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Title: AGRONOMIC QUANTIFICATION OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER INCREASE IN DIRECT SEEDING

Author
item Reicosky, Donald
item Archer, David

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/2005
Publication Date: 8/12/2005
Citation: Reicosky, D.C., Archer, D.W. 2005. Cuantificacion agronomica del aumento de materia organica del suelo en siembra directa. In: Proceedings of the XIII AAPRESID Congress, August 9-12, 2005, Rosario City, Argentina. p. 51-60.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural carbon (C) sequestration may be one of the most cost-effective ways to slow processes of global warming. Numerous environmental benefits may result from agricultural activities that sequester soil C and contribute to environmental security. As part of no-regret strategies, direct seeding practices that sequester soil C help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable and less chemically-dependent agriculture. This review will address organic matter increases in direct seeded or no-till systems. While we learn more about soil C storage and its central role in direct environmental benefits, we must better understand tillage erosion and soybean contributions to the secondary environmental benefits and what they mean to production agriculture. Increasing soil C storage can increase infiltration, increase fertility and nutrient cycling, decrease wind and water erosion, minimize compaction, enhance water quality, decrease C emissions, impede pesticide movement and generally enhance environmental quality. The sum of each individual benefit adds to a total package with major significance on a global scale. Incorporating C storage in conservation planning with an understanding of tillage erosion and soybean presents some challenges, but demonstrates concern for our global resources and presents a positive role for soil C that will have a major impact on our future quality of life.