Climate and land-use changes have altered both litter quality and quantity, with cascading impacts on soil respiration (SR). Soil extracellular enzymes (EEs) like cellulase and ligninase are crucial for deconstructing plant litter because they convert polymers into monomers. However, whether and how changes in litter inputs influence soil cellulase and ligninase activities as well as the implications for SR remain poorly understood. We conducted a global meta-analysis of 827 observations on the responses of SR and soil cellulase and ligninase activities to litter addition and litter removal. Litter addition significantly increased cellulase activity by 25 %, whereas litter removal decreased it by 26 %. Neither litter addition nor litter removal affected ligninase activity. Changes in cellulase activity correlated positively with SR under both litter addition and litter removal, but no such relationship was found for ligninase activity. These results indicate that changes in litter inputs affect SR primarily by affecting the microbial decomposition of readily decomposable rather than more structurally complex carbon pools. In addition, the effects of changes in litter inputs on cellulase activity decreased with treatment duration, suggesting that the long-term effects of changes in litter inputs on SR might be smaller than previously thought. Our results underscore the dominant role of cellulase in mediating the responses of SR to altered litter inputs. Integrating cellulase responses to altered litter inputs into Earth system models could improve the representation of microbial processes and refine the predictions of soil carbon dynamics.
", "keywords": ["Soil carbon pools", "Litter alternations", "Soil respiration", "Global changes", "Soil extracellular enzymes", "Soil microorganisms"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110503"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20and%20Forest%20Meteorology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110503", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110503", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110503"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-05-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2004.09.005", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:56Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2004-12-13", "title": "On Farm Testing Of Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies In Eastern Uganda", "description": "Abstract This paper reports on a Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) process that was initiated in three villages in eastern Uganda in September 1999 to enable small-scale farmers to reverse nutrient depletion of their soils profitably by increasing their capacity to develop, adapt and use integrated natural resource management strategies. The PLAR process was also used to improve the participatory skills and tools of research and extension personnel to support this process. The farming systems of the area were characterised for socio-economic and biophysical conditions that included social organisations, wealth categories, gender, crop, soil, agro forestry and livestock production. Farmers identified soil fertility constraints, their indicators, and causes of soil fertility decline, and suggested strategies to address the problem of soil fertility decline. Soil fertility management diversity among households indicated that most farmers were not carrying out any improved soil fertility management practices, despite previous research and dissemination in the area. Following the diagnosis stage and exposure visits to other farmer groups working on integrated soil fertility projects, the farmers designed 11 experiments for on-farm testing. One hundred and twenty farmers then chose, for participatory technology development, sub-sets of these 11 experiments, based on the major agricultural constraints and the potential solutions identified and prioritised by the farmers. Quantitative and qualitative results from the testing, farmer evaluation and adaptation, training, dissemination strategies and socio-economic implications of these technologies are discussed.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "soil chemicophysical properties", "soil fertility", "yields", "1. No poverty", "fertilizer application", "esti\u00e9rcol", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "fertilidad del suelo", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "tillage", "propiedades f\u00edsico - qu\u00edmicas suelo", "gender", "manejo del suelo", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "farmyard manure", "green manures", "abonos verdes", "soil management", "aplicaci\u00f3n de abonos", "rendimiento", "on-farm research", "investigaci\u00f3n en la finca", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Esilaba, Anthony O., Byalebeka, J.B., Delve, Robert J., Okalebo, JR, Ssenyange, D, Mbalule, M, Ssali, H.,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2004.09.005"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2004.09.005", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2004.09.005", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2004.09.005"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2005-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110749", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:56Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-07-19", "title": "Contribution of aboveground and belowground biomass of Robinia pseudoacacia trees to total plant carbon stocks in a young agroforestry system", "description": "Allocation to aboveground and belowground compartments of tree biomass in Mediterranean agroforestry systems (AFS) is poorly documented, especially for young trees. This work aimed at (i) characterizing the effects of land use (Agroforestry, AF vs. Tree Plantation, TP) on 5-year-old black locust tree growth, tree biomass allocation, and tree C stocks at plot scale, and (ii) assessing the effect of land use on total carbon stocks (AF vs. TP vs. Crop Monoculture). Allometric equations were built for upscaling tree biomass at the plot scale. Biomass of understory vegetation and crops were estimated at the plot scale in the three land uses. Tree diameter was 19 % higher in the AF than in TP, likely due to different light microclimate, while tree height did not vary significantly between land uses. Tree biomass allocation to aboveground and belowground compartments (70 % and 30 % of total tree biomass, respectively) did not vary between land uses. Higher efficiency in building tree carbon stock was shown in agroforestry than in tree plantation per area unit. Trees accounted for 39 % and 66 % of total carbon stocks in biomass in AF and TP, respectively. Understory vegetation accounted for 8 % and 34 % of total carbon stocks in biomass in AF and TP, respectively. Land equivalent ratio values, which involved tree, crop and understory vegetation carbon stocks, did not yet indicate a synergetic effect on accumulation of plant carbon compared to sole crop or tree plantations. This study provides new reference values of carbon stocks in biomass in a young AFS.", "keywords": ["http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_330982", "plant", "Triticum turgidum", "utilisation des terres", "syst\u00e8mes agroforestiers", "Biomass allocation", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_16111", "enracinement", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_3081", "biomasse", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1666", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1301", "Agroforestry", "agroforesterie", "Black locust", "changement climatique", "Allometry", "biomasse souterraine", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_363a2055", "Robinia", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_331583", "croissance", "Roots", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_207", "[SDV] Life Sciences [q-bio]", "s\u00e9questration du carbone", "Carbon stocks", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_926", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_3394", "Biomass production", "Robinia pseudoacacia", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_6624", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_6625", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_4182", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7958", "http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_6649", "France", "carbone"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110749"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20and%20Forest%20Meteorology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110749", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110749", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110749"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-10-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.003", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:56Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2005-08-12", "title": "Differential Use And Benefits Of Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens Var. Utilis) And N Fertilizers In Maize Production In Contrasting Agro-Ecological Zones Of E. Uganda", "description": "Abstract Research was conducted in eastern Uganda on a transect from Mt. Elgon (high altitude) to the low-altitude zones. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Velvet bean ( Mucuna pruriens var. utilis ) and inorganic N fertilizer in improving maize production in contrasting agro-ecological zones over two seasons. The high and medium altitude zones are high-potential agricultural areas, with much more reliable rainfall and the opposite is true for the low-altitude zone. Each zone comprised soils of contrasting productivity levels. During 22 weeks, Mucuna produced 2.6\u20137.9\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 of dry matter, accumulating 80\u2013200\u00a0kg\u00a0N\u00a0ha \u22121 , and derived approximately 34\u2013108\u00a0kg\u00a0N\u00a0ha \u22121 from the atmosphere. In the subsequent season, a maize crop was used to evaluate the effects of the green manure-N as compared to 40 and 80\u00a0kg\u00a0N\u00a0ha \u22121 . The mean maize yield of the farmers\u2019 practice was used to distinguish between high- and low-productive fields at each location. There was a significant increase in maize yield in response to the added N, both from urea or M. pruriens var. utilis \u2019. The average increase above that of the farmers\u2019 practice was 1.0\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 for the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones, However, the above average fields responded to added N by a mere 0.4\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 in the low-productivity areas. In the high-productivity areas as much as 2.2\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 were gained. The aggregated maize yield increase over two seasons indicated an increment of 2.7\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 with the application of inorganic fertilizers, and of 1.9\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 with a preceding mucuna-maize relay on high productivity fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones, compared to 1.3\u00a0t\u00a0ha \u22121 obtained with either strategy on the low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones. Economic benefits are obtained with any N supply strategy on highly productive fields in high-potential agro-ecological zones. The N supply strategies are as profitable as the farmers practice on the more productive fields in low-potential agro-ecological zones. However, farmers on low-productivity fields across the agro-ecological zones are currently operating in an economically downward spiral. Only the alternate use of a mucuna-maize relay provides them a way out of this predicament. Given the current prices for maize and urea, the adoption of fertilizer-N in any but the most favorable environment cannot be expected.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Paul L. G. Vlek, Crammer K. Kaizzi, Crammer K. Kaizzi, Henry Ssali,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.003"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.003", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.003", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.06.003"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2006-04-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.009", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:56Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2006-10-20", "title": "Can Carbon Sequestration Markets Benefit Low-Income Producers In Semi-Arid Africa? Potentials And Challenges", "description": "Abstract The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change allows a country that emits C above agreed-upon limits to purchase C offsets from an entity that uses biological means to absorb or reduce greenhouse emissions. The CDM is currently offered for afforestation and reforestation projects, but may apply subsequently to sequestration in agricultural soils. Additionally, markets outside of the Protocol are developing for soil C sequestration. In theory, C markets present win-win opportunities for buyers and sellers of C stocks. In practice, however, C markets are very complex. They presuppose the existence and integration of technical capacity to enhance C storage in production systems, the capacity for resource users to adopt and maintain land resource practices that sequester C, the ability for dealers or brokers to monitor C stocks at a landscape level, the institutional capacity to aggregate C credits, the financial mechanisms for incentive payments to reach farmers, and transparent and accountable governance structures that can ensure equitable distribution of benefits. Hence, while C payments may contribute to increasing rural incomes and promoting productivity enhancement practices, they may also expose resource users to additional social tensions and institutional risks.", "keywords": ["Carbon sequestration", "Poverty reduction", "Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)", "01 natural sciences", "12. Responsible consumption", "Payments for environmental services", "Agricultural ecosystems", "Afforestation", "West Africa", "11. Sustainability", "Reforestation", "Poverty", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Soil organic matter", "Drylands", "1. No poverty", "Kyoto Protocol", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Soil carbon", "Semiarid zones", "Carbon credits", "PES", "Greenhouse gases", "Carbon offsets", "Emissions", "Economic incentives", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Carbon markets"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Perez, C., Roncoli, \u202aCarla, Neely, Constance L., Steiner, J. L.,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.009"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.009", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.009", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.009"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2007-04-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.011", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2006-12-01", "title": "Modeling Soil Carbon Sequestration In Agricultural Lands Of Mali", "description": "Abstract Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is a low-input low-output system primarily for subsistence. Some of these areas are becoming less able to feed the people because of land degradation and erosion. The aim of this study is to characterize the potential for increasing levels of soil carbon for improving soil quality and carbon sequestration. A combination of high- and low-resolution imagery was used to develop a land use classification for an area of 64\u00a0km2 near Omarobougou, Mali. Field sizes were generally small (10\u201350\u00a0ha), and the primary cultivation systems are conventional tillage and ridge tillage, where tillage is performed by a combination of hand tools and animal-drawn plows. Based on land use classification, climate variables, soil texture, in situ soil carbon concentrations, and crop growth characteristics, the EPIC-Century model was used to project the amounts of soil carbon sequestered for the region. Under the usual management practices in Mali, mean crop yield reported (1985\u20132000) for maize is 1.53\u00a0T\u00a0ha\u22121, cotton is 1.2\u00a0T\u00a0ha\u22121, millet is 0.95\u00a0T\u00a0ha\u22121, and for sorghum is 0.95\u00a0T\u00a0ha\u22121. Year-to-year variations can be attributed to primarily rainfall, the amount of plant available water, and the amount of fertilizer applied. Under continuous conventional cultivation, with minimal fertilization and no residue management, the soil top layer was continuously lost due to erosion, losing between 1.1 and 1.7\u00a0Mg\u00a0C\u00a0ha\u22121 over 25\u00a0years. The model projections suggest that soil erosion is controlled and that soil carbon sequestration is enhanced with a ridge tillage system, because of increased water infiltration. The combination of modeling with the land use classification was used to calculate that about 54\u00a0kg\u00a0C\u00a0ha\u22121\u00a0year\u22121 may be sequestered for the study area with ridge tillage, increased application of fertilizers, and residue management. This is about one-third the proposed rate used in large-scale estimates of carbon sequestration potential in West Africa, because of the mixture of land use practices.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.011"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.011", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.011", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2005.09.011"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2007-04-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.cosust.2012.10.015", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"license": "Closed Access", "updated": "2026-04-03T16:16:25Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2012-11-10", "title": "Forest Bioenergy At The Cost Of Carbon Sequestration?", "description": "Bioenergy from forest residues can be used to substitute fossil energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. However, increasing biomass removals from forests reduce carbon stocks and carbon input to litter and soil. The magnitude and timeframe of these changes in the forest carbon balance largely determine how effectively forest biomass reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and helps to mitigate climate change. This paper reviews the impacts of harvest-residue-based bioenergy on the carbon balance of forests and discusses aspects linked to the concept of carbon neutrality. This type of forest bioenergy will reduce the emissions in a long run but near-term reductions depend essentially on the longevity of the residues used.", "keywords": ["13. Climate action", "11. Sustainability", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "7. Clean energy", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "12. Responsible consumption"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2012.10.015"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Current%20Opinion%20in%20Environmental%20Sustainability", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.cosust.2012.10.015", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.cosust.2012.10.015", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.cosust.2012.10.015"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2013-03-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.008", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2014-09-21", "title": "Tillage Systems Effects On Soil Carbon Stock And Physical Fractions Of Soil Organic Matter", "description": "Abstract Changes in soil management and land use influence soil organic matter (SOM) turnover through changes in quantity and quality of plant residues entering the soil, their seasonal and spatial distribution, the ratio between above- and bellow-ground inputs and through changes in soil disturbance. We hypothesized that the sequestered C is stored mainly in the mineral associated fraction (C associated in sand, silt and clay fraction). The objective of this study was to evaluate the C stock and stabilization in a tropical Dystrophic Red Latosol (Typic Haplortox) (Paty do Alferes, Brazil) subjected to 6-years soil tillage systems and soil cover. Treatments included no-tillage (NT), animal traction (AT) and conventional tillage (CT). Two additional treatments were evaluated: grass coverage (GC) and bare soil (BS). After six years crop, soil C stock in the 0\u201310\u2009cm layer was higher in NT than in CT (17.6 vs. 12.3\u2009Mg\u2009ha \u22121 , P\u2009 \u22121 in NT when comparing to CT. In NT, most of the C accumulation compared to CT occurred in the mineral associated fraction. Although, only the C associated in sand fraction was statistically different (6.7 vs. 1.2\u2009g\u2009kg \u22121 soil, P\u2009 \u22121 and 5.1\u2009g\u2009N\u2009kg \u22121 ) in the 0\u20135\u2009cm depth. For all treatments, most of the soil organic C was in the heavy fraction (>\u200955%). GC incorporated to soil annually 0.6\u2009Mg\u2009C\u2009ha \u22121 . C associated with sand fractions was the most sensible mineral associated C fraction compared to C in silt and clay fraction, and can be used as a suitable soil quality indicator for sustainable use.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.008"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.008", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.008", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.008"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2015-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2016.06.007", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2016-07-20", "title": "Greening And Producing: An Economic Assessment Framework For Integrating Trees In Cropping Systems", "description": "Abstract Environmental measures in an agricultural context often lead to extra constraints in current farming. This suggests trade-offs between the environmental objectives and profitability. Whether trade-offs exist, or may be turned into win-win, depends on creative farm options to comply new constraints. This paper concentrates on Ecological Focus Areas as a new EU Common Agricultural Policy greening requirement, and investigates profitability changes of two greening options with permanent woody elements, hedgerows and alley cropping. We predicted discounted gross margins for a hedgerow and alley cropping greening option and four market scenarios on a representative arable farm in Flanders (Belgium). Starting from the tree row, over a distance of 1.64 times the tree height, relative crop yield is 70% as compared to a treeless situation. Between 1.64 and 9.52 times the tree height, relative yield is 107%. Beyond that point, the effect is considered negligible. Discounted gross margins are calculated to account for the time horizon. Relative discounted gross margins at farm level, compared to the business as usual option, vary between 91% and 108%, depending on market conditions and policy support. The calculations show that fulfilment of the 5% ecological focus area greening requirement on arable farms with hedgerows and alley cropping only becomes economically competitive to the traditional cropping systems with extra financial stimuli (e.g. greening payments). We also show and discuss how the calculations can be fine-tuned and used in policy making, e.g. by i) getting better insights in the tree-crop interactions, ii) including the effect of e.g. crop type, tree species, tree line space and tree line orientation in the meta-information, iii) evaluating this conditional competitiveness and suggesting a better linking between subsidy level and ecological value and ecosystem services and iv) exploring novel valorization channels for wood products.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "12. Responsible consumption", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.06.007"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2016.06.007", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2016.06.007", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.06.007"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2016-10-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102736", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-11-25", "title": "The impact of intercropping, tillage and fertilizer type on soil and crop yield in fruit orchards under Mediterranean conditions: A meta-analysis of field studies", "description": "Open AccessThis work was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Diverfarming [grant agreement 728003]. Ra\u00fal Zornoza acknowledges the \ufb01nancial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the \u201cRam\u00f3n y Cajal\u201d Program [RYC-2015-18758].", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Edafolog\u00eda y Qu\u00edmica Agr\u00edcola", "Intercropping", "Fertilizer", "Cover crops", "13. Climate action", "31 Ciencias Agrarias", "Orchard", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Tillage"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102736"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102736", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102736", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102736"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-02-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-09-08", "title": "Manure management and soil biodiversity: Towards more sustainable food systems in the EU", "description": "In this review, authors explored the impact of manure from farmed animals on soil biodiversity by considering factors that determine the effects of manure and vice versa. By evaluating manure's potential to enhance soil biodiversity, but also its environmental risks, authors assessed current and future EU policy and legislations with the ultimate aim of providing recommendations that can enable a more sustainable management of farm manures. This work was funded by the European Commission Horizon 2020 project SoildiverAgro [grant agreement 817819].", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Common agricultural policy; Environmental policy; Nutrient losses; Soil organisms; Agricultural practices; Sustainability; European Union", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "2511.08 Mec\u00e1nica de Suelos (Agricultura)", "15. Life on land", "16. Peace & justice", "01 natural sciences", "ddc:", "12. Responsible consumption", "2511 Ciencias del Suelo (Edafolog\u00eda)", "2511.06 Conservaci\u00f3n de Suelos", "13. Climate action", "11. Sustainability", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103251"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-12-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103507", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-09-22", "title": "The challenges fraught opportunity of agriculture expansion into boreal and Arctic regions", "description": "2022", "keywords": ["Land use and land use change", "Northern agriculture", "Arctic", "Climate change", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "Boreal", "01 natural sciences", "Perspectives", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103507"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103507", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103507", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103507"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2022-12-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102761", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-12-03", "title": "Ecosystem service provision of grain legume and cereal intercropping in Africa", "description": "Abstract Achieving food security is challenging in Africa, a continent beset by low crop yield and soil quality, climate adversities, pests, weed infestations, and crop disease outbreaks. In this context, it is important to re-visit the resource-use efficiency and ecosystem service values of intercropping of grain legumes and cereals, a practice that has long been used by small-scale producers to mitigate the risk of crop failure and to safeguard household food availability. Despite its historical use, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding multiple aspects of intercropping, including examination of the different crop combinations on ecosystem services from agriculture. Using meta-analysis approach of land equivalent ratio (LER), a widely-accepted index to assess the efficiency of intercropping production systems, we found that intercropping of cereals with legumes resulted in an elevated LER (i.e., 1.31), regardless of species combination. A significantly greater LER than the overall LER (P", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102761"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102761", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102761", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102761"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-02-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103477", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-08-24", "title": "Improved descriptions of soil hydrology in crop models: The elephant in the room?", "description": "Soil-crop simulation models are widely used to assess the impacts of soil management and climate change on soil water balance, solute transport and crop production. In this context, it is important that hydrological processes in the soil-crop system are accurately modelled. We suggest here that empirical treatments of soil water flow, water uptake by plant mots and transpiration limit the applicability of crop models and increase prediction errors. We further argue that this empiricism is to a large extent unnecessary, as parsimonious physics-based descriptions of these water flow processes in the soil-crop system are now available. Recent reviews and opinion articles, whilst strongly advocating the need for improvements to crop models, fail to mention the significant role played by accurate treatments of soil hydrology. It seems to us that empirical models of soil water flow have become the elephant in the room.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0207 environmental engineering", "Soil Science", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "Agricultural Science"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Jarvis, Nicholas, Larsbo, Mats, Lewan, Elisabet, Garre, Sarah,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://pub.epsilon.slu.se/29884/1/jarvis-n-et-al-20221209.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103477"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103477", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103477", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103477"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2022-10-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103560", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-11-16", "title": "Concepts of agricultural marginal lands and their utilisation: A review", "description": "CONTEXT: The potential of marginal lands to improve food security, support bioenergy production or ecosystem services has globally got a lot of attention. Defining agricultural marginal land is a task that involves more than just considering the land\u2019s quality, its definition changed a lot during the last two centuries. OBJECTIVE: Development of new technologies and policy trends require the concepts of prime land and marginal land to be renewed from time to time. Although much research has been done on the concept of marginal land, it is currently limited by the lack of a clear, globally accepted definition. METHOD: There are four major sources of criteria of marginal lands: economic (e.g., rent cost, land value), geographical (e.g., temperature, slope, precipitation), ecosystem-based (e.g., protected areas, recreation, ecosystem services), soil suitability (e.g., yield capability, physical and chemical soil properties). The categorisation of agricultural land into groups like productive, marginal or unproductive often depends on the cultivation or management type. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Since conceptions of marginal land are dynamic both in time and space, flexible policy and practical solutions are needed for their non-degrading use, which in any case shall support naturebased socioeconomic development. To maintain the socioeconomic value of these areas, it is crucial to develop rural areas that are economically or biophysically marginalised. High nature value farming, bioenergy crops by sustainable land management and afforestation are highly recommended. Choosing the right management can transform marginal land into an optimal soil condition or incorrect management can degrade prime land into marginal land (unproductive land). SIGNIFICANCE: This paper provides a review and categorisation of the historical and new developments of marginal land concepts especially those which are working with agricultural aspects, including land management and reclamation. It could give a strong basis for further research in ...", "keywords": ["S1 Agriculture (General) / mez\u0151gazdas\u00e1g \u00e1ltal\u00e1ban", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "04.01. Mez\u0151gazdas\u00e1g", " erd\u00e9szet", " hal\u00e1szat", "01 natural sciences", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Csik\u00f3s, N\u00e1ndor, T\u00f3th, Gergely,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "http://publicatio.bibl.u-szeged.hu/37762/1/concept.pdf"}, {"href": "https://real.mtak.hu/190344/1/1-s2.0-S0308521X22001962-main.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103560"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Systems", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103560", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103560", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103560"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.04.001", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:57Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2004-07-06", "title": "Mechanical Control Of Shrubs In A Semiarid Region Of Argentina And Its Effect On Soil Water Content And Grassland Productivity", "description": "Abstract Mechanical shrub control with roller choppers can be an inexpensive and non contaminant system for increasing grassland production in rangelands dry regions. A field experiment was carried out between October 1997 and October 2001 in the \u201cCaldenal-Jarillal\u201d botanic district of Argentina, a natural rangeland ecosystem with a high water deficit throughout much of the year. The trial was conducted on a Typic Ustortent and consisted of the following treatments: a control, the undisturbed natural condition (N), and rolled with (I) and without (R) interseeding of Panicum coloratum . Results showed that I and R improved soil water content within the upper 100\u00a0cm, dry matter production of grasses, amount of litter and water use efficiency as compared to N. The positive effect of rolling on soil water content was detected only in autumn months when water balance was positive. In summer months, when a negative water balance occurred, soil water content of rolled treatments was not different from that of the unrolled one. Consumptive water use was similar in rolled and unrolled treatments, and equivalent to the rainfall, reflecting the low soil water-holding capacity. The higher efficiency of water use in rolled treatments indicated that grasses were more efficient in using the consumed water. The I and R treatments had similar values of soil water content within the upper 100\u00a0cm, grass dry matter production, amount of litter and water use efficiency. However, a higher grass dry matter production in R than in I was noticed in part of the last year of this study. Grass dry matter production increased at the same rate in all treatments after 4 years, but litter remained constant in the unrolled treatment and decreased in the rolled ones. Mechanical shrub control with a roller chopper decreased shrub competition, thereby increasing the productivity of the ecosystem.", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Rolling", "Natural Grasses", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "Shrub Control", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "6. Clean water", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1.5", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Semiarid Regions", "Water Balance", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2004.04.001"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Water%20Management", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.04.001", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.04.001", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agwat.2004.04.001"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2004-08-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.030", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:58Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2005-03-11", "title": "Effects Of Different Management Practices On Soil Conservation And Soil Water In A Rainfed Olive Orchard", "description": "Open Access16 pages, figures, and tables statistics.", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Sustainable agriculture", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Legumes", "Soil fertility", "01 natural sciences", "6. Clean water", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Plant covers", "Weeds", "Soil moisture"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.030"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Water%20Management", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.030", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.030", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.030"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2005-08-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.agwat.2006.01.009", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:15:58Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2006-03-10", "title": "Yield Response Of Corn To Deficit Irrigation In A Semiarid Climate", "description": "Abstract Irrigation water supplies are decreasing in many areas of the US Great Plains, which is requiring many farmers to consider deficit-irrigating corn (Zea mays L.) or growing crops like winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that require less water, but that are less profitable. The objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify the yield response of corn to deficit irrigation, and (2) determine which of several seasonal water variables correlated best to corn yield in a semiarid climate. Eight (T1\u2013T8) and nine (T1\u2013T9) deficit-irrigated treatments (including dryland), were compared in 2003 and 2004 in North Platte, Nebraska. The actual seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETd) (calculated with procedures in FAO-56) for the different treatments was 37\u201379% in 2003 and 63\u201391% in 2004 compared with the seasonal crop evapotranspiration when water is not limited (ETw). Quantitative relationships between grain yield and several seasonal water variables were developed. Water variables included, irrigation (I), total water (Wall), rain\u00a0+\u00a0irrigation (WR+I), evaporation (E), crop evapotranspiration (ETd), crop transpiration (Td), and the ratios of ETd and Td to evapotranspiration and transpiration when water is not limited (ETw and Tw). Both years, yield increased linearly with seasonal irrigation, but the relationship varied from year to year. Combining data from both years, ETd had the best correlation to grain yield (yield\u00a0=\u00a00.028ETd\u20135.04, R2\u00a0=\u00a00.95), and the water variables could be ranked from higher to lower R2 when related to grain yield as: E T d ( R 2 = 0.95 ) > T d ( R 2 = 0.93 ) > E T d / E T w ( R 2 = 0.90 ) = T d / T w ( R 2 = 0.90 ) > W all ( R 2 = 0.89 ) > E ( R 2 = 0.75 ) > W R + I ( R 2 = 0.65 ) > I ( R 2 = 0.06 ) . Crop water productivity (CWP) (yield per unit ETd) linearly increased with ETd/ETw (R2\u00a0=\u00a00.75), which suggests that trying to increase CWP by deficit-irrigating corn is not a good strategy under the conditions of this study.", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "571", "330", "Evapotranspiration", "Corn", "Corn / maize", "Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "630", "6. Clean water", "Maize", "Biological Engineering", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Deficit irrigation"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Payero, Jos\u00c3\u00a9 O., Melvin, Steven R., Irmak, Suat, Tarkalson, David D.,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2006.01.009"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Agricultural%20Water%20Management", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.agwat.2006.01.009", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.agwat.2006.01.009", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.agwat.2006.01.009"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2006-07-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.cosust.2018.11.002", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-04-03T16:16:25Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2018-11-28", "title": "Models for assessing engineered nanomaterial fate and behaviour in the aquatic environment", "description": "Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs, material containing