Nitrogen dynamics in grain cropping systems integrating multiple ecologically based management strategies

Nitrogen (N) management is a critical agronomic challenge, as N losses are source of pollution affecting both waterways and air quality potential economic loss for farmers. One approach to conservation through ecologically based agricultural systems that reduce tillage incorporate cover crops. However, these exhibit considerable complexity resulting in trade-offs. To address concerns, four crop were implemented within an organically managed corn–soy–winter grain rotation. These varied frequency intensity, species selection, termination establishment methods, fertilizer management, cash season length. We used field measurements investigate the impact each system on pools reveal strengths weaknesses addressing provisioning services, with focus supply retention before after corn phase All had greater estimated inputs (via manure N-fixation) than outputs harvest) at end three-year rotation, demonstrating importance prioritizing Interactions among components important drivers temporal dynamics; traits timing application contributed differences total aboveground plant biomass systems. For example, one cropping which included no-till planting into rolled mulch soil inorganic availability was asynchronous needs even though it received same amount other In general, neither interseeding mixtures nor reducing resulted marked benefits level; we did not observe improved from either practice systems, there no increase uptake by corn. What clearly emerge this experiment managing synchrony between demand influenced capacity crops mineralization due tillage.