13 research outputs found
La salud del suelo en la horticultura periurbana del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires: diagnóstico en producciones hortícolas familiares y experimentación a campo
Full text link[Resumen]
Los sistemas hortícolas, altamente intensificados y dependientes de insumos externos, enfrentan desafíos
ambientales y de inocuidad alimentaria debido a un manejo inadecuado. En el cinturón verde bonaerense,
se han reportado signos de degradación en suelos hortícolas, lo que ha llevado a algunos productores a
adoptar enfoques agroecológicos. Sin embargo, son escasos los estudios sobre el impacto del manejo
hortícola en la salud del suelo. Por lo tanto, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la
horticultura periurbana continua en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, mediante a) el diagnóstico de
la calidad del suelo en producciones hortícolas familiares y b) la realización de experimentos a campo, con
el fin de promover prácticas agropecuarias que reduzcan el impacto ambiental en la producción de
alimentos. Se analizó el nivel de transición agroecológica y la salud del suelo en establecimientos hortícolas,
agroecológicos y convencionales, de Florencio Varela. Luego, se realizó un ensayo a campo durante tres
años, considerando diferentes tipos de fertilización (sin fertilización, cama de pollo y fertilizante químico)
y cultivos (hortícolas y florícolas), seguido de barbecho natural. El nivel de transición se evaluó con la
Herramienta para la Evaluación del Desempeño de la Agroecología. Para estudiar la salud del suelo se
determinó: densidad aparente (Dap), humedad gravimétrica (H), estabilidad de agregados (EE), pH,
conductividad eléctrica (CE), carbono orgánico total (COT), nitrógeno total (NT), fósforo extractable (PE),
respiración basal (RB) y respiración inducida por sustrato (RIS) de 0-10 cm de profundidad. Los resultados
indicaron que, aunque el nivel de transición agroecológica fue bajo (39 y 52 %), los establecimientos
agroecológicos presentaron puntuaciones más altas, especialmente en gestión e innovación. Asimismo, si
bien el uso hortícola afectó la calidad del suelo (redujo COT y EE, elevó pH y PE), los enfoques
agroecológicos mejoraron EE, COT y RB respecto a los convencionales. En el ensayo a campo, pH y CE
aumentaron después del ciclo horti-florícola, y el barbecho natural redujo CE sin restaurar los valores
iniciales del pH. EE y COT se incrementaron con el agregado de cama de pollo durante el ciclo hortiflorícola,
luego del barbecho natural se mantuvo superior con esta misma fertilización. En contraste, testigo
y fertilizante químico mostraron reducción de COT con el ciclo horti-florícola y, el barbecho natural
permitió que solo las parcelas con fertilizante químico recuperaran valores iniciales. Respecto a PE, agregar
cama de pollo y fertilizante químico lo aumentaron durante el ciclo horti-florícola, superando los valores
iniciales, mientras que en testigo no se observaron cambios. El laboreo intenso durante el ciclo hortiflorícola
redujo pH, COT y PE, independientemente de la fertilización y la inclusión de habas mejoró EE y
RIS. Aún hay potencial por explotar y limitaciones por superar para mejorar la calidad de los suelos
destinados a la producción de alimentos frescos. La aplicación de prácticas vegetativas y enmiendas
adecuadas y la evaluación de indicadores del suelo más sensibles permiten recuperar y mantener su salud.
Pero, es necesario fomentar el trabajo participativo con los productores para implementar prácticas de
manejo efectivas y adaptadas a las condiciones locales.[Resumo]
Os sistemas hortícolas, altamente intensificados e dependentes de insumos externos, enfrontan desafíos
ambientais e de inocuidade alimentaria debido a un manejo inadecuado. En el cinturón verde bonaerense,
se han reportado signos de degradación en suelos hortícolas, lo que ha llevado a algunos productores a
adoptar enfoques agroecológicos. Sen embargo, son escasos os estudios sobre o impacto do manejo hortícola
na saúde do suelo. Polo tanto, este traballo tivo como obxectivo avaliar o efecto da horticultura periurbana
continua na Área Metropolitana de Bos Aires, mediante a) o diagnóstico da calidade do chan nas producións
hortícolas familiares e b) a realización de experimentos no campo, co fin de promover prácticas
agropecuarias que reduzcan o impacto ambiental na produción de alimentos. Se analizou o nivel de
transición agroecolóxica e a saúde do suelo en establecementos hortícolas, agroecolóxicos e convencionais,
de Florencio Varela. Despois, realizou un ensayo a campo durante tres anos, considerando diferentes tipos
de fertilización (sen fertilización, cama de pollo e fertilizante químico) e cultivos (hortícolas e florícolas),
seguido de barbecho natural. El nivel de transición se evaluó con la Herramienta para la Evaluación del
Desempeño de la Agroecología. Para estudiar la salud del suelo se determinó: densidad aparente (Dap),
humedad gravimétrica (H), estabilidad de agregados (EE), pH, conductividad eléctrica (CE), carbono
orgánico total (COT), nitrógeno total (NT), fósforo extractable (PE), respiración basal (RB) e respiración
inducida por substrato (RIS) de 0-10 cm de profundidade. Os resultados indicaron que, aínda que o nivel de
transición agroecolóxica foi baixo (39 e 52 %), os establecementos agroecolóxicos presentaron puntuacións
máis altas, especialmente en xestión e innovación. Asimismo, si ben o uso hortícola afectou a calidade do
chan (rexunto COT e EE, elevou pH e PE), os enfoques agroecolóxicos melloraron EE, COT e RB respecto
aos convencionais. No ensayo a campo, pH e CE aumentaron despois do ciclo horti-florícola, e o barbecho
natural redujo CE sen restaurar os valores iniciais do pH. EE y COT se incrementaron con el agregado de
cama de pollo durante el ciclo horti-florícola, luego del barbecho natural se mantuvo superior con esta
misma fertilización. En contraste, testigo e fertilizante químico mostraron redución de COT co ciclo hortiflorícola
e, o barbecho natural permitiu que só as parcelas con fertilizante químico recuperaran valores
iniciais. Respecto a PE, agregar cama de pollo e fertilizante químico o aumentaron durante o ciclo hortiflorícola,
superando os valores iniciais, mentres que en testemuño non se observaron cambios. O traballo
intenso durante o ciclo horti-florícola redujo pH, COT e PE, independentemente da fertilización e da
inclusión de habas mellorou EE e RIS. Aún hai potencial por explotar e limitacións por superar para mellorar
a calidade dos chans destinados á produción de alimentos frescos. A aplicación de prácticas vexetativas e
enmiendas adecuadas e a avaliación dos indicadores do chan máis sensibles permiten recuperar e manter a
súa saúde. Pero, é necesario fomentar o traballo participativo cos produtores para implementar prácticas de
manejo efectivos e adaptadas ás condicións locais.[Abstract]
Horticultural systems, highly intensified and dependent on external inputs, face environmental and food
safety challenges due to inadequate management. In the Buenos Aires green belt, signs of degradation have
been reported in horticultural soils, leading some farmers to adopt agroecological approaches. However,
studies on the impact of horticultural management on soil health are scarce. Therefore, this work aimed to
evaluate the effect of continuous peri-urban horticulture in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, by a)
diagnosing soil quality in family horticultural productions and b) conducting field experiments, to promote
agricultural practices that reduce the environmental impact on food production. The level of agroecological
transition and soil health in agroecological and conventional horticultural establishments in Florencio Varela
were analysed. Then, a field trial was conducted for three years, considering different types of fertilisations
(control with no fertilisation, poultry litter and chemical fertiliser) and crops (horticultural and floricultural),
followed by natural fallow. The transition level was evaluated with the Tool for Agroecology Performance
Evaluation. To study soil health, the following were determined: bulk density (BD), gravimetric moisture
(H), aggregate stability (AS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen
(TN), extractable phosphorus (EP), basal respiration (BR) and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) from 0-
10 cm depth. The results indicated that although the agroecological transition score was low (39 and 52%),
self-defined agroecological farms had higher scores, especially in management and innovation. Also,
although horticultural use affected soil quality (reduced TOC and AS, increased pH and EP), agroecological
approaches improved AS, TOC and RB with respect to conventional ones. In the field trial, pH and EC
increased after the horticultural-floricultural cycle, and natural fallow reduced EC without restoring initial
pH values. AS and TOC increased with the addition of poultry litter during the horticultural cycle; after the
natural fallow, it remained higher with this same fertilisation. In contrast, the control and chemical fertiliser
showed a reduction in TOC with the horticultural-floricultural cycle, and the natural fallow allowed only
the plots with chemical fertiliser to recover initial values. Regarding EP, adding poultry litter or chemical
fertiliser increased it during the horticultural-floricultural cycle, surpassing the initial values, while no
changes were observed in the control. Intense tillage during the horticultural cycle reduced pH, TOC and
EP, independently of fertilisation, and the inclusion of fava beans improved AS and RIS. There is still
potential to be exploited and limitations to be overcome to improve the quality of soils for fresh food
production. The application of appropriate vegetative practices and amendments, and the evaluation of
sensitive soil indicators, make it possible to recover and maintain soil health. However, it is necessary to
encourage participatory work with producers to implement effective management practices adapted to local
conditions
Fate of fluoroquinolones associated with antimicrobial resistance in circular periurban agriculture
Full text linkAnimal antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. While animal manure benefits soil fertility, it also acts as hotspot for antibiotic residues, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and their genes. Amending soils with poultry litter is recognized as “magic” among horticulture farmers and it remains a common practice globally. However, this poses a risk especially in countries where prophylactic use of antibiotics is allowed. In Argentina, fluoroquinolones are used in this way besides being listed as essential medicines and classified as “watch” by the World Health Organization. Antibiotic selective pressure can favour AMR in the environment but the fate of antibiotic residues and AMR dissemination from these practices remains poorly understood. Our research addresses this gap with a biological model tracing fluoroquinolones from poultry to soil to lettuce and tracking anthropogenic AMR with the proposed biomarker genes sul1 and intI1. Fresh poultry litter was stored for six months before application in a horticulture field experiment. The experiment included control and manured plots where lettuce was cultivated till harvest. Enrofloxacin concentration was 7.3 μg/kg in fresh poultry litter, while its metabolite ciprofloxacin was 39.22 μg/kg after storage. Although no fluoroquinolones were detected in soils, lettuce from manured plots contained enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin at 14.97 and 9.77 μg/kg, respectively, providing evidence of fluoroquinolone bioaccumulation in plants. Abundance of sul1 and intI1 in poultry litter was not affected by storage. Manured soils showed better soil quality than controls, but sul1 gene abundance was 1.6 times higher, reaching 7.61 Log sul1/g soil. A less sensitive, but significant effect was registered for intI1. These findings show that static storage is insufficient to stop the transmission of antibiotics and AMR biomarkers from poultry to horticulture. Amending soil with industrial poultry litter contributes to pollution with these emergent contaminants and risks human antibiotic exposure through fresh vegetables.El uso de antibióticos en animales contribuye a la resistencia antimicrobiana (RAM) en los seres humanos. Si bien el estiércol animal beneficia la fertilidad del suelo, también actúa como un foco de residuos de antibióticos, bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos y sus genes. La modificación de los suelos con estiércol de aves de corral se reconoce como "mágica" entre los agricultores horticultores y sigue siendo una práctica común a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, esto plantea un riesgo, especialmente en países donde se permite el uso profiláctico de antibióticos. En Argentina, las fluoroquinolonas se utilizan de esta manera, además de estar incluidas en la lista de medicamentos esenciales y clasificadas como "de vigilancia" por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La presión selectiva de los antibióticos puede favorecer la RAM en el medio ambiente, pero el destino de los residuos de antibióticos y la diseminación de la RAM a partir de estas prácticas sigue siendo poco conocido. Nuestra investigación aborda esta brecha con un modelo biológico que rastrea las fluoroquinolonas desde las aves de corral hasta el suelo y la lechuga, y rastrea la RAM antropogénica con los genes biomarcadores propuestos sul1 e intI1 . El estiércol de aves de corral fresco se almacenó durante seis meses antes de su aplicación en un experimento de campo de horticultura. El experimento incluyó parcelas de control y estiércol donde se cultivó lechuga hasta la cosecha. La concentración de enrofloxacina fue de 7,3 μg/kg en la cama de aves fresca, mientras que su metabolito ciprofloxacina fue de 39,22 μg/kg después del almacenamiento. Aunque no se detectaron fluoroquinolonas en los suelos, la lechuga de las parcelas abonadas contenía enrofloxacina y ciprofloxacina a 14,97 y 9,77 μg/kg, respectivamente, lo que proporciona evidencia de bioacumulación de fluoroquinolonas en las plantas. La abundancia de sul1 e intI1 en la cama de aves no se vio afectada por el almacenamiento. Los suelos abonados mostraron una mejor calidad del suelo que los controles, pero la abundancia del gen sul1 fue 1,6 veces mayor, alcanzando 7,61 Log sul1 /g de suelo. Se registró un efecto menos sensible, pero significativo para intI1. Estos hallazgos muestran que el almacenamiento estático es insuficiente para detener la transmisión de antibióticos y biomarcadores de RAM de las aves de corral a la horticultura. La modificación del suelo con excrementos de aves de corral industriales contribuye a la contaminación con estos contaminantes emergentes y aumenta el riesgo de exposición humana a antibióticos a través de verduras frescas.Instituto Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos (ITA)Fil: Prack McCormick, Barbara. University of Groningen. Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences; Países Bajos.Fil: Prack McCormick, Barbara. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.Fil: Knecht, Camila Ayelén. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos; ArgentinaFil: Sokolowski, Ana Clara. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.Fil: Palladino, Pablo Martin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Rojas, Dante Emanuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Cristos, Diego Sebastian. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Rivera, Hernan J. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.Fil: Gonçalves Vila Cova, Carola. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.Fil: De Grazia, Javier. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.Fil: Rodriguez, Hernán A. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina.University of Groningen. Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences; Países Bajos.Fil: Centrón, Daniela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos; ArgentinaFil: Barrios, Monica B. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de suelos; Argentina
Nutrient source, management system and the age of the plantation affect soil biodiversity and chemical properties in raspberry production
Full text linkSoil biodiversity is the driving force behind most soil processes. While potentially improving plant productivity and food quality, it can be negatively affected by land use and soil management. Raspberry production is part of the cultural identity of ‘La Comarca Andina’ placed within “Andina Patagonica” world biosphere reserve. In this study we assessed soil (a) chemical quality and (b) microbial biodiversity in raspberry production as affected by management (certified organic vs. current conventional practice), the source of organic nutrients (commercial vs. on-farm) and the age of the plantation. We sampled twelve plots from neighboring family farms, classified according to the management system and the source of organic nutrients, based on information recovered regarding organic certification, type of agri-food system, weeding and pests control practices, use of chemical fertilizers, tillage regime and type and rate of application of main organic amendments. In each plot we assessed soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic C (SOC), total N, extractable P, soil basal respiration (SBR), biodiversity indexes (Shannon, inversed Simpson and Richness), and bacterial community structure considering separately raspberry rows and inter-rows. The effects of the management system, the source of organic nutrients and the age on soil properties varied between row and inter-row. In the row, these factors had no effects on soil
chemical properties; while the source of organic nutrients affected SBR, Shannon index and bacterial community structure. Conversely, in the inter-row, no effects of the factors were detected on SBR (the only biological property analyzed), while the management, the source of organic nutrients, age, or their interactions affected EC, extractable P and total N. Finally, associations were found between soil chemical properties and soil microbial biodiversity. In the row, diversity indexes were positively correlated with SOC and total N, while the extractable P gradient explained 42% of the variability found in community structure, likely as a result of long-term use of
high P soil amendments on P-mobilizing bacteria. These findings provide initial insights on the performance of management systems and practices applied by farmers in raspberry production, and the interactions between chemical and biological components of soil quality.Estación Experimental Agropecuaria BarilocheFil: Prack McCormick, Barbara. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora; ArgentinaFil: El Mujtar, Veronica Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: El Mujtar, Veronica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales y Agropecuarias Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Cardozo, Andrea Gabriela. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche. Agencia de Extension Rural El Bolson; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Valeria Esther. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Valeria Esther. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales y Agropecuarias Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez, Hernan Adrian. Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora; ArgentinaFil: Tittonell, Pablo Adrian. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Tittonell, Pablo Adrian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales y Agropecuarias Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Tittonell, Pablo Adrian. Groningen University. Groningen Institute of Evolutionary Life Sciences; Holand
Multidimensional performance of periurban horticulture:Assessing agroecological transition and soil health
Full text linkThis study aims to produce evidence on the performance of horticultural systems in the peri-urban area of Buenos Aires (Argentina), based on the 10 Elements of Agroecology with an emphasis on soil health. To this end, we performed a survey with the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) Step 1, and we measured soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in family farms self-defined as agroecological or conventional. Results reflected overall low transition-to-agroecology indices and poor soil quality in the studied area. However, self-defined agroecological systems have made significant strides toward agroecological transition with higher scores mainly affecting elements describing management and innovation aspects of the agroecological transition but also those describing the social aspects and the enabling environment. Finally, self-defined agroecological farms exhibit better soil health scores for the indicators aggregates stability, soil organic carbon, and soil basal respiration, than conventional farms. Nevertheless, there is still potential to be exploited and constraints to be overcome to improve the transition to agroecology of horticultural systems in this area.</p
Analysis of the contribution of land consolidation to sustainable poverty alleviation under various natural conditions
Full text linkLand consolidation plays a vital role in addressing the global poverty issue. Nevertheless, the factors and mechanisms contributing to the disparities in the impacts of land consolidation on poverty alleviation (LCPA) remain inadequately analyzed. This study aimed to explore how natural conditions influence the effectiveness of LCPA in contiguous impoverished mountainous regions. The structural equation model (SEM), questionnaire and interviews were used to analyze whether natural conditions will affect the effectiveness of LCPA in Wumeng Mountain contiguous poverty-stricken area. The results showed that under the influence of natural conditions, the direct benefits of LCPA decreased by 31.3%, while the indirect benefits decreased by 56.1%. Natural factors have a negative impact on the direct benefits of LCPA, as evidenced by a path coefficient of − 0.39. However, they exhibit a positive influence on the indirect benefits, with a coefficient of 0.57. Specifically, topography and soil have a negative effect on LCPA, but the characteristic hydrological and temperature conditions facilitate the cultivation of specialty crop, such as strawberries and blueberries. The impact of different natural factors on the benefits of LCPA exhibits significant variations. Elevation and precipitation have a pronounced impact on the benefits of LCPA, with path coefficients of 1.01 and 0.99, respectively, while the influence of soil and temperature is relatively limited. While adverse natural conditions are one of the significant factors contributing to poverty, the combination of characteristic climatic conditions and LCPA projects has jointly facilitated the development of agricultural enterprises. Policymakers should pay attention to the multidimensional role of natural factors in land consolidation and poverty alleviation and strengthen the sustainability of land consolidation in poverty alleviation.</p
Antimicrobial resistance dissemination associated with intensive animal production practices in Argentina: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkAbuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The association between antimicrobial-resistant infections in humans and antimicrobial use in agriculture is complex, but well-documented. This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antimicrobials defined as critically important by the WHO, in swine, chicken, and cattle from intensive and extensive production systems in Argentina. We conducted searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, the National System of Digital Repositories from Argentina) as well as in the gray literature. Inclusion criteria were epidemiological studies on AMR in the main food-transmitted bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., and mastitis-causing bacteria, isolated from swine, chicken, dairy and beef cattle from Argentina. This study gives evidence for supporting the hypothesis that AMR of common food-transmitted bacteria in Argentina is reaching alarming levels. Meta-analyses followed by subgroup analyses confirmed the association between the prevalence of AMR and (a) animal species (p<0.01) for streptomycin, ampicillin and tetracycline or (b) the animal production system (p<0.05) for streptomycin, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, ampicillin and tetracycline. Moreover, swine (0.47 [0.29; 0.66]) and intensive production (0.62 [0.34; 0.83]) showed the highest pooled prevalence of multidrug resistance while dairy (0.056 [0.003; 0.524]) and extensive production (0.107 [0.043; 0.240]) showed the lowest. A research gap regarding beef-cattle from feedlot was identified. Finally, there is an urgent need for political measures meant to coordinate and harmonize AMR surveillance and regulate antimicrobial use in animal production
Effect of agronomic practices of coffee crops on the enzymatic and microbial activity of soils in southern meta (Colombia)
Full text linkThe coffee crop is one of the most important farming systems for Colombia, allowing its economic development and recognition, as well as allowing the substitution of illicit crops, as occurred in the south of Meta department. However, due to the armed conflict in this region, research hadn't been carried out focused on estimating the effect of coffee production on soil microbial and enzymatic activity, and likewise, very little research generally considers the effect of the agronomic practices on these variables. Considering the above, 40 semi-structured surveys were conducted with coffee growers to identify their agronomic practices. Additionally, soil sampling was carried out in each of the farms, where the age and type of associated crop in each coffee crop were considered, taking at least three random samples from each of the coffee crops visited, for a total of 150 samples collected. To select the explanatory variables (agronomic practices) of greatest relevance concerning the response variables, a principal components analysis was carried out, which allowed redundant variables to be eliminated, and non-collinearity was also verified. Likewise, the farmer's perception of the identification of dry season, organic carbon, pH, soil particle size distribution, and acidity were selected as covariates. For the response variables, the enzymes related to the C, P, and S nutrient cycling (Beta-glucosidase, acid and alkali phosphatase, and arylsulfatase, respectively) and dehydrogenase were measured. We also recorded the cumulated microbial respiration and the basal respiration rate. To analyze the effect of explanatory variables and covariates, a partial redundancy analysis was used, which allowed us to identify that the covariates represented 23% of the variability in soil microbial and enzymatic activity, while the agronomic practices explained 33%. Finally, a statistically significant model (p < 0.001) could be identified that managed to explain 27.2% of the variability between sites. The previous results allow us to infer the need to include the identification of the farmer's agronomic practices when evaluating the microorganisms' activity
Role and management of soil biodiversity for food security and nutrition; where do we stand?
No full textSoils host diverse communities that support and regulate ecosystem functions, thereby affecting plant production and resource use efficiencies. There is increasing evidence that agricultural intensification affects soil biodiversity (SBD) and such changes may impact on current and future food security. Here, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art on the relations between agricultural management, SBD and food production. The potential of applying such knowledge to improve food security and nutrition is discussed. Biotechnological methods to describe impacts of agricultural practices on taxonomic and functional diversity of soil organisms are advancing rapidly. At the same time new understanding of soil-plant interactions has provided novel insights into the mechanisms by which soil organisms and plants co-regulate plant growth and defences, or affect food nutritional quality and safety. Yet, empirical studies on SBD – plant productivity relations often lead to results and applications that are crop and context specific. Translating knowledge on SBD into universally applicable soil management recommendations to enhance food production, and ultimately food security, remains challenging. Instead, we propose a holistic approach to SBD management that strengthens multiple ecosystem functions and provides ecological insurance
Impact of fertilization and crop type on horticultural soil quality:A 3‐year, open‐field experiment
Full text linkIn many regions worldwide, horticulture is a soil-based production system closely tied to small family farmers who often face socio-economic challenges. In the peri-urban area of Buenos Aires (Argentina), horticultural soils face significant degradation because of inadequate agricultural practices. At the same time, efforts are underway to design and implement alternative sustainable practices. Evaluating the effect of current and alternative practices on soil quality under controlled conditions is essential for ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of family farmers. In this area, family farmers commonly use poultry litter (PL) as a sole nutrient source or combined with mineral fertilizers (MF). Agroecological practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and diversification with legumes and flowers are also being adopted. This study aimed to assess the effects of fertilization strategies and crop types on the physical, chemical and biological quality of an Aquic Argiudol soil under continuous horticultural use. A 3-year open field experiment compared the impacts of the fertilization strategies, PL, MF and no fertilization (CRL), and the crop types, vegetables (lettuce, beet and fava beans) and flowers (snapdragon and stock). Treatments were assigned to 4 m2 plots, and soil samples (0–10 cm deep) were collected annually at harvest. Key indicators were monitored, including bulk density, aggregate stability (AS), pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), extractable phosphorus (EP), basal respiration (BR) and microbial biomass (MCB). Compared to CRL, PL significantly improved (p < .05) SOC (15.8%), TN (18.0%), BR (53.6%) and MCB (76.4%), but also elevated EP (180.9%) to excessive levels and increased pH. In contrast, MF caused soil acidification. Legume inclusion improved (p < .05) AS (18.6%) and MCB (31.0%), while reducing the pH (3.7%). These findings highlight the benefits of organic amendments and crop diversification for soil quality in intensive horticultural systems, while also underscoring the need for careful management to address risks such as nutrient accumulation and environmental impacts
Multidimensional performance of periurban horticulture: assessing agroecological transition and soil health
No full textThis study aims to produce evidence on the performance of horticultural systems in the peri-urban area of Buenos Aires (Argentina), based on the 10 Elements of Agroecology with an emphasis on soil health. To this end, we performed a survey with the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) Step 1, and we measured soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in family farms self-defined as agroecological or conventional. Results reflected overall low transition-to-agroecology indices and poor soil quality in the studied area. However, self-defined agroecological systems have made significant strides toward agroecological transition with higher scores mainly affecting Elements describing management and innovation aspects of the agroecological transition but also those describing the social aspects and the enabling environment. Finally, self-defined agroecological farms exhibit better soil health scores for the indicators aggregates stability, soil organic carbon, and soil basal respiration, than conventional farms. Nevertheless, there is still potential to be exploited and constraints to be overcome to improve the transition to agroecology of horticultural systems in this area.</p
