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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415559
Research Project: Agronomic and Engineering Solutions for Conventional and Organic Conservation Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Considerations to maximize soil health benefits of conservation practices in the Southeast U.S.

Author
item Balkcom, Kipling

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/21/2024
Publication Date: 9/16/2024
Citation: Balkcom, K.S. 2024. Considerations to maximize soil health benefits of conservation practices in the Southeast U.S. [ABSTRACT]. American Peanut Research and Education Society, Oklahoma City, OK. July 9-11, 2024. p. 34.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Degraded soils across the Southeast typically have low organic matter contents and are susceptible to soil erosion. High temperatures, rainfall, and humidity do not allow surface residues to persist for long periods of time; therefore, these soils are susceptible to degradation (i.e. erosion). In addition, conventional tillage buries residue that speeds up their decomposition, leaving soils unprotected to erosive forces, such as water and wind. Conservation practices, such as high residue cover crops combined with conservation tillage can offset these negative effects and improve soil health that can potentially increase soil productivity. However, growers adopting these practices are not always prepared for the time and management needed to obtain the benefits, control the costs, all the while maximizing their return on investment (ROI). Management factors, such as planting date, seeding rate, and N fertilization each affect cover crop performance. An understanding of how these management factors affect cover crop biomass production and relate to soil and crop benefits is critical for growers to decide how they invest their resources into conservation practices, such as cover crops. Planting cover crops early, identifying the lowest effective seeding rate necessary, and timely N fertilizer applications all promote biomass production, but their effect on a grower’s ROI impacts their decision to adopt conservation practices long-term. Evaluations of interactions among these factors ensure incorporating these production practices into existing crop production systems, such as peanut are justified.