SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURAL FIELDS, PASTURE AND FOREST.

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: EVANS-ALLEN
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0208180
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2006
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2010
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
820 CHESTNUT ST
JEFFERSON CITY,MO 651023537

Performing Department
AGRICULTURE

Non Technical Summary
Numerous factors influence greenhouse gas emission from soils used for agricultural production. We plan to develop a soil quality index for assessing the relationship between soil properties and gas fluxes.

Animal Health Component

40%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

40%

Applied

40%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	0110	1070	50%
141	0499	1070	50%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 141 - Air Resource Protection and Management;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil; 0499 - Atmosphere, general/other;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

greenhouse gases

co2

ch4

n2o

soil

Goals / Objectives
The goals of this work on soil management practices and N2O, CH4 and CO2 fluxes are: i) to improve our understanding of the relationship between static and dynamic soil variables and greenhouse gas fluxes in various ecosystems and ii) to improve methods to measure, monitor, quantify and predict greenhouse gas fluxes and soil properties. Specific objectives of this study are to investigate (i) how soil pore space and thermal properties indices (pore tortuosity factor, relative gas diffusion coefficient and thermal conductivity, diffusivity and resistivity) relate to greenhouse gas fluxes from soils under agricultural fields, forest and pasture, (ii) how pore space indices vary in these soils with different vegetation types, (iii) how pore space indices, soil thermal properties (thermal diffusivity, conductivity and resistivity), greenhouse gas fluxes and other dynamic soil properties relate to static soil characteristics such as texture and bulk density in soils under agricultural fields, forest and pasture, and finally (iv) how the use of geo-spatial technologies (GPS, GIS and Geostastics) in our sampling strategies improve the estimation of greenhouse gas fluxes, static soil characteristics and dynamic soil properties.

Project Methods
Sampling sites for this project are Freeman Farm (Agricultural site) where corn, soybean and cotton fields were grown; Carver Farm (Grassland site) where a field plot was set on a permanent pasture, Busby Farm (forest site) where two plots were set inside the forest, Lincoln University-Lilbourn research site and in a farmer cotton field in the Bootheel. Experimental plots at each of Lincoln University sampling sites were mapped using global positioning sites (GPS). Thermal properties were directly measured and soil samples were collected for analysis of initial soil chemical and physical properties. At Freeman Farm, corn and soybeans were planted in the two experimental plots. Corn was fertilized with NPK at 60, 120 and 180 lb/acre but soybean was not. Corn and soybean growth and yield were monitored. Twenty-four sampling chambers were installed in each of corn and soybean fields at Freeman Farm, 16 at Carver Farm and 12 chambers at Busby Farm. GPS coordinates of each sampling location will enable a long-term monitoring of greenhouse gases and soil properties. These data will be used later to estimate changes in management practices and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Work in the second year of the project will focus on measuring greenhouse gas fluxes and testing methods to measure and predict pore space indices. We will therefore be sampling for air in our experimental sites and analyzing for it CO2, CH4 and N2O at the Dickinson Research Center Laboratory. In addition, we will be measuring the relative gas diffusion coefficient in soil samples to be collected in agricultural fields, pasture and forest. We also will measure air-filled porosity and total pore space in these samples and finally be predicting the gas diffusion coefficient and the pore tortuosity factor using models described in section 3.2. Results to those to be obtained from gas diffusion chamber measurements. We will finally be assessing the relationship between pore space indices and gas fluxes. In the third year, we will continue to measure greenhouse gas fluxes. In addition, using the best approach found in the second year for modeling pore space indices in each experimental site, we will run an intensive soil sampling to assess how pore space indices vary in agricultural fields, pasture and forest. We will also be measuring other static soil characteristics and dynamic soil properties. We will attempt to characterize daily variations of soil gas fluxes for each season of the year.

Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: From 2006 to 2010, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous (N2O) were monitored from soils in a pasture, forest, corn and soybean fields in central Missouri. Soil biological, chemical, physical and thermal properties were also studied. We mapped the spatial variability of CO2, CH4 and N2O in corn and soybean fields, pasture and forest; evaluated the baseline concentrations of macro and micronutrients; investigated how soil thermal properties and carbon fractions related to gases fluxes and looked at the relationship between soil microbial properties and gases fluxes. We finally investigated how to improve the quantification of greenhouse fluxes from soils using geospatial technologies. The project served as a field application of theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom as students were able to go to the field to collect real data. This data was then used in term projects for the following classes: GIS 316: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems; GIS 416: Applications of geographic Information Systems and ENV 302: Environmental Sampling and Data Analysis. The data was also used for scientific publication and presentation by students and faculty at Missouri GIS Conference, Missouri Academy of Science Meetings, Soil Science Society of America Meetings and the Association of Research Directors conference. The project has given visibility to Lincoln University as a team player in the study of greenhouse emissions which has resulted in invitations to participate, with leading universities, in joint grant writing opportunities for research in global change (Coordinated Agricultural Projects on corn-based system and global change). The results of this project were widely disseminated in conferences, scientific meetings and publications. PARTICIPANTS: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. Nsalambi V. Nkongolo RESEARCH TECHNICIANS Kent Schmidt, Michael Tarka TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER Dr. Shade J. Adisa GRADUATE STUDENTS Mr. Nigel O. Holliet (PhD Student, Soil Science) Mr. Robert Paro (M.S. in Forestry) Mr. Shane Johnson (M.S. Forestry) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Lakeitha Mitchell, Megan Gannaway, Jhanell Brown, Nathan Schulen, Grato Ndunguru TARGET AUDIENCES: General public: farmers, students, researchers, faculty PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project

Impacts
NEW APPLIED KNOWLEDGE: The project has identified other soil properties (soil thermal properties) which act as controlling factors for greenhouse gases emissions from soil in agricultural fields. IMPROVED SKILLS: The project scientist, technicians and students (graduate and undergraduate) as well as other participants have gained new skills in the study of greenhouse gases: from the design of chambers for soil air sampling, gas collection and storage in field to gases analyses in the laboratory using Gas Chromatography. The project scientist, technicians and students (graduate and undergraduate) as well as other participants have mastered the use of sensors for monitoring soil moisture, soil temperature and other devices (ACE Chamber) for monitoring soil respiration. NEW IMPROVED METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY: The project scientist has developed a new approach for quantifying greenhouse gases emissions from soil in agricultural fields, pasture and forest using geospatial technologies

Publications

• Nkongolo, N. V., S. Johnson, F. Eivazi and K. Schmidt. 2010. Greenhouse gases fluxes and soil thermal properties in a pasture in central Missouri. J. Environ. Sciences, 22 (7): 1029-1039. doi:10.1016/S1001-0742(09)60214-X
• Nkongolo, N.V. and C.J. Plassmeyer. 2010. Effect of vegetation type on soil properties at Lincoln University Living Laboratory. Research J. Forestry, 4(1): 1-13. doi:10.3923/rjf.2010.1.13
• Nkongolo, N.V. 2010. Quantifying greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) fluxes from soil in a pasture, Chapter 17 In D. Clay & J. Shanahan (eds.), GIS Applications in Agriculture: Nutrient Management for Energy Efficiency, Taylor & Francis, p. 277-299.
• Hoilett, N., Eivazi, F., Kremer, R., Nkongolo, N., and Kennedy, A. 2010. Assessment of soil microbial communities associated with greenhouse gas efflux from a secondary forest in central Missouri. ASA CSSSA SSSA International Meetings Oct -Nov 4, Long Beach (CA)

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2008-2009, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous (N2O) from soils in a pasture, forest, corn and soybean fields in central Missouri were monitored as in previous years. We also continued to assess the relationships between soil temperature (T), thermal conductivity (K), resistivity (R) and diffusivity (D) and greenhouse gases fluxes (GHG). The following studies were added to our field investigations: (i) a baseline assessment of micronutrients in corn and soybean fields, (ii) an investigation of the relationship between soil carbon fractions and gases fluxes and (iii) a study on the relationship between soil microbial properties and gases fluxes. We also developed and tested an approach to improve the quantification of greenhouse fluxes from soils using geographic information systems (GIS). Results obtained show that as in previous years, soils from these ecosystems acted as either sources for CO2 and N2O or sinks for CH4 and sporadically for N2O fluxes. Soil K, R and D continued to act as potential controlling factors for greenhouses emissions even when soil temperature (T) did not. Mean concentrations of Cu, Mn and Pb in corn and soybean fields were within the Missouri average background values, while Zn exceeded Missouri average. No significant difference in trace element concentrations across the soil depths was observed. The relationship between soil C and fractions - total carbon (TC), recalcitrant C measured as non-hydrolyzable carbon (NHC) and labile organic carbon measured as hydrolyzable carbon (HC), hot-water soluble C (HWC) and cold-water soluble C (CWC) with greenhouse gases fluxes varied in an inconsistent manner, reflecting the high spatial and temporal variability associated with measurement of fluxes. The investigation of the relationship between the spatial distribution of greenhouse gases, soil microorganisms and microbial activity in a secondary forest revealed that soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) correlate with soil thermal conductivity (K) and K also correlate with CO2, suggesting an indirect influence of soil biological indices on greenhouse gases fluxes. Finally, we found that quantifying the total greenhouse fluxes (for the entire field) using the traditional approach consisting in multiplying the field average flux by the field area resulted in over prediction of total fluxes, this compared to our GIS based approach The same personnel as in previous year, mainly a postdoctoral research fellow, three graduate assistants and two research technicians helped with the project. Undergraduate students enrolled in GIS (GIS 316: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems and GIS 416: Applications of geographic Information Systems) as well as environmental sciences (ENV 302: Environmental data analysis) classes at the Center of Excellence GIS Laboratory used the data from this project for class projects and scientific presentations. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Principal investigator: Dr. Nsalambi V. Nkongolo 2. Mr. Kent Schmidt: Research Technician 3. Mr. Michael Tarka: Research Techniocian TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW 4. Dr. Shade John ADISA GRADUATE STUDENTS (GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS) 5. Mr. Nigel O. Holliet (PhD Student, Soil Science) 6. Mr. Robert Paro (M.S. in Forestry) 7. Mr. Shane Johnson (M.S. Forestry) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 8. Ms. Lakeitha C. Mitchell (B.S. student, chemical analysis) 9. Ms. Megan Gannaway (B.S. student, chemical analysis) TARGET AUDIENCES: General public: farmers, students, researchers, faculty PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project

Impacts
This project is still generating new knowledge on the spatial distribution of greenhouse gas fluxes in our ecosystems. We are gaining new knowledge in the ways greenhouse gases are controlled by soil thermal properties and soil carbon pools. We are improving our methods for assessing the relationship between gas fluxes and soil properties. Our students have gained awareness in this issue of global warming and the impact of greenhouse gases. They have learned new techniques in sampling air from soil and measuring CO2, CH4 and N2O using gas chromatography. They have mastered new equipments such the thermal properties meter and exposed to advanced analytical methods using various equipments such as ICP for soil analysis.

Publications

• Nkongolo, N.V., S.J. Adisa, N.O. Hoilett, R.P. Paro, S.S. Johnson and F. Eivazi. (2009). Applying GIS in the Monitoring of Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Soil in Agricultural Fields in Central Missouri. In 15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assoc. of Res. Direc., Inc., March 28-1April, Atlanta (GA). P. 121.
• Hoilett, N.O., N.V. Nkongolo, S.J. Adisa, F. Eivazi, R. J. Kremer and K. Schmidt (2009). Exploring the Relationship between Soil Biological Properties and Spatial Variation in CO2, N2O and CH4 Efflux in a Secondary Forest in Central Missouri. In 15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assoc. of Res. Direc., Inc., March 28-1April, Atlanta (GA). P. 156
• Adisa, S.J., N. V. Nkongolo, N. O. Hoilett and K. Schmidt (2009). Distribution of Carbon Stocks in Surface Soils of a Pasture Land in Central Missouri. In 15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assoc. of Res. Direc., Inc., March 28-1April, Atlanta (GA). P. 194
• Grato, N., N. O. Hoilett, F. Eivazi, S. Adisa, N.V. Nkongolo, and, R.J. Kremer. (2009). Microbial Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Managed Grassland in Central Missouri. In 15th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assoc. of Res. Direc., Inc., March 28-1April, Atlanta (GA). P. 138

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2007-2008, we continued experiments in the pasture, corn and soybean fields and forest. A postdoctoral research fellow joined the project from the University of Reading (UK) to study the relationship between soil carbon status and greenhouse gases emissions. The three graduate assistants also continued to work in the project. Three (3) undergraduate students enrolled in GIS 416: Applications of Geographic Information directly participated in field sampling and used the data from this project for scientific presentations at Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings. The results of this project were also presented in form of abstracts at the National Conference on Agriculture and Natural Resources Management and the 2008 ASA SSSA and CSSA Annual meetings in Houston, TX. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS 1. Principal investigator: Dr. Nsalambi V. Nkongolo 2. Mr. Kent Schmidt: Research Technician TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW 3. Dr. Shade John ADISA GRADUATE STUDENTS (GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS) 4. Mr. Nigel O. Holliet (PhD Student, Soil Science) 5. Mr. Robert Paro (M.S. in Forestry) 6. Mr. Shane Johnson (M.S. Forestry) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 7. Ms. Lakeitha C. Mitchell (B.S. student, chemical analysis) 8. Ms. Megan Gannaway (B.S. student, chemical analysis) OTHER STUDENTS TARGET AUDIENCES: General public: farmers, students, researchers, faculty PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
This project is still generating new knowledge on the spatial distribution of greenhouse gas fluxes in our ecosystems. We are gaining new knowledge in the ways greenhouse gases are controlled by soil thermal properties and soil carbon pools. We are improving our methods for assessing the relationship between gas fluxes and soil properties. Our students have gained awareness in this issue of global warming and the impact of greenhouse gases. They have learned new techniques in sampling air from soil and measuring CO2, CH4 and N2O using gas chromatography. They have mastered new equipments such the thermal properties meter and exposed to advanced analytical methods using various equipments such as ICP for soil analysis.

Publications

• 1. Nkongolo, N.V., K. Schmidt, R.M. Paro, N.O. Hoilett, S. J. Adisa and S.S. Johnson. (2008). Improved quantification of CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes from soil in agricultural fields in central Missouri. Jemrest,5:00-00 (in press).
• 2. Adisa, S.J., N.V. Nkongolo, N.O. Hoilett, K. Schmidt, R.M. Paro and S.S. Johnson. (2008). Soil total carbon and nitrogen concentrations of surface and sub-surface soils in corn and soybean fields in central Missouri: Impact on fluxes of greenhouse gases. Jemrest, 5:00-00 (in press).
• 3. Adisa, S.J., N.V. Nkongolo, A. Ikem, K. Schmidt, R.M. Paro, N.O. Hoilett and S.S. Johnson. (2008). Baseline concentrations of trace elements in two agricultural soil depths in central Missouri. Jemrest, 5:00-00 (in press).
• 4. Hoilett, N.O., N.V. Nkongolo, R.J. Kremer, R.M. Paro, K. Schmidt, S.S. Johnson and S.J. Adisa. (2008). Understanding the relationships between microbial biomass, enzyme and greenhouse gas efflux in a secondary forest in Missouri. Jemrest, 5:00-00 (in press).
• 5. Paro, R.M., N.V. Nkongolo, S.S. Johnson, K. Schmidt, N.O. Hoilett and S.J. Adisa. (2008). Soil thermal properties as potential controlling factors for CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions from a secondary forest in central Missouri. Jemrest, 5:00-00 (in press).
• 6. Nkongolo, N.V., K. Kuramochi and R. Hatano. (2008). Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a Japanese lowland soil cropped to onion: I. Spatial and temporal variability of fluxes. Int. J. Agr. Res. (in press)
• 7. Nkongolo, N.V., K. Kuramochi and R. Hatano. (2008). Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a Japanese lowland soil cropped to onion: II. Relationship with soil chemical properties. Int. J. Agr. Res. (in press). 8. Nkongolo, N.V., K. Kuramochi and R. Hatano. (2008). Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a Japanese lowland soil cropped to onion: III. Relationship with soil physical properties. Int. J. Agr. Res. (in press).
• 9. Hoilett, N., F. Eivazi, S. Adisa, N.V. Nkongolo and R. Kremer. (2008). Enzymes, total organic carbon, microbial biomass and greenhouse gas efflux in a central Missouri soybean field (abstract). ASA SSA CSSSA GSA GCAGS and HGS joint meetings, October 5-9, Houston, TX
• 10. Adisa, S., N. Hoilett, N.V. Nkongolo and R. Paro. (2008). Assessment of labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions in bulk soils of a secondary forest (abstract). ASA SSA CSSSA GSA GCAGS and HGS joint meetings, October 5-9, Houston, TX
• 11. Johnson, S.S. and N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Monthly trends in CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions and related soil properties in a pasture in central Missouri (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO
• 12. Paro, R.M., N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Yearly fluctuations of CO2, CH4, N2O and soil thermal properties from soil of a secondary forest in central Missouri (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO
• 13. Plassmeyer, C. and N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Vegetation type affects the distribution of soil physical properties at Lincoln University Living Laboratory (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO
• 14. Mitchell, L. and N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and soil chemical properties in a pasture (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO
• 15. Williams, L. and N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Soil carbon indices and greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) fluxes in a secondary forest (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO
• 16. Gannaway, M. and N.V. Nkongolo. (2008). Short scale elevation affects the distribution of soil nutrients in a pasture (abstract). 45th Missouri Academy of Science Conference, April 18-19, Joplin, MO

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2006-2007, field experiments were carried out in the pasture, corn and soybean fields and forest. Three (3) graduate students joined the project as graduate research assistants: two working on their master degree in forestry and one working on his doctoral degree in soil sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Ten (10) undergraduate students enrolled in Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS 316) and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS 416) either directly participated in field sampling or used the data from this project for scientific presentations at various national meetings. The results of this project were presented in form of abstracts at the Fourth USDA Greenhouse Gas Conference, American Society of Agronomy Annual meetings, The Association of Research Directors Annual Meetings, Missouri GIS Conference, The National Conference on Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, at the Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, at the Moonson Asia Greenhouse Gas Conference (Japan) and at the Global Carbon Project Symposium in South Africa. Three prizes were won by students (first place oral or poster presentations) using data from this project: at Lincoln University Symposium, Missouri GIS Conference and at Missouri Academy of Science Conference. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS 1. Principal investigator: Dr. Nsalambi V. Nkongolo 2. Mr. Kent Schmidt: Research Technicians TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW 3. Dr. Shade John ADISA GRADUATE STUDENTS (GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS) 4. Mr. Nigel O. Holliet (PhD Student, Soil Science) 5. Mr. Robert Paro (M.S. in Forestry) 6. Mr. Shane Johnson (M.S. Forestry) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 7. Mr. Mark Rademan (B.S. student, field worker) 8. Ms. Lakeitha C. Mitchell (B.S. student, chemical analysis) 9. Ms. Lindsay Williams (B.S. student, chemical analysis) 10.Mr. Christopher Plassmeyer (B.S. student (2006), field worker OTHER STUDENTS

Impacts
This project has so far generated new knowledge on the spatial distribution of greenhouse gas fluxes in our ecosystems. We are gaining new knowledge in the ways greenhouse gases are controlled by soil thermal properties. We are improving our methods for assessing the relationship between gas fluxes and soil properties. Our students have gained awareness in this issue of global warming and the impact of greenhouse gases. They have learned new techniques in sampling air from soil and measuring CO2, CH4 and N2O using gas chromatography. They have mastered new equipments such the thermal properties meter and exposed to advanced analytical methods using various equipments such as ICP for soil analysis.

Publications

• Paro, R., N. V. Nkongolo, S. Johnson and F. Eivazi (2007). Spatial Variability of CO2, CH4 and N2O Fluxes and Soil Thermal Properties of a Secondary Forest Soil in Central Missouri. JEMREST 3:42-52.
• Johnson, S., N.V. Nkongolo, R. Paro and F. Eivazi (2007). Spatial Variability of Soil Thermal Properties and CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions from a Pasture in Central Missouri. JEMREST 3:314-322.
• Nkongolo, N.V., K. Kuramochi and R. Hatano. (2007). Effect of Mechanized Tillage Operations on Soil Physical Properties and Greenhouse Gases Fluxes in Two Agricultural Fields. Res. J. Environ. Sci., 2(2): 68-80
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt . (2007). Monitoring CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions from Soil in Agricultural Fields in Central Missouri. 4th USDA GHG Conference. P. 24
• Nkongolo, N.V., R. Paro and S. Johnson . (2007). Quantification of CO2, CH4 and N2O Fluxes from a Pasture. In Conference Program, 2007 Missouri GIS Conference, p. 29
• Paro, R., N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Fluctuations of CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties from soil in a Secondary Forest in Central Missouri. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Paro, R; Nkongolo, N.V., Johnson, S. and K. Schmidt . (2006). CO2, CH4 and N2O Emission from Soil of a Secondary Forest in Central Missouri. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Johnson, S. and N.V. Nkongolo . (2006). Soil Thermal Properties and CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions from a Pasture in Missouri. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Johnson, S., N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Fluctuations of CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties from a Pasture in Missouri. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Johnson, S. Nkongolo, N.V. , Paro, R. and F. Eivazi. . (2007). Mapping CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties from a Pasture in Missouri. In Conference Program, 2007 Missouri GIS Conference, p. 30.
• Paro, R., Nkongolo, N.V., Johnson, S. and F. Eivazi . (2007). Mapping CO2, CH4 and N2O Fluxes from Soil of a Secondary Forest in Central Missouri. In Conference Program, 2007 Missouri GIS Conference, p. 30.
• Banks, M. L. and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Spatial Analysis of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Soil Thermal Properties in a Pasture. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO. Gannaway, M. and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Spatial Analysis of Nitrous (N2O) and Soil Thermal Properties in a Pasture. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Mitchell, L. and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties in a Soybean Field. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Nelson, T and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Spatial Analysis of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Soil Thermal Properties in a Soybean Field. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Heard, D. and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Mapping Methane (CH4) Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties from a Soybean Field. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO. Rugelio, J and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Mapping Carbon Dioxide Emissions (CO2) and Soil Thermal Properties in a Cornfield. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Kohl, M.and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Spatial Distribution of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions and Soil Thermal Properties in a Corn Field. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO Williams, L and N.V. Nkongolo . (2007). Mapping Methane (CH4) Fluxes and Soil Thermal Properties in a Corn Field. 43rd Missouri Academy of Science Annual Meetings, April 20-22, St. Joseph, MO.
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt . (2006). Monitoring CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions from Soil in Agricultural Fields in Central Missouri. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt . (2006). Quantifying and Mapping CO2, CH4 and N2O Fluxes from Soil in a Soybean Field. In 14th Biennial Research Symposium of the Assoc. Res. Directors, Inc., Program and Abstracts, P.274

Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Carbon dioxide, CH4 and N2O emissions were monitored from soils in pasture, forest and agricultural Fields (Corn and Soybean) in Central Missouri. The relationship between soil temperature (T), thermal conductivity (K), resistivity (R) and diffusivity (D) and gases fluxes were also investigated. Results obtained show that soils from these ecosystems acted as sources for CO2 and N2O and sinks for CH4 with the following patterns :CO2 emissions: Grassland > Cornfield > Soybean > Forest; N2O emissions: Forest > Corn > Grassland > Soybean and CH4 uptake: Forest > Corn > Grass > Soybean. Linear correlations between soil K, R and D with gases fluxes were also persistent in all of these land use types, particularly in the forest and cornfield.

Impacts
The project will have an impact on the people of Missouri and the nation because greenhouse gases affect the global climate, therefore threatens the future of humankind. The project will provide useful information on soil controlling factors needed in predictive models for greenhouse gases fluxes. Finally, the objectives of this project are related to the long-term goals of sustaining US agricultural production while maintaining or improving soil and environmental quality in crop, forest and rangelands systems

Publications

• Thomas, W. and Nkongolo, N.V. (2005). Linking Soil, Vegetation, and Hydrology at Lincoln University Living Laboratory: II. Variability in Soil Thermal Properties. P. 35. In 9th Biennial State of Missouri GIS Conference, Tan-Tar Resort, MO.
• Rivers, J. and Nkongolo, N.V. (2005). Linking Soil, Vegetation, and Hydrology at Lincoln University Living Laboratory: III. Mapping Soil pH and Electrical Conductivity. P. 35. In 9th Biennial State of Missouri GIS Conference, Tan-Tar Resort, MO.
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt (2005). Soil thermal Properties and CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes in Missouri forest. P.40. Biocap Canada conference, Ottawa, Ontario
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt (2005). Soil thermal properties and CO2, CH4, NO and N2O fluxes in a corn field. P. 182. In Third USDA Symposium on Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture and Forestry, Baltimore, MD.
• Nkongolo, N.V. and K. Schmidt (2005). Soil Properties and CO2, CH4 and N2O Emissions from a Pasture in Missouri. ASA-SSSA-CSSA Abstracts.
• Plassmeyer, C. and Nkongolo, N.V. (2005). Linking Soil, Vegetation, and Hydrology at Lincoln University Living Laboratory: I. Spatial Distribution of Soil Bulk Density, Water and Air Contents. P. 35. In 9th Biennial State of Missouri GIS Conference, Tan-Tar Resort, MO.