ARS | Publication request: MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ERODIBLE SOILS

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 20, 2002
Publication Date: December 20, 2002
Citation: Paszkowski, W.L., Ksiezniak, A., Wroblewska, B., Dexter, A.r., Czyz, E. Tomaszewska, J., Kennedy, A.C. Microbiological characteristics of erodible soils. Dahm, H., Pokojska-Burdziej, V. editors. Adam Marszalels. Microorganisms of soil environment - physiological, biochemical, and genetical aspects. 2000. p. 209-215.

Interpretive Summary: As strategies are developed to attain sustainable systems, the dilemma is to balance the immediate goal of economic viability and survival of the land manager with the long-term efficient and wise use of resources for a safe and clean environment. Strategies that include soil microorganisms to better use natural supplies of energy and nutrients can help achieve this balance. The search for new methods to protect erodible soils is a high priority both in the United States and in Poland. Biological methods can be used as alternative or complementary approaches to conventional agricultural to develop a sustainable technological to protect erodible soils. The effect of agricultural management practices on microbial and physio-chemical properties of erodible soils were investigated in the field. Liming of erodible soil with calcium carbonate and amendment with green manures changed all microbial and physico-chemical parameters measured. We found that amendments could have a profound effect on microbial life and soil characteristics, but often these differences were not evident within a short time period. This research provides soil characteristics that could be assessed in the development of management practices that reduce erosion.

Technical Abstract: The effect of agricultural management practices on microbial and physio-chemical properties of erodible soils were investigated in the field. Over a three year period, we tested the effect of lime or green manures (triticale and lupinus) on the yield and nutrient composition of alfalfa, winter wheat and the physical properties of erodible soil. Soil samples for microbiological and physicochemical analyses were taken from 10 cm in the experimental field in April and October of each year. Changes in microbial, physical and chemical indicators of soil quality occurring over time were measured to evaluate effects of lime, green manures (triticale and lupinus), and inoculation on soil quality attributes. Liming of erodible soil with calcium carbonate at a rate of 2 t/ha and amendment with green manures increased most microbial activity measurements and physico-chemical parameters generally showed increases in nutrient availability. The search for new methods of protection for erodible soils is a high priority both in the United States and in Poland. Our research using biological methods is an alternative or complementary approach to conventional agricultural and or amelioration methods and can be used to develop sustainable technologies to protect erodible soils.