ARS | Publication request: GREAT PLAINS SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROJECT: SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 4, 2003
Publication Date: August 4, 2003
Citation: Mikha, M.M., Vigil, M.F., Liebig, M.A., Wienhold, B.J., Bowman, R.A., Mcconkey, B., Deibert, E., Pikul Jr, J.L. 2003. Great plains soil quality assessment project: soil chemical properties. Meeting Abstract. Presented at the Dynamic Cropping Systems Meeting Aug. 4-7, 2003. Bismarck, ND.

Technical Abstract: How soil is managed in regional cropping system can have long-term affects on soil and environmental quality. This study examined the effect of different cropping intensity on selected soil chemistry properties in established (since 1991) cropping system of Great Plains and western Corn Belt. Soil organic C (OC), total N (TN), particular organic matter (POM), inorganic N, electrical conductivities (EC), and soil pH, were evaluated at 8-sited with 2 different cropping intensities within each site (traditional and alternative cropping system)for 4-yrs (1999-2002). Result of this study indicated that no-tillage (NT) and/or elimination of fallow treatment with alternative cropping system significantly (p<0.05) improved OC and TN (0-7.5 cm depth) in 5 out of 8 study sites (Akron, CO, Bushland, TX, Fargo, ND, Mandan, ND, and Swift Current, SK). Although there was no significant effect due to different management systems at Sidney, MT, alternative system improved soil OC and TN by 42% and 47%, respectively, compared with traditional system. The same pattern was almost observed with POM (0-7.5 cm depth), where it was significantly (p<0.05) greater at 4 out of 8 study sites (Bushland, TX, Mandan, ND, Sidney, MT, and Swift Current, SK). No consistent pattern was observed with soil EC and pH due to different management practices. However, soil EC explained almost 50% of the variability of soil inorganic N at 0-7.5 cm depth.