The effects of jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as legume cover crops on soil physical, biological and chemical properties in an agricultural field in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

The intensification of agricultural land and the massive use of synthetic fertilizers to increase crop productivity represents a global concern. The concern is whether an acceptable standard level of environmental and/or ecological quality can be met and maintained while simultaneously intensifying production through chemical inputs. Though useful, studies have shown the intensification of land use through mechanization, agrochemical inputs, and unsustainable crop management practices provoke harmful impacts on the environment. These effects are mainly contamination of surface and groundwater by adding pesticides, excesses of nutrients through leaching and erosion, reduced soil fertility and quality, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Since the past decades, studies have been emphasized on developing sustainable agricultural management or mitigation practices to integrate into the farming systems. Studies conducted on cover crops reported that they provide several benefits to ecosystems. For instance, cover crops are economically feasible and ecologically sustainable, leading to greater crop productivity, soil and water conservation, and maintenance and recovery of soil fertility. Besides, cover crops as a sustainable management practice can mitigate the harmful effects on the environment. The use of cover crops in tropical regions has been a common practice. Therefore, the integration of some tropical legume cover crops in the farming system could be profitable for the Caribbean region, particularly the island of Puerto Rico.

Citation

Maceno, Evald. 2019. The effects of jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as legume cover crops on soil physical, biological and chemical properties in an agricultural field in Puerto Rico. Master’s thesis. University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. College of Natural Sciences Department of Environmental Science. Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. 108 pp.