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Title: EPIC Simulations of Crop Yields and Soil Organic Carbon in Iowa

Author
item Doraiswamy, Paul
item CAUSARANO, HECTOR - USDA-ARS-HRSL
item Daughtry, Craig
item McCarty, Gregory
item Stern, Alan

Submitted to: USDA Greenhouse Gas Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2007
Publication Date: 2/5/2007
Citation: Doraiswamy, P.C., Causarano, H.J., Daughtry, C.S., McCarty, G.W., Stern, A.J. 2007. EPIC simulations of crop yields and soil organic carbon in Iowa [abstract]. Fourth USDA Greenhouse Gas Conference. Available: http://a-c-s.confex.com/a-c-s/usda/techprogram/P29228.HTM

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Depending on management, soil organic carbon is source or sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model is a useful tool for predicting impacts of soil management on crop yields and soil organic carbon. We used EPIC-Century to simulate changes in soil organic carbon over the next 30 years in agricultural areas of Iowa. The model was calibrated using daily weather data (1970-2005) and soil properties from county (SSURGO) and state level (STATSGO) soil surveys. Management practices were based on the National Resources Conservation Service crop management zones and distribution of tillage practices (conventional, minimum and no tillage) were based on the Conservation Technology Information Center county level estimations. Over 54,000 model runs were conducted; unit area was one mile pixels. Strength and weaknesses of the model to estimate year-to-year variability in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) yields and soil organic C, and environmental impacts of tillage systems are discussed. Thirty years projections showed potential changes in soil carbon in top soil layers under conservation tillage systems.