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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #421542
Research Project: Integrated Agricultural Systems for a Resilient Circular Bioeconomy in the Central Plains

Location: Agroecosystem Management Research

Title: Stacking of climate-smart conservation practices in irrigated corn: soil organic carbon stock changes

Author
item Schmer, Marty
item Ramirez, Salvador
item Jin, Virginia
item Birru, Girma
item Wienhold, Brian
item FERGUSON, RICHARD - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: Agronomy Society of America, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/11/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Climate-smart practices are being evaluated across multiple cropland experiments within the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network. Limited information is available on soil organic carbon (C) stocks under different irrigation rates, nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates, stover removal, and conservation practices to maintain soil C and minimize soil erosion. Potential interactions between irrigation rate (full or limited), C amelioration practices (cover crop, surface-applied manure, or no amelioration practice), fertilizer N management (125 or 200 kg N ha-1), and annual stover removal (residue removal or no residue removal), on soil organic C stocks located on a silt loam soil in south-central Nebraska (2011–2020) may result in positive or negative outcomes. Soils were sampled in 2011 and 2020 at depth increments of 0-7.5, 7.5-15, 15-30, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120, 120-150 cm soil depths and converted to equivalent soil mass. Cumulative SOC stocks (approximately 0-30 cm and 0-120 cm) showed that SOC stocks were maintained or increased over time across all treatments. The overall rate of SOC stock increase was dependent on the C amelioration practice and whether residue removal practice was implemented. Stacking or bundling of climate-smart practices were positive for SOC stock gains especially when incorporating no-till and manure applications.