening and dehardening, respectively. - This tolerance temperature is compared with environmental temperature to calculate frost damage to the crop.","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42006078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The spectrum and intensity of light play a significant role in the primary and secondary metabolism of plants. Low intensity can make the photosynthetic process less efficient, while inadequate spectrum can impair plant growth and quality. This study investigates the effect of different LED light spectra at low intensity on germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings under a temperature-controlled chamber and the subsequent impact on mature plants grown in a greenhouse under natural light. The purpose was to reach a commercial plant seedling using a low amount of energy to achieve the yield potential in a shorter period. The experiment was carried out in three trials. In trial 1, the effect of different LED light wavelengths [100% blue (B); 100% red (R); mixed light 1 (52% blue, 27% green and 21% red) (BGR1), and mixed light 2 (29% blue, 53% green and 17% red and 1% far red) (BGR2)] at low intensity (55 μmol m–2 s–1 and 12 h light photoperiod) and darkness (control) on germination of two lettuce cultivars [‘Levistro’ (green) and ‘Carmolí’ (red)] was evaluated in a controlled temperature chamber (20±1.2°C). In trial 2, the effect of the same light conditions of the first experiment on agronomic characteristics and pigment contents of lettuce seedlings compared to the natural light (control: 451±66 μmol m–2 s–1) were evaluated. In trial 3, the seedlings developed under different LED light wavelengths were transplanted to evaluate the subsequent effect on the growth of baby lettuce cultivated hydroponically in the greenhouse under natural light. The results of this study show that red wavelength reduced germination percentage, while lights with a higher blue component (B and BGR1) accelerated germination and increased the number of germinated seeds in ‘Levistro’. Red also delayed germination and decreased the number of germinated seeds in ‘Carmolí’ compared to darkness. Seedlings of ‘Levistro’ had a higher fresh weight (FW) than ‘Carmolí’. In addition, FW increased under BGR2 and R, which coincided with the highest number of leaves and leaf length. Nevertheless, fresh weight was higher under BGR2 and B after transplanting, coinciding with the highest number of leaves. A higher blue component of the light (B and BGR1) increased the dry matter percentage (DMP) of seedlings, but there was no significant difference after transplanting. Chlorophyll (CHL) a and b content increased under BGR2; however, the highest CHL a/b ratio was observed under BGR1 in ‘Levistro’ and B in ‘Carmolí’, but it was higher after transplanting when seedlings were grown under B. The anthocyanin (ANT) content of ‘Carmolí’ seedlings was promoted by a higher blue component of the light (B and BGR1) but significantly increased under natural light (control) at the highest intensity. This work shows that varying the spectrum at low intensity can positively modify the growth and biochemical characteristics of lettuce seedlings, although the effect depends on the cul
{"title":"In-door germination and seedling growth of green and red lettuce under LED-light spectrum and subsequent effect on baby leaf lettuce","authors":"C. Hernández-Adasme, H. Silva, V. Escalona","doi":"10.4081/ija.2022.1982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4081/ija.2022.1982","url":null,"abstract":"The spectrum and intensity of light play a significant role in the primary and secondary metabolism of plants. Low intensity can make the photosynthetic process less efficient, while inadequate spectrum can impair plant growth and quality. This study investigates the effect of different LED light spectra at low intensity on germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings under a temperature-controlled chamber and the subsequent impact on mature plants grown in a greenhouse under natural light. The purpose was to reach a commercial plant seedling using a low amount of energy to achieve the yield potential in a shorter period. The experiment was carried out in three trials. In trial 1, the effect of different LED light wavelengths [100% blue (B); 100% red (R); mixed light 1 (52% blue, 27% green and 21% red) (BGR1), and mixed light 2 (29% blue, 53% green and 17% red and 1% far red) (BGR2)] at low intensity (55 μmol m–2 s–1 and 12 h light photoperiod) and darkness (control) on germination of two lettuce cultivars [‘Levistro’ (green) and ‘Carmolí’ (red)] was evaluated in a controlled temperature chamber (20±1.2°C). In trial 2, the effect of the same light conditions of the first experiment on agronomic characteristics and pigment contents of lettuce seedlings compared to the natural light (control: 451±66 μmol m–2 s–1) were evaluated. In trial 3, the seedlings developed under different LED light wavelengths were transplanted to evaluate the subsequent effect on the growth of baby lettuce cultivated hydroponically in the greenhouse under natural light. The results of this study show that red wavelength reduced germination percentage, while lights with a higher blue component (B and BGR1) accelerated germination and increased the number of germinated seeds in ‘Levistro’. Red also delayed germination and decreased the number of germinated seeds in ‘Carmolí’ compared to darkness. Seedlings of ‘Levistro’ had a higher fresh weight (FW) than ‘Carmolí’. In addition, FW increased under BGR2 and R, which coincided with the highest number of leaves and leaf length. Nevertheless, fresh weight was higher under BGR2 and B after transplanting, coinciding with the highest number of leaves. A higher blue component of the light (B and BGR1) increased the dry matter percentage (DMP) of seedlings, but there was no significant difference after transplanting. Chlorophyll (CHL) a and b content increased under BGR2; however, the highest CHL a/b ratio was observed under BGR1 in ‘Levistro’ and B in ‘Carmolí’, but it was higher after transplanting when seedlings were grown under B. The anthocyanin (ANT) content of ‘Carmolí’ seedlings was promoted by a higher blue component of the light (B and BGR1) but significantly increased under natural light (control) at the highest intensity. This work shows that varying the spectrum at low intensity can positively modify the growth and biochemical characteristics of lettuce seedlings, although the effect depends on the cul","PeriodicalId":14618,"journal":{"name":"Italian Journal of Agronomy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2022-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43080182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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