ARS | Publication request: Simulated Corn Stover Removal Effects on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 5, 2008
Publication Date: October 5, 2008
Citation: Ma, L., Malone, R.W., Ahuja, L.R., Karlen, D.L., Saseendran, S.A. 2009. Simulated Corn Stover Removal Effects on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics. American Society of Agronomy Meetings, Houston, TX, October 5, 2009.

Interpretive Summary: Corn residue has traditionally been left in the field to maintain soil organic matter, protect the soil from wind and water erosion, cycle plant nutrients, and provide food for soil microbes. Current interest in harvesting corn residue as a bioenergy feedstock has created numerous soil management questions regarding the sustainability of this practice. By using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) we are examining how different percentages of crop residue removal, crop rotation, plant population, and use of cover crops would affect soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Results and the utility of these simulations will be discussed.

Technical Abstract: Corn stover has traditionally been left in the field to maintain soil organic matter, protect the soil from wind and water erosion, cycle plant nutrients, provide food for soil micro- and macrofauna, and upon decomposition help stabilize soil structure. Potential interest in harvesting stover as a bioenergy feedstock has created numerous soil management questions regarding the sustainability of this practice. By using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) we are examining how different percentages of crop residue removal, crop rotation, plant population, fertilization strategies, and use of cover crops would affect soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Results and the utility of these simulations will be discussed.