The role of soil organic matter in agriculture: Implications on soil health and nutrient retention

Session: Soil Health: Role on Nutrient Losses from Agricultural Soils (1)

Matthew Franks, Bowling Green State University, [email protected]
Angélica Vázquez-Ortega , Bowling Green State University, [email protected]

Abstract

Nutrient losses from agricultural fields in Northwestern Ohio has significantly contributed to degrading water quality in Western Lake Erie Basin. Tile drainage facilitates the transport of high loads of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) into the Maumee River. These nutrient-rich waters flow into the Western Lake Erie Basin inducing large, toxic, and long lasting harmful algal blooms (HABs). Phosphorus loads have been positively correlated with HABs biomass. Nutrient losses can be minimized via the use of agricultural best management practices (BMPs). BMPs such as cover crops, conservation tillage and 4R Nutrient Stewardship aim to retain nutrients and improve soil health. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in soil health and nutrient retention. The overall goal of this research was to quantitatively and qualitatively characterize SOC under different agricultural BMPs and relate soil quality parameters with nutrient (N, P) retention in farm soils. Our results showed that conservation tillage retains organic carbon at a higher extent in the top soil and promoted a higher content of aromatic and recalcitrant organic matter. Mn and Fe-oxide minerals played an important role sorbing OC and phosphate in farm soils. These results can inform farmers on improving and maintaining their farm soils health.