Progress 04/19/06 to 04/18/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research proposed in this project includes both basic and applied research evaluating the impact of agricultural practices (tillage, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotation) on soil productivity and crop yield and quality. Specific objectives include: 1) Measure the effects of tillage, residue management, fertility, and crop rotation on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in agricultural crop production systems. 2) Develop crop rotation, nutrient, soil, residue, and pest management practices that improve farming efficiency (increase unit output/unit input), maintain or increase soil productivity, and improve crop yield and quality. 3) Measure the effects of corn stover/residue removed for biofuel feedstock on: (1) short-term balances of soil C and N; (2) crop yield and quality; and (3) soil resource condition. Approach (from AD-416) Established long-term field experiments evaluating the effect of crop rotation, residue management, fertility and tillage will be utilized to evaluate the research hypothesis that crop rotations, crop diversity, and crop sequence improve soil quality and productivity and that increased crop diversity, attained through the introduction of alternative crops and improved crop sequences into the traditional corn/soybean rotation, will improve crop yield and quality while maintaining or improving soil quality. To address the hypothesis that no significant effect of genetic modification of corn genotype on soil microbes (DNA compositional measures) and their processes (e.g., C&N transformations) will be detectable, a field experiment will be established evaluating several different corn isolines with and without genetically modified organisms. To evaluate the hypothesis that cover crops and integrated weed management strategies will increase biodiversity and enhance sustainable crop production, research will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a small-plot field experiment in which different species of grasses and legumes will be evaluated as cover crops in a corn/soybean/spring wheat rotation. The viability of cover crops as a management tool for weeds and insects relative to chemically-driven pest management will be investigated in Phase 2 of the research. Field and greenhouse experiments will be established evaluating a number of different soybean genotypes to test the hypothesis that soybean genotypes with significantly more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil (extensive fibrous root system) will have a more positive impact on soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and soil strength than other soybean genotypes. This is the final report for the 5 year project 5447-12620-002-00D terminated in 2011, which has been replaced by 5447-12620-003-00D. For additional information, see the 5447-12620-003-00D report. To evaluate potential unintended consequences of genetically-modified crops, we conducted multiple field and greenhouse studies to determine the decomposition of Bt corn residue relative to non-Bt corn residue. Our studies showed that Bt corn plants do not negatively impact decomposition activities in the surrounding soil. Existing long-term research projects evaluating crop rotation diversity, tillage practices, crop residue removal and native grass establishment and management were used to determine the impact of these management strategies on soil quality. We found that tillage caused soil carbon losses of 28 to 77%, depending on location and soil type. Reducing tillage and increasing crop-rotation diversity increased the accumulation of soil carbon. Removing corn residue resulted in a proportional decrease in fine particulate organic matter. Because particulate organic matter is an indicator of short-term changes in soil carbon, these results suggest that removing corn stover for biofuel production could lead to a long- term decrease in soil organic carbon. To determine agricultural impacts on air and soil quality, we conducted research as part of nationwide ARS cross location projects GRACEnet and REAP. Experiments were conducted to determine management impacts on flux of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O), soil carbon dynamics, populations of soil microbial communities using quantitative PCR of taxonomic groups, and other indicators of soil quality. To determine how incorporating cover crops into existing crop rotations affects soil quality and pest management, research was conducted in multiple field experiments in the northern Great Plains. Results showed that cover crops that over-winter have the ability to improve soil bearing and shear strength, and to improve recycling of residual soil nutrients. We also found that the type of cover crop influences available nitrogen for the succeeding corn crop. Fall planted slender wheatgrass significantly increased predator abundance, decreased corn rootworm densities, and reduced crop damage. Spring planted oats and low levels of weeds supported greater natural enemy populations than chemically managed soybean plots. A field trial with 35 different soybean varieties was utilized to evaluate the mass of roots in the top 3 inches of soil for each variety. Traditionally soybeans have less root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil than other crops such as corn, potentially causing soybean fields to be more prone to soil erosion and reduced soil productivity. A few soybean genotypes were identified that have had more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil. If these genotypes have consistently more root mass and length across environments they can be used by soybean breeders to develop varieties that can contribute to improving soil productivity. Accomplishments 01 Improved soil crop nutrient availability. As fertilizer availability continues to decline, alternative production options are required to ensure crop growth. ARS researchers at Brookings, SD, evaluated manageme options for the Northern Great Plains to ensure crop growth and productivity through efficient use of soil nutrient cycling. Research demonstrated that fall cover crops like forage oats provide a host for beneficial soil fungi that assist crops in the uptake of otherwise unavailable soil phosphorus, decreasing phosphorus fertilizer applicatio Recommendations based on this research help farmers reduce fertilizer rates which enhances their efficiency, reduces costs, maintains yields, and decreases the potential for water pollution by phosphorus. 02 Harnessing synergism to improve crop yield and water use efficiency. Water is a major constraint for crop production in dryland agriculture across the world, and improved water use is critical for food security a world peace. Water use efficiency has improved through research-based practices such as keeping crop residue on the soil surface, reducing soi tillage, and increasing crop diversity. ARS scientists in Brookings, SD have now discovered that some crops synergistically improve water use efficiency of following crops. For example, winter wheat produces 10-15 more grain with the same water use following dry pea than following soybean. Furthermore, dry pea improved corn tolerance to weed pressures twofold compared to soybean as a preceding crop. Identifying synergisti crop sequences and designing rotations to include these sequences improv water conversion into grain for dryland agriculture. Because of no-till crop diversity, and synergism, farmers in arid regions of the U.S. have doubled land productivity with the same water supply. 03 Increasing wheat growth and yield with less nitrogen fertilizer. With increasing nitrogen fertilizer cost, producers throughout the U.S. are seeking more efficient fertilizer management options. Over the past decades, variable-rate technology was developed to apply only the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed based upon real-time crop needs. This technology has been adopted in the southern Great Plains, but has seen limited use in the northern Great Plains. ARS researchers at Brookings, are expanding the use of variable-rate technology to fit cropping syste in this production region. Using variable-rate technology in spring whe and canola reduced nitrogen fertilizer input by 45% compared to traditional methods, while keeping optimum yield and quality. Recommendations based on this research help farmers reduce fertilizer rates which enhances their efficiency, reduces costs, maintains yields, and decreases the potential for water pollution by fertilizers.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Ibekwe, A.M., Papiernik, S.K., Grieve, C.M., Yang, C. 2010. Quantification of persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in contrasting soils. Internationl Journal of Microbiology. Available:
- Osborne, S.L., Riedell, W.E. 2011. Season impact of low rates of nitrogen applied at planting on soybean nitrogen fixation. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 34:436-448.
- Qualm, A.M., Osborne, S.L., Gelderman, R. 2010. Utilizing existing sensor technology to predict spring wheat grain nitrogen concentration. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 41:2086-2099.
- Riedell, W.E. 2010. Mineral nutrient synergism and dilution responses to nitrogen fertilizer in field grown maize. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 173:869-874. DOI 10.1002/jpln.200900218.
- Allen, B.L., Pikul Jr, J.L., Cochran, V.L., Waddell, J.T. 2011. Long-term Lentil Green-manure Replacement for Fallow in the Semiarid Northern Great Plains. Agronomy Journal. 103:1292-1298.
- Karlen, D.L., Varvel, G.E., Johnson, J.M., Baker, J.M., Osborne, S.L., Novak, J.M., Adler, P.R., Roth, G., Birrell, S. 2010. Monitoring soil quality to assess the sustainability of harvesting corn stover. Agronomy Journal. 103:288�295.
- Osborne, S.L., Dagel, K.J., Forgey, D., Beck, D. 2011. Impact of fall cover crops on soil nitrate and corn growth. Agricultural Journal. 6:35-39.
- Anderson, R.L. 2011. Crop synergism can help dryland crop production. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews, Vol. 5:239-251. EDP Sciences, France.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research proposed in this project includes both basic and applied research evaluating the impact of agricultural practices (tillage, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotation) on soil productivity and crop yield and quality. Specific objectives include: 1) Measure the effects of tillage, residue management, fertility, and crop rotation on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in agricultural crop production systems. 2) Develop crop rotation, nutrient, soil, residue, and pest management practices that improve farming efficiency (increase unit output/unit input), maintain or increase soil productivity, and improve crop yield and quality. 3) Measure the effects of corn stover/residue removed for biofuel feedstock on: (1) short-term balances of soil C and N; (2) crop yield and quality; and (3) soil resource condition. Approach (from AD-416) Established long-term field experiments evaluating the effect of crop rotation, residue management, fertility and tillage will be utilized to evaluate the research hypothesis that crop rotations, crop diversity, and crop sequence improves soil quality and productivity and that increased crop diversity, attained through the introduction of alternative crops and improved crop sequences into the traditional corn/soybean rotation, will improve crop yield and quality while maintaining or improving soil quality. To address the hypothesis that no significant effect of genetic modification of corn genotype on soil microbes (DNA compositional measures) and their processes (e.g., C&N transformations) will be detectable, a field experiment will be established evaluating several different corn isolines with and with out genetically modified organisms. To evaluate the hypothesis that cover crops and integrated weed management strategies will increase biodiversity and enhance sustainable crop production, research will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a small-plot field experiment in which different species of grasses and legumes will be evaluated as cover crops in a corn/soybean/spring wheat rotation. The viability of cover crops as a management tool for weeds and insects relative to chemically-driven pest management will be investigated in Phase 2 of the research. Field and greenhouse experiments will be established evaluating a number of different soybean genotypes to test the hypothesis that soybean genotypes with significantly more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil (extensive fibrous root system) will have a more positive impact on soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and soil strength than other soybean genotypes. We have completed a series of studies on the decomposition of Bt corn residue relative to non-Bt corn residue. This data has been analyzed and published. We found no differences in the decomposition of Bt and non-Bt corn residues, even when differential insect damage to the corn plants was evident. We have analyzed data from a 3-year study evaluating nitrogen mineralization dynamics with and without cover crops in a corn-soybean- winter wheat rotation. We have found that the type of cover crop influences available nitrogen for the succeeding corn crop. We have continued (for the fourth year) measuring greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) fluxes on a biweekly basis in plots under alternative rotational management. This research is part of the nationwide ARS networks REAP and GRACEnet. We have continued (for the second year) measuring greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) fluxes on a biweekly basis in plots under differing corn residue removal levels. This research is part of the nationwide ARS networks REAP and GRACEnet. We have collected and begun analysis of data on the effect of corn residue removal on soil microbial communities using quantitative PCR of taxonomic groups. This research is part of the nationwide ARS network REAP. We have initiated two studies that examine the effect of cover crops on mycorrhizal fungi and their provision of P to subsequent corn crops. The impact of removing corn residue on soil quality is being evaluated to determine fine and course particulate organic matter. Initial results indicate that with greater amounts of residue removed from the soil surface, there is a decrease in fine particulate organic matter. This decrease in particulate organic matter could lead to a decrease in soil organic carbon as particulate organic matter is an indicator for short- term changes in soil carbon. The impact of no-till soil management and complex crop rotation on soil quality and residue productivity was again measured in a long-term forage experiment established in 1995. Data from previous years has been analyzed, and a publication is being assembled. Experimental results will be of interest to local farmers, soil conservation districts, other scientists, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The effects of grassland canopy management on species composition and soil carbon sequestration was again measured in a long-term CRP grassland experiment established in 2000. Data from previous years have been published, and technology transfer has taken place. Accomplishments 01 No evidence found that Bt corn residues decompose more slowly than Non-B residues. Since Bt corn was introduced, there have been informal and formal communications circulating in the agricultural community that Bt corn residues were more resistant to decomposition than non-Bt corn residues. ARS scientists at Brookings, South Dakota, have completed a series of studies published in three papers that found no evidence that the decomposition of corn residues was linked to the presence of the Bt gene in the corn hybrid. These studies examined multiple corn hybrids from a single manufacturer, hybrids from different seed manufacturers, a hybrids grown under conditions of differential insect pressure. With th rapid expansion of genetically-modified crops, controlled studies evaluating the potential for unintended effects due to genetic modification provide a firm basis for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of this technology. 02 Grassland management for increased biomass production and soil carbon (C storage. Because there are 13.5 million Conservation Reserve Program acres in the north central US, a region that is also slated to provide cellulosic feedstocks for biofuels, scientific studies on management options for native grass mixtures planted into previously-cultivated cropland and the effects these management options have on grass biomass production and soil carbon sequestration are important priorities. ARS scientists at Brookings South Dakota, in collaboration with scientists a South Dakota State University, are conducting field research which revealed that methods used to manage grass canopies had significant effe upon the rates of biomass production and soil C accumulation during the first 9 years of the long term experiment. Thus, the choice of grasslan management methods when converting cropland to grassland should be based upon consideration of grass biomass utilization as well as soil C accumulation. If the goal was to use harvested grass biomass as a feedstock, an annual late-summer haying treatment could be recommended with the understanding that this would be slightly less efficient at increasing the soil C accumulation rate. A spring burn treatment would recommended if the goals were to restore or maintain dominance of warm season grasses in mixed grasslands while only slowly increasing soil C accumulation, while no canopy management would be recommended if the primary goal was to increase soil C accumulation. This customer-driven research provides biomass and soil data that will aid farmer decisions related to the type of grassland management strategies that best fit the current and future agronomic needs. 03 Management strategies to increase crop tolerance to soybean aphids. Understanding how soybean aphids, the most damaging soybean insect in th north-central United States, affect soybean crop growth may suggest new crop and soil management methods that increase crop tolerance to this pe ARS scientists at Brookings South Dakota, in collaboration with scientists at South Dakota State University, conducted controlled environment studies to investigate soybean aphid feeding effects on nitrogen metabolism (e.g. root nodule characteristics, nitrogen fixation and levels of nitrate and ureide nitrogen) and plant growth. Aphid- induced reductions in nitrogen fixation, coupled with decreased dry weig accumulation, caused shoot concentration of fixed nitrogen compounds (e. ureides) to remain unchanged in aphid-injured plant when compared to uninfested plants. In contrast, accumulation of soil-available nitrogen compounds (nitrates) was greater in aphid-damaged shoot tissue suggestin nitrate-N accumulation was less sensitive to aphid injury than dry weigh accumulation. These findings demonstrate the importance of soil nitroge in mediating crop responses to soybean aphids. Additional research on t use of crop and soil management strategies that manipulate soil nitrogen availability as a way to increase crop tolerance to soybean aphids is therefore warranted. 04 Nitrogen reduces yield loss to cereal aphids and aphid-vectored disease. Potential reductions in root system function in aphid-infested or barley yellow dwarf virus-infected oat plants may play an important role in causing grain yield reduction. ARS scientists at Brooking, South Dakota and Morris, Minnesota studied how cereal aphids (bird cherry oat aphid, greenbug, Russian wheat aphid) and aphid-transmitted plant disease (barl yellow dwarf virus) influenced mineral nutrient densities of oat leaves, kernels, and groats under field conditions. Nitrogen nutrients, in term of nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen harvest index, and carbon:nitrogen ratio, were important in mediating positive cereal plant responses to stress caused by aphid feeding damage or aphid-vectored disease. This information is valuable to small grain producers because it demonstrates that farmers who undertake crop and soil management strategies that guar against crop nitrogen deficiency will receive additional benefits of increased insect and disease tolerance.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lehman, R.M., Osborne, S.L., Prischmann-Voldseth, D., Rosentrater, K.A. 2010. Insect-Damaged Corn Stalks Decompose at Rates Similar to Bt- Protected, Non-Damaged Corn Stalks. Plant and Soil Journal. 333:481-490. DOI 10.1007/s11104-010-0364-8.
- Jaradat, A.A., Riedell, W.E. 2010. Nutrient Densities, Carbon:Nitrogen Ratios, and Midday Differential Canopy Temperature Impact Grain Yield of Stressed Oat. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 33(10):1531-1554.
- Riedell, W.E., Catangui, M.A., Beckendorf, E.A. 2009. Nitrogen Fixation, Ureide, and Nitrate Accumulation Responses to Soybean Aphid Injury in Glycine max. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 32:1674-1686.
- Riedell, W.E., Osborne, S.L., Schumacher, T.E., Pikul Jr, J.L. 2010. Grassland Canopy Management and Native Tallgrass Species Composition Effects on C and N in Grass Canopies and Soil. Plant and Soil Journal. DOI 10.1007/s11104-010-0341-2.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research proposed in this project includes both basic and applied research evaluating the impact of agricultural practices (tillage, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotation) on soil productivity and crop yield and quality. Specific objectives include: 1) Measure the effects of tillage, residue management, fertility, and crop rotation on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in agricultural crop production systems. 2) Develop crop rotation, nutrient, soil, residue, and pest management practices that improve farming efficiency (increase unit output/unit input), maintain or increase soil productivity, and improve crop yield and quality. 3) Measure the effects of corn stover/residue removed for biofuel feedstock on: (1) short-term balances of soil C and N; (2) crop yield and quality; and (3) soil resource condition. Approach (from AD-416) Established long-term field experiments evaluating the effect of crop rotation, residue management, fertility and tillage will be utilized to evaluate the research hypothesis that crop rotations, crop diversity, and crop sequence improves soil quality and productivity and that increased crop diversity, attained through the introduction of alternative crops and improved crop sequences into the traditional corn/soybean rotation, will improve crop yield and quality while maintaining or improving soil quality. To address the hypothesis that no significant effect of genetic modification of corn genotype on soil microbes (DNA compositional measures) and their processes (e.g., C&N transformations) will be detectable, a field experiment will be established evaluating several different corn isolines with and with out genetically modified organisms. To evaluate the hypothesis that cover crops and integrated weed management strategies will increase biodiversity and enhance sustainable crop production, research will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a small-plot field experiment in which different species of grasses and legumes will be evaluated as cover crops in a corn/soybean/spring wheat rotation. The viability of cover crops as a management tool for weeds and insects relative to chemically-driven pest management will be investigated in Phase 2 of the research. Field and greenhouse experiments will be established evaluating a number of different soybean genotypes to test the hypothesis that soybean genotypes with significantly more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil (extensive fibrous root system) will have a more positive impact on soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and soil strength than other soybean genotypes. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Studies of the decomposition of Bt corn residue relative to non-Bt corn residue by using corn residues collected from plots experiencing insect pressure have been extended. During this past year, two multi-year studies were completed that showed no differences in the decomposition of Bt and non-Bt corn residues, even when differential insect damage to the corn plants was evident. Three years of data have been obtained and are being analyzed and evaluated to determine the impact of incorporating cover crops into a corn/soybean wheat rotation on improving crop yield, quality, trafficability and nitrogen mineralization dynamics. Evaluation of the environmental sustainability of alternative production practices continues via measuring greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) fluxes, soil carbon dynamics and soil quality indicators. This research is part of a nationwide ARS network: GRACEnet and REAP cross locations research projects. Soybean has less root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil than other crops such as corn.�This causes soybean fields to be more prone to have soil erosion and reduced soil productivity. A few soybean genotypes have been identified that have had more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil. If these genotypes have consistently more root mass and length in more environments they can be used by soybean breeders that want to develop varieties that can contribute to improving soil productivity.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Zabaloy, M.C., Lehman, R.M., Frey, S.D., Garland, J.L. 2008. Optimization of an oxygen-based approach for community-level physiological profiling of soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 40(12):2960-2969.
- Lehman, R.M., Lundgren, J.G., Petzke, L.M. 2009. Bacterial Communities Associated with the Digestive Tract of the Predatory Ground Beetle, Poecilus chalcites, and Their Response to Laboratory Rearing and Antibiotic Treatment. Microbial Ecology. 57:349-358. Available online.
- Riedell, W.E., Pikul Jr, J.L., Jaradat, A.A., Schumacher, T.E. 2009. Crop Rotation and Nitrogen Input Effects on Soil Fertility, Maize Mineral Nutrition, and Seed Composition. Agronomy Journal. 101:870-879.
- Pikul Jr, J.L., Johnson, J.M., Schumacher, T., Vigil, M.F., Riedell, W.E. 2008. Change in Surface Soil Carbon Under Rotated Corn in Eastern South Dakota. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 72:1738-1744.
- Pikul, Jr., J.L., Chilom, G., Rice, J., Eynard, A., Schumacher, T.E., Nichols, K., Johnson, J.M.F., Wright, S., Caesar, T., Ellsbury, M. 2009. Organic Matter and Water Stability of Field Aggregates Affected by Tillage in South Dakota. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 73:197-206.
- Lehman, R.M., Osborne, S.L., Rosentrater, K.A. 2008. No Evidence that Bt Genes and their Products Influence the Susceptibility of Corn Residue to Decomposition. Agronomy Journal. 100:1687-1693.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research proposed in this project includes both basic and applied research evaluating the impact of agricultural practices (tillage, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotation) on soil productivity and crop yield and quality. Specific objectives include: 1) Measure the effects of tillage, residue management, fertility, and crop rotation on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in agricultural crop production systems. 2) Develop crop rotation, nutrient, soil, residue, and pest management practices that improve farming efficiency (increase unit output/unit input), maintain or increase soil productivity, and improve crop yield and quality. 3) Measure the effects of corn stover/residue removed for biofuel feedstock on: (1) short-term balances of soil C and N; (2) crop yield and quality; and (3) soil resource condition. Approach (from AD-416) Established long-term field experiments evaluating the effect of crop rotation, residue management, fertility and tillage will be utilized to evaluate the research hypothesis that crop rotations, crop diversity, and crop sequence improves soil quality and productivity and that increased crop diversity, attained through the introduction of alternative crops and improved crop sequences into the traditional corn/soybean rotation, will improve crop yield and quality while maintaining or improving soil quality. To address the hypothesis that no significant effect of genetic modification of corn genotype on soil microbes (DNA compositional measures) and their processes (e.g., C&N transformations) will be detectable, a field experiment will be established evaluating several different corn isolines with and with out genetically modified organisms. To evaluate the hypothesis that cover crops and integrated weed management strategies will increase biodiversity and enhance sustainable crop production, research will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a small-plot field experiment in which different species of grasses and legumes will be evaluated as cover crops in a corn/soybean/spring wheat rotation. The viability of cover crops as a management tool for weeds and insects relative to chemically-driven pest management will be investigated in Phase 2 of the research. Field and greenhouse experiments will be established evaluating a number of different soybean genotypes to test the hypothesis that soybean genotypes with significantly more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil (extensive fibrous root system) will have a more positive impact on soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and soil strength than other soybean genotypes. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Traditionally, soil and crop management has been based upon obtaining maximum economic yield and have led to increased dependency on pesticides, fertilizers and GMOs. As resource conservation becomes increasingly important, it becomes necessary to develop new or refine existing practices that incorporate soil, crop and pest management into integrated production systems. Defining the relationship between soil, crop and pest management and the conservation of the soil resource under our unique environmental conditions is essential for the development of integrated production systems and sustainable agriculture. Our goal is to develop soil and crop management practices that are ecologically sustainable while maintaining or improving crop yield and profitability. This research contributes directly to the goals for the Soil Resource Management National Program 202. Specific components include: Soil Conservation and Restoration, Nutrient Management, Soil Biology, and Production and Sustainable Soil Management Systems. Upon completion of the research objectives, producers will be provided with fact sheets and management guides on how diversified crop rotations, cover crops, no-till management, and integrated weed management can be utilized to develop and enhance sustainable production systems in the northern Great Plains. Effects of crop and soil management practices on soil condition are often clouded by variability within a system. Causal relationships between management and soil quality are difficult to extrapolate among regions. Tillage has caused losses (28 to 77%) in soil carbon depending on location and soil type. Changes in agricultural management (tillage and increased crop-rotation diversity) can increase accumulation of soil carbon. Eleven years of a no tillage crop rotation have been completed, and soil samples have been collected to quantify soil carbon changes and soil quality. Rotations include a diversified 5-year rotation having two years of alfalfa. Analysis of crop yields and effect of crop rotation on soil quality are currently underway. We have evaluated the decomposition of Bt corn residue relative to non- Bt corn residue using chopped residues in field soils. Two completed studies have shown no difference in the decomposition of chopped Bt and non-Bt corn residues. Field and greenhouse studies have shown that Bt corn plants do not negatively impact decomposition activities in the surrounding soil. Cover crops can benefit field crops in several ways, but it is unknown how they may affect insect pest management. Field studies have shown that the presence of cover crops has not affected levels of pest or beneficial insects in corn and soybean. We experimentally investigated how grass cover crops affect natural enemy abundance and function, as well as pest and crop performance within corn and soybean agroecosystems. Fall planted slenderwheatgrass significantly increased predator abundance, decreased corn rootworm densities and reduced crop damage. Spring planted oats and low levels of weeds supported greater natural enemy population than chemically managed soybean plots.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Osborne, S.L., Schumacher, T.E., Humburg, D.S. 2008. Evaluation of Cover Crops to Increase Corn Emergence, Yield and Field Trafficability. Agricultural Journal. 3:397-400.
- Anderson, R.L. 2008. Growth and yield of winter wheat as affected by preceding crop and crop management. Agronomy Journal. 100:977-980.
- Lehman, R.M., Osborne, S.L., Rosentrater, K.A. 2008. No Differences in Decomposition Rates observed between Bacillus thuringiensis and Non- Bacillus thuringiensis Corn Residue Incubated in the Field. Published online 11 January 2008; doi:10.2134/agrojnl2007.0123. Agron J 2008 100:163-168.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Research proposed in this project includes both basic and applied research evaluating the impact of agricultural practices (tillage, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotation) on soil productivity and crop yield and quality. Specific objectives include: 1) Measure the effects of tillage, residue management, fertility, and crop rotation on physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in agricultural crop production systems. 2) Develop crop rotation, nutrient, soil, residue, and pest management practices that improve farming efficiency (increase unit output/unit input), maintain or increase soil productivity, and improve crop yield and quality. 3) Measure the effects of corn stover/residue removed for biofuel feedstock on: (1) short-term balances of soil C and N; (2) crop yield and quality; and (3) soil resource condition. Approach (from AD-416) Established long-term field experiments evaluating the effect of crop rotation, residue management, fertility and tillage will be utilized to evaluate the research hypothesis that crop rotations, crop diversity, and crop sequence improves soil quality and productivity and that increased crop diversity, attained through the introduction of alternative crops and improved crop sequences into the traditional corn/soybean rotation, will improve crop yield and quality while maintaining or improving soil quality. To address the hypothesis that no significant effect of genetic modification of corn genotype on soil microbes (DNA compositional measures) and their processes (e.g., C&N transformations) will be detectable, a field experiment will be established evaluating several different corn isolines with and with out genetically modified organisms. Producer cooperators will be identified and research will be conducted on farm to evaluate alternative fertilizer management techniques to improve crop yield and quality. To evaluate the hypothesis that cover crops and integrated weed management strategies will increase biodiversity and enhance sustainable crop production, research will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a small-plot field experiment in which different species of grasses and legumes will be evaluated as cover crops in a corn/soybean/spring wheat rotation. The viability of cover crops as a management tool for weeds and insects relative to chemically-driven pest management will be investigated in Phase 2 of the research. Field and greenhouse experiments will be established evaluating a number of different soybean genotypes to test the hypothesis that soybean genotypes with significantly more root length and mass in the top 10 cm of soil (extensive fibrous root system) will have a more positive impact on soil organic matter, aggregate stability, and soil strength than other soybean genotypes. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations During the 2006 summer growing season a field trial with 35 different soybean varieties was conducted near Brookings, South Dakota. Each plot was one row by six feet long and each variety was replicated four times. About one month after planting three plants per plot were dug and the roots were evaluated for the number of roots in the top three inches of soil. None of the varieties tested had significantly more roots in the top three inches. Accomplishments Organic Matter and Water Stability of Soil Aggregates under Contrasting Crop and Soil Management: Soil conservation or crop management practices that improve soil aggregate stability also help to retard soil loss by maintaining surface conditions resistant to erosion. Objectives of our work were to determine effect of crop rotation and soil management on soil organic matter, components of soil organic matter, and water stable aggregation of soil near the surface, on soil collected from seven sites that represented contrasts between alternative and conventional management. Systems that used less tillage or more diverse rotations (alternative practices) had greater fine particulate organic matter than conventional tillage and monoculture (conventional practices). We conclude that the soil environment under alternative management is either less conducive to microbial transformation of particulate organic matter, and/or highly conducive to new particulate organic matter deposition (for example, through plant root systems that remain undisturbed by tillage). Importantly, we show a relationship between fine particulate organic matter and water stable aggregation that was consistent over a broad spectrum of soil, soil management, and cropping practice; as fine particulate organic matter increased, water stable aggregation increased. This research is part of the Soil Resource Management National Program 202. Specific component #1: Understanding and Managing Soil Biology and Rhizosphere Ecology. This research directly relates to focus area #2: Soil Management to Improve Soil Structure and Hydraulic Properties. Tillage Management and Previous Crop effects on Soil Physical Properties and Corn Yield: While use of no-till soil management and diverse crop sequences improves soil resource conservation, soil health, and interrupts pest cycles, producers in the northern corn belt that use these soil and crop management practices on soils with little internal drainage face two important constraints: 1) delayed emergence and poor early corn growth, and 2) unfavorable soil physical properties that may limit crop root growth. Because of the potential positive attributes with the use of diverse crop rotations and no-till soil management on soil resource conservation, research to explore the constraints to widespread adoption of these crop and management practices is warranted. Our research objectives were to characterize soil physical properties, corn yield and seed composition under tilled and no-till soil management, and to investigate the potential role of the previous crop on these parameters. We found that higher bulk density and penetrometer resistance levels under no-till soil management, along with cool soil conditions that typically occur in the spring in the northern corn belt, could work together to reduce corn yield under no-till. Our data also suggest that grain yield reduction was exacerbated in corn grown following winter wheat. We conclude that additional research and development into residue management systems will be needed to develop crop and soil management systems that address this problem. This research was conducted under the auspices of NP Soil Resource Management Nation Program 202 component #5: Adoption and Implementation of Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Systems and focus area #1: Improved Knowledge and Technologies to Expand the Development and Use of New Conservation Systems. Relative Decomposition Rates of Bt+ and Bt- Corn Stover: There is wide- spread anecdotal information within the agricultural community that plant residue from some GM corn hybrids may be resistant to degradation, and implement manufacturers now market improved or alternative tillage machinery to deal specifically with �tough Bt corn residue�. We evaluated residue decomposition rates of Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids over a period of 22 months under field conditions using the litter bag technique. No differences in the decomposition rates of the chopped residue from the four corn hybrids were detected. Additional studies are underway to determine alternate explanations for the perceived toughness of Bt-containing corn residue. If more aggressive tillage is required to handle a growing amount of tougher residue, then decades-long gains in soil and water quality achieved through conservation tillage may be at risk. This research is part of the Soil Resource Management National Program 202. Specific component #1: Understanding and Managing Soil Biology and Rhizosphere Ecology. This research directly relates to focus area #1: Improved Understanding of Soil Biology and Rhizosphere Ecology. Improving Crop Yield and Quality with Variable Rate Technology: As input costs continue to increase, producers throughout the U.S. are seeking ways to maintain crop yield and quality while decreasing production cost. Over the past decade technology was developed and is currently utilized in the southern Great Plains to apply variable rates of nitrogen fertilizer based upon in-season winter wheat plant nitrogen needs. The objective of this research was to expand this technology to different cropping systems throughout the Great Plains. Results from spring wheat and canola trials indicate that existing technology can be utilized to apply variable nitrogen fertilizer in-season based upon plant nutrient status. The average amount of nitrogen needed to obtain maximum yield and quality decreased significantly over traditional soil test nitrogen recommendations potentially decreasing production costs. This research is part of the Soil Resource Management National Program 202. Specific component #4: Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Environmental Protection. This research directly relates to focus area #2: Management Practices and Strategies for Increasing Nutrient Use Efficiency. Question 5 None. Technology Transfer Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 26 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 37
Impacts
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Publications
- Lundgren, J.G., Lehman, R.M., Chee Sanford, J. 2007. Bacterial communities within the digestive tracts of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 100:275-282.
- Lundgren, J.G., Shaw, J.T., Zaborski, E.R., Eastman, C.E. 2006. The influence of organic transition systems on beneficial ground-dwelling arthropods and biological control of insects and weed seeds. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 21(4):227-237.
- Osborne, S.L., Riedell, W.E. 2006. Starter Nitrogen Fertilizer Impact on Soybean Yield and Quality in the Northern Great Plains. Agron. J. 98:1569- 1574.
- Osborne, S.L. 2007. Determining Nitrogen Nutrition and Yield of Canola through Existing Remote Sensing Technology. Agricultural Journal. 2:180- 184.
- Osborne, S.L. 2007. Utilization of existing technology to evaluate spring wheat growth and nitrogen nutrition in South Dakota. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 38:949-958.
- Pikul Jr, J.L., Osborne, S.L., Ellsbury, M.M., Riedell, W.E. 2007. Particulate Organic Matter and Water Stable Aggregation of Soil Under Contrasting Management. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 71(3):766- 776. 2007(May-June Issue).
- Riedell, W.E., Osborne, S.L., Pikul Jr, J.L. 2007. Tillage Management and Previous Crop Effects on Soil Physical Properties, Maize Grain Yield, and Seed Composition. Recent Research Developments in Soil Science, 2(2007):1- 12.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? This project is a contribution to the Soils Resource Management 202 National Program. Traditionally, soil and crop management has been based upon obtaining maximum economic yield, leading to an increased dependency on synthetic pesticides, inorganic fertilizers and genetically modified organisms. As resource conservation becomes increasingly important, it becomes necessary to develop new practices (or to refine existing practices) that incorporate soil, crop and pest management into integrated production systems. Consideration should be given to the amelioration of environmental constraints that limit adoption of conservation practices and non-traditional cropping strategies in the northern Great Plains. The goal of the project is to develop soil and crop management practices that are
ecologically sustainable while maintaining or improving crop yield and producers profitability. Our objectives are to evaluate the effect of tillage systems, residue management, soil fertility, and crop rotations on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil; to develop integrated management practices that improve farming efficiency while maintaining or improving environmental quality; and to determine the amount of crop residues (e.g., corn stover) that must remain on the land to maintain sustainable production. Upon completion of the research objectives, producers will be provided with fact sheets and management guides on how diversified crop rotations, cover crops, no-till management, and integrated weed management can be utilized to develop and enhance sustainable production systems in the northern Great Plains. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (2007) Sub-objective 1a: Analysis of data: basic relationship
between POM & WSA; Establish neutron attenuation access tubes in plots to be monitor for water use. Develop methods for ICP analysis of crops grown in rotation. Sub-objective 1b: Establish experimental location, procure required equipment, initiate research protocols for lab analysis and field sampling Sub-objective 1c: Collect soil samples for clone libraries and initiate analysis. Obtain corn stover, process, and bury litter bags. Establish field plots for isolines; perform initial soil sampling. Sub-objective 2a: Collect data on crop yield and quality. Sub-objective 2b: Locate producer cooperators to establish research plots. Sub-objective 2c: Establish research plots; develop equipment to cultivate strips into living covers for soybean planting; Collect data on soil bearing and shear strength, crop yield, and weed & insect populations. Sub-objective 2d: Analysis of data: phase I first year. Year 2 (2008) Sub-objective 1a: Analysis of data: relationships between SOM quality & WSA;
Analysis of data: relationship between crop rotation and C sequestration; Collect data on water and nutrient use. Sub-objective 1b: Complete research protocols, collect pilot data set, analyze pilot data set. Sub-objective 1c: Complete clone libraries and analyze the data. Retrieve litter bags, analyze litter and soil samples. Continue field plots. Sub-objective 2a: Collect data on crop yield and quality; Preliminary data analysis and progress reports. Sub-objective 2b: Perform field and growth chamber experiments. Sub-objective 2c: Collect data on soil bearing and shear strength, crop yield, and weed & insect populations. Sub-objective 2d: Analysis of data: phase I second year. Year 3 (2009) Sub-objective 1a: Analysis of data: water use and biomass produced by rotations; Collect data on water and nutrient use. Sub-objective 1b: Utilize optimized set of analytical tools and refined procedures to collect data for first year. Sub-objective 1c: Publish findings on clone libraries.
Publish findings from first decomposition study. Initiate new decomposition study. Continue field plots. Sub-objective 2a: Collect data on crop yield and quality. Continued work on data analysis and progress reports. Sub-objective 2b: Analyze all plant samples for total N and soybean samples for ureide. Sub-objective 2c: Collect data on soil bearing and shear strength, crop yield, and weed and insect populations. Sub-objective 2d: Analysis of data: phase I third year. Year 4 (2010) Sub-objective 1a: Collect soil samples to be utilized for soil quality attributes; Collect data on water and nutrient use. Sub-objective 1b: Utilize optimized set of analytical tools and refined procedures to collect data for second year. Sub-objective 1c: Retrieve litter bags, analyze litter and soil samples. Continue field plots. Sub-objective 2a: Collect data on crop yield and quality. Continued work on data analysis and publications. Sub-objective 2b: Complete statistical analysis and begin writing
research papers. Sub-objective 2c: Collect data on soil bearing and shear strength, crop yield, and weed and insect populations. Sub-objective 2d: Analysis of data: phase I fourth year. Year 5 (2011) Sub-objective 1a: Collect data on water and nutrient use, analysis of soil quality data Sub-objective 1b: Analyze data, synthesize and publish. Sub-objective 1c: Publish findings from second decomposition study. Continue field plots. Sub-objective 2a: Collect data on crop yield and quality. Continued work on data analysis, publications, and product development. Sub-objective 2b: Submit research papers to journal. Sub-objective 2c: Complete statistical analysis writing and submit research papers. Sub-objective 2d: Analysis of data for first two years of phase II experiment. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Research reported here is part of the Soil Resource Management National Program 202. Specific components include: Understanding and
managing soil biology and rhizosphere ecology, Soil management to improve soil structure and hydraulic properties, Nutrient management for crop production and environmental protection, Adoption and implementation of soil and water conservation practices and systems, and Impact on soil of residue removal for biofuel production. This research directly relates to specific sub-objectives included within each component. These include: Compaction, sub-objective 1.1 Improved understanding of soil biology and rhizosphere ecology; sub- objective 1.3 Soil management to improve soil structure and hydraulic properties; sub-objective 2.1 Soil management to improve soil structure and hydraulic properties; sub-objective 4.1 Decision support tools for improved nutrient management; sub-objective 4.2 Management practices and strategies for increasing nutrient use efficiency; sub-objective 5.1 Improved knowledge and technologies to expand the development and use of new conservation systems. 6. What
science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? See CRIS Project #5447-12620-001-00D 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). See CRIS Project #5447-12620-001-00D Scientific Publications See CRIS Project #5447-12620-001-00D
Impacts
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Publications
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