Agroecological rotation designs reduce dependence on industrial inputs

ABSTRACT

We present results from two 7-year cycles from a polyfactor experiment conducted by Selectia Research Institute of Field Crops on chernozem soil of the Balti steppe (Republic of Moldova) with different crop rotations, tillage, and fertilization strategies (1996–2009). Yields of winter wheat, sugar beet, and maize were higher in rotation with perennial legumes/grasses than without these diverse crops. Adding mineral NPK to farmyard manure increased yields in rotation without perennial legumes and grasses. There was no difference between intensive and minimum soil tillage. Increased nutrient cycling by integrating crop/animal enterprises contributes to greater self-sufficiency in nutrients, providing more resiliency in time of climate changes and economic uncertainty.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuous cropping
• crop rotations
• fertilization
• perennial legumes and grasses
• soil organic matter
• soil tillage

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to research and technical staff of the Department of Sustainable Farming Systems, Research Institute of Field Crops, Selectia, Balti, Republic of Moldova for the accomplishment of the field and laboratory work.