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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #420547
Research Project: Innovative Cropping System Solutions for Sustainable Production on Spatially Variable Landscapes

Location: Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research

Title: Long-term effects of crop rotation on soil health parameters in Missouri

Author
item KANDANOOL, DIVYA - Orise Fellow
item Veum, Kristen
item REINBOTT, TIMOTHY - University Of Missouri

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2024
Publication Date: 10/26/2024
Citation: Kandanool, D., Veum, K.S., Reinbott, T.M. 2024. Long-term effects of crop rotation on soil health parameters in Missouri [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, November 11-13, 2024, San Antonio, Texas. Paper No. 159241. Available: https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2024am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/159241

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Implementing diverse crop rotations with cover crops and no-tillage practices has been suggested as an effective strategy in the long-term to overcome challenges associated with erosion, nutrient availability for crops, and improve yields. These practices also enhance soil health by increasing carbon and nitrogen levels in the soil. Despite extensive research on crop rotation, some questions persist about the relationship between crop yield and soil health, as well as the time required to significantly improve soil health. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the long-term effects of 18 different crop rotations on soil health indicators. This research was conducted on the Bradford Research Farm located in Columbia, MO. This crop rotation study was initiated in 2015 and has been ongoing since. Soil health analysis was conducted in 2015, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Soil samples were collected at 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm depths and analyzed for soil health indicators soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, active carbon, soil respiration, total protein, soil aggregate stability, and soil enzymes. Phospholipid fatty acid analysis was also conducted for the 2022 samples to determine the microbial biomass and diversity of the soil. The results of this study will help in understanding the long-term effects of different crop rotations on soil health indicators and soil microbial biomass, which is crucial for developing sustainable agroecosystems.