Integrated field crop production: conservation of biodiversity and soil fertility

Studies should indicate advantages of the crop cultivation in fixed crop rotations over the cultivation in the free crop rotations and continuous cropping system. A correct crop rotation system contributes to gaining higher yields, maintaining favorable physical and chemical soil characteristics and leading to the reduction of heavy fertilization due to a cultivation of legumes. Different weed control measures applied to certain crops will suppress for a long time weed infestation of both, crops and the soil by the reduction of seed bank. The importance of conservation tillage systems reflects the improvement of the soil properties, weed infestation suppression, the increase of potential yield of the new generation of ZP hybrids, as well as, the increase in energy efficiency of the system. All variants of reduced tillage systems that leave 30% of crop residues on the soil surface are the alternative one, comparing to conventional tillage that leads to erosion and disruption of the soil. The cultivation of dense and cover crops serving as living mulch, improves soil properties and weed suppression. Cover crops produce a sufficient amount of organic matter that provides necessary balance in the soil, by which the mineral fertilization could be reduced. The application of foliar fertilizers with herbicides during the growing season can mitigate potential phytotoxic effects of herbicides and can alleviate stress to the cultivated plants, which often affects the yield.