ARS | Publication request: Soil organic carbon as an expression of sustainability in conservation agricultural systems

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 19, 2009
Publication Date: August 19, 2009
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2009. Soil organic carbon as an expression of sustainability in conservation agricultural systems. Proceedings of the 17th Congress of AAPRESID (Argentinean No-Till Farmers Association), August 19-21, 2009, Sata Fe, Argentina. p. 57-64.

Interpretive Summary: Organic matter is generally a small, but critical component of productive and high-quality soil. A scientist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Watkinsville GA summarized how soil organic carbon can be viewed as an expression of agricultural sustainability for conservation agricultural systems throughout the world. Organic matter is often enriched at the soil surface with conservation agricultural management, particularly with no tillage and pasture-crop rotations. Highly stratified soil organic matter with depth is indicative of soils’ ability to preserve environmental quality, especially through water quality pretection and sequestration of atmospheric C into soil organic C. This summary will be valuable to the millions of farmers in Argentina, as well as in the USA, as lessons learned from each environment can contribute to more sustainable food production systems throughout the world.

Technical Abstract: Soil organic matter is an essential component of high quality soil. Organic matter is often enriched at the soil surface with conservation agricultural management. Use of both no-till and pasture-crop rotations can help build and maintain soil organic matter. Highly stratified soil organic matter with depth is indicative of soils’ ability to preserve environmental quality, particularly through water quality protection and sequestration of atmospheric C into soil organic C.