Quantitative synthesis on the ecosystem services of cover crops

摘要: Abstract The maintenance of soil health in agro-ecosystems is essential for sustaining agricultural productivity. Through its positive impacts on various physical and biological processes, cover cropping can be an important component sustainable production systems. However, the practice complex, possible trade-offs between benefits side effects crops have not been examined. To evaluate these potential trade-offs, we quantitatively synthesized different ecosystem services provided by (e.g., erosion control, water quality regulation, moisture retention, accumulation organic matter microbial biomass, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, weed pest as well yield subsequent cash crop) using data from previous publications. We used a simple indicator (δ), defined ratio observed variable (i.e., service) under crop fallow condition, to given service. Our results showed that beneficial most cases, except increase GHG emission (δCO2 = 1.46 ± 0.47 δN2 O = 1.49 ± 1.22; x ¯  ± SD) (nematode) incidence (δnematode abundance = 1.29 ± 1.61). It also highlight that, some tillage could offset extent service crops. Based this synthesis, argue should incorporated into modern practices because many environmental they offer, particularly health. More importantly, there was generally with (δyield = 1.15 ± 0.75), likely due improvement processes. Despite benefits, complexity management overlooked, site-specific factors such climate, type, species must considered order optimize cropping. In addition yield, detailed economic analyses are needed calculate direct reduction amount chemical fertilizer) indirect monetary quality) Such comprehensive analysis serve incentive producers integrate their practices.