Browsing by Author "Brussaard, L."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Soil fauna and soil function in the fabric of the food web
    Brussaard, L.; Pulleman, M. M.; Ouédraogo, É.; Mando, A.; Six, J. (Elsevier, 2007)
    Through much research, the biological, biophysical, and biochemical interactions in soil are now understood much better. Tilling and fertilizing crop areas greatly affect decomposition and production processes, and hence the soil food web. By using a conceptual model to analyze the biophysical interactions, especially between soil fauna and soil structure, we can better understand the biological and biochemical processes in soil and their relation to the availability of water and nutrients to plants. This knowledge will help soil ecologists to increase the efficiency of crop production worldwide, reverse soil degradation and increase soil resilience.
  • Tillage and fertility management effects on soil organic matter and sorghum yield in semi-arid West Africa
    Ouédraogo, É.; Mando, A.; Brussaard, L.; Stroosnijder, L. (Elsevier B.V., 2007)
    This paper reports on a two-year study in Burkina Faso to determine the effects of tillage and amendments on soil organic matter, microbial activity, and crop yields. Tillage variables were conventional tillage or no tillage, and amendments were singular or combined applications of straw, sheep dung, and urea. The authors suggest there is a trade-off between crop yields and SOM accumulation for semi-arid soils, especially with limited access to high quality inputs.