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Provision of multiple ecosystem services by crucifer-legume cover crop mixtures

Couëdel A.. 2018. Toulouse : Université de Toulouse, 196 p.. Thèse de doctorat -- Agrosystèmes, écosystèmes et environnement.

Multi-service cover crops (MSCC) grown during fallow period between two cash crops provide various ecosystem services. Among species used as MSCC, crucifers can efficiently prevent nitrate and sulphate leaching by catching residual soil mineral nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) after the preceding cash crop (N and S catch crop services). Crucifers also have a unique capacity to suppress pathogens due to the biocidal hydrolysis products of endogenous secondary metabolites called glucosinolates (GSL). The aim of our study was to assess the provision of various ecosystem services linked to N, S cycles and biocontrol potential for a wide range of bispecific crucifer-legume mixtures in comparison to sole cover crops of legume and crucifer. We carried out experiments in 2 contrasted sites (Toulouse and Orléans regions, France) during 2 years in order to assess these services and the compatibility of various bi-specific crucifer-legume mixtures. We tested a great diversity of species, such as i) crucifers : rape, white mustard, Indian mustard, Ethiopian mustard, turnip, turnip rape, radish and rocket, and ii) legumes: Egyptian clover, crimson clover, common vetch, purple vetch, hairy vetch, pea, soya bean, faba bean, and white lupin. Our study demonstrated that crucifer-legume mixtures can provide and mutualize various ecosystem services by reaching from 2 thirds (GSL production, S and N green manure) to the same level of service (N and S catch crop) than the best sole family of species. GSL profile and concentration did not change in mixtures meaning that cruciferpests interactions were identical. Through a literature review we also illustrated that biocontrol services of crucifers could be largely maintained in crucifer-legume mixtures for a wide range of pathogens and weeds while reducing potential disservices on beneficials and increasing N related services.

Mots-clés : légume; brassicaceae; services écosystémiques; cycle de l'azote; composé azoté; couverture végétale; france; légume crucifère; chou

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