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Short-Term Effects of Mustard ( Sinapis alba L.) Cover Crop on Soil Quality in a Maize Production System

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Quintana-Esteras

    (High Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain)

  • Clara Martí

    (High Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain)

  • Oriol Ortiz

    (High Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain
    In memoriam.)

  • David Badía

    (High Polytechnic School, University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain)

Abstract

Soil health is vital for food security and ecosystem services supporting climate change mitigation. Cover crops (CCs) improve soil quality and crop yields in intensive agriculture. This study assessed the impact of Sinapis alba L. as a CC on ten physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators before maize planting. Three management systems were compared: (i) CC with conventional tillage (CT), (ii) CC under no tillage (NT), and (iii) tilled fallow without CC (TF). Measurements were taken at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) at 0–6 and 0–20 cm depths. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) was higher at the surface under NT (0.69 at 60 DAS; 0.65 at 90 DAS). At 0–20 cm, SQI values increased at 90 DAS but did not differ among treatments. TF also showed improvements (up to +18% at 0–20 cm). Dissolved organic matter increased significantly (1.7–2.5 times), especially under NT and CT. NT enhanced structural stability (+70%) and reduced bulk density (−47%). All glomalin fractions decreased at 90 DAS; however, NT retained higher concentrations of recalcitrant glomalin in the 0–6 cm layer compared to the other treatments. These findings highlight S. alba under no tillage as a promising strategy to improve soil quality, though long-term studies are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Quintana-Esteras & Clara Martí & Oriol Ortiz & David Badía, 2025. "Short-Term Effects of Mustard ( Sinapis alba L.) Cover Crop on Soil Quality in a Maize Production System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5949-:d:1689691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kemper, W. D. & Koch, E.J., 1966. "Aggregate Stability of Soils from Western United States and Canada," Technical Bulletins 171386, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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