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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #435107
Research Project: Integrated Agricultural Systems for a Resilient Circular Bioeconomy in the Central Plains

Location: Agroecosystem Management Research

Title: Improving outcome-based conservation assessment through farm-scale modeling of nitrogen losses in continuous corn systems

Author
item RAY, KAUSTUV - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University
item RAN, LIMEI - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item HUANG, XINYUE - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University
item Jin, Virginia
item Schmer, Marty
item FORUTAN, HOSEIN - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/14/2026
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Regenerative agriculture is being promoted in U.S. conservation programs to improve soil health, increase nutrient-use efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts while maintaining crop productivity. Outcome-based conservation planning by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service requires practical methods to quantify how management practices influence crop performance and nitrogen losses. Because field measurements are often limited in space and time, process-based agroecosystem models can help evaluate conservation benefits and support decision-making. This study applies the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model at the farm scale to examine nitrogen cycling under alternative management strategies in a long-term continuous corn system in the U.S. Midwest. Simulations use site-specific weather data, soil properties, and detailed management information. The analysis focuses on indicators relevant to conservation planning, including gaseous nitrogen losses, nutrient transport, and crop growth responses. Model results are compared with available field observations to assess the representation of seasonal and annual variability in nitrogen loss pathways. Scenario experiments evaluate how fertilizer timing and application rate, along with residue management, affect nitrogen retention within the soil–crop system. Findings show that management decisions and weather variability influence nitrogen loss pathways and nutrient-use efficiency, highlighting trade-offs between maintaining productivity and reducing environmental impacts. The modeling framework supports improved assessment of nitrogen cycling to support conservation outcomes.