ARS | Publication request: Comparison of soil phosphorus status and organic matter composition in potato fields with different crop rotation systems

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2011
Publication Date: May 31, 2012
Citation: He, Z., Honeycutt, C., Olanya, O.M., Larkin, R.P., Halloran, J.M., Frantz, J. 2012. Comparison of soil phosphorus status and organic matter composition in potato fields with different crop rotation systems. In: He, Z., Larkin, R.P., Honeycutt, C.W., editors. Sustainable Potato Production: Global Case Studies. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Springer. 61-79.

Technical Abstract: Cropping management practices influence soil phosphorus (P) availability and soil organic matter (SOM) quality. This chapter summarizes the impact of cropping systems and water management on soil phosphorus status and organic matter characteristics after the first full cycle of the 3-y crop rotations. These data indicated that the 3-yr crop rotations impacted more on labile P and organic matter fractions and relevant biochemical parameters (i.e. water extractable P and organic matter, mild modified Morgan soil test P, microbial biomass C and P, phosphatase and urease activities). However, these influences were not always consistent and statistically significant (P=0.1 or 0.05). Generally, irrigation had a greater influence on stable P and organic matter fractions than crop rotations. Continuous analysis of P and SOM from soils after the completion of the second rotation cycle of the 3-yr crop rotations would provide more insights on the improvement of soil fertility and biochemical quality for potato production by crop rotations.