When do cover crops reduce nitrate leaching? A global meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: The global increases in the surface and groundwater nitrate (NO₃ ^- ) concentrations due to synthetic fertilizer input have emerged as major sustainability threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Cover crops can reportedly reduce nitrate leaching from croplands. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effectiveness of cover crops in reducing nitrate leaching across species, soil types, agronomic management, and climates remain elusive. We conducted a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of cover crops on nitrate leaching and water drainage. A random-effects analysis was established to investigate seven moderating variables in 41 articles. Results showed that globally, cover crops reduced nitrate leaching by 69% compared with fallow while demonstrating

SUBMITTER: Nouri A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9328130 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature