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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #69140
Title: CROPPING EFFECTS ON SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Author
item Wilts, Alan
item YOUNG, ROBERT - RETIRED, USDA-ARS

Submitted to: Minnesota Academy of Science Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soybean cropping increases soil erosion potential during the following year. Recent increases in soybean (Glycine max. L) cropping area have further increased the potential for soil erosion. Soil structure often becomes loose and granular following the growth of soybean. Experiments investigated the effect of soybean and corn (Zea mays L.) on erosion potential near Morris, MN. Soybean-corn and corn-soybean rotations were implemented on 16 plots for five years. Rainfall simulator experiments were run to determine the relative differences in soil loss and water runoff. Soil temperature, soil water content, residue cover, canopy cover and soil aggregate stability were monitored. During the time of plant development, soil loss and water runoff amounts were greatest from plot areas that were planted to soybean during the preceding growing season. Within 30 days after planting, soil loss from corn plots following soybean averaged 22 percent greater than that from soybean following corn. For th same time period, water runoff was approximately 24 percent greater from corn following soybean compared to soybean following corn. Differences in erosion potential were evident up to 30 days after planting. Root structure and residue cover of the previous crop may explain differences in erosiveness during the seedling stage of plant development.