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Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture in China: A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Straw and Manure on Crop Yield and Soil Fertility

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  • Zhe Zhao

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    College of Water Conservancy, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
    Key Lab of Conservation Tillage and Ecological Agriculture, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Yali Yang

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab of Conservation Tillage and Ecological Agriculture, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Hongtu Xie

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab of Conservation Tillage and Ecological Agriculture, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Yixin Zhang

    (College of Water Conservancy, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China)

  • Hongbo He

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab of Conservation Tillage and Ecological Agriculture, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Xudong Zhang

    (Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
    Key Lab of Conservation Tillage and Ecological Agriculture, Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China)

  • Shijun Sun

    (College of Water Conservancy, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China)

Abstract

As the main organic materials, straw and manure play a critical role in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and crop yield in China. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of straw and manure amendments, both individually and combined, on crop yield, SOC, and soil nutrients in China by collecting 173 studies. The findings of this study revealed that straw return and manure application increased crop yields by 14.4% and 70.4%, respectively, overall. Combined straw and manure application gained a better improvement effect than straw alone but was less effective than manure alone. Regarding the straw return results, rice straw and a 3000–6000 kg ha −1 returning quantity improved crop yield, SOC, available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and total nitrogen (TN) the most; regarding the straw return form, straw incorporated into soil and biochar increased crop yield and SOC more, respectively; and <5 years and ≥5 years of straw return treatment increased crop yield and TN more, respectively. Regarding manure application, pig and chicken manure increased crop yield and TN more, respectively; a 50–80% substitution ratio and 10–20 years of duration were best for improving crop yield, SOC, AP, AK, and TN. This study highlights the importance of optimal organic amendment through straw or manure applications to achieve a win–win between crop yield and soil fertility under the requirement of sustainable agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhe Zhao & Yali Yang & Hongtu Xie & Yixin Zhang & Hongbo He & Xudong Zhang & Shijun Sun, 2024. "Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture in China: A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Straw and Manure on Crop Yield and Soil Fertility," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:480-:d:1358180
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jingmiao Shao & Chunyu Gao & Patience Afi Seglah & Jie Xie & Li Zhao & Yuyun Bi & Yajing Wang, 2023. "Analysis of the Available Straw Nutrient Resources and Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Straw Returned Directly to the Field in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Yan Zhang & Ji Zhao & Hongyuan Wang & Huancheng Pang, 2023. "Pelletized Straw Incorporation in Sandy Soil Increases Soil Aggregate Stability, Soil Carbon, and Nitrogen Stocks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Md Elias Hossain & Xurong Mei & Wenying Zhang & Wenyi Dong & Zhenxing Yan & Xiu Liu & Saxena Rachit & Subramaniam Gopalakrishnan & Enke Liu, 2021. "Substitution of Chemical Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer Affects Soil Total Nitrogen and Its Fractions in Northern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, December.
    4. X. Liu & S.J. Herbert & A.M. Hashemi & X. Zhang & G. Ding, 2006. "Effects of agricultural management on soil organic matter and carbon transformation - a review," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 52(12), pages 531-543.
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