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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #183413
Title: AGRONOMIC QUANTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SOIL ORGANIC MATTER INCREASE WITH DIRECT SEEDING IN UKRAINE

Author
item Reicosky, Donald

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2005
Publication Date: 8/20/2005
Citation: Reicosky, D.C. 2005. Agronomic quantification of potential soil organic matter increase with direct seeding in Ukraine. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Sustainable and Effective Agriculture Using No-till Systems Approach, August 17-20, 2005, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine. p. 23-33.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural carbon (C) sequestration may be one of the most cost-effective ways to slow processes of global warming. Numerous environmental benefits may result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to environmental security. As part of no-regret strategies, direct seeding practices that sequester soil C help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable and less chemically-dependent agriculture. This review will address potential soil organic matter increases in direct seeded or no till systems in Ukraine. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must better understand the role of intensive tillage contributions to the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Increasing soil C storage can increase infiltration, increase fertility and nutrient cycling, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. The sum of each individual benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a global scale. The ratification and enactment of the Kyoto Protocol will provide economic incentives for more rapid acceptance of conservation agriculture practices. Incorporating C storage in conservation planning with an understanding of less intensive tillage and crop residue management presents some challenges, but demonstrates concern for our global resources and presents a positive role for soil C that will have a major impact on our future quality of life.