Author
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Franzluebbers, Alan |
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Stuedemann, John |
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Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 10/12/2001 Publication Date: 10/12/2001 Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J., Stuedemann, J.A. 2001. Carbon cycling and sequestration in humid grazinglands. Agronomy Abstracts. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Grazinglands in the eastern USA are managed for introduced plants with high production potential. Tall fescue is a widely adapted cool-season grass that harbors a mutualistic fungal endophyte, known to suppress animal productivity in the summer, but also shown to exhibit positive ecological consequences, such as greater plant persistence and potential for storing more soil organic C. N application is one of the key determinants of pasture productivity, although its effect on soil C storage may be minimal. Fertilization with animal manures is effective and may provide additional C storage potential. Grazing is more effective at storing soil C than haying or unharvested strategies. Return of dung to the soil surface has positive effects on soil surface properties, including soil microbial biomass and total C. Grazingland managed with a moderate grazing pressure, i.e. utilizing forage to an optimum level without compromising regrowth potential, can provide economic opportunities for landowners with low risk improve degraded land by building soil fertility, improving water utilization and quality within the landscape, and help mitigate the greenhouse effect by storing more C in soil as organic matter. |
