Management effects on near-surface soil properties in a temperate corn- soybean cropping system
Report
Overview
Overview
Abstract
Soils are at the nexus of the atmospheric, geological, and hydrological cycles; providing invaluable ecosystem services, such as water storage. This compendium explores connections between near-surface soil properties and management practices, with a particular focus on soil-water. This research has explored, in detail, the hypothesis that long-term cover crop management significantly influences near-surface soil properties, and found that rye winter cover crops enhance soil water retention, macroporosity, and water holding capacity, while also augmenting soil organic carbon. This research has also evaluated publicly available Web Soil Survey maps to assess their utility at farm-scale and found that aeolian deposition may have a more significant soil management impact than previously thought. Lastly, this research assessed the efficacy of a novel soil science pedagogy to enhance undergraduate soil science learning and increase student enthusiasm about soil.
