Integrated soil improvement and economic benefits evaluation of vegetable-rice production systems for paddy fields in subtropical China

PurposeThe original intention of farmers adopting the vegetable-rice production system is to improve economic benefits and land use efficiency. However, the effects of the vegetable-rice rotation system on soil still need to be further clarified. This study explored the responses of different vegetable species-rice rotation systems to the trends of soil physio-chemical and enzyme activities for evaluating soil fertility level. Besides, the economic benefit was also used as an overall index for assessing the performance of various vegetable species-rice rotation systems. MethodsThis study conducted two check treatments and five vegetable-rice production systems to assess the effects of rotation system on soil. ResultsThe results showed that vegetable-rice cropping systems improved soil physico-chemistry characteristics. Meanwhile, vegetable-rice rotation systems enhanced alkaline N, Olsen P, and Olsen K during the vegetable growth period. Additionally, spinach-pakchoi-rice and spinach-rice systems could promote the decomposition and transformation of organic matter, the ability to transform alkaline N and Olsen P, and soil fertility due to the appropriate soil pH improved enzyme activity. Importantly, vegetable-rice system promoted rice yield increases by at least 405 kg ha(-1). Meanwhile, vegetable-rice cropping systems significantly increased the net profit by more than 2.6-fold over the single rice system (USD$ 3909-5928 ha(-1)). The improvement of the soil's physical properties and enzyme activities during the vegetable growth could enhance the soil fertility of the paddy fields. ConclusionThe vegetable-rice system could improve soil fertility by optimizing soil physio-chemical characteristics and increasing enzyme activities, which helps keep the soil quality and sustainable.

Automated summary

This study explores the effects of different vegetable-rice rotation systems on soil and evaluates soil fertility levels. The results show that vegetable-rice cropping systems improve soil physico-chemical characteristics, promote organic matter decomposition and transformation, and enhance soil fertility and rice yield. Additionally, these systems significantly increase economic benefits.