In the Northern Great Plains, more intensive, diverse cropping systems have been developed as a means to improve soil and water conservation in the region. A no-till field research project was conducted near Mandan, ND on a Wilton-Temvik silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Pachic and Typic Haplustolls). Ten crops were grown in 2 year rotations with corn on two separate fields. Crops included: buckwheat, canola, chick pea, corn, dry pea, lentil, millet, sorghum, sunflower, and wheat. Soil was sampled in the spring before planting, with the first year following corn and the second year following the alternative crops. No differences were apparent in soil organic carbon levels. Differences in enzyme activity were seen between years for certain crops. Buckwheat, canola, chickpea, lentil and sorghum showed increases over corn, while millet and sunflower exhibited decreases.
See more of Symposium--Dynamic Cropping Systems for Soil & Water Conservation
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See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)