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ARS Home » Plains Area » Temple, Texas » Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #421489
Research Project: Enhancing Cropping System and Grassland Sustainability in the Texas Gulf Coast Region by Managing Systems for Productivity and Resilience

Location: Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory

Title: When soil carbon isn’t everything: Impact of regenerative practices on soil health metrics in the semi-arid west

Author
item SCHOTT, LINDA - University Of Idaho
item Krecker-Yost, Jenifer
item COSDON, COURTNEY - University Of Idaho
item AGIN, ANA - University Of Idaho
item OLSEN, DAVEY - Amalgamated Sugar Company
item Leytem, April
item Dungan, Robert
item MOORE, AMBER - Oregon State University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: At its core, regenerative agricultural practices are intended to sequester carbon in the soil while improving soil health, crop yields, and water resilience. For states like Idaho, where water is limited but root crops, such as potatoes and sugar beets are grown, incorporation of regenerative practices can be challenging to implement. The soils in this region are prone to crusting, have low organic matter, and are high in calcium carbonates. Idaho ranks in the top 10 in the US for dairy, potato, barley, hay, sugar beet, corn silage, and dry bean production, so its agricultural importance in the U.S. is substantial. Nonetheless, some producers have been implementing regenerative agricultural practices for several years now with mixed results. They often report more challenges in implementation and management than their counterparts elsewhere, leading to an overall lackluster rate of adoption of practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping. To assess the impact of these practices on soil health metrics, several studies were sampled for soil health metrics from 2019-2024: plot scale studies, on-farm strip trials, and surveys of producer fields. The length of these studies and implementation of practices ranged from 5-10+ years. Results were mixed. Although regenerative agricultural practices, such as manure/compost addition and cover cropping, increased soil organic carbon concentrations, changes in water resiliency (infiltration rates and water holding capacity) were not increased. In many cases aggregate stability was not increased either. Some characteristics, such as bulk density, were decreased while microbial enzyme activity and nutrient cycling characteristics were increased. More detailed results will be shared in this presentation. The results of this work has important implications in how scientists, extension faculty, and other practitioners talk to agricultural producers and managers. We cannot promise the moon, the stars, and the sun when only one star may be possible.