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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #233880
Title: Reduced tillage intensity and incidence of fallow combined with crop rotation improves soil quality in the Great Plains.

Author
item Wienhold, Brian

Submitted to: Natural Resources Research Update (NRRU)
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/21/2008
Publication Date: 10/21/2008
Citation: Wienhold, B.J. 2008. Reduced tillage intensity and incidence of fallow combined with crop rotation improves soil quality in the Great Plains.. Natural Resources Research Update (NRRU). Update #233880. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/8722.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soils perform essential functions related to storing and filtering water, cycling nutrients, and serving as a substrate for crop growth. Management practices are known to effect soil function. A multi-location study was conducted to compare traditional cropping systems to alternative cropping systems (Wienhold et al., 2006). The traditional systems were characterized by conventional tillage, monoculture cropping, and use of fallow. The alternative systems utilized reduced or no-tillage, crop rotation, and reduced incidence of fallow. A standardized protocol was used to measure soil indicators associated with various soil functions. Percentage water-filled pore space, aggregate stability, particulate organic matter, and microbial biomass were indicators for soil functions related to water storage and nutrient cycling and responded to management. Soil quality improved with a reduction in tillage intensity and incidence of fallow, and use of crop rotation. Producers should incorporate practices that improve soil quality into their production systems to insure that essential soil functions are maintained. Publications contributing to the NRRU Release as shown above: Wienhold, B.J., J.L. Pikul, Jr., M.A. Liebig, M.M. Mikha, G.E. Varvel, J.W. Doran, and S.S. Andrews. 2006. Cropping system effects on soil quality in the Great Plains: Synthesis from a regional project. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 21:49-59.