ARS | Publication request: SOIL ORGANIC CARBON IN LIVESTOCK AND CROPPING SYSTEMS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN USA

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 12, 2003
Publication Date: May 12, 2003
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. Soil organic carbon in livestock and cropping systems in the southeastern usa. Meeting Abstract. 2003.

Technical Abstract: This paper summarizes research on the effects of livestock and cropping systems being conducted at the Southern Piedmont Conservation Research Unit in Watkinsville Georgia. Appropriate grazing systems with moderate cattle density and adequate fertility can sequester soil organic carbon at a rate higher than with haying. The carbon cost of nitrogen fertilizer can be lower than soil C sequestration benefits during early pasture fertilization, but may exceed soil C sequestration during later years. Endophyte infection of tall fescue has been shown to enhance soil organic carbon accumulation. Soil organic carbon varies predictably with depth and distance from shade/water sources. Non-inversion tillage tools can be used without greatly reducing soil organic carbon. Management of soil with continuous no tillage, but without return of crop residues to the soil surface could lead to compaction and little accumulation of soil organic carbon.