Optimizing cover crop practices as a sustainable solution for global agroecosystem services

Tianyi Qiu, Yu Shi, Josep Peñuelas, Ji Liu, Qingliang Cui, Jordi Sardans, Feng Zhou, Longlong Xia, Weiming Yan, Shuling Zhao, Shushi Peng, Jinshi Jian, Qinsi He, Wenju Zhang, Min Huang, Wenfeng Tan and Linchuan Fang ()
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Tianyi Qiu: Wuhan University of Technology
Yu Shi: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Josep Peñuelas: Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB
Ji Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qingliang Cui: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jordi Sardans: Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB
Feng Zhou: Peking University
Longlong Xia: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Weiming Yan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shuling Zhao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shushi Peng: Peking University
Jinshi Jian: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qinsi He: University of Technology Sydney
Wenju Zhang: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Min Huang: Wuhan University of Technology
Wenfeng Tan: Huazhong Agricultural University
Linchuan Fang: Wuhan University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract The practice of cover crops has gained popularity as a strategy to improve agricultural sustainability, but its full potential is often limited by environmental trade-offs. Using meta-analytic and data-driven quantifications of 2302 observations, we optimized cover crop practices and evaluated their benefits for global agroecosystems. Cover crops have historically boosted crop yields, soil carbon storage, and stability, but also stimulated greenhouse gas emissions. However, combining them with long-term implementation (five years or more) and climate-smart practices (such as no-tillage) can enhance these services synergistically. A biculture of legume and non-legume cover crops, terminated 25 days before planting the next crop and followed by residue mulching, is the optimal portfolio. Such optimized practices are projected to increase agroecosystem multiservices by 1.25%, equivalent to annual gains of 97.7 million metric tons in crop production, 21.7 billion metric tons in carbon dioxide sequestration, and 2.41 billion metric tons in soil erosion reduction. By 2100, the continued implementation of optimized practices could mitigate climate-related yield losses and contribute to climate neutrality and soil stabilization, especially in harsh and underdeveloped areas. These findings underscore the promising potential of optimized cover crop practices to achieve the synergy in food security and environmental protection.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54536-z

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