Project Number: 1265-12130-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 28, 2001
End Date: Apr 27, 2006

Objective:
Quantify basic nutrient transformation and transport processes and their controlling factors in agricultural systems. Assess the influence of soil resource management strategies on C and nutrient cycles in agricultural ecosystems. Develop nutrient management practices, specifically the P-index, to improve nutrient efficiency and protect environmental quality. Develop feather fiber/quill separation technologies and uses for keratin containing quill.

Approach:
Studies of basic soil processes will utilize real-time soil moisture capacitance measurements to investigate soil water dynamics as affected by soil and crop management factors which affect water inflitration, retention, and impact on nutrient fate. Basic chemistry studies will utilize nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to precisely measure the forms and transformations of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in soils and wastes. New chemical methods will also be developed for quantifying and characterizing soil C. Field research will utilize 4-ha sub-watersheds and an adjoining riparian area and stream to evaluate the environmental benefits of site-specific nutrient management. These investigations will study the pre-sidedress N test, P-index, and soil C loss and sequestration in wetlands. Nutrient budgets for each management strategy will be constructed to quantify nutrient recoveries, losses, and loss pathways. Field buffer-strips will be studied for reducing P surface runoff losses. Examine chemistries of feather fiber and quill.