No-tillage systems linked to reduced soil N2O emissions in Mediterranean agroecosystems

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Issue date
2019-01-10Author
Álvaro-Fuentes, Jorge
Bareche Sahún, Javier
Pareja Sánchez, Evangelina
Justes, Éric
Suggested citation
Plaza Bonilla, Daniel;
Álvaro-Fuentes, Jorge;
Bareche Sahún, Javier;
Pareja Sánchez, Evangelina;
Justes, Éric;
Cantero-Martínez, Carlos;
.
(2019)
.
No-tillage systems linked to reduced soil N2O emissions in Mediterranean agroecosystems.
Science for Environment Policy, 2019, vol. 519.
http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/65887.
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Most emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) are linked to the use of nitrogen (N) fertiliser in agriculture, highlighting a need for agricultural management practices that reduce emissions while maintaining agronomic productivity. A new study has assessed the long-term impact of conventional tillage (CT ¿ where soil is prepared for agriculture via mechanical agitation) and no-tillage (NT) systems on soil N2O emissions and crop productivity in rain-fed Mediterranean conditions. The findings show that, over a period of 18 years, mean yield-scaled (i.e. per unit grain yield) soil N2O emissions (YSNE) were 2.8 to 3.3 times lower under NT than CT. The researchers therefore recommend NT as a suitable strategy by which to balance agricultural productivity with lower soil N2O emissions in rain-fed Mediterranean agroecosystems.