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Overview of Organic Cover Crop-Based No-Tillage Technique in Europe: Farmers’ Practices and Research Challenges

Author

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  • Laura Vincent-Caboud

    (Department of Agroecology and Environment, ISARA-Lyon (member of the University of Lyon), 23 rue Jean Baldassini, F-69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France)

  • Joséphine Peigné

    (Department of Agroecology and Environment, ISARA-Lyon (member of the University of Lyon), 23 rue Jean Baldassini, F-69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France)

  • Marion Casagrande

    (Department of Agroecology and Environment, ISARA-Lyon (member of the University of Lyon), 23 rue Jean Baldassini, F-69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France
    ITAB, Quartier Marcellas, F-26800 Etoile sur Rhône, France)

  • Erin M. Silva

    (Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53706 WI, USA)

Abstract

Cover crop mulch–based no-tillage (MBNT) production is emerging as an innovative alternative production practice in organic farming (OF) to reduce intensive soil tillage. Although European organic farmers are motivated to implement MBNT to improve soil fertility and achieve further management benefits (e.g., labor and costs savings), low MBNT practice is reported in Europe. Thus, this paper aims to understand the challenges of both farmers and researchers limiting the further adoption of MBNT in organic farming in temperate climates. The primary no-tillage (NT) practices of organic European farmers and findings of organic MBNT studies conducted in Europe are reviewed, focusing on living or mulch cover crop-based NT (LBNT or MBNT) for arable crop production. Major conclusions drawn from this review indicate consistent weed control and an establishment of best practices for cover crop management as the two main overarching challenges limiting adoption. In view of substantial gaps of knowledge on these issues, additional research should focus on cover crop selection and management (species, date of sowing) to increase cover crop biomass, particularly in warmer climates. Lastly, further research is needed to optimize cover crop termination to prevent competition for water and nutrients with cash crops, particularly in wetter northern conditions which promote vigorous cover crop growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Vincent-Caboud & Joséphine Peigné & Marion Casagrande & Erin M. Silva, 2017. "Overview of Organic Cover Crop-Based No-Tillage Technique in Europe: Farmers’ Practices and Research Challenges," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:7:y:2017:i:5:p:42-:d:97504
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patrick M. Carr & Greta G. Gramig & Mark A. Liebig, 2013. "Impacts of Organic Zero Tillage Systems on Crops, Weeds, and Soil Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(7), pages 1-30, July.
    2. Canali, Stefano & Diacono, Mariangela & Campanelli, Gabriele & Montemurro, Francesco, 2015. "Organic No-Till with Roller Crimpers: Agro-ecosystem Services and Applications in Organic Mediterranean Vegetable Productions," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(3 Special).
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    2. Meenakshi Sharma & Rajesh Kaushal & Prashant Kaushik & Seeram Ramakrishna, 2021. "Carbon Farming: Prospects and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Patrick M. Carr, 2017. "Guest Editorial: Conservation Tillage for Organic Farming," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-6, March.
    4. Andrzej Sałata & Gaetano Pandino & Halina Buczkowska & Sara Lombardo, 2020. "Influence of Catch Crops on Yield and Chemical Composition of Winter Garlic Grown for Bunch Harvesting," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-14, April.
    5. Felicia Chețan & Cornel Chețan & Ileana Bogdan & Paula Ioana Moraru & Adrian Ioan Pop & Teodor Rusu, 2022. "Use of Vegetable Residues and Cover Crops in the Cultivation of Maize Grown in Different Tillage Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-14, March.
    6. Tatevik Yezekyan & Francesco Marinello & Giannantonio Armentano & Samuele Trestini & Luigi Sartori, 2018. "Definition of Reference Models for Power, Weight, Working Width, and Price for Seeding Machines," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-13, November.
    7. SMIT Bert & HAAGSMA Wiepie & JANSSENS Bas & VAN DER MEER Ruud & HENNEN Wil, 2019. "Report on current adoption: Deliverable 1 of the project "Adoption of cover crops for climate change mitigation in the EU"," JRC Research Reports JRC118095, Joint Research Centre.
    8. Shackelford, Gorm E. & Kelsey, Rodd & Dicks, Lynn V., 2019. "Effects of cover crops on multiple ecosystem services: Ten meta-analyses of data from arable farmland in California and the Mediterranean," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    9. Pépin, Antonin & Morel, Kevin & van der Werf, Hayo M.G., 2021. "Conventionalised vs. agroecological practices on organic vegetable farms: Investigating the influence of farm structure in a bifurcation perspective," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).

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