Diversified cropping system-a promising solution to sustainable development in agriculture

It is in urgent need to achieve sustainable production development in agriculture to curb the global warming trend. Diversified cropping systems provide such a promising solution mainly due to its advantages of improving soil properties and increasing crop system resilience. We reviewed carbon footprint and nitrous oxide and methane emissions of diversified cropping system. We found that carbon footprint as well as nitrous oxide and methane were context-dependent in the diversified cropping systems, because of the complex interactions among soil, microorganisms and crops. Nitrogen and carbon cycling are critical for the interaction, in which soil microorganisms play a key role in mediating the nitrogen and carbon transformation processes and facilitate their coupling. We also suggest to further adopt suitable management practices like no-tillage to strengthen effects of diversified cropping system.