http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7957-3212
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ABSTRACT
The cost-effectiveness of adopting agri-environmental measures (AEMs) in Europe, which combine agricultural productions with reduced N losses, is debated due to poorly targeted site-specific funding that is allocated regardless of local variability. An integrated DAYCENT model-GIS platform was developed combining pedo-climatic and agricultural systems information. The aim was to evaluate best strategies to improve N fluxes of agro-ecosystems within a perspective of sustainable intensification. Indicators of agronomic efficiency and environmental quality were considered. The results showed that agronomic benefits were observed with a continuous soil cover (conservation agriculture and cover crops), which enhanced nitrogen use efficiency (+17%) and crop yields (+34%), although in some cases these might be overestimated due to modelling limitations. An overall environmental improvement was found with continuous soil cover and long-term change from mineral to organic inputs (NLeach < 10 kg ha−1 a−1, N-N2O emissions < 1 kg ha−1 a−1, soil C stock > 45 Mg ha−1), which were effective in the sandy soils of western and eastern Veneto with low SOM, improving the soil-water balance and nutrients availability over time. Results suggest that AEM subsidies should be allocated at a site-specific level that includes pedo-climatic variability, following a result-oriented approach.
Acknowledgments
This research was co-financed by the “Rural Development Programme” 2007–2013. Special thanks to ARPAV (Environmental Protection Agency of Veneto Region, Italy) for providing soil and meteorological data.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.