Impact of crop diversification and low-input farming on soil microbial diversity

[SPA] Las comunidades microbianas existen en los ecosistemas de suelo y son indicadoras de su calidad. Los microorganismos en el suelo, proveen y contribuyen a los grandes ciclos geoquímicos del carbono y nitrógeno. Determinan las características físico-químicas y proveen de forma localizada de nitrógeno, sulfuro, fostato en la agricultura. El presente proyecto enfoca la determinación de comunidades microbiológicas, incluyendo especies y abundancia por medio de secuenciación de nueva generación de ADN de diferentes áreas agrícolas. Los datos generados van a dar una información muy amplia sobre las comunidades microbianas del suelo y el impacto de diferentes prácticas agrícolas sobre su estructura. [ENG] Microbial community existing in soil ecosystems is a major indicator of soil quality. Microorganisms in soil provide and/or contribute major biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen. They shape soil characteristics physically and chemically along with providing for Nitrogen, Sulphur, Phosphate and other nutritional cycles in agricultural areas locally. This project focuses on determination of soil microbiome community as the types of species existing and the abundance of each species through next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal metagenomic DNA from different agricultural areas. The overall data will provide a vast range of information of soil microbial community structure and the effect of different agricultural practices on community structure.This thesis is carried out in correlation with Plant Biotechnology Institute, Cartagena and Polytechnic University of Cartagena, Cartagena. Diverfarming Project is funded by European Union (H2020 project)

A laboratory comparison of the interactions between three plastic mulch types and 38 active substances found in pesticides

Background: In semi-arid regions, the use of plastic mulch and pesticides in conventional agriculture is nearly ubiquitous. Although the sorption of pesticides on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has been previously studied, no data are available for other plastics such as Pro-oxidant Additive Containing (PAC) plastics or “biodegradable” (Bio) plastics. The aim of this research was to measure the sorption pattern of active substances from pesticides on LDPE, PAC and Bio plastic mulches and to compare the decay of the active substances in the presence and absence of plastic debris. Methods: For this purpose, 38 active substances from 17 insecticides, 15 fungicides and six herbicides commonly applied with plastic mulching in South-east Spain were incubated with a 3 × 3 cm2 piece of plastic mulch (LDPE, PAC and Bio). The incubation was done in a solution of 10% acetonitrile and 90% distilled water at 35 _C for 15 days in the dark. The Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe approach was adapted to extract the pesticides. Results: The sorption behavior depended on both the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was ~30% lesser than the decay of active substances in solution alone. This study is the first attempt at assessing the behavior of a diversity of plastic mulches and pesticides to further define research needs.This work was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Diverfarming (grant agreement 728003). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Handbook of plant and soil analysis for agricultural systems

[SPA] Este libro recopila diferentes protocolos para el análisis de plantas y suelos para sistemas agrícolas. Nuestro objetivo es proporcionar un conjunto completo de indicadores para evaluar la productividad de los cultivos, la calidad de los cultivos, la calidad del suelo y la fertilidad del suelo con procedimientos y métodos viables y sólidos. La evaluación de la sostenibilidad de los agroecosistemas requiere la selección de indicadores adecuados y su medida. El presente manual ha compilado diferentes indicadores para evaluar el crecimiento de los cultivos, la incidencia de plagas y enfermedades, el rendimiento de la granja, la calidad de los cultivos y las características nutricionales, los análisis físicos del suelo, los análisis químicos del suelo y los análisis biológicos del suelo. El libro está organizado en tres partes: i) análisis de plantas y cultivos, ii) análisis físico-químicos del suelo y iii) análisis biológicos del suelo. En total, proporcionamos 90 procedimientos para el análisis de plantas y suelos, incluida la importancia y las aplicaciones, el principio del método descrito, los reactivos necesarios, los materiales y equipos, la descripción detallada del procedimiento, los cálculos necesarios y algunas observaciones específicas.[ENG] This books compiles different protocols for analysis of plant and soil for agricultural systems. We aim to provide a complete set of indicators to assess crop productivity, crop quality, soil quality and soil fertility with feasible and robust procedures and methods. The assessment of the sustainability of agroecosystems needs the selection of suitable indicators and their measure. The present handbook has compiled different indicators to assess crop growth, incidence of pests and diseases, farm yield, crop quality and nutritional characteristics, soil physical analyses, soil chemical analyses and soil biological analyses. The book is organized in three parts: i) plant and crop analyses, ii) soil physicochemical analyses and iii) soil biological analyses. In total we provide 90 procedures for plant and soil analysis, including the importance and applications, the principle of the method described, the reagents needed, the materials and equipment, the detailed description of the procedure, the calculations required and some specific remarks.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 72800

Assessment of metals behaviour in industrial soil using sequential extraction, multivariable analysis and a geostatistical approach

The main objectives of this studywere to evaluate the degree of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr and Ni pollution using pollution indexes and geostatistical approach, and to assess metals dynamic using sequential extraction procedure and multivariable statistical analysis in surface soils and soil profiles froman industrial complex as a base for a correct management in order to avoid health and environmental problems. Results showed that the industrial activity increases both Pb (103 mgkg−1), Zn (526 mgkg−1) and Cu (39 mgkg−1) concentrations and salinity in soil. Pollution indexes showed that industrial soils were moderately contaminated by Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni as well as a moderate ecological risk was reported. Two main areas were identified: southeast area with the highest metal concentrations, and northwest areawith the lowest levels. Chemical speciation of metals showed that the residual phase was the dominant phase for all metals. However, Pb and Zn were highly associated to the reducible phase (25–30% and 35–40% respectively) and a significant concentration was associated to carbonates (5% for both metals). In contrast, Cu, Cr and Ni were mainly bound to the residual phase (N80% for all metals) with low concentrations retained to reducible phase, and very low concentrations bound to the most labile phases. Cd was the most mobile metal with high concentration associated to exchangeable (5%) and carbonates (15–20%) phases. Therefore, Pb, Zn and Cd represent the greatest risk for human health and the environment

Using legumes as intercropping to improve soil properties

[SPA] El uso de leguminosas en cultivos asociados hortícolas puede jugar un importante papel tanto en el ciclo de nutrientes como en el ciclo de la materia orgánica y la actividad biológica del suelo. Estos efectos dependen de las especies elegidas para la asociación. Un manejo orgánico de los cultivos también tiende a reducir el impacto negativo que tienen los cultivos intensivos. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la asociación entre haba (Vicia faba L.) y broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) sobre el contenido de humedad, el carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) y nutrientes en un ciclo de cultivo en comparación a los monocultivos de cada especie. En los cultivos asociados además se redujo la fertilización en un 30% con respecto al monocultivo. Los resultados mostraron que la asociación del haba con el brócoli incrementó significativamente el contenido de humedad del suelo, el COS y nutrientes como N, P, K y Mg. Por todo ello, el uso de las leguminosas, en este caso haba, parece una opción viable para mejorar la calidad y fertilidad del suelo, reduciendo el uso de fertilizantes, lo que conlleva a un ahorro en costes y un beneficio ambiental. [ENG] The use of legumes intercropping systems can play an important role both in the nutrient and organic matter cycles and in the biological activity of the soil. The results depend on the species chosen for the association. Organic crop management also tends to reduce the negative impact that intensive crops have. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of the association between fava bean (Vicia faba L.) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) on the moisture content, soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients in a crop cycle compared to monoculture crops. In associated crops, fertilization was also reduced by 30% compared to monoculture. The results showed that the association of fava bean with broccoli significantly increased the moisture content of the soil, the SOC and nutrients such as N, P, K, and Mg. For all these reasons, the use of legumes, in this case fava beans, seems a viable option to improve the quality and fertility of the soil, reducing the use of fertilizers, which leads to cost savings and an environmental benefit.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades del Gobierno de España a través del proyecto AsociaHortus [AGL2017-83975-R]. Mariano Marcos agradece al Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades del Gobierno de España el apoyo económico a través del Programa “Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores 2018” [PRE2018-085702]

Crops association in horticulture to increase agricultural productivity and ecosystem services

[SPA] El proyecto de investigación propuesto tiene como objetivo evaluar el efecto de diferentes combinaciones y patrones de cultivos simultáneos asociados entre cultivos hortícolas típicos de la cuenca mediterránea española como es el brócoli en invierno (Brassica oleracea italica) y el melón en verano (Cucumis melo) y especies leguminosas como el haba en invierno (Vicia faba) y el judía de careta en verano (Vigna unguiculata), con incorporación de los residuos vegetales como abono verde, la reducción de la profundidad del arado y la reducción en el uso de insumos externos en el rendimiento de las cosechas, la producción general del agro-ecosistema, la incidencia de plagas y los servicios ecosistémicos (biodiversidad, calidad de suelo y secuestro de carbono) durante tres ciclos de cultivo, determinando las combinaciones con mayor facilitación y complementariedad entre las especies utilizadas. Para ello se van a comparar cultivos individuales de brócoli o melón con sus asociaciones con haba y caupí en filas alternas 1:1, filas alternas 2:1 o mezclado en la misma fila. Al final de cada ciclo se determinará la producción, la relación equivalente del terreno y la calidad de la cosecha. [ENG] The proposed research study has the objective to assess the effect of different combinations and patterns of intercropping between vegetables from the Mediterranean basin of Spain, such as broccoli in winter (Brassica oleracea italica) and melon in summer (Cucumis melon), and legume species such as fava bean in winter (Vicia faba) and cowpea in summer (Vigna unguiculata), with incorporation of crop residues as green manure, reduction of the tillage depth and reduction in the use of external inputs in the crop yield, agro-ecosystem productivity, incidence of pests and release of ecosystem services (biodiversity, soil quality and carbon sequestration). This will be done during three crop cycles, evaluating the combinations with highest facilitation and complementarity between the species. For this purpose, individual crops of broccoli and melon will be compared in systems intercropped with fava bean and cowpea, assessing the effect of row intercropping (1:1 and 2:1) and mix intercropping. At the end of each cycle yield, land equivalent ratio and crop quality will be recorded. A soil sampling will be also performed at the end of each cycle to check if intercropping contributes to increase nutrients, improve soil structure and carbon sequestration.Este trabajo ha sido finaciado por el proyecto AsociaHortus [AGL2017-83975-R] del Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades. Mariano Marcos Pérez agradece la financiación del Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades a través de las ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores 2018 [PRE2018-085702]

Valor proteico de las distintas partes de la leguminosa Vigna unguiculata en función de la variedad y práctica de manejo

[ESP] Las leguminosas de grano, plantas de la familia Leguminosae, son cultivadas principalmente por sus semillas, ricas en proteínas y energía. Su consumo puede sustituir parcial o totalmente a fuentes tradicionales de proteínas de origen animal como carne o pescado. En este estudio se determinó el contenido en proteínas de las distintas partes de dos variedades de Vigna unguiculata (semillas, vaina, tallo con hojas y raíz) bajo prácticas de manejo convencional y orgánica. Los resultados mostraron un contenido en proteínas más alto en semillas frescas frente a secas, por tanto mayor beneficio nutricional independientemente de la variedad y práctica de manejo. [ENG] The grain legumes (belonging to Leguminosae), are cultivated mainly for their seeds, rich in proteins and energy. Consumption of seeds in these legumes can replace part or totally to conventional sources of animal proteins like meat and fish. In this study, the protein content in the different parts of two varieties of Vigna unguiculata (seeds, pod, stem with leaves and root) was determined, under conventional and organic management practices. The results showed a higher protein content in fresh seeds against dry seeds, and therefore a higher nutritional benefit regardless of cultivar and management practice.Centro Universitario de la Defensa. Escuela de Turismo de Cartagena. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial UPCT. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación (ETSIT). Escuela de Ingeniería de Caminos y Minas (EICM). Escuela de Arquitectura e Ingeniería de Edificación (ARQ&IDE). Parque Tecnológico de Fuente Álamo. Navantia. Campus Mare Nostrum. Estación Experimental Agroalimentaria Tomás Ferr

Interactions between agricultural mulching plastic debris and pesticides

In semi-arid regions, the use of plastic mulch and pesticides in conventional agriculture is nearly ubiquitous. The use of plastics and pesticides lead both to the release of residues in the soils. The degradation of plastic and pesticide residues in the soil have been previously studied, but not together despite the fact that pesticides may be sorbed to plastics and that the sorption may change the degradation rate. In fact, the sorption of pesticides on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has been previously studied, but no data is available for other plastics such as Pro-oxidant Additive Containing (PAC) plastics or "biodegradable" (Bio) plastics. The aim of this research was to measure the sorption pattern of active substances from 38 pesticides on LDPE, PAC and Bio plastic mulches and to compare the decay of the active substances in the presence and absence of plastic debris. For this purpose, 38 active substances from 17 insecticides, 15 fungicides and 6 herbicides commonly applied with plastic mulching in South-east Spain were incubated at 35°C for 15 days with a 3×3 cm² square of plastic mulch (LDPE, PAC and Bio). The QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) approach was adapted to extract the pesticides. The sorption behaviour depended on both, the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC, and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was, on average, 30% lower than the decay of active substances in solution alone. Therefore, efficacy, transport, degradability and/or eco-toxicity of active substances from pesticides may be affected by sorption on plastics. Additionally the sorption of pesticides on plastic debris may affect the plastic degradability due to the toxicity of pesticides to some soil organisms

Long-term impact of sustainable land management practices on soil bacterial community in an almond orchard in south Spain

[SPA] Una estructura de comunidad bacteriana saludable es uno de los principales indicadores de calidad del suelo. Las prácticas agrícolas modernas en las que se aplican labranza intensa y fertilizantes químicos continúan poniendo en juego el equilibrio ambiental y la sostenibilidad de la producción día a día. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el efecto a largo plazo de prácticas sostenibles de bajos insumos, como la labranza reducida y el abono verde sobre la comunidad bacteriana edáfica en un cultivo de almendros del sur de España. La labranza reducida y la adición de abono verde han demostrado la estructura de la comunidad bacteriana más estable y la abundancia de especies con respecto a los métodos convencionales. El carbono orgánico del suelo y la comunidad bacteriana se mejoran con un enfoque sostenible de bajos insumos. [ENG] A healthy bacterial community structure is one of the main aspects of soil quality indicators. Modern agricultural practices, where intense tillage and chemical fertilizers are applied, continue to put environmental balance and sustainability of production at stake day by day. In this study, we aimed to assess the long-term effect of low-input sustainable practices such as reduced tillage and green manure on soil bacterial communities in an almond orchard from south Spain. Reduced tillage and addition of green manure has shown the most stable bacterial community structure and species abundance with respect to conventional practice. Soil organic carbon and bacterial community are improved by low-input sustainable approach.This work was conducted as a part of the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Diverfarming [grant agreement 728003]

Impact of different crop rotation sequences and management practices on soil bacterial diversity in Northern Netherlands

[SPA] La identificación de la estructura y diversidad bacteriana edáfica proporciona una visión enorme de la calidad del suelo debido a las intensas relaciones bioquímicas entre el microbioma del suelo y las plantas que interactúan. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar cómo diferentes sistemas de cultivo diversificados bajo dos diferentes tipos de manejo (convencional y biodinámico) afectan a la diversidad bacteriana del suelo. La comunidad bacteriana del suelo se identificó a través de la secuenciación de próxima generación de genes de codificación del RNAr 16S bacteriano. Los resultados mostraron que diferentes secuencias de rotaciones de cultivos, el periodo de implementación de las rotaciones y la práctica de manejo tienen una fuerte influencia en la biomasa microbiana, la biodiversidad bacteriana y la abundancia de diferentes filos bacterianos. [ENG] Identification of soil bacterial community structure and diversity provides a huge insight into soil quality due to the intense biochemical relationships between soil microbiome and interacting plants. The aim of this study was to assess how different diversified cropping systems under two different management (conventional and biodynamic) can affect soil bacterial diversity. Soil bacterial community was identified through next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA coding genes of soil bacteria. The findings showed that different sequences of crop rotations, period of implementation of rotations and management practice had a strong influence on soil microbial biomass, bacterial biodiversity and the abundance of different bacterial phyla, without a specific trend regulated by these factors.This work was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Diverfarming [grant agreement 728003]