Simulated Corn Stover Removal Effects on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics.

Corn stover has traditionally been left in the field to protect the soil from wind and water erosion, cycle plant nutrients, provide food for soil micro- and macrofauna, and upon decomposition help stabilize soil structure. Recent interest in harvesting stover as a bioenergy feedstock has created numerous soil management questions regarding the sustainability of this practice. By using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) we are examining how different percentage of crop residue removal, crop rotation, plant population, fertilization strategies, and use of cover crops would affect soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Results and the utility of these simulations will be discussed.