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Jebari A, Pereyra-Goday F, Kumar A, Collins AL, Rivero MJ, McAuliffe GA. Feasibility of mitigation measures for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. A systematic review. AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2023; 44:2. [PMID: 38161803 PMCID: PMC10754757 DOI: 10.1007/s13593-023-00938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The UK Government has set an ambitious target of achieving a national "net-zero" greenhouse gas economy by 2050. Agriculture is arguably placed at the heart of achieving net zero, as it plays a unique role as both a producer of GHG emissions and a sector that has the capacity via land use to capture carbon (C) when managed appropriately, thus reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Agriculture's importance, particularly in a UK-specific perspective, which is also applicable to many other temperate climate nations globally, is that the majority of land use nationwide is allocated to farming. Here, we present a systematic review based on peer-reviewed literature and relevant "grey" reports to address the question "how can the agricultural sector in the UK reduce, or offset, its direct agricultural emissions at the farm level?" We considered the implications of mitigation measures in terms of food security and import reliance, energy, environmental degradation, and value for money. We identified 52 relevant studies covering major foods produced and consumed in the UK. Our findings indicate that many mitigation measures can indeed contribute to net zero through GHG emissions reduction, offsetting, and bioenergy production, pending their uptake by farmers. While the environmental impacts of mitigation measures were covered well within the reviewed literature, corresponding implications regarding energy, food security, and farmer attitudes towards adoption received scant attention. We also provide an open-access, informative, and comprehensive dataset for agri-environment stakeholders and policymakers to identify the most promising mitigation measures. This research is of critical value to researchers, land managers, and policymakers as an interim guideline resource while more quantitative evidence becomes available through the ongoing lab-, field-, and farm-scale trials which will improve the reliability of agricultural sustainability modelling in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13593-023-00938-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Jebari
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB Devon UK
| | - Fabiana Pereyra-Goday
- Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 8 km 281, Treinta y Tres, postcode 33000 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Atul Kumar
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB Devon UK
| | - Adrian L. Collins
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB Devon UK
| | - M. Jordana Rivero
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB Devon UK
| | - Graham A. McAuliffe
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, EX20 2SB Devon UK
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Freeman BWJ, Evans CD, Musarika S, Morrison R, Newman TR, Page SE, Wiggs GFS, Bell NGA, Styles D, Wen Y, Chadwick DR, Jones DL. Responsible agriculture must adapt to the wetland character of mid-latitude peatlands. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:3795-3811. [PMID: 35243734 PMCID: PMC9314663 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Drained, lowland agricultural peatlands are greenhouse gas (GHG) emission hotspots and a large but vulnerable store of irrecoverable carbon. They exhibit soil loss rates of ~2.0 cm yr-1 and are estimated to account for 32% of global cropland emissions while producing only 1.1% of crop kilocalories. Carbon dioxide emissions account for >80% of their terrestrial GHG emissions and are largely controlled by water table depth. Reducing drainage depths is, therefore, essential for responsible peatland management. Peatland restoration can substantially reduce emissions. However, this may conflict with societal needs to maintain productive use, to protect food security and livelihoods. Wetland agriculture strategies will, therefore, be required to adapt agriculture to the wetland character of peatlands, and balance GHG mitigation against productivity, where halting emissions is not immediately possible. Paludiculture may substantially reduce GHG emissions but will not always be viable in the current economic landscape. Reduced drainage intensity systems may deliver partial reductions in the rate of emissions, with smaller modifications to existing systems. These compromise systems may face fewer hurdles to adoption and minimize environmental harm until societal conditions favour strategies that can halt emissions. Wetland agriculture will face agronomic, socio-economic and water management challenges, and careful implementation will be required. Diversity of values and priorities among stakeholders creates the potential for conflict. Successful implementation will require participatory research approaches and co-creation of workable solutions. Policymakers, private sector funders and researchers have key roles to play but adoption risks would fall predominantly on land managers. Development of a robust wetland agriculture paradigm is essential to deliver resilient production systems and wider environmental benefits. The challenge of responsible use presents an opportunity to rethink peatland management and create thriving, innovative and green wetland landscapes for everyone's future benefit, while making a vital contribution to global climate change mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ross Morrison
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordOxfordshireUK
| | - Thomas R. Newman
- School of Geography, Geology and the EnvironmentUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterLeicestershireUK
| | - Susan E. Page
- School of Geography, Geology and the EnvironmentUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterLeicestershireUK
| | - Giles F. S. Wiggs
- School of Geography and the EnvironmentUniversity of OxfordOxfordOxfordshireUK
| | | | - David Styles
- Ryan InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Yuan Wen
- School of Natural SciencesBangor UniversityBangorGwyneddUK
- College of Agronomy and BiotechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | | | - Davey L. Jones
- School of Natural SciencesBangor UniversityBangorGwyneddUK
- SoilsWestCentre for Sustainable Farming SystemsFood Futures InstituteMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
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3
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Mata-González R, Averett JP, Abdallah MAB, Martin DW. Variations in Groundwater Level and Microtopography Influence Desert Plant Communities in Shallow Aquifer Areas. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 69:45-60. [PMID: 34436626 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An improved understanding of the relationships among vegetation, groundwater level, and microtopography is crucial for making well-informed management decisions in areas with shallow groundwater resources. We measured plant species abundance/composition and richness in relation to depth to groundwater (DTW) and microtopography in Owens Valley, California, particularly in areas where DTW ranged from 0 to 4 m. Sampling occurred along 67 vegetation transects across three community types. Relationships between DTW and community composition were evaluated using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS), while non-parametric multiplicative regression was used to relate DTW and microtopography to species abundance. The dominant gradient in species composition (NMS Axis 1) explained ~51% of variation in our distance matrix and was most strongly associated (r = 0.55) with DTW. The graminoids Juncus arcticus, Leymus triticoides, and Distichlis spicata had strong affinities toward areas with the shallowest DTW (<1.5 m). One salt-adapted species Sporobolus airoides and one shrub Ericameria nauseosa dominated areas with intermediate DTW (1.5-2.0 m), whereas the shrubs Atriplex torreyi, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and Artemisia tridentata were dominant in areas with deeper DTW (>2.0 m). Variation in microtopography affected species abundance and increased species richness for vegetation communities at either extreme of the water table gradient, shallow, and deep DTW but not the intermediate DTW. Findings indicate that desert plant communities from shallow aquifers have adapted to different DTW and microtopography conditions and that considering those adaptations may be important to manage groundwater and vegetation resources in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Mata-González
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Joshua P Averett
- Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Union, OR, 97883, USA
| | - Mohamed A B Abdallah
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - David W Martin
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Bishop, CA, 93514, USA
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4
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Wang Y, Paul SM, Jocher M, Espic C, Alewell C, Szidat S, Leifeld J. Soil carbon loss from drained agricultural peatland after coverage with mineral soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149498. [PMID: 34426363 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Drainage for agriculture has turned peatlands from a net sink to a net source of carbon (C). In order to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural peatland drainage, and to counteract soil subsidence, mineral soil coverage is becoming an increasingly used practice in Switzerland. To explore the effect of mineral soil coverage on soil C loss and the source of CO2 from peatland drained for agriculture, we utilized the radiocarbon signature (F14C) of soil C and emitted CO2 in the field. The experiment, located in the Swiss Rhine Valley, was carried out on two adjacent drained organic soils, either without mineral soil cover (reference 'Ref'), or covered with mineral soil (thickness ~ 40 cm) (coverage 'Cov') 13 years ago. Drainage already commenced 130 years ago and the site was managed as meadow since the 1970ies. Drainage induced 41-75 kg C m-2 loss, which is equivalent to annual C loss rates of 0.49-0.58 kg C m-2 yr-1 and 0.31-0.63 kg C m-2 yr-1 for Cov and Ref, respectively. Mineral soil coverage had no significant effect on the amount of heterotrophic respiration, however, at Cov, the radiocarbon signature of heterotrophic CO2 was significantly (p<0.01) younger than at Ref, indicating that mineral soil coverage moved the source of decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) from a higher share of old peat towards a higher share of relatively younger material. In summary, our study lends support to the hypothesis that mineral soil coverage might reduce the decomposition of old peat underneath, and may therefore be a promising peatland management technique for the future use of drained peatland for agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiao Wang
- Climate and Agriculture Group, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland; Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sonja M Paul
- Climate and Agriculture Group, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Jocher
- Climate and Agriculture Group, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Espic
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine Alewell
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sönke Szidat
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Leifeld
- Climate and Agriculture Group, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
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5
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Grzywna A, Sender J. The assessment of the amount of water pollution and its suitability for drinking of the Tyśmienica River Basin, Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:315. [PMID: 33929607 PMCID: PMC8087591 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09034-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The quality and potability of waters of the Tyśmienica River Basin were determined in 2017 at eight measuring stations. The paper presents analyses of the physical and chemical parameters of surface waters of the basin. With regard to suspended solids, pH value, electric conductivity, sulphates, ammonia, chlorides and phosphate, the water was classified as having a very good ecological status. In the case of Kjeldahl nitrogen, the waters were classified as having a good ecological status. In the case of the remaining parameters, i.e. BOD, DO, TOC and COD, the status varied among stations. The values of all the physical and chemical parameters complied with the values for undisturbed conditions. Only ammonia and COD showed significant differences among stations. The WPI values for each measuring point ranged from 0.90 to 1.56, what corresponds to the descriptive indicators of moderately polluted water. The high concentrations of COD and TOC indicate that high-performance treatment processes (category A3) must be used to ensure that the water is suitable for drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Sender
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Wen Y, Zang H, Ma Q, Freeman B, Chadwick DR, Evans CD, Jones DL. Impact of water table levels and winter cover crops on greenhouse gas emissions from cultivated peat soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:135130. [PMID: 31837865 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Drainage and cultivation have turned peatlands from carbon (C) sinks into hotspots for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Raising the water table and planting of winter cover crops are potential strategies to help reduce peat oxidation and re-initiate net C accumulation during the non-cropping period. However, the effects of these practices as well as their interactions on GHG emissions remain unclear. Here, we carried out an outdoor mesocosm experiment to elucidate the effect of water table levels (-30 cm and -50 cm) and winter cover crop cultivation (vetch, rye, no plant) on carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes during the winter period (November-April). Soil-atmosphere GHG exchange, GHG concentrations within the peat profile and soil water solute concentrations were monitored. Our results showed that high water table significantly reduced ecosystem respiration, while it had no net effect on N2O and CH4 fluxes. Uptake of available N by the cover crop significantly reduced nitrate in soil solution, thereby lowering the potential for leaching and both direct and indirect N2O emissions. No interactive effects between water table levels and cover crops were detected for any of the measured GHG fluxes. Seasonal variations of GHG fluxes were positively correlated with soil air concentrations at -15 cm and -40 cm depths, which were further regulated by dissolved organic C, nitrate concentration, and anaerobic conditions in the soil. This study suggests that there is great potential to raise water table levels and introduce green cover crops to reduce GHG emissions. Further studies are needed to achieve a complete evaluation of these strategies outside of the growing season, which may provide a significant mitigation benefit in C-rich cultivated peatlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Huadong Zang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Qingxu Ma
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Benjamin Freeman
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - David R Chadwick
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Chris D Evans
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK; SoilsWest, UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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7
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Tan L, Ge Z, Zhou X, Li S, Li X, Tang J. Conversion of coastal wetlands, riparian wetlands, and peatlands increases greenhouse gas emissions: A global meta-analysis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:1638-1653. [PMID: 31755630 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) often results in degradation of natural wetlands and affects the dynamics of greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, the magnitude of changes in GHG emissions from wetlands undergoing various LULCC types remains unclear. We conducted a global meta-analysis with a database of 209 sites to examine the effects of LULCC types of constructed wetlands (CWs), croplands (CLs), aquaculture ponds (APs), drained wetlands (DWs), and pastures (PASs) on the variability in CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O emissions from the natural coastal wetlands, riparian wetlands, and peatlands. Our results showed that the natural wetlands were net sinks of atmospheric CO2 and net sources of CH4 and N2 O, exhibiting the capacity to mitigate greenhouse effects due to negative comprehensive global warming potentials (GWPs; -0.9 to -8.7 t CO2 -eq ha-1 year-1 ). Relative to the natural wetlands, all LULCC types (except CWs from coastal wetlands) decreased the net CO2 uptake by 69.7%-456.6%, due to a higher increase in ecosystem respiration relative to slight changes in gross primary production. The CWs and APs significantly increased the CH4 emissions compared to those of the coastal wetlands. All LULCC types associated with the riparian wetlands significantly decreased the CH4 emissions. When the peatlands were converted to the PASs, the CH4 emissions significantly increased. The CLs, as well as DWs from peatlands, significantly increased the N2 O emissions in the natural wetlands. As a result, all LULCC types (except PASs from riparian wetlands) led to remarkably higher GWPs by 65.4%-2,948.8%, compared to those of the natural wetlands. The variability in GHG fluxes with LULCC was mainly sensitive to changes in soil water content, water table, salinity, soil nitrogen content, soil pH, and bulk density. This study highlights the significant role of LULCC in increasing comprehensive GHG emissions from global natural wetlands, and our results are useful for improving future models and manipulative experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenming Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Center for Global Change and Ecological Forecasting, Tiantong National Field Station for Forest Ecosystem Research, Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai, China
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Matysek M, Leake J, Banwart S, Johnson I, Page S, Kaduk J, Smalley A, Cumming A, Zona D. Impact of fertiliser, water table, and warming on celery yield and CO 2 and CH 4 emissions from fenland agricultural peat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 667:179-190. [PMID: 30826678 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Peatlands are globally important areas for carbon preservation; although covering only 3% of global land area, they store 30% of total soil carbon. Lowland peat soils can also be very productive for agriculture, but their cultivation requires drainage as most crops are intolerant of root-zone anoxia. This leads to the creation of oxic conditions in which organic matter becomes vulnerable to mineralisation. Given the demand for high quality agricultural land, 40% of the UK's peatlands have been drained for agricultural use. In this study we present the outcomes of a controlled environment experiment conducted on agricultural fen peat to examine possible trade-offs between celery growth (an economically important crop on the agricultural peatlands of eastern England) and emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)) at different temperatures (ambient and ambient +5 °C), water table levels (-30 cm, and -50 cm below the surface), and fertiliser use. Raising the water table from -50 cm to -30 cm depressed yields of celery, and at the same time decreased the entire ecosystem CO2 loss by 31%. A 5 °C temperature increase enhanced ecosystem emissions of CO2 by 25% and increased celery dry shoot weight by 23% while not affecting the shoot fresh weight. Fertiliser addition increased both celery yields and soil respiration by 22%. Methane emissions were generally very low and not significantly different from zero. Our results suggest that increasing the water table can lower emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce the rate of peat wastage, but reduces the productivity of celery. If possible, the water table should be raised to -30 cm before and after cultivation, and only decreased during the growing season, as this would reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions and peat loss, potentially not affecting the production of vegetable crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Matysek
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
| | - Jonathan Leake
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Banwart
- Global Food and Environment Institute and School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Johnson
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Page
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.
| | - Jorg Kaduk
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.
| | - Alan Smalley
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Cumming
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Donatella Zona
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Global Change Research Group, Dept. Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
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9
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Taft HE, Cross PA, Hastings A, Yeluripati J, Jones DL. Estimating greenhouse gases emissions from horticultural peat soils using a DNDC modelling approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 233:681-694. [PMID: 30634114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Peat soils represent an important global carbon (C) sink, but can also provide a highly fertile medium for growing horticultural crops. Sustainable crop production on peat soils involves a trade-off between ensuring food security and mitigating typically high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and rates of soil C loss. An alternative approach to resource intensive field-based monitoring of GHG fluxes for all potential management scenarios is to use a process-based model driven by existing field data to estimate emissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) model for estimating emissions of CO2, N2O and CH4 from horticultural peat soils. The model was parameterised using climatic, soil, and crop management data from two intensively cultivated sites on soils of contrasting soil organic matter (SOM) contents (∼35% and ∼70% SOM content). Simulated emissions of CO2, N2O and CH4, and simulated soil physical and crop output values, were compared to actual GHG, soil and crop measurements. Model performance was assessed using baseline parameterisation (i.e. model defaults), then calibrated using pre-simulation and sensitivity analysis processes. Under baseline parameterisation conditions, DNDC proved poor at predicting GHG emissions and soil/crop variables. Calibration and validation improved DNDC performance in estimating the annual magnitude of emissions, but model refinement is still required for reproducing seasonal GHG patterns in particular. Key constraints on model functioning appear to be its ability to reliably model soil moisture and some aspects of C and nitrogen dynamics, as well as the quality of input data relating to water table dynamics. In conclusion, our results suggest that the DNDC (v. 9.5) model cannot accurately reproduce or be used to replace actual field measurements for estimation of GHG emission factors under different management scenarios for horticultural peat soils, but may be able to do so with further modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Taft
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Paul A Cross
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Astley Hastings
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK
| | | | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK; UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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10
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Crézé CM, Madramootoo CA. Water table management and fertilizer application impacts on CO 2, N 2O and CH 4 fluxes in a corn agro-ecosystem. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2692. [PMID: 30804431 PMCID: PMC6389930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Water table management with controlled drainage and subsurface-irrigation (SI) has been identified as a Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) to reduce nitrate leaching in drainage water. It has also been shown to increase crop yields during dry periods of the growing season, by providing water to the crop root zone, via upward flux or capillary rise. However, by retaining nitrates in anoxic conditions within the soil profile, SI could potentially increase greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, particularly N2O through denitrification. This process may be further exacerbated by high precipitation and mineral N-fertilizer applications very early in the growing season. In order to investigate the effects of water table management (WTM) with nitrogen fertilization on GHG fluxes from corn (Zea mays) agro-ecosystems, we conducted a research study on a commercial farm in south-western Quebec, Canada. Water table management treatments were: free drainage (FD) and controlled drainage with subsurface-irrigation. GHG samples were taken using field-deployed, vented non-steady state gas chambers to quantify soil CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes weekly. Our results indicate that fertilizer application timing coinciding with intense (≥24 mm) precipitation events and high temperatures (>25 °C) triggered pulses of N2O fluxes, accounting for up to 60% of cumulative N2O fluxes. Our results also suggest that splitting bulk fertilizer applications may be an effective mitigation strategy, reducing N2O fluxes by 50% in our study. In both seasons, pulse GHG fluxes mostly occurred in the early vegetative stages of the corn, prior to activation of the subsurface-irrigation. Our results suggest that proper timing of WTM mindful of seasonal climatic conditions has the potential to reduce GHG emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Crézé
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada.,Department of Plant Sciences, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Chandra A Madramootoo
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Wu K, Li J, Luo J, Liu Y, Song Y, Liu N, Rafiq MT, Li T. Effects of elevated CO 2 and endophytic bacterium on photosynthetic characteristics and cadmium accumulation in Sedum alfredii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:357-366. [PMID: 29940447 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Elevated CO2 and use of endophytic microorganisms have been considered as efficient and novel ways to improve phytoextraction efficiency. However, the interactive effects of elevated CO2 and endophytes on hyperaccumulator is poorly understood. In this study, a hydroponics experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effect of elevated CO2 (eCO2) and inoculation with endophyte SaMR12 (ES) on the photosynthetic characteristics and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii. The results showed that eCO2 × ES interaction promoted the growth of S. alfredii, shoot and root biomass net increment were increased by 264.7 and 392.3%, respectively, as compared with plants grown in ambient CO2 (aCO2). The interaction of eCO2 and ES significantly (P < 0.05) increased chlorophyll content (53.2%), Pn (111.6%), Pnmax (59.8%), AQY (65.1%), and Lsp (28.8%), but reduced Gs, Tr, Rd, and Lcp. Increased photosynthetic efficiency was associated with higher activities of rubisco, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase, and linked with over-expression of two photosystem related genes (SaPsbS and SaLhcb2). PS II activities were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced with Fv/Fm and Φ(II) increased by 12.3 and 13.0%, respectively, compared with plants grown in aCO2. In addition, the net uptake of Cd in the shoot and root tissue of S. alfredii grown in eCO2 × ES treatment was increased by 260.7 and 434.9%, respectively, due to increased expression of SaHMA2 and SaCAX2 Cd transporter genes. Our results suggest that eCO2 × ES can promote the growth of S. alfredii due to increased photosynthetic efficiency, and improve Cd accumulation and showed considerable potential of improving the phytoextraction ability of Cd by S. alfredii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinxing Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jipeng Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuankun Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuchao Song
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nanlin Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Tariq Rafiq
- Department of Environmental Science International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tingqiang Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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