Author
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Reicosky, Donald |
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Submitted to: Global Climate Change Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has attracted interest due to potential global warming and the prospects of using the soil as storage for carbon released by other human activity. Recent studies involving tillage methods indicate major gaseous loss of carbon immediately after tillage with the magnitude dependent on intensity of tillage. Conservation tillage tools that leave residue on the surface, had only 31% of the CO2 loss caused by the moldboard plow. Progress is being made in developing conservation tillage tools that can enhance soil carbon management and environmental quality. Numerous business opportunities for developing new technology will directly benefit those agricultural manufacturers with a specific emphasis on tillage equipment to protect and preserve the environment. Farmers can develop and utilize new management techniques for enhanced soil quality by increasing the quantity and quality of residues and by changing the type and intensity of tillage. Scientists and engineers will benefit as they continue to develop improved methods of tillage, as will scientists in action and regulatory agencies who develop new or enhance conservation technologies to protect and preserve our soil, water and air resources. Technical Abstract: The influence of agricultural production systems on greenhouse gas generation may affect potential global climate change. This work reviews the impact of different methods of tillage on CO2 loss from soil. Carbon dioxide released with intensive tillage was substantial and exceeded the carbon return from current crop residue. Various conservation tillage tools released only 31% of the carbon dioxide of the moldboard plow, suggesting these tools, designed for residue management, also have secondary beneficial effects in terms of decreasing the amount of CO2 loss. Conservation tillage reduces the extent, frequency and magnitude of the mechanical disturbance caused by the moldboard plow and reduces the airfield macropores and slows the rate of carbon oxidation. Any effort to decrease the tillage intensity and maximize residue return should result in carbon sequestration for enhanced environmental quality. The development of new tillage equipment and concepts for minimizing tillage intensity wil be beneficial and decrease the CO2 released to the atmosphere. There are numerous opportunities for niche markets to make minor modifications for various kinds of tillage equipment around the U.S. because the conditions required for tillage are different based on soil properties. Much of the emphasis on the breeding program has been on yield and economic return and now must shift towards maintaining the balance between direct economic and environmental benefits. These are opportunities for developing new technology which will protect and preserve our soil, water and air resources for sustainable production in the years to come. |
