Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Water Management and Systems Research » Research » Research Project #441843
Research Project: Long-term Oil Seed Production Influence Soil Quality and Carbon Content in Dryland Cropping System

Location: Water Management and Systems Research

Project Number: 3012-13660-010-010-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Mar 31, 2022
End Date: Mar 30, 2027

Objective:
1. Long-term influence of different oil seed crops on soil Health parameters and soil C dynamics. 2. Long-term tillage and cropping system impact on soil quality parameters.

Approach:
Field plots experiment was initiated in 2004 to investigate the effects of oil seed production (Canola and soybean) in rotation with wheat, corn, and follow cropping system. Tillage practices (no-tillage and conventional tillage) were also included with wheat, and fallow systems. The experiment is arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Soil samples were collected to evaluate changes in quality parameters influenced by tillage and cropping system. The USDA-ARS scientist will quantify some aspect of soil quality parameters (such as aggregate and POM) and soil carbon content.