THE SALEM ROAD STUDY: RESTORATION OF DEGRADED LAND WITH PASTURE - SOIL QUALITY AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Authors: Franzluebbers, Alan; Stuedemann, John

Submitted to: Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/23/2002
Publication Date: 4/23/2002
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J., Stuedemann, J.A. 2002. The salem road study: restoration of degraded land with pasture - soil quality and carbon sequestration. Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pasture management is of importance to the understanding of agronomic and animal productivity, soil quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental quality. Pastures have the potential to serve as a significant sink for C sequestered in soil organic matter. Efficient utilization of N is of concern agronomically and environmentally. Plant production can be limited by low levels of available P, but there is also concern about the excessive application of P to soil, especially when manure application rate is based upon N content. We evaluated changes in surface residue C-N, soil C-N-P, and soil bulk density during the first five years of bermudagrass management varying in fertilization (inorganic, clover cover crop plus inorganic, and broiler litter) and harvest strategies (unharvested, low and high cattle grazing pressure, and haying). Fertilization strategy had the greatest impact on total and extractable soil P, while soil organic C and total soil N were minimally affected. Harvest strategy had large impacts on all soil elements. Results suggest that well-managed cattle grazing systems can improve soil quality and enhance soil C sequestration, while maintaining high animal productivity.