ARS | Publication request: Soil quality changes after topsoil addition to eroded land

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 21, 2010
Publication Date: July 21, 2010
Citation: Schumacher, T.E., Eynard, A., Papiernik, S.K., Schumacher, J., Lobb, D., Lindstrom, M.J. 2010. Soil quality changes after topsoil addition to eroded land [abstract]. Soil and Water Conservation Society. Paper No. 43.

Technical Abstract: Soil-landscape rehabilitation within eroded fields can be accomplished by moving topsoil from depositional to eroded landscape positions. The purpose is to improve soil quality and productivity of the upper root zone in eroded areas of the field. Changes in soil quality may be estimated through changes in structural stability, soil organic matter turnover, and hydraulic properties. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of topsoil addition as a soil-landscape rehabilitation method on selected soil quality indicators. An on-farm study was established in 2007 with six blocks located within eroded positions and three blocks within depositional positions. Each block included an undisturbed control compared to addition plots within the eroded positions and to removal plots in the depositional positions. Crops were soybean in 2008 and spring wheat in 2009. Soil sampling was conducted in the spring of each year. In 2008 and 2009 measurements were made of wet aggregate stability, soil organic matter, particulate organic matter, total soil microbial activity, and aggregate wettability. Soil quality data will be related to crop performance.