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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #343034
Research Project: Soil and Crop Management for Enhanced Soil Health, Resilient Cropping Systems, and Sustainable Agriculture in the Northern Great Plains

Location: Integrated Cropping Systems Research

Title: Effects of cropping systems on soil biology

Author
item Lehman, R - Michael

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/5/2017
Publication Date: 2/16/2017
Citation: Lehman, R.M. 2017. Effects of cropping systems on soil biology. Abstract. Soil Health Conference. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Feb., 16-17, 2017.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The need for fertilizer use to enhance soil nutrient pools to achieve good crop yield is essential to modern agriculture. Specific management practices, including cover cropping, that increase the activities of soil microorganisms to fix N and mobilize P and micronutrients may reduce annual inputs required to maintain soil fertility over the long term. An overall management strategy that encourages a robust, active, and diverse soil microbial community should also provide increased resilience to stresses (weather, pests) in comparison to approaches that inhibit soil microorganisms.