Author
|
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/23/2013 Publication Date: 6/24/2013 Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2013. Pasture management – Converting carbon in the air into something useful on the ground. Meeting Abstract. Iowa Grazing Conference, 25-26 June 2013, Creston, Iowa. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Soil organic matter is a key indicator of agricultural productivity, water relations, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas mitigation potential. This presentation was made at the Iowa Grazing Conference to describe to what soil organic carbon is, how soil organic carbon affects other important soil properties, and how pasture management affects soil organic carbon stock and distribution in the soil profile. Data presented showed that establishment of perennial grass pastures can sequester soil organic carbon at rates of 0.25 to 1.25 Mg C/ha/yr. Soil organic carbon sequestration rate was shown to be affected by forage type, fertilization, forage utilization, animal behavior, and soil sampling depth. Negative and positive changes in soil porosity, infiltration, and organic matter can occur with animal grazing, but the effects are dependent on the balance between carrying capacity and stocking density. |
