Potato Zero-Tillage and Mulching Is Promising in Achieving Agronomic Gain in Asia

Rice-based systems have recently been recognized as the most critical plant source of C emissions worldwide. Globally, rice production is highest in Asia. Actions to introduce sustainable intensification practices into existing rice lands or diversifying with lower C-emitting crops such as potatoes will be crucial to mitigate climate change. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of potato cultivation under zero/minimum-tillage and/or organic mulching (with emphasis on rice-straw) (PZTM) on key performance indicators that are crucial to achieving agronomic gains in Asia. Forty-nine studies were selected and systematically reviewed to address the study objective. Studies reveal a consensus of increase in yield, profitability, nutrient-use efficiency, and water productivity, promoted by the significant soil moisture conservation in PZTM. There is inconsistent evidence that zero-tillage benefits weed control, but its effectiveness is enhanced by mulching. Even if soil organic matter is increased (+13-33%) and zero-tillage is the main factor driving the reduction in C footprint, no values of kg CO2 eqha(-1) have been reported in PZTM to date. Only a small fraction (similar to 2%) of the rice-cultivated areas (RCA) is intensified with potato cultivation. That way, scaling-up PZTM among rice farmers has large potential (similar to 24% RCA) to increase the sustainable intensification of rice-based systems in Asia.

Automated summary

Rice production is the biggest contributor to plant-based carbon emissions globally, particularly in Asia. Introducing sustainable intensification practices or diversifying with lower-emission crops like potatoes is crucial for mitigating climate change. This study analyzed the impact of potato cultivation under zero/minimum-tillage and/or organic mulching on key performance indicators in Asia. The results showed that potato cultivation under these conditions can increase yield, profitability, nutrient-use efficiency, and water productivity, thanks to significant soil moisture conservation.