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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Florence, South Carolina » Coastal Plain Soil, Water and Plant Conservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #138506
Title: REBUILDING SOIL ORGANIC CARBON CONTENTS IN COASTAL PLAIN SOILS USING INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Author
item Novak, Jeffrey
item FREDERICK, J - CLEMSON UNIV, FLORENCE
item Bauer, Philip
item Watts, Donald - Don
item ROBINSON, S - CLEMSON UNIV, FLORENCE

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2002
Publication Date: 11/10/2002
Citation: NOVAK, J.M., FREDERICK, J.R., BAUER, P.J., WATTS, D.W., ROBINSON, S.J. REBUILDING SOIL ORGANIC CARBON CONTENTS IN COASTAL PLAIN SOILS USING INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. CD-ROM. AGRONOMY ABSTRACTS. 2002.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural soils in the Southeastern Coastal Plain region typically have low soil organic carbon (SOC) contents that contribute to poor soil quality, low water holding capacity, and reduced crop yields. Intensive tillage practices have contributed to the low SOC contents. The USDA-ARS and Clemson University have established an Agroecology Program that uses innovative cropping and tillage practices to rebuild SOC contents, thereby potentially improving both soil quality and crop yields. A 5.7-ha field, was divided in half, with one side managed using innovative practices (minimum tillage) and the other using conventional (disking) techniques. Prior to tillage, soil samples were collected (1998-2002) by soil type from 0- to 3- and 3- to 15-cm depth increments from 100 locations (50 per side) and their SOC contents were measured. Soil bulk densities were measured annually at 16 locations (8 per side) to convert SOC contents to an area basis. Plant residue samples were collected after harvest (10 per side) for estimation of C-residue input. After five years, preliminary results show that SOC was influenced by tillage management. Conservation tillage caused a SOC enrichment in the top 3 cm, but a SOC decline in the 3- to 15-cm depth. At both soil depths, small SOC content variations occurred under conventional tillage. C-residue inputs and SOC residual are being examined to link inputs with SOC dynamics.