Author: APNI Editor
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Inside this Issue – 2024 #1
This issue provides us with an opportunity to feature a set of carbon-themed research articles originating from invited delegates of the 9th International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter held during 26-31 May 2024, at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguérir, Morocco. Notably, this was the first time this conference was held in Africa!
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A Case Study on Biomass Assessment in a Semi-Arid Olive Rainfed System in Morocco
Thanks to its potential life span of hundreds of years, olive can develop great biomass and sequester large amounts of carbon (C). It may therefore play a critical role in reducing atmospheric C and improving farmer livelihoods by providing additional revenue from C credits.
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Ask an APNI Expert: Can we estimate the fertility status of soil without knowing the plant nutrient status?
In short, the answer is yes, you can estimate the fertility status of soil without knowing the plant nutrient status. Traditionally this can be done through soil analysis, which provides an index of the plant availability of soil nutrients through a standardized test from a lab. Other soil tests can assess properties such as soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter content, which all contribute to the soil’s potential to supply the right balance of nutrients at rates that meet the demands of a productive crop.
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Improving the Carbon Balance of Cattle Grazing Systems in Madagascar
Climate change is a global issue having significant effects on the grazing systems in Madagascar. In the Boeny region, extensive cattle farming based on natural grazing is at risk of forage shortages. Working with stakeholders across the system, this research assessed the vulnerability and adaptive potential of farms by studying farmers’ preferences, carbon (C) sources and C-stock positions, resource flows, and system management methods.
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Combining Farmyard Manure with Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer Boosts Maize Yields and Maintains Soil Health
Maize productivity in sub-Saharan Africa often falls below its potential due to soil fertility challenges. Researchers assessed the potential to counteract soil organic carbon (SOC) losses and yield declines using different organic resource treatments, with and without mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer.
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Soil Organic Carbon Storage, Nitrous Oxide Emission and Net Climate Benefit of Conservation Agriculture
The slow increase in grain production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is largely the result of cropland expansion rather than an increase in crop yields, which have been stagnantly low (< 1.5 t ha-1). Sustainable intensification of crop production is therefore needed to feed a growing population whilst minimizing negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and climate. Full accounting of the net global warming potential (GWP) of management practices can provide a holistic approach for identifying cropping systems that promote sustainable agriculture intensification to ensure food security whilst mitigating climate change.
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The Value of Manure and Phosphorus Application to Unlock Immobilized Microbial Phosphorus for Sustainable Intensification of Maize in Zimbabwe
Microbial phosphorus (P) immobilization is a hidden challenge in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It affects crop establishment, growth, and response to mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer application that ultimately reduces crop yields.
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The Role of 4R Plant Nutrition in Living Agricultural Landscapes: Developing the Nitrogen Water Carbon Nexus
Food systems around the world must sustainably increase their performance to meet the growing demand for the foods and ecosystem services they provide. This issue is global in nature but is particularly sensitive in Africa because food systems there, which have hardly improved over the previous 50 years, are being looked upon to meet surging regional, continental, and global needs.
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Long-term Tillage Practices Impact Soil Aggregation and Climate Resilience in Tunisian Field Cropping Systems
oil degradation poses a major challenge for agricultural and socio-economic development in Tunisia. The conventional intensive cultivation practices commonly used by farmers cause rapid depletion of soil organic matter, which is adversely affecting the physio-chemical properties of soil and is accelerating soil erosion.
