ARS | Publication request: Bio-energy and Soil Quality

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 20, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Soils are an important natural resource allowing the production of food, feed, fiber and fuel. The growing demand for these services or products requires that we protect the soil resource. Many characteristics of high quality soils can be related to the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (organic carbon). Erosion removes topsoil that is rich in organic matter. As technology advances to use nongrain biomass for energy feedstocks, it is vital to assure that sufficient biomass is returned to the land to control erosion and maintain soil organic matter. Sustainable harvest rates are needed, coupled with cover crop and conservation practices to maintain and improve soil during this era of growing demands. [REAP Publication]