Diversifying crop rotation increases food production, reduces

Index

Abstract

This study demonstrates the benefits of diversifying traditional cereal monoculture (wheat-maize) in the North China Plain with cash crops (sweet potato) and legumes (peanut and soybean). Diversified rotations increased equivalent yield by up to 38%, reduced N2O emissions by 39%, and improved the greenhouse gas balance by 88%. Legumes stimulated soil microbial activity, increased soil organic carbon stocks by 8%, and enhanced soil health by 45%. Large-scale adoption could increase cereal production by 32% and farmer income by 20% while benefiting the environment.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jan 03, 2024

Authors

Xiaolin Yang, Jinran Xiong, Taisheng Du, Xiaotang Ju, Yantai Gan, Sien Li, Longlong Xia, Yanjun Shen, Steven Pacenka, Tammo S. Steenhuis, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Shaozhong Kang, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl

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