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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fayetteville, Arkansas » Poultry Production and Product Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #379789
Research Project: Quantifying Air and Water Quality Benefits of Improved Poultry Manure Management Practices

Location: Poultry Production and Product Safety Research

Title: Soil organic carbon and nutrients after 17 years of tree species and fertilization management in an agroforestry site

Author
item AMORIM, HELEN - University Of Arkansas
item Ashworth, Amanda
item Sauer, Thomas
item ZINN, YURI - Universidade Federal De Lavras

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2020
Publication Date: 10/29/2020
Citation: Amorim, H.C., Ashworth, A.J., Sauer, T.J., Zinn, Y.L. 2020. Soil organic carbon and nutrients after 17 years of tree species and fertilization management in an agroforestry site. Abstract. XXIX Congresso de Pos-Graduacoa, Lavras Brazil, December 2-3, 2020.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The choice of tree species and fertilization source may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and fertility in agroforestry (AF) systems, mostly due to distinctive leaf litter and nutrient inputs. This study assesses changes in SOC and major nutrients in an AF site established on an Ultisol in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, following 17 years of management [tree species red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and pecan Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch. and fertilization type (mineral vs. organic)]. Between 2001 and 2007, the eastern part of the site received annual applications of 3.9–6.7 Mg ha-1 poultry litter (PL), and the west half received 50–76 kg ha-1 N as NH4NO3 (control). Soil samples were collected in 1999, 2001, 2008, and 2016 from the 0-15 cm soil depth, and had SOC and major nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) assessed. Analysis of variance and mean comparisons of the main effects (year, tree species, and fertilizer source) and their interactions were performed. Establishment of tree species and PL applications did not affect SOC and N concentrations over time, suggesting that a steady state was reached within 17 years of management. Reduced soil C: N ratios were observed after 17 years, which is likely a result of organic matter inputs via PL applications and differential decomposition of leaf litter by microorganisms. Applications of PL increased soil pH and soil P (53%) compared to 1999. Soil Mg and S concentrations decreased when compared to initial levels, irrespective of the fertilizer source. These findings may guide strategies for improving SOC storage and nutrient cycling in temperate AF systems, and therefore, improve their ability to provide ecosystem services.