Climate-smart agricultural practices influence the fungal communities and soil properties under major agri-food systems

Fungal communities in agricultural soils are assumed to be affected by climate, weather, and anthropogenic activities, and magnitude of their effect depends on the agricultural activities. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of the portfolio of management practices on fungal communities and soil physical–chemical properties. The study comprised different climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-based management scenarios (Sc) established on the principles of conservation agriculture (CA), namely, ScI is conventional tillage-based rice–wheat rotation, ScII is partial CA-based rice–wheat–mungbean, ScIII is partial CSA-based rice–wheat–mungbean, ScIV is partial CSA-based maize–wheat–mungbean, and ScV and ScVI are CSA-based scenarios and similar to ScIII and ScIV, respectively, except for fertigation method. All the scenarios were flood irrigated except the ScV and ScVI where water and nitrogen were given through subsurface drip irrigation. Soils of these scenarios were collected from 0 to 15 cm depth and analyzed by Illumina paired-end sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) for the study of fungal community composition. Analysis of 5 million processed sequences showed a higher Shannon diversity index of 1.47 times and a Simpson index of 1.12 times in maize-based CSA scenarios (ScIV and ScVI) compared with rice-based CSA scenarios (ScIII and ScV). Seven phyla were present in all the scenarios, where Ascomycota was the most abundant phyla and it was followed by Basidiomycota and Zygomycota. Ascomycota was found more abundant in rice-based CSA scenarios as compared to maize-based CSA scenarios. Soil organic carbon and nitrogen were found to be 1.62 and 1.25 times higher in CSA scenarios compared with other scenarios. Bulk density was found highest in farmers' practice (Sc1); however, mean weight diameter and water-stable aggregates were found lowest in ScI. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties were found better under CSA-based practices, which also increased the wheat grain yield by 12.5% and system yield by 18.8%. These results indicate that bundling/layering of smart agricultural practices over farmers' practices has tremendous effects on soil properties, and hence play an important role in sustaining soil quality/health

Climate Smart agricultural practices improve soil quality through organic carbon enrichment and lower greenhouse gas emissions in farms of bread bowl of India

Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to NEWS India-UK for providing the first author Fellowship during the study. We are also grateful to CCAFS-CIMMYT for allowing us to collect soil samples from climate smart villages of Karnal, Haryana. The help received from Kartar Singh during soil analysis, and Kapil, Rakesh, Rajinder and Anil during field survey and sample collection is gratefully acknowledged. We are grateful to two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments which significantly improved the quality of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPostprin

State Level Maize Days

Northwest India has become a major challenge owing to faster depletion of groundwater table, stagnating or declining productivity growth, degrading soil health and environmental quality including air pollution and public health concerns, and diminishing farm profitability. Therefore, diversification of rice crop is the need of hour to sustain the declining natural resources to ensure food security in long-run in Punjab and Haryana. To save earth and to save health, paddy is to be replaced with maize. Currently this coarse grain is cultivated in about 10.2 million ha in India. The increasing interest of the consumers in nutritionally enriched products and rising demand as poultry feed, which accounts 47% of total maize consumption, are the driving forces behind increasing consumption of maize in the country. State Levels Maize Days organized this year in Punjab and Hariyana states of northwest India has gained in stature and popularity on account of the focus on covering very relevant participation from right stakeholders and covering topical issues. The programmes were focused on solutions that will help increase maize productivity by building efficiencies in entire chain and thus generating higher value for the farmers. Scientists and private partners to convince farmers with credible solution to enhance credibility by giving a proof of the technology at the farmers’ field. Timely availability of the input is critical for farmers and providing good market is essential for realisation of diversification with maize replacing rice. In these programmes, knowledge on improved agronomic production technologies and agro-inputs such as seeds of improved maize varieties, herbicides, and pesticides to control fall armyworm have been distributed to the farmers

On-farm evidence on breaking yield barriers through optimizing wheat cropping system in Indo Gangetic Plain

The wheat production in the food basket of South Asia has plateaued with threats of environmental sustainability and posing a serious challenge to future food security. For sustainable wheat production in conventional rice-wheat (CTRW) systems under changing climatic scenario, atwo-year on-farm study was conducted. We evaluated system optimization practices (SOP) of legume inclusion with CTR-zero-tillage (ZT) wheat-mungbean (CTR-ZTWMb) and direct seeded rice-ZT wheat-mungbean (DSR-ZTWMb) and triple ZT (raised bed) based futuristic systems of maize-wheat-mungbean (ZTMWMb) and soybean-wheat-mungbean (ZTSWMb). The global warming potential (GWP) of wheat production was significantly reduced by 811 kg CO2 eq/ha (783−861) in the SOP compared to CTRW. Moreover, the water usein wheat reduced by 85.9 and 85.2 ha-mm/ha in CTR-ZTWMb and DSR-ZTWMb with higher reduction in ZTMWMb and ZTSWMb by128.7 and 118.0 ha-mm/ha, respectively over CTRW. Similarly, the total weed density was reduced at 60 (39 and 52 %) and 90 (38 and 49 %) days after sowing with CTR-ZTWMb and DSR-ZTWMb over CTRW. However, the weed density reduction was lesser with ZTSWMb and ZTMWMb at 60 (3.0 and 23.6 %), and 90 (9.8 and 31.0 %) days after sowingcompared to the CTRW.The partial factor productivity (PFP) of NPK applied was 8.5–19.0 % higher under SOP over the CTRW. The use of non-renewable energy in wheat cultivation was reduced by 24.4–28.9 % with SOP over CTRW. The enhancement in wheat grain yield (7.4–11.8 %) and net returns (98–169 US$/ha) was also recorded with CTR-ZTWMb and DSR-ZTWMb and this gain in futuristic systems (ZTMWMb and ZTSWMb) was much higher in grain yield (17.2–21.0$/ha) over CTRW. The adoption of these SOPs on 1 million ha could produce 0.37–1.05 million t additional wheat over CTRW. The on-farm study evidenced thatwheat production with system optimization practices of legume inclusion and zero tillage are better alternatives to achieve higher productivity and profitability with a lesserenvironmental footprint in Indo-Gangetic Plains and similar agroecological regions

Effect of dual-purpose summer legumes and zinc fertilization on system productivity, economics and nutrient use-efficiencies of rice (Oryza sativa) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2007-09 at the research farm of IARI, New Delhi, India; to study the effects of dual-purpose summer legumes and zinc fertilization in aromatic hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)– wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. The higher system productivity, N and Zn uptake, nutrient-use efficiencies, net return and B:C ratio were recorded in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] or mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) residue incorporated plots. The N balance was negative (-) in all treatments but it was least negative (-) in cowpea among summer treatments followed by mungbean. The highest N and Zn uptake, system productivity in terms of grain yield, i.e. 12.32 and 12.71 tonnes/ha was observed with application of 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO4.7H2O). Among the Zn fertilization treatments the lowest negative (-) balance of N was recorded with control (only N), i.e. -36.92 kg/ha in 2007-08 however in 2008-09 it was recorded with coating material coated urea, i.e. -39.54 kg N/ha over rest of the Zn treatments. The application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha (ZnO) gave the highest (2 696 and 2 601 g/ha during 2007-08 and 2008-09, respectively) positive Zn balance under rice-wheat cropping system. Partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency, apparent recovery and physiological efficiency of applied N and Zn in rice-wheat cropping system were increased with Zn-enriched urea. The agronomic efficiency of N with 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO4.7H2O) increased by 49.7% and the N recovery efficiency in grain increased up to 57.6% over normal practice of prilled urea application. With the application of 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO4.7H2O) the agronomic efficiency of Zn increased in the range of 54 to 160% while Zn apparent recovery (%) in grain increased from 70 to 318% over 2.0% ZEU (ZnO) and 5.0 kg Zn/ha (ZnO), respectively. The dual-purpose summer legume incorporation in rice-wheat system gave higher net returns by 29 to 34% in 2007-08 and 42 to 45% during 2008-09 over summer fallow with B:C ratio up to 3.01. The application of 2.0% ZEU (ZnSO4.7H2O) gave the highest B:C ratio of 3.02 and increased net returns of aromatic-hybrid rice-wheat system by 11.6 to 12.2% over prilled urea application

Scalable diversification options delivers sustainable and nutritious food in Indo‑Gangetic plains

Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of South Asia have supported bulk of human and bovine population in the region since ages, and a spectacular progress has been made in food production. However, malnutrition, diminishing total factor productivity, and natural resource degradation continue to plague this cereal-dominated region, which is also vulnerable to climate change. Addressing these challenges would require a transition towards diversifying cereal rotations with agroecological cropping systems. A study was, therefore, conducted at the experimental farm of ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal on crop diversification and sustainable intensification options using agro-ecological approaches such as Conservation Agriculture (CA) and diversified cropping systems to ensure food and nutritional security while sustaining the natural resources. On 2 years mean basis, CA-based cropping system management scenarios (mean of Sc2–Sc7) using diversified crop rotations; increased the system yield by 15.4%, net return by 28.7%, protein yield by 29.7%, while using 53.0% less irrigation water compared to conventional tillage (CT)-based rice–wheat system (Sc1). Maize-mustard-mungbean on permanent beds (PBs) (Sc4) recorded the highest productivity (+ 40.7%), profitability (+ 60.1%), and saved 81.8% irrigation water compared to Sc1 (11.8 Mg ha−1; 2190 USD ha−1; 2514 mm ha−1). Similarly, Sc5 (maize-wheat-mungbean on PBs) improved productivity (+ 32.2%), profitability (+ 57.4%) and saved irrigation water (75.5%) compared to Sc1. In terms of nutritional value, Sc5 was more balanced than other scenarios, and produced 43.8, 27.5 and 259.8% higher protein, carbohydrate and fat yields, respectively, compared to Sc1 (0.93, 8.55 and 0.14 Mg ha−1). Scenario 5 was able to meet the nutrient demand of 19, 23 and 32 additional persons ha−1 year−1 with respect to protein, carbohydrate and fat, respectively, compared to Sc1. The highest protein water productivity (~ 0.31 kg protein m−3 water) was recorded with CA-based soybean-wheat-mungbean (Sc6) system followed by maize-mustard-mungbean on PBs (Sc4) system (~ 0.29 kg protein m−3) and lowest under Sc1. Integration of short duration legume (mungbean) improved the system productivity by 17.2% and profitability by 32.1%, while triple gains in irrigation water productivity compared to CT-based systems. In western IGP, maize-wheat-mungbean on PBs was found most productive, profitable and nutritionally rich and efficient system compared to other systems. Therefore, diversification of water intensive cereal rotations with inclusion of legumes and CA-based management optimization can be potential option to ensure nutritious food for the dwelling communities and sustainability of natural resources in the region

Conservation Agriculture and Scale of Appropriate Agricultural Mechanization in Smallholder Systems

This manual has focused on the need to amplify and accelerate adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) practices that enable productivity increases on a sustainable basis. The development of the training manual on ‘Conservation Agriculture and Scale Appropriate Agricultural Mechanization in Smallholder Systems’ is an outcome of the series of advanced training programs on Conservation Agriculture over past one decade. The objectives of this training manual are; (1) To foster capacity building of researchers, extension workers, farmers and machinery manufacturers to promote CA in Asia and Africa; and (2) To raise the awareness of policy planners and decision makers to develop a strategic plan for the development of CA and agricultural mechanization in the developing world. There are several initiatives in South Asia and Africa to promote CA practices as environment-friendly and alternative to conventional agriculture. However, little has been done to document the CA practices or even lessons learnt from these initiatives. Farmers today still lack access to information on CA practices. This is a comprehensive manual that explains in a step by step easy to follow manner on how to implement CA by smallholders in Asia and Africa. It explains what CA is, and why it is important, how to use CA principles in the field and highlights the issues and challenges that researchers, farmers, machinery manufacturers and service providers may encounter when they adopt and adapt CA practices. This manual aims to be a valuable reference and is intended for use by researchers, agricultural extension officers/workers, farmers, machinery manufacturers and service providers to promote CA in Asia and Africa for increasing productivity and reducing poverty. It is written in clear, easy-to-understand language, and is illustrated with numerous figures and tables. It is not intended to cover the subject of conservation agriculture comprehensively but to provide an overview of the principles and practices. Indeed, as the training draws from many distinct disciplines, it is unlikely that any one person will have the necessary technical skills to cover the complete course content. Manual also focuses on two crucial aspects: the provision of farm mechanization services as a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs, and the essential criteria of raising productivity in an environmentally sensitive and responsible way. This manual is also designed to serve as source of information for custom hire service providers – whether already in the business or intending to start their own hire service business – with skills and competencies in both the technical and the management aspects of the small-scale mechanization business. CA to reach smallholder farmers needed the publication of simplified technical manual. This manual contains useful technical information on CA practices that offer practical answers to questions normally asked by farmers of what, why, how

Simultaneous expression of MMB-FOXM1 complex components enables efficient bypass of senescence

Cellular senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that normal cells undergo after a finite number of divisions, in response to a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Although senescence is largely established and maintained by the p53/p21WAF1/CIP1 and pRB/p16INK4A tumour suppressor pathways, the downstream targets responsible for the stability of the growth arrest are not known. We have employed a stable senescence bypass assay in conditionally immortalised human breast fibroblasts (CL3EcoR) to investigate the role of the DREAM complex and its associated components in senescence. DREAM is a multi-subunit complex comprised of the MuvB core, containing LIN9, LIN37, LIN52, LIN54, and RBBP4, that when bound to p130, an RB1 like protein, and E2F4 inhibits cell cycle-dependent gene expression thereby arresting cell division. Phosphorylation of LIN52 at Serine 28 is required for DREAM assembly. Re-entry into the cell cycle upon phosphorylation of p130 leads to disruption of the DREAM complex and the MuvB core, associating initially to B-MYB and later to FOXM1 to form MMB and MMB-FOXM1 complexes respectively. Here we report that simultaneous expression of MMB-FOXM1 complex components efficiently bypasses senescence with LIN52, B-MYB, and FOXM1 as the crucial components. Moreover, bypass of senescence requires non-phosphorylated LIN52 that disrupts the DREAM complex, thereby indicating a central role for assembly of the DREAM complex in senescence

Conservation agriculture in the semi-arid tropics: Prospects and problems

Relatively less attention has been paid on the use of conservation agriculture (CA) in the arid and semi-arid tropics (SAT), although a lot of information is available from humid and sub-humid regions globally. The objective of this review is to focus on the use of CA – its status, problems and prospects in the semi-arid tropical regions with emphasis on Asia and Africa. The information on the use of CA in SAT regions is summarized and put in context with the information available and lessons learnt on the use of CA in relatively vast tracts of land, especially in Brazil, North America, and Australia. Clearly, there are several bottlenecks in the use of CA in the SAT regions of Asia and Africa especially under rainfed agriculture. Among the major constraints to the use of CA in these regions include insufficient amounts of residues due to water shortage and degraded nature of soil resource, competing uses of crop residues, resource poor smallholder farmers, and lack of in-depth research in the SAT regions of Africa and to a lesser extent in Asia. The exception in the implementation of CA is of course the wheat–rice system in south Asia under irrigated conditions. The use of CA in the wheat–rice system of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of south Asia has been relatively well researched during the last decade or so. However, in rainfed systems of the drier regions, relatively less attention has been given to develop research strategy to overcome the constraints to the adoption of CA. Examples are given from Brazil, Australia and North America as to how CA has been widely adopted in those regions as well as from Africa where CA is being promoted through active support of donor agencies. Obviously, there is need for strategic long-term research in the SAT regions for exploring the prospects in the face of major constraints faced to the adoption of CA, before CA could be taken to the farmers' door step