Mulch as a nature-based solution to halt and reverse land degradation in agricultural areas

Bogunović, Igor; Filipović, Vilim

doi:10.1016/j.coesh.2023.100488

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Dugan et al [14] did not find difference between mulched and tilled treatments in the first few months after mulch application in hazelnut orchards. Similar results were noted in studies of Mulumba & Lal [42] and Gł ąb & Kulig [43] in croplands, indicating that a longer period of mulch application is needed, or the dosage of mulch application is too low to create a positive effect on soil compaction [21,44]. However, such criteria are not always solid, since there is proof that under reduced or no-tillage systems, mulching can decrease BD in the intermediate period [43,45].…”

Section: Soil Propertiessupporting

confidence: 76%

“…Their introduction to practical crop production is essential for sustainable development [20]. Application of organic mulch materials is one example of a NBS for restoring degraded ecosystems and delivering vital ecosystem services, since it has a positive/neutral effect on several land degradation processes in agricultural soils [21]. Therefore, this strategy should be considered a primary practice to halt soil erosion; furthermore, it supports major EU policy priorities, in particular the European Green Deal, Biodiversity strategy and Climate adaptation strategy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Straw Mulch Effect on Soil and Water Loss in Different Growth Phases of Maize Sown on Stagnosols in Croatia

Bogunović

Hrelja

Kisić

et al. 2023

Land

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Soil and water loss due to traditional intensive types of agricultural management is widespread and unsustainable in Croatian croplands. In order to mitigate the accelerated land degradation, we studied different cropland soil management strategies to obtain feasible and sustainable agro-technical practices. A rainfall simulation experiment was conducted at 58 mm h–1 over 30 min on 10 paired plots (0.785 m2), bare and straw covered (2 t ha−1). The experiment was carried out in maize cultivation (Blagorodovac, Croatia) established on Stagnosols on slopes. Measurements were conducted during April (bare soil, after seeding), May (five-leaves stage), and June (intensive vegetative growth) making 60 rainfall simulations in total. Straw reduced soil and water losses significantly. The highest water, sediment loss, and sediment concentrations were identified in tillage plots during May. Straw addition resulted in delayed ponding (for 7%, 63%, and 50% during April, May and June, respectively) and runoff generation (for 37%, 32%, and 18% during April, May and June, respectively). Compared with the straw-mulched plot, tillage and bare soil increased water loss by 349%. Maize development reduced the difference between bare and straw-mulched plots. During May and June, bare plots increase water loss by 92% and 95%, respectively. The straw mulch reduced raindrop kinetic energy and sediment detachment from 9, 6, and 5 magnitude orders in April, May, and June, respectively. Overall, the straw mulch was revealed to be a highly efficient nature-based solution for soil conservation and maize cultivation protection.

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Section: Soil Propertiessupporting

confidence: 76%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Straw Mulch Effect on Soil and Water Loss in Different Growth Phases of Maize Sown on Stagnosols in Croatia

Bogunović

Hrelja

Kisić

et al. 2023

Land

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“…Soil amendments, both organic and inorganic, improve the physical and biological properties of soil, increase carbon sequestration, restore saline and contaminated soils, and increase crop yields and fertilizer efficiency [26]. Generally, their impact on soil quality is primarily positive, regardless of the climate conditions and soil type [27].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture—The Role of Organic Amendments

Matisic,

Dugan,

Bogunovic

2024

Agriculture

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Soil degradation threatens global food security and environmental sustainability, necessitating effective soil management strategies. This review comprehensively examines the impact of organic soil amendments on soil quality and productivity across various soil types and climatic conditions. A review of significant research related to organic amendments was performed using encompassed data from online search engines for studies published up until 31 December 2023. Despite their heterogeneity and use of varying methodologies, the data were narratively synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of amendment-induced changes in the chemical and physical properties of soil and the effectiveness of restoration on soil degradation. Organic amendments, including compost, vermicompost, biochar, and pomace, are pivotal in enhancing soil quality by increasing soil organic matter content, fostering aggregate formation, and improving soil structure in the short term. They positively influence water retention capacity, pH levels, nutrient availability, and carbon sequestration. In several studies, amendment-induced changes were absent, indicating that the effects of amendments vary depending on soil texture, application rates, and cropping systems, which emphasizes the need for tailored, sustainable soil management practices. This study concludes that organic amendments are a promising option for structure improvement and organic matter accumulation. It further suggests that an approach that integrates various methods is essential in order to meet desirable soil quality and retain agricultural productivity and offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Organic amendments can improve soil ecosystem services and contribute to climate change adaptation. In the future, more attention should be directed to tillage management and soil amendment interaction, as well as their effectiveness over specific periods of time.

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“…The leading causes of soil degradation in croplands were identified: frequent invertive tillage, wheel traffic, overuse of pesticides and mineral fertilizers, lack of organic amendments, and proper crop rotations [13]. Conventional agricultural practices decrease aggregate stability, biological activity, and soil fertility [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Biochar and Cattle Manure under Different Tillage Management on Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Croatia

Bogunovic,

Dugan,

Pereira

et al. 2023

Agriculture

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The negative environmental impact of conventional agriculture threatens agroecosystem stability and food security. Therefore, searching for optimal soil management practices is crucial for maintaining and improving soil functions. This work aims to determine the impact of conventional and conservation tillage on Stagnosols in a semi-humid environment in Marija Magdalena (Croatia) during 2021 and 2022. Under each tillage treatment, subplots were biochar, cattle manure, and control (split-plot design). The conservation tillage exhibits lower compaction in addition to conventional tillage. In 2021, at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths, control plots had the highest bulk density (BD), while biochar plots had the lowest. In 2022, biochar and manure treatments under conventional tillage had significantly higher BD than those under conservation tillage. Penetration resistance did not exceed 2 MPa in all treatments. Soil water content was high in conservation treatments at 0–15 cm. Water-stable aggregates were higher in biochar and manure plots under both tillage treatments. Maize yield was higher in conservation treatments in 2021 and in conventional during 2022. Manure and biochar in the conventional system showed a better impact on grain yields than under conservation. Conservation tillage in rain-fed farming maintains crop yields and reduces soil compaction.

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Mulch as a nature-based solution to halt and reverse land degradation in agricultural areas

Cited by 7 publications

References 54 publications

Straw Mulch Effect on Soil and Water Loss in Different Growth Phases of Maize Sown on Stagnosols in Croatia

Straw Mulch Effect on Soil and Water Loss in Different Growth Phases of Maize Sown on Stagnosols in Croatia

Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture—The Role of Organic Amendments

Effects of Biochar and Cattle Manure under Different Tillage Management on Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Croatia

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