Comprehensive analysis of resource utilization efficiency under different tillage systems in North China Plain. (1st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Cong; Wang, Yu-Qiao; Yu, Wei-Bao; Kou, Yi-Hong; Yves, Bohoussou N'dri; Zhao, Xin; Zhang, Hai-Lin
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 347(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-01
• Subjects: Residue retention -- No-till -- Carbon footprint -- Water use efficiency -- North China Plain; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131289
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Improving agro-resource utilization efficiency is essential for developing an environment-friendly agricultural system. The North China Plain (NCP), China's most important food-producing area, is facing severe resource constraints, such as low carbon and water efficiency. Although there have been many studies on single topic, little is known about the comprehensive assessment of carbon and water utilization in the NCP, as well as the economic benefits under different farmland management measures. We assessed the carbon footprint (CF), water use efficiency (WUE), economic benefits, and their cumulative effects in 2014–2015 during the wheat/maize season and throughout the year. Four tillage systems were investigated: no-till with/without residue retention (NTS/NT0) and conventional tillage with/without residue retention (CTS/CT0). The results indicated that residue retention (RR) reduced area-scaled, yield-scaled, and net income-scaled CF of the entire year by 101.56%, 106.88%, and 103.85%, respectively, compared to residue removal (R0; p < 0.05), due to improved SOC stock, crop yield and net income. Seasonal variations in the effects of no-till (NT) on CF were found. The primary sources of CF components were urea and electrical energy, which contributed 10.0%–34.8% and 5.0%–30.0%, respectively, apart from CF derived from changes in SOC stocks. Compared to R0 (p < 0.05), RR could increase WUE by 5.5%–36.4% while also increasing net income. The highest score of a comprehensive evaluation of carbon and water utilization and economic benefits was CTS, NTS, and CTS during wheat, maize season, and the entire year, respectively. The findings from our study site indicated that residue retention could improve not only the carbon and water use efficiency, but also the farmer income. Residue retention seems to be a promising field management strategy for reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural production, alleviating the agricultural resource pressure, and benefiting farmers in the NCP. Highlights: Resource utilization efficiency under different tillage systems were studied. Residue retention reduced all kinds of carbon footprint of the entire year. Water use efficiency and net income increased under residue retention. With appropriate tillage method, residue retention was the best in crop production.