Effect of straw retention on carbon footprint under different cropping sequences in Northeast China

Abstract

Inappropriate farm management practices can lead to increased agricultural inputs and changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, impacting climate change. This study was initiated in 2012 to assess the potential for straw retention to mitigate the negative environmental impact of various cropping systems on the Songnen Plain using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method combined with field survey data. Straw retention (STR) and straw removal (STM) treatments were established in continuous corn (CC) and corn-soybean rotation (CS) systems in a split-plot experiment. The effects of straw retention on the carbon footprint (CF) of cropland under different cropping systems were compared. The CF under CC was 2434–2707 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1, 49–57% higher than that under CS. Nitrogen fertilizer produced the most CO2, accounting for 66–80% of the CF. The carbon balances of the CC and CS systems with STR were positive, with annual carbon sequestrations of 9633 and 2716 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1, respectively. The carbon balance (CB) of CC-STR was 255% higher than that of CS-STR. This study demonstrates that STR under CC cultivation is an environmentally friendly practice for agricultural production, can help achieve high-yield and low-carbon production in rainfed cropland, and can support the sustainable development of grain production in Northeast China.

Emerging technologies of employing algae and microorganisms to promote the return-to-field of crop straws: A mini-review

“… Shi-hao Li et al (2020) found that in rice-wheat rotation, annual CH 4 emission increased by 5.4%–72.2% with the straw return-to-field and carbon emission (4,275–4,989 kg CO 2 -eq ha −1 ) also increased with increasing straw returning amounts ( Li S. H. et al, 2020 ). Similar result confirming the positive correlation between straw and soil carbon footprint was also discovered by Xuening Song et al (2021) that assessed the effects of straw retention and straw removal on carbon footprint of continuous corn cropping and corn-soybean rotation ( Song Q. et al, 2021 ). Hence, straw return-to-field usually gives rise to GHG emissions from the soil and increase carbon footprint of agricultural activity ( Dhaliwal et al, 2019 ).…”

Blending controlled-release urea and urea under ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching improves yield while mitigating carbon footprint in rainfed potato

“…Different inputs of chemical fertilizers, human activities, and fuels create variations in carbon emissions from agricultural inputs under different management practices, indirectly influencing the carbon cycling of systems 59,60 . Many studies have reported that the net GWP is affected by the use of inorganic fertilizers, fuel, plastic film, and pesticides in the crop growing season 39,61 .…”

Biochar use in agriculture as a nature-based solution: factors influencing N>small<>sub<2>/small<>/sub<O emissions in tropical soils

“…However, it is essential to highlight that the calculated N2O emission intensity does not consider C sequestration induced by the application of biochar and straw, which can change the GHG emission balance from a longterm perspective. Therefore, it fails to account for the soil organic C storage, which contributes to lower the GHG balance from the activity (Bhattacharyya et al, 2022;Guenet et al, 2021;Song et al, 2021).…”