The Impact of Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) on Soil Health

Abstract

Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) is an exception as it is a promising legume species due to its adaptation to environmental stress and waterlogged soil. Soil health indicator link to environment services such as nutrient management, crop practices, and biodiversity. The main comparisons in this study were conducted between annual covers (Corn and sorghum), and two grass cultivars (Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus junceus) that are native to East Asia, while tillage system and fertilization legume Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum), were also applied in the analysis. The regression analysis revealed improved soil carbon was consistently associated with greater moisture, soil aggregate stability (WAS), and carbon mineralization under legume covers. While grasses and legume recorded sequestering more carbon, corn and corn-sorghum in rotation crops showed the worse impact on soil pH and bulk density (BD). Non-tillage practices significantly increased soil aggregate stability and soil moisture under grasses and legume. The combination of total carbon (TC) field measurements with cropping systems information has improved our understanding of how different cropping practices influence soil health improvement in full profile. The main factor for clustering treatments based on indicators was fertilization and tilling operation according to Euclidean distance that was applied to measure similarity of the groups. It can develop appropriate and cost-effective agricultural management activities, maintains or improves carbon soil accumulation to guide farmer decision making and ultimately advancing food and nutritional security.