ARS | Publication request: Sustainable Stover Harvest, or I'm the Lorax

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 26, 2010
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 the organic matter rich topsoil. As technology advances to use non-grain biomass (crops residues) 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 coupled with cover crop and conservation practices are needed to maintain and improve soil during this era of growing demands. The value of linking renewable energy venues will be discussed. In addition, examples of how a stover harvest may fit within the larger landscape vision to meet multiple energy and ecological needs will be given.