An analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of conservation agriculture as a climate change mitigation activity in Australian dryland grain production

Agricultural Systems

Volumn 135, Issue , 2015, Pages 20-30

  Rochecouste, Jean Francois ^a,b   Dargusch, Paul ^a   Cameron, Donald ^a   Smith, Carl ^a  

^a UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND   (Australia)

^b UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND   (Australia)

Author keywords

Carbon farming initiative; Crop rotation; Emissions reduction fund; Environmental plantings; No tillage; Soil carbon

Indexed keywords

AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY; AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT; CLIMATE CHANGE; CROP PRODUCTION; CROP ROTATION; DRYLAND FARMING; EMISSION CONTROL; POLICY DEVELOPMENT; PRODUCTIVITY; SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS; ZERO TILLAGE;

AUSTRALIA;

EID: 84920895934     PISSN: 0308521X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2014.12.002     Document Type: Article

References (119)

1. Addiscott T.M. Nitrate, Agriculture and the Environment 2004, CABI Publishing, Cambridge, USA.
2. Allmaras R., Dowdy R. Conservation tillage systems and their adoption in the United States. Soil Tillage Res 1985, 5:197-222.
3. Anderson, G. 2009. The impact of tillage practices and crop residue (stubble) retention in the cropping system of Western Australia, vol. Bulletin number 4786, Western Australian Government.
4. Argent S. Summary of Market Research Results - Strategic Tillage in the Northern Grains Growing Region 2012, Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Toowoomba.
5. Australian Government Emission Reduction Fund Green Paper 2013, Department of the Environment, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
6. Australian-Government Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 ComLaw, viewed 24/02/2014 2014. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/C2011A00101/Amendments.
7. Barnard A., McCosker H., Gerber R. Phenomenography: a qualitative research approach for exploring understanding in health care. Qual. Health Res 1999, 9(2):212-226.
8. Batey T. Soil compaction and soil management - a review. Soil Use Manag 2009, 25(4):335-345.
9. Bauer P.J., Frederick J.R., Busscher W.J. Tillage effect on nutrient stratification in narrow- and wide-row cropping systems. Soil Tillage Res 2002, 66(2):175-182.
10. BeLue R., Carmack C., Myers K.R., Weinreb-Welch L., Lengerich E.J. Systems thinking tools as applied to community-based participatory research: a case study. Health Educ. Behav 2012, 39(6):745-751.
11. Blackwell P., Condon G., Condon K., Neale T., Rudwolt R., Tullberg J., et al. Control Traffic Farming - Fact Sheet 2013, Grains Research Development Corporation, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
12. Bosch O.J.H., King C.A., Herbohn J.L., Russell I.W., Smith C.S. Getting the big picture in natural resource management - Systems thinking as 'method' for scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders. Syst. Res. Behav. Sci 2007, 24(2):217-232.
13. Branson, M., 2011. Using conservation agriculture to improve water use efficiency in wheat crops on the Branson farm in South Australia. In 5th World Congress of Conservation Agriculture Incorporating 3rd Farming Systems Design Conference - Resilient Food Systems for a Changing World. Brisbane, Australia, p. 547.
14. Browne N.A., Eckard R.J., Behrendt R., Kingwell R.S. A comparative analysis of on-farm greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural enterprises in south eastern Australia. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol 2011, 166-167:641-652.
15. Conservation Agriculture: Moving Beyond Adoption 2008, South Australia No-till Farmers Association, Clare, South Australia. G. Butler (Ed.).
16. Chamen T., Alakukku L., Pires S., Sommer C., Spoor G., Tijink F., et al. Prevention strategies for field traffic-induced subsoil compaction: a review. Part 2. Equipment and field practices. Soil Tillage Res 2003, 73(1-2):161-174.
17. Chan K.Y., Heenan D.P., So H.B. Sequestration of carbon and changes in soil quality under conservation tillage on light-textured soils in Australia: a review. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 2003, 43(4):325-334.
18. Checkland P. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice - Includes a 30 Year Retrospective 1999, John Wyley & Sons Ltd, Chichester, UK.
19. Chen D., Suter H., Islam A., Edis R., Freney J.R., Walker C.N. Prospects of improving efficiency of fertiliser nitrogen in Australian agriculture: a review of enhanced efficiency fertilisers. Aust. J. Soil Res 2008, 46(4):289-301.
20. Cowie A., Eckard R., Eady S. Greenhouse gas accounting for inventory, emissions trading and life cycle assessment in the land-based sector: a review. Crop Pasture Sci 2012, 63(3):284-296.
21. Dalal, R.C., Wang, W., 2010. Energy use and carbon emission in NNSW/SQLD farming systems - are we ahead or behind? Paper presented to Goondiwindi Grains Research Update March 2010, Goondiwindi, Queensland Australia.
22. Dalal R.C., Wang W.J., Robertson G.P., Parton W.J. Nitrous oxide emission from Australian agricultural lands and mitigation options: a review. Aust. J. Soil Res 2003, 41(2):165-195.
23. DCCEE The Carbon Farming Initiative Handbook 2012, Department of Climate Change & Energy Efficiency, Australian Government, Canberra, ACT.
24. De Wit E., Jones D., Gould H. CFI Legal and Contracts Guide 2013, Norton Rose Fullbright Australia.
25. Department of Primary Industry, 2004. Soil Health & Fertility Agnote DPI-464 by DPI, 1 edn, NSW Government, Australia.
26. D'Emden F.H., Llewellyn R.S., Burton M.P. Factors influencing adoption of conservation tillage in Australian cropping regions. Aust. J. Agric. Resour. Econ 2008, 52(2):169-182.
27. D'Haene K., Sleutel S., De Neve S., Gabriels D., Hofman G. The effect of reduced tillage agriculture on carbon dynamics in silt loam soils. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst 2009, 84(3):249-265.
28. Ecker, S., Thompson, L., Kancans, R., Stenekes, N., Msllawaarachchi, T., 2012. Drivers of practice change in land management in Australian agriculture: results of a national farm survey. ABARES report to client prepared for Sustainable Resource Management Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia, December, p. 61.
29. Edwards J., Umbers A., Wentworth S. GRDC Farm Practices Survey Report 2012 2012, Grains Research Development Corporation, GRDC, Canberra, Australia.
30. Evans M.L., Hollaway G.J., Dennis J.I., Correll R., Wallwork H. Crop sequence as a tool for managing populations of Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum in south-eastern Australia. Australas. Plant Pathol 2010, 39(4):376-382.
31. Farley E. Drought Tightens Its Grip Across Australia 2013, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, accessed 02.05.13. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-02/drought-bites/4665026%26#x2009;.
32. French R.J., Schultz J.E. Water-use efficiency of wheat in a Mediterranean-type environment - 1. The relationship yield water-use and climate. Aust. J. Agric. Res 1984, 35(6):743-764.
33. Friedrich T., Kienzle J. Conservation Agriculture: Impacts on Farmer's Livelihoods, Labour, Mechanization and Equipment 2007, Food Agriculture Organization, accessed 26.08.14. http://www.fao.org/ag/ca/CA-Publications/ACSAD%202007.pdf%26#x2009;.
34. Garland G.M., Suddick E., Burger M., Horwath W.R., Six J. Direct N2O emissions following transition from conventional till to no-till in a cover cropped Mediterranean vineyard (Vitis vinifera). Agric. Ecosystems Environ 2011, 144(1):423-428.
35. Garnaut R. Garnaut Review 2011: Australia in the Global Response to Climate Change 2011, Ross Garnaut, accessed 01.13. http://www.garnautreview.org.au/update-2011/garnaut-review-2011.html.
36. Gonzalez-Sanchez E.J., Ordonez-Fernandez R., Carbonell-Bojollo R., Veroz-Gonzalez O., Gil-Ribes J.A. Meta-analysis on atmospheric carbon capture in Spain through the use of conservation agriculture. Soil Tillage Res 2012, 122:52-60.
37. Govaerts B., Mezzalama M., Unno Y., Sayre K.D., Luna-Guido M., Vanherck K., et al. Influence of tillage, residue management, and crop rotation on soil microbial biomass and catabolic diversity. Appl. Soil Ecol 2007, 37(1-2):18-30.
38. GRDC Management to Reduce the Risk of Yellow Leaf Spot 2011, Grains Research Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia.
39. GRDC Grain Yearbook 2012 2012, Grains Research Development Corporation - Australian Government, Toowoomba, Queensland.
40. GRDC Grain Yearbook 2013 2013, Grains Research Development Corporation - Australian Government, Toowoomba, Queensland.
41. Harris R.H., Officer S.J., Hill P.A., Armstrong R.D., Fogarty K.M., Zollinger R.P., et al. Can nitrogen fertiliser and nitrification inhibitor management influence N2O losses from high rainfall cropping systems in South Eastern Australia?. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst 2013, 95(2):269-285.
42. Hernanz J.L., Sánchez-Girón V., Navarrete L. Soil carbon sequestration and stratification in a cereal/leguminous crop rotation with three tillage systems in semiarid conditions. Agric. Ecosystems Environ 2009, 133(1-2):114-122.
43. Herridge D. Managing Legume and Fertiliser N for Northern Grains Cropping 2011, Grains Research Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia.
44. Hobbs P.R. Conservation agriculture: what is it and why is it important for future sustainable food production?. J. Agric. Sci. Camb 2007, 145(part 2).
45. Hobbs P.R., Govaerts B. How Conservation Agriculture Can Contribute to Buffering Climate Change 2010, vol. 1. Climate Change and Crop Production, CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK.
46. Hobbs P.R., Sayre K.D., Gupta R. The role of conservation agriculture in sustainable agriculture. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Biol. Sci 2008, 363:543-555.
47. Hughes H.A. Conservation Farming 1980, Deere & Company, Moline, Illinois, USA.
48. Huth N.I., Thorburn P.J., Radford B.J., Thornton C.M. Impacts of fertilisers and legumes on N2O and CO2 emissions from soils in subtropical agricultural systems: a simulation study. Agric. Ecosystems Environ 2010, 136:351-357.
49. Janssen, V., Haasdyk, J., McElroy, S., 2011. CORSnet-NSW Network RTK: same look and feel... only better. Paper presented to Association of Public Authority Surveyors 16th Annual Conference, Bathurst, NSW, Australia.
50. Jawson M.D., Shafer S.R., Franzluebbers A., Parkin T.B., Follett R.F. GRACEnet: greenhouse gas reduction through agricultural carbon enhancement network. Soil Tillage Res 2005, 83(1):167-172.
51. Jensen E.S., Peoples M.B., Boddey R.M., Gresshoff P.M., Hauggaard-Nielsen H., Alves B.J.R., et al. Legumes for mitigation of climate change and the provision of feedstock for biofuels and biorefineries: a review. Agron. Sustain. Dev 2012, 32(2):329-364.
52. Kassam A., Friedrich T., Shaxson F., Pretty J. The spread of conservation agriculture: justification, sustainability and uptake. Int. J. Agric. Sustainabil 2009, 7(4):292-320.
53. Kemanian A.R., Stockle C.O., Huggins D.R., Viega L.M. A simple method to estimate Harvest Index in grain crops. Field Crops Res 2007, 103(3):208-216.
54. Keogh M. The New Challenge for Australian Agriculture: How Do You Muster a Paddock of Carbon? 2007, Australian Farm Institute (AFI), Sydney, Australia.
55. Kirkegaard J., Christen O., Krupinsky J., Layzell D. Break crop benefits in temperate wheat production. Field Crops Res 2008, 107(3):185-195.
56. Kupfer D., Karimanzira R. Climate Change IPCC Response Strategies - Agriculture Forestry and Other Human Activities 1990, Chapter 4 of Climate Change - The IPCC Response Strategies, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, via World Meterological Organisation (WMO), Geneva.
57. Kvale S. InterViews - An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing 1996, Sage Publication, California, USA.
58. Labreuche J., Lellahi A., Malaval C., Germon J.C. Impact of no-tillage agricultural methods on the energy balance and the greenhouse gas balance of cropping systems. Cahiers Agric 2011, 20(3):204-215.
59. Lal H., Delgado J.A., Gross C.M., Hesketh E., McKinney S.P., Cover H., et al. Market-based approaches and tools for improving water and air quality. Environ. Sci. Policy 2009, 12(7):1028-1039.
60. Lal R. Agricultural activities and the global carbon cycle. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst 2004, 70(2):103-116.
61. Lal R. Carbon emission from farm operations. Environ. Int 2004, 30(7):981-990.
62. Lal R. Soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. Geoderma 2004, 123(1-2):1-22.
63. Lam S.K., Chen D., Mosier A.R., Roush R. The potential for carbon sequestration in Australian agricultural soils is technically and economically limited. Sci. Rep 2013, 3(2179).
64. Li H., Qiu J.J., Wang L.G., Tang H.J., Li C.S., Van Ranst E. Modelling impacts of alternative farming management practices on greenhouse gas emissions from a winter wheat-maize rotation system in China. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ 2010, 135(1-2):24-33.
65. Li Y.X., Tullberg J.N., Freebairn D.M. Wheel traffic and tillage effects on runoff and crop yield. Soil Tillage Res 2007, 97(2):282-292.
66. Llewellyn R.S. Identifying and targeting adoption drivers. Changing Land Management - Adoption of New Practices by Rural Landholders 2011, 87-94. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. D.J. Pannell, F. Vanclay (Eds.).
67. Luo Z.K., Wang E.L., Sun O.J. Soil carbon change and its responses to agricultural practices in Australian agro-ecosystems: a review and synthesis. Geoderma 2010, 155(3-4):211-223.
68. Lupwayi N.Z., Kennedy A.C., Chirwa R.M. Grain legume impacts on soil biological processes in sub-Saharan Africa. Afr. J. Plant Sci 2011, 5(1):1-7.
69. Malinda D.K. Factors in conservation farming that reduce erosion. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 1995, 35(7):969-978.
70. Maraseni T.N., Dargusch P. Expanding woodland regeneration on marginal southern Queensland pastures using market-based instruments: a landowners' perspective. Australas. J. Environ. Manag 2008, 15(2):104-112.
71. Marton F. Phenomenography - Describing conceptions of the world around us. Instr. Sci 1981, 10(2):177-200.
72. McGinn S.M. Measuring greenhouse gas emissions from point sources in agriculture. Can. J. Soil Sci 2006, 86(3):355-371.
73. McKenzie B.M., Kuhner S., MacKenzie K., Peth S., Horn R. Soil compaction by uniaxial loading and the survival of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa. Soil Tillage Res 2009, 104(2):320-323.
74. Millar N., Robertson P., Diamant A. Quantifying N2O Emissions Reductions in Agricultural Crops through Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Reduction, v1.1 2013, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Michigan State University, accessed 26.08.14. http://www.v-c-s.org/methodologies/VM0022%26#x2009;.
75. Neale, T., 2013. Using RTK GPS and GIS software to manage deep and rutted wheeltracks in CTF and mixed bed systems. Paper presented to 1st International Controlled Traffic Farming Conference Toowoomba, Australia.
76. Oleary G.J., Connor D.J. Stubble retention and tillage in a semi-arid environment - Response of wheat. Field Crops Res 1997, 54(1):39-50.
77. Olson K.R. Soil organic carbon sequestration, storage, retention and loss in US croplands: issues paper for protocol development. Geoderma 2013, 195:201-206.
78. Pannell D.J., Marshall G.R., Barr N., Curtis A., Vanclay F., Wilkinson R. Understanding and promoting adoption of conservation practices by rural landholders. Changing Land Management: Adoption of New Practices by Rural landholders 2011, CSIRO, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. D.J. Pannell, F. Vanclay (Eds.).
79. Patton M.Q. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 2002, Sage Publications, London. 3rd ed.
80. Peoples M.B., Griffiths J. The legume story - How much nitrogen do legumes fix?. Farming Ahead 2009, 209(6). June.
81. Quan Van N., Nam Cao N. Systems thinking methodology in researching the impacts of climate change on livestock industry. J. Vietnamese Environ 2013, 4(1):20-27.
82. Quinton, S., 2010. Drought driving WA farmers to sell. The West Australian.
83. Rees R.J., Platz G.J. Effects of yellow spot on wheat: comparison of epidemics at different stages of crop development. Aust. J. Agric. Res 1983, 34:39-46.
84. Regina K., Alakukku L. Greenhouse gas fluxes in varying soils types under conventional and no-tillage practices. Soil Tillage Res 2010, 109(2):144-152.
85. Reicosky D.C., Saxton K.E. The benefits of no-tillage. No-tillage Seeding in Conservation Agriculture 2007, 11-20. Food and Agriculture Organization and CAB International, Rome. second ed. C.J. Baker, K.E. Saxton (Eds.).
86. Ridley A.M. The role of farming systems group approaches in achieving sustainability in Australian agriculture. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 2005, 45(6):603-615.
87. Robertson M.J., Llewellyn R.S., Mandel R., Lawes R., Bramley R.G.V., Swift L., et al. Adoption of variable rate fertiliser application in the Australian grains industry: status, issues and prospects. Precision Agric 2012, 13(2):181-199.
88. Rochecouste J., Dargusch P. Opportunities to produce carbon offsets using conservation farming practices in developing countries. Ann. Trop. Res 2011, 33(1).
89. Rochecouste J.F., Crabtree B. Conservation agriculture in Australian dryland cropping. Conservation Agriculture: Global Prospects and Challenges 2014, 108-126. CABI, Wallingford, UK. R.A. Jat, K.L. Sahrawat, A.H. Kassam (Eds.).
90. Sanderman J., Baldock J.A. Accounting for soil carbon sequestration in national inventories: a soil scientist's perspective. Environ. Res. Lett 2010, 5(3).
91. Schirmer J., Bull L. Assessing the likelihood of widespread landholder adoption of afforestation and reforestation projects. Glob. Environ. Change 2014, 24:306-320.
92. Schwenke, G., Herridge, D., McMullen, G., Leedham, K., Haigh, B., 2011, Nitrous oxide emissions from dryland cropping in Northwest NSW. Paper presented to Rural Climate Change Solutions Symposium, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
93. Schwenke G., Officer S., Barton L., Grace P.R., Wang W. Using Legumes to Reduce Nitrogen Loss and Nitrous Oxide Emissions 2012, Grains Research Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia.
94. Scott B.J., Eberbach P.L., Evans J., Wade L.J. Stubble Retention in Cropping Systems in Southern Australia: Benefits and Challenges 2010, EH Graham Centre Monograph 1, Industry & Investment NSW, Orange.
95. Scott, J.F., Farquharson, R.J., 2004, An assessment of the economic impacts of NSW agriculture's research and extension: conservation farming and reduced tillage in northern NSW. Economic Research Report - NSW Agriculture, 19, p. viii + 45 pp.
96. Seymour M., Kirkegaard J.A., Peoples M.B., White P.F., French R.J. Break-crop benefits to wheat in Western Australia - insights from over three decades of research. Crop Pasture Sci 2012, 63(1):1-16.
97. Sherwood D. Seeing the Forest for the Trees - A Manager's Guide to Applying Systems Thinking 2002, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, St Ives, UK.
98. Silburn D.M., Freebairn D.M., Rattray D.J. Tillage and the environment in sub-tropical Australia - Tradeoffs and challenges. Soil Tillage Res 2007, 97(2):306-317.
99. Stagnari F., Ramazzotti S., Pisante M. Conservation Agriculture: A Different Approach for Crop Production Through Sustainable Soil and Water Management: A Review, vol. 1, Organic Farming, Pest Control and Remediation of Soil Pollutants 2009, Springer, New York.
100. Sterman J.D. Business Dynamics - Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World 2000, Irwin McGraw-Hill.
101. Taschetto A.S., England M.H. An analysis of late twentieth century trends in Australian rainfall. Int. J. Climatol 2009, 29(6):791-807.
102. Thamo T., Kingwell R.S., Pannell D.J. Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture: economic implications for policy and agricultural producers. Aust. J. Agric. Resour. Econ 2013, 57(2):234-252.
103. Thomas G.A., Dalal R.C., Weston E.J., Holmes C.J., King A.J., Orange D.N., et al. Zero tillage and nitrogen fertiliser application in wheat and barley on a Vertosol in a marginal cropping area of south-west Queensland. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 2007, 47(8):965-975.
104. Thomas G.A., Titmarsh G.W., Freebairn D.M., Radford B.J. No-tillage and conservation farming practices in grain growing areas of Queensland - a review of 40 years of development. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 2007, 47(8):887-898.
105. Tullberg J. CTF and Climate Change Paper presented to 6th Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Conference, Dubbo NSW, 12-14th August 2008, (accessed 26.08.14). http://www.actfa.net/further_reading/documents/Tullberg.Jeff.pdf%26#x2009;.
106. Tullberg J. Tillage, traffic and sustainability - A challenge for ISTRO. Soil Tillage Res 2010, 111(1):26-32.
107. Tullberg J.N., Yule D.F., McGarry D. Controlled traffic farming - From research to adoption in Australia. Soil Tillage Res 2007, 97(2):272-281.
108. Upadhyay B.M., Young D.L., Wang H.H., Wandschneider P. How do farmers who adopt multiple conservation practices differ from their neighbors?. Am. J. Altern. Agric 2003, 18(1):27-36.
109. Uri N. Conservation practices in US agriculture and their impact on carbon sequestration. Environ. Monit. Assess 2000, 70:323-344.
110. Vanclay F. Social principles for agricultural extension to assist in the promotion of natural resource management. Aust. J. Exp. Agric 2004, 44:213-222.
111. Ventana-Systems Vensim®: The Ventana Simulation Environment 2013, Ventana Systems Inc., Harvard, MA, USA.
112. Wang W.J., Dalal R.C. Carbon inventory for a cereal cropping system under contrasting tillage, nitrogen fertilisation and stubble management practices. Soil Tillage Res 2006, 91(1-2):68-74.
113. Wang W.J., Dalal R.C., Reeves S.H., Butterbach-Bahl K., Kiese R. Greenhouse gas fluxes from an Australian subtropical cropland under long-term contrasting management regimes. Glob. Change Biol 2011, 17(10):3089-3101.
114. Whitbread A.M., Blair G.J., Lefroy R.D.B. Managing legume leys, residues and fertilisers to enhance the sustainability of wheat cropping systems in Australia 1. The effects on wheat yields and nutrient balances. Soil Tillage Res 2000, 54(1-2):63-75.
115. White B., Van Rees H. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Farms in the Victorian Wimmera-Mallee 2011, Birchip, Victoria.
116. Wuest S.B. Tillage depth and timing effects on soil water profiles in two semiarid soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 2010, 74(5):1701-1711.
117. Wylie P. High Profit Farming in Northern Australia - A New Era in Grain Farming 2008, Grains Research Development Corporation, Canberra, Australia.
118. Young R.R., Wilson B., Harden S., Bernardi A. Accumulation of soil carbon under zero tillage cropping and perennial vegetation on the Liverpool Plains, eastern Australia. Aust. J. Soil Res 2009, 47(3):273-285.
119. Zentner R.P., Lafond G.P., Derksen D.A., Nagy C.N., Wall D.D., May W.E. Effects of tillage method and crop rotation on non-renewable energy use efficiency for a thin Black Chernozem in the Canadian Prairies. Soil Tillage Res 2004, 77(2):125-136.