Objective:
Determine effects of crop residue removal on soil quality, crop yields, and residue feedstock quality.

Approach:
On-going studies at the USDA-ARS-CPRC and at the Clemson University, Pee Dee Research and Education Center (PDREC) will be enhanced by providing additional analyses for improving soil quality, enhancing crop yields, and assessing the suitability of crop residues as feedstocks for thermal chemical conversion. More information will be gathered on residue removal influences on profile soil physicochemical properties, changes in crop yield and grain quality, and ascertaining residue quality as a feedstock for thermal chemical conversion. This study will complement the ARS Renewable Energy Assessment Project (REAP) team efforts with similar resources at eight participating ARS locations. Equal resources per the SunGrant program are available to university partners (i.e., PDREC) to strengthen the research, provide additional agronomic expertise, and improve technology transfer products and relationships with customers.