Author
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FENG, YUCHENG - Auburn University |
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Balkcom, Kipling |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/29/2016 Publication Date: 5/16/2017 Citation: Feng, Y., Balkcom, K.S. 2017. Nutrient cycling and soil biology in row crop systems under intensive tillage. In: Alkaisi, M.M., Lowery, B., editors. Soil health and intensification of agroecosystems. United Kingdom: Academic Press. p. 231-255. Interpretive Summary: Recent interest in management of the soil biological component to improve soil health requires a better understanding on how management practices (e.g., tillage) and environmental conditions influence soil organisms. This chapter, prepared by scientists from both USDA located at the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory and Auburn University in Auburn, AL provides insights into relationships between tillage and soil organisms. Intensive tillage often results in reduced organic matter content in the surface soil. Together with lack of ground cover, this leads to reduced infiltration and moisture retention. Tillage also accelerates crop residue decomposition by stimulating microbial activities. Therefore, mineralization rates in intensive tillage systems may exceed crop nutrient uptake rates at times. Tillage-induced microbial habitat changes typically depend on soil type, cropping systems and climatic conditions, as well as time since the last tillage operation. Thus, effects on soil organisms are not always consistent. Nevertheless, physical disturbance of soil by tillage can have profound effects on soil biota, most of which have negative consequences leading to loss of biodiversity and ultimately, loss of ecosystem services. The information provided in this chapter for the book titled “Soil Health and Intensification of Agroecosystems” will be a valuable resource for scientists, graduate students, and other agricultural professionals needing information on soil biological activity with respect to tillage for their research programs, classes, or general agricultural knowledge. Technical Abstract: Recent interest in management of the soil biological component to improve soil health requires a better understanding on how management practices (e.g., tillage) and environmental conditions influence soil organisms. Intensive tillage often results in reduced organic matter content in the surface soil. Together with lack of ground cover, this leads to reduced infiltration and moisture retention. Tillage also accelerates crop residue decomposition by stimulating microbial activities. Therefore, mineralization rates in intensive tillage systems may exceed crop nutrient uptake rates at times. Tillage-induced microbial habitat changes typically depend on soil type, cropping systems and climatic conditions, as well as time since the last tillage operation. Thus, effects on soil organisms are not always consistent. Nevertheless, physical disturbance of soil by tillage can have profound effects on soil biota, most of which have negative consequences leading to loss of biodiversity and ultimately, loss of ecosystem services. |
