Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ilam University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding.
2
Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilam, Ilam, Iran.
3
Department of Natural Engineering (Range and Watershed Management), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilam, Ilam, Iran.
4
Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Iran
10.22034/saps.2025.67072.3366
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of human activities on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, specifically through the evaluation of carbon balance, carbon sequestration, and soil respiration in chickpea and millet cultivation.
Materials and Methods: The research was conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). The experiment followed a split-split plot design based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included two tillage practices (conventional and reduced tillage), two levels of manure application, and three crop rotation systems (chickpea–fallow, chickpea–millet, and millet–fallow).
Findings: The results showed that conventional tillage significantly increased both heterotrophic and total soil respiration compared to reduced tillage, particularly in chickpea cultivation where the increase exceeded 100%. Additionally, manure application had a positive effect on respiration rates, with increases ranging from approximately 10% to 23% in both millet and chickpea. Crop rotation also enhanced soil microbial activity, which was evident in both plant species.
Conclusion: Overall, conventional tillage and manure application led to increased microbial activity and soil respiration, which may contribute to elevated greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, appropriate crop rotation systems, such as chickpea–millet, had a beneficial impact on microbial dynamics and soil carbon management, and can be considered an effective strategy for enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems in the face of climate change challenges.
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