Soil quality indices based on long-term conservation cropping systems management

Authors

Helen C.S. Amorim, University of Arkansas
Amanda J. Ashworth, University of ArkansasFollow
Brian J. Wienhold, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Mary C. Savin, University of ArkansasFollow
Fred L. Allen, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Arnold M. Saxton, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow
Phillip R. Owens, USDA-ARSFollow
Nilton Curi, Universidade Federal de Lavras

ORCID IDs

Helen C. S. Amorim

Amanda J. Ashworth

Date of this Version

2-17-2020

Citation

Agrosyst Geosci Environ. 2020;3:e20036. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20036

Comments

OPEN ACCESS CC-BY

Abstract

The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) may provide insight into how conservation practices affect soil quality (SQ) regionally. Therefore, we aimed to quantify SQ in a long-term (15-yr) crop rotation and bio-covers experiment under notillage using SMAF. Main effects were cropping rotations of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Split-block biocover treatments consisted of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L. sativum var. arvense), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), poultry litter, and fallow (control). Seven SQ indicators—soil pH, total organic carbon (TOC), bulk density (BD), soil extractable P and K, electrical conductivity (EC), and sodium adsorption ration (SAR)—were scored using SMAF algorithms, and investigated individually and as an overall soil quality index (SQI). Simple linear regressions were performed between SQI and crop yields. Differences (p