Economic - energetic and nutrient balances for maize cropping systems in Central Italy. Results of a ten-year trial [Tuscany]
2002
Pampana, S. | Silvestri, N. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Agronomia e Gestione dell'Agroecosistema) | Bonari, E. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento S. Anna)
Cropping system sustainability evaluation cannot set aside their performances along the time, not only for what concerns yields but also with regard to economic profitability and environmental protection. For these reasons, this paper examines the economic, energetic and nutrient balances of three cropping systems for maize continuous crops within plain soils in Central Italy (River Arno Valley). The research compares a conventional cropping system (SC) based on the traditional management for irrigated maize in the area and two systems both with the aim of input reduction by means of decreasing area amounts (SR) and treated surface (SB). Results show that, from an economic point of view, yield reduction, and then of proceeds, due to the input reduction, is widely balanced by cost saving and by the EEC Regulation 2078/92 grants, making low-input systems more profitable than SC. For what regards energetic efficiency, the two alternative systems showed better performances than SC, even if in less remarkable way. Positive values of nitrogen balances avert the risk of reducing nitrogen contents in soil, while phosphorous balances for low-input systems are less reassuring
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