Summary
This global meta-analysis of 4927 field observations from 132 studies demonstrates that combining no-till with legume cover crops in dryland wheat systems significantly enhances soil organic carbon (28.5%), microbial biomass carbon (23.1%), and grain yield (24.1%), whilst reducing nitrous oxide emissions (16.2%) and methane emissions (13.5%). Benefits were substantially amplified under long-term adoption (≥10 years), with soil organic carbon increasing to 45.2% and nitrous oxide reductions reaching 24%, with optimal outcomes in fine-textured soils receiving >600 mm annual precipitation.
Regional applicability
Findings are potentially applicable to United Kingdom dryland and semi-arid arable regions, particularly in eastern England and parts of the Midlands and East Anglia where winter wheat is grown and precipitation approaches or exceeds 600 mm annually. However, transferability may be limited to lighter-textured soils in lower-rainfall UK regions, and local validation would be needed to optimise cover crop species selection for UK growing conditions.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon (%), microbial biomass carbon (%), water-use efficiency (%), nitrogen-use efficiency (%), grain yield (%), nitrous oxide emissions (%), methane emissions (%)
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis quantified effects of no-till with legume cover crops on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, water-use efficiency, nitrogen-use efficiency, grain yield, and greenhouse gas emissions in dryland wheat systems. Results were stratified by adoption duration (short-term <10 years versus long-term ≥10 years).
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