Register      Login
Soil Research Soil Research Society
Soil, land care and environmental research
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen after 47 years with different tillage, stubble and fertiliser management in a Vertisol of north-eastern Australia

K. L. Page https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8994-6561 A D , R. C. Dalal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2381-9601 A , S. H. Reeves B , W. J. Wang A B , Somasundaram Jayaraman https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3486-4109 B C and Y. P. Dang A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

B Department of Environment and Science, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia.

C ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, 462038, Madhya Pradesh, India.

D Corresponding author. Email: kathryn.page@uq.edu.au

Soil Research 58(4) 346-355 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR19314
Submitted: 1 November 2019  Accepted: 2 March 2020   Published: 1 April 2020

Abstract

No-till (NT) farming has been widely adopted to assist in reducing erosion, lowering fuel costs, conserving soil moisture and improving soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Improvements in soil characteristics are often driven by the greater soil organic matter accumulation (as measured by soil organic carbon (SOC)) in NT compared to conventional tillage (CT) farming systems. However, to fully understand the effect of NT it is important to understand temporal changes in SOC by monitoring over an extended period. We investigated the long-term effect of NT and stubble retention (SR) on changes in SOC and total soil nitrogen (STN) using results from an experiment that has been running for 50 years in a semi-arid subtropical region of north-eastern Australia. In this experiment, the effects of tillage (CT vs NT), residue management (stubble burning (SB) vs SR), and nitrogen (N) fertiliser (0 and 90 kg-N ha–1) were measured in a balanced factorial experiment on a Vertisol (Ustic Pellusert). The use of NT, SR and N fertiliser generally improved SOC (by up to 12.8%) and STN stocks (by up to 31.7%) in the 0–0.1 m layer relative to CT, SB and no N fertiliser, with the greatest stocks observed where all three treatments were used in combination. However, declines in SOC (up to 20%) and STN (up to 25%) occurred in all treatments over the course of the experiment, indicating that changes in management practices were unable to prevent a loss of soil organic matter over time in this farming system. However, the NT and SR treatments did lose less SOC than CT and SB treatments, and SR also reduced STN loss. The δ13C analysis of samples collected in 2008 and 2015 highlighted that crop residues have significantly contributed to SOC stocks at the site and that their contribution is increasing over time.

Additional keywords: nitrogen fertiliser, no-tillage, soil total nitrogen, stubble retention, sustainable soil management.


References

Alvarez R (2005) A review of nitrogen fertilizer and conservation tillage effects on soil organic carbon storage. Soil Use and Management 21, 38–52.
A review of nitrogen fertilizer and conservation tillage effects on soil organic carbon storage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Armstrong RD, Millar G, Halpin NV, Reid DJ, Standley J (2003) Using zero tillage, fertilisers and legume rotations to maintain productivity and soil fertility in opportunity cropping systems on a shallow Vertosol. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 43, 141–153.
Using zero tillage, fertilisers and legume rotations to maintain productivity and soil fertility in opportunity cropping systems on a shallow Vertosol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Beare MH, Coleman DC, Pohlad BR, Wright DH (1993) Residue placement and fungicide effects on fungal communities in conventional and no-tillage soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 57, 392–399.
Residue placement and fungicide effects on fungal communities in conventional and no-tillage soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Blanco-Canqui H, Ruis SJ (2018) No-tillage and soil physical environment. Geoderma 326, 164–200.
No-tillage and soil physical environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boutton TW (1996) Stable carbon isotope ratios of soil organic matter and their uses as indicators of vegetation and climate change. In ‘Mass spectrometry of soils’. (Eds TW Boutton, SI Yamasaki) pp. 47–81. (Marcel Dekker: New York)

Buchanan IK, Cowan RT (1990) Nitrogen level and environmental effects on the annual dry matter yield of tropical grasses. Tropical Grasslands 24, 299–304.

Carreiro MM, Sinsabaugh RL, Repert DA, Parkhurst DF (2000) Microbial enzyme shifts explain litter decay responses to simulated nitrogen deposition. Ecology 81, 2359–2365.
Microbial enzyme shifts explain litter decay responses to simulated nitrogen deposition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Carter JC, Barwick V (2011) ‘Good practice guide for isotope ratio mass spectrometry.’ (FIRMS)

Chan KY, Roberts WP, Heenan DP (1992) Organic carbon and associated properties of a red earth after 10 years rotation under different stubble and tillage practices. Australian Journal of Soil Research 30, 71–83.
Organic carbon and associated properties of a red earth after 10 years rotation under different stubble and tillage practices.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chan KY, Conyers MK, Li GD, Helyar KR, Poile G, Oates A, Barchia IM (2011) Soil carbon dynamics under different cropping and pasture management in temperate Australia: results of three long-term experiments. Soil Research 49, 320–328.
Soil carbon dynamics under different cropping and pasture management in temperate Australia: results of three long-term experiments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Christopher SF, Lal R (2007) Nitrogen management affects carbon sequestration in North American cropland soils. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences 26, 45–64.
Nitrogen management affects carbon sequestration in North American cropland soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clapp CE, Allmaras RR, Layese MF, Linden DR, Dowdy RH (2000) Soil organic carbon and 13C abundance as related to tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen fertilization under continuous corn management in Minnesota. Soil & Tillage Research 55, 127–142.
Soil organic carbon and 13C abundance as related to tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen fertilization under continuous corn management in Minnesota.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cook RL, Trlica A (2016) Tillage and fertilizer effects on crop yield and soil properties over 45years in southern Illinois. Agronomy Journal 108, 415–426.
Tillage and fertilizer effects on crop yield and soil properties over 45years in southern Illinois.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cowan RT, Lowe KF, Ehrlich W, Upton PC, Bowdler TM (1995) Nitrogen-fertilised grass in a subtropical dairy system 1. Effect of level of nitrogen fertiliser on pasture yield and soil chemical characteristics. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 35, 125–135.
Nitrogen-fertilised grass in a subtropical dairy system 1. Effect of level of nitrogen fertiliser on pasture yield and soil chemical characteristics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cusack DF, Torn MS, McDowell WH, Silver WL (2010) The response of heterotrophic activity and carbon cycling to nitrogen additions and warming in two tropical soils. Global Change Biology 16, 2555–2572.
The response of heterotrophic activity and carbon cycling to nitrogen additions and warming in two tropical soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC (1989) Long-term effects of no-tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen applications on properties of a vertisol. Soil Science Society of America Journal 53, 1511–1515.
Long-term effects of no-tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen applications on properties of a vertisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Mayer RJ (1986) Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern Queensland. II. Total organic carbon and its rate of loss from the soil profile. Australian Journal of Soil Research 24, 281–292.
Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern Queensland. II. Total organic carbon and its rate of loss from the soil profile.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Strong WM, Weston EJ, Cooper JE, Lehane KJ, King AJ, Chicken CJ (1995) Sustaining productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with fertilisers, no-tillage, or legumes 1. Organic matter status. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 35, 903–913.
Sustaining productivity of a Vertisol at Warra, Queensland, with fertilisers, no-tillage, or legumes 1. Organic matter status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Harms BP, Krull E, Wang WJ (2005) Total soil organic matter and its labile pools following mulga (Acacia aneura) clearing for pasture development and cropping. 1. Total and labile carbon. Australian Journal of Soil Research 43, 13–20.
Total soil organic matter and its labile pools following mulga (Acacia aneura) clearing for pasture development and cropping. 1. Total and labile carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Allen DE, Wang WJ, Reeves S, Gibson I (2011a) Organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks in a Vertisol following 40 years of no-tillage, crop residue retention and nitrogen fertilisation. Soil & Tillage Research 112, 133–139.
Organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks in a Vertisol following 40 years of no-tillage, crop residue retention and nitrogen fertilisation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dalal RC, Wang W, Allen DE, Reeves S, Menzies NW (2011b) Soil nitrogen and nitrogen-use efficiency under long-term no-till practice. Soil Science Society of America Journal 75, 2251–2261.
Soil nitrogen and nitrogen-use efficiency under long-term no-till practice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

De Deyn GB, Quirk H, Yi Z, Oakley S, Ostle NJ, Bardgett RD (2009) Vegetation composition promotes carbon and nitrogen storage in model grassland communities of contrasting fertility. Journal of Ecology 97, 864–875.
Vegetation composition promotes carbon and nitrogen storage in model grassland communities of contrasting fertility.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dendooven L, Patiño-Zúñiga L, Verhulst N, Luna-Guido M, Marsch R, Govaerts B (2012) Global warming potential of agricultural systems with contrasting tillage and residue management in the central highlands of Mexico. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 152, 50–58.
Global warming potential of agricultural systems with contrasting tillage and residue management in the central highlands of Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dick WA (1983) Organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations and pH in soil profiles as affected by tillage intensity. Soil Science Society of America Journal 47, 102–107.
Organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations and pH in soil profiles as affected by tillage intensity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Doran JW, Elliott ET, Paustian K (1998) Soil microbial activity, nitrogen cycling, and long-term changes in organic carbon pools as related to fallow tillage management. Soil & Tillage Research 49, 3–18.
Soil microbial activity, nitrogen cycling, and long-term changes in organic carbon pools as related to fallow tillage management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Du Z, Angers DA, Ren T, Zhang Q, Lia G (2017) The effect of no-till on organic C storage in Chinese soils should not be overemphasized: a meta-analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 236, 1–11.
The effect of no-till on organic C storage in Chinese soils should not be overemphasized: a meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dubeux JCB, Sollenberger LE, Mathews BW, Scholberg JM, Santos HQ (2007) Nutrient cycling in warm-climate grasslands. Crop Science 47, 915–928.
Nutrient cycling in warm-climate grasslands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fernandes M, Krull E (2008) How does acid treatment to remove carbonates affect the isotopic and elemental composition of soils and sediments? Environmental Chemistry 5, 33–39.
How does acid treatment to remove carbonates affect the isotopic and elemental composition of soils and sediments?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Finn D, Page K, Catton K, Strounina E, Kienzle M, Robertson F, Armstrong R, Dalal R (2015) Effect of added nitrogen on plant litter decomposition depends on initial soil carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 91, 160–168.
Effect of added nitrogen on plant litter decomposition depends on initial soil carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fog K (1988) The effect of added nitrogen on the rate of decomposition of organic matter. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 63, 433–462.
The effect of added nitrogen on the rate of decomposition of organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

González-Chávez MdCA, Aitkenhead-Peterson JA, Gentry TJ, Zuberer D, Hons F, Loeppert R (2010) Soil microbial community, C, N, and P responses to long-term tillage and crop rotation. Soil & Tillage Research 106, 285–293.
Soil microbial community, C, N, and P responses to long-term tillage and crop rotation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hendrix PF, Parmelee RW, Crossley DA, Coleman DC, Odum EP, Groffman PM (1986) Detritus food webs in conventional and no-tillage agroecosystems. Bioscience 36, 374–380.
Detritus food webs in conventional and no-tillage agroecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Holland EA, Coleman DC (1987) Litter placement effects on microbial and organic matter dynamics in an agroecosystem. Ecology 68, 425–433.
Litter placement effects on microbial and organic matter dynamics in an agroecosystem.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hulugalle NR, Weaver TB, Finlay LA (2012) Soil water storage, drainage and leaching in four irrigated cotton-based cropping systems sown in a Vertosol with subsoil sodicity. Soil Research 50, 652–663.
Soil water storage, drainage and leaching in four irrigated cotton-based cropping systems sown in a Vertosol with subsoil sodicity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jones OR, Hauser VL, Popham TW (1994) No-tillage effects on infiltration, runoff, and water conservation on dryland. Transactions of the ASAE. American Society of Agricultural Engineers 37, 473–479.
No-tillage effects on infiltration, runoff, and water conservation on dryland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32222860PubMed |

Li H, Gao H, Wu H, Li W, Wang X, He J (2007) Effects of 15 years of conservation tillage on soil structure and productivity of wheat cultivation in northern China. Australian Journal of Soil Research 45, 344–350.
Effects of 15 years of conservation tillage on soil structure and productivity of wheat cultivation in northern China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li Y, Li Z, Cui S, Jagadamma S, Zhang QP (2019) Residue retention and minimum tillage improve physical environment of the soil in croplands: a global meta-analysis. Soil & Tillage Research 194, 104292
Residue retention and minimum tillage improve physical environment of the soil in croplands: a global meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lyon D, Bruce S, Vyn T, Peterson G (2004) Achievements and future challenges in conservation tillage. In ‘“New directions for a diverse planet”. Proceedings of the 4th International Crop Science Congress’, 26 September to 1 October, Brisbane, Australia. pp. 1–19. (Published on CDROM. Web site www.cropscience.org.au)

Macdonald CA, Delgado-Baquerizo M, Reay DS, Hicks LC, Singh BK (2018) Chapter 6 - Soil nutrients and soil carbon storage: modulators and mechanisms. In ‘Soil carbon storage’. (Ed BK Singh). pp 167–205 (Academic Press)

Marley JM, Littler JW (1989) Winter cereal production on the Darling Downs – an 11 year study of fallowing practices. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 29, 807–827.
Winter cereal production on the Darling Downs – an 11 year study of fallowing practices.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ogle SM, Breidt FJ, Paustian K (2005) Agricultural management impacts on soil organic carbon storage under moist and dry climatic conditions of temperate and tropical regions. Biogeochemistry 72, 87–121.
Agricultural management impacts on soil organic carbon storage under moist and dry climatic conditions of temperate and tropical regions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olson KR (2010) Impacts of tillage, slope, and erosion on soil organic carbon retention. Soil Science 175, 562–567.
Impacts of tillage, slope, and erosion on soil organic carbon retention.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olson KR (2013) Soil organic carbon sequestration, storage, retention and loss in U.S. croplands: Issues paper for protocol development. Geoderma 195–196, 201–206.
Soil organic carbon sequestration, storage, retention and loss in U.S. croplands: Issues paper for protocol development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Page KL, Dalal RC, Pringle MJ, Bell MJ, Dang YP, Radford BJ, Bailey K (2013a) Organic carbon stocks in cropping soils of Queensland, Australia, as affected by tillage management, climate and soil characteristics. Soil Research 51, 596–607.
Organic carbon stocks in cropping soils of Queensland, Australia, as affected by tillage management, climate and soil characteristics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Page KL, Dang Y, Dalal RC (2013b) Impacts of conservation tillage on soil quality, including soil-borne crop diseases, with a focus on semi-arid grain cropping systems. Australasian Plant Pathology 42, 363–377.
Impacts of conservation tillage on soil quality, including soil-borne crop diseases, with a focus on semi-arid grain cropping systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Page KL, Dang YP, Dalal RC, Reeves S, Thomas G, Wang W, Thompson JP (2019) Changes in soil water storage with no-tillage and crop residue retention on a Vertisol: impact on productivity and profitability over a 50 year period. Soil & Tillage Research 194, 104319
Changes in soil water storage with no-tillage and crop residue retention on a Vertisol: impact on productivity and profitability over a 50 year period.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pankhurst CE, Kirby JM, Hawke BG, Harch BD (2002) Impact of a change in tillage and crop residue management practice on soil chemical and microbiological properties in a cereal-producing red duplex soil in NSW, Australia. Biology and Fertility of Soils 35, 189–196.
Impact of a change in tillage and crop residue management practice on soil chemical and microbiological properties in a cereal-producing red duplex soil in NSW, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Powlson DS, Stirling CM, Jat ML, Gerard BG, Palm CA, Sanchez PA, Cassman KG (2014) Limited potential of no-till agriculture for climate change mitigation. Nature Climate Change 4, 678–683.
Limited potential of no-till agriculture for climate change mitigation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Radford BJ, Thornton CM (2011) Effects of 27 years of reduced tillage practices on soil properties and crop performance in the semi-arid subtropics of Australia. International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics 19, 565–588.

Redel YD, Rubio R, Rouanet JL, Borie F (2007) Phosphorus bioavailability affected by tillage and crop rotation on a Chilean volcanic derived Ultisol. Geoderma 139, 388–396.
Phosphorus bioavailability affected by tillage and crop rotation on a Chilean volcanic derived Ultisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reeves SH, Somasundaram J, Wang WJ, Heenan MA, Finn D, Dalal RC (2019) Effect of soil aggregate size and long-term contrasting tillage, stubble and nitrogen management regimes on CO2 fluxes from a Vertisol. Geoderma 337, 1086–1096.
Effect of soil aggregate size and long-term contrasting tillage, stubble and nitrogen management regimes on CO2 fluxes from a Vertisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saiz G, Wynn JG, Wurster CM, Goodrick I, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2015) Pyrogenic carbon from tropical savanna burning: production and stable isotope composition. Biogeosciences 12, 1849–1863.
Pyrogenic carbon from tropical savanna burning: production and stable isotope composition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sheehy J, Regina K, Alakukku L, Six J (2015) Impact of no-till and reduced tillage on aggregation and aggregate-associated carbon in Northern European agroecosystems. Soil & Tillage Research 150, 107–113.
Impact of no-till and reduced tillage on aggregation and aggregate-associated carbon in Northern European agroecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Six J, Elliott ET, Paustian K (2000) Soil macroaggregate turnover and microaggregate formation: a mechanism for C sequestration under no-tillage agriculture. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 32, 2099–2103.
Soil macroaggregate turnover and microaggregate formation: a mechanism for C sequestration under no-tillage agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Soil Survey Staff (1999) ‘Soil taxonomy: a basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys.’ USDA Agricultural Handbook No. 436, 2nd edition. (US Government Print Office: Washington, DC)

Somasundaram J, Reeves S, Wang WJ, Heenan M, Dalal RC (2017) Impact of 47 years of no tillage and stubble retention on soil aggregation and carbon distribution in a vertisol Land Degradation & Development 28, 1589–1602.
Impact of 47 years of no tillage and stubble retention on soil aggregation and carbon distribution in a vertisolCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Somasundaram J, Lal R, Sinha NK, Dalal RC, Chitralekha A, Chaudhary RS, Patra AK (2018) Cracks and pot-holes in vertisols: characteristics, occurrence and management. Advances in Agronomy 149, 93–159.
Cracks and pot-holes in vertisols: characteristics, occurrence and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Thiagalingam K, Dalgliesh NP, Gould NS, McCown RL, Cogle AL, Chapman AL (1996) Comparison of no-tillage and conventional tillage in the development of sustainable farming systems in the semi-arid tropics. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 36, 995–1002.
Comparison of no-tillage and conventional tillage in the development of sustainable farming systems in the semi-arid tropics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Thomas GA, Dalal RC, Standley J (2007) No-till effects on organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity and nutrient distribution in a Luvisol in the semi-arid subtropics. Soil & Tillage Research 94, 295–304.
No-till effects on organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity and nutrient distribution in a Luvisol in the semi-arid subtropics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Verhulst N, Govaerts B, Verachtert E, Castellanos-Navarrete A, Mezzalama M, Wall P, Chocobar A, Deckers J, Sayre K (2010) Conservation agriculture, improving soil quality for sustainable production systems. In ‘Advances in soil science: food security and soil quality’. (Eds R Lal, BA Stewart) pp. 137–208. (CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA)

Waldrop MP, Zak DR, Sinsabaugh RL, Gallo M, Lauber C (2004) Nitrogen deposition modifies soil carbon storage through changes in microbial enzymatic activity. Ecological Applications 14, 1172–1177.
Nitrogen deposition modifies soil carbon storage through changes in microbial enzymatic activity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang W, Dalal RC (2015) Nitrogen management is the key for low-emission wheat production in Australia: a life cycle perspective. European Journal of Agronomy 66, 74–82.
Nitrogen management is the key for low-emission wheat production in Australia: a life cycle perspective.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang WJ, Dalal RC, Moody PW (2004) Soil carbon sequestration and density distribution in a Vertosol under different farming practices. Australian Journal of Soil Research 42, 875–882.
Soil carbon sequestration and density distribution in a Vertosol under different farming practices.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang Y, Xu J, Shen JH, Luo YM, Scheu S, Ke X (2010) Tillage, residue burning and crop rotation alter soil fungal community and water-stable aggregation in arable fields. Soil & Tillage Research 107, 71–79.
Tillage, residue burning and crop rotation alter soil fungal community and water-stable aggregation in arable fields.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

West TO, Post WM (2002) Soil organic carbon sequestration rates by tillage and crop rotation: a global data analysis. Soil Science Society of America Journal 66, 1930–1946.
Soil organic carbon sequestration rates by tillage and crop rotation: a global data analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Young RR, Wilson B, Harden S, Bernardi A (2009) Accumulation of soil carbon under zero tillage cropping and perennial vegetation on the Liverpool Plains, eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Soil Research 47, 273–285.
Accumulation of soil carbon under zero tillage cropping and perennial vegetation on the Liverpool Plains, eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zarea MJ (2010) Conservation tillage and sustainable agriculture in semi-arid dryland farming. In ‘Biodiversity, biofuels, agroforestry and conservation agriculture’. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews, Vol 5 (Ed. E Lichtfouse) (Springer: New York)