Bianca Moebius1, Harold van Es2, Omololu Idowu1, Robert R. Schindelbeck1, Daniel J. Clune1, David Wolfe1, George Abawi1, Janice Thies1, and Beth Gugino1. (1) Cornell University, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, 1015 Bradfield, Ithaca, NY 14853, (2) Dept. Crop & Soil Sciences, "Cornell Univ., 1005 Bradfield", Ithaca, NY 14853-1901, United States of America
Recent increases in fuel prices are inspiring discussion about potential methods for renewable energy production from crop-based biofuels. The potential economic benefits of systems that remove crop residues must be weighed against the potential impacts on soil quality. This study, located in Chazy, NY, assessed the effects of 32 years of corn residue removal under plow till and no till systems on a Raynham silt loam, on physical, chemical, and biological soil quality indicators. Among the indicators used in the assessment were standard chemical soil test measurements, aggregate stability, bulk density, infiltrability, several porosity indicators, parasitic and free living nematode counts, root rot and decomposition ratings, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, microbial biomass and respiration. Few of the indicators measured were adversely affected by residue removal. Almost all indicators that were affected by residue removal were affected equally or more adversely by tillage. This study suggests that, on a silt loam in a temperate climate, long-term residue removal has limited adverse effects on soil quality.
Back to Graduate Student Paper Contest (Oral)
Back to The Northeastern Branch of the ASA-SSSA (July 11, 2006)
