Rodale Institute

Manure management in the United States must move from a disposal-based model to a circular resource framework that integrates nutrient recovery, emission mitigation, precision application, supportive policy, and site-specific decision-making.

CNV–RT had highest grain ERGO/partitioning with higher OSEI, while organic systems stored more soil ERGO but partitioned less. Reduced tillage boosts grain ERGO; uptake is oxidative stress-regulated.

An analysis of the carbon footprint of organic and conventional arable crop production systems in a long-term trial.

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a high-value crop traditionally cultivated in Mediterranean climates, yet organic production using living mulches and cover crop mulches remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of five mulching systems on soil health, weed suppression, microclimate, and yield under reduced tillage on Camarillo loamy soils: (i) white clover (Trifolium repens L.), (ii) crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.), (iii) Kurapia (Lippia nodiflora L.), (iv) a roller-crimped buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) mixture, and (v) polyethylene (PE) plastic mulch (control). Significant treatment differences were observed across soil organic matter, microbial active carbon, nitrate, ammonium, soil moisture, and artichoke yield. Plastic mulch retained the highest soil moisture (+25 %) and elevated spring temperatures (+1.5 °C), supporting the highest artichoke yield in 2023 (9.7 t/ha) but reducing soil biological activity. White clover improved SOM (+0.3 %), OC (+35.5 ppm), MAC (+77.6 %), and infiltration but reduced yield (3.4 t/ha in 2024) due to crop competition. Crimson clover offered early-season weed suppression and SOM enhancement (+0.2 %) but lost soil health benefits after senescence. Kurapia achieved the highest yield (11.4 t/ha in 2023), though its soil health effects were limited. The buckwheat–pea system suppressed early weeds and promoted intermediate yield performance. Overall, living mulches improved soil health but reduced yield, while plastic and Kurapia maximized productivity. These results underscore the trade-offs between soil conservation and crop yield, suggesting that site-specific integration of mulching strategies is needed to optimize sustainability and performance in organic artichoke systems.

No summary available.