Abstract
The world is facing a climate crisis, record highs for the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are set yearly. One way to combat this is by adopting land management strategies that store carbon in the soil instead of releasing carbon into the atmosphere. This study looks at tillage method influences on carbon storage in agricultural soils and how soil depth influences carbon sequestration. Soil samples were taken from a no-till experiment started in 1962 at CFAES (College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Studies), comparing no-till, chisel plow and moldboard plow techniques. Soil samples from each tillage type were taken at depths of 0-4 and 4-8 inches to assess total carbon and soil organic matter. No-till samples at depths of 0-4 inches had significantly higher soil organic matter and total carbon, however no significant differences in these variables were found at depths of 4-8 inches among the till types. Tillage type and depth had significant interactive effects. No-till improves carbon storage in the top 0-4 inches of soil, but depth plays an important role in understanding how carbon is stored in the soil and how specific tillage methods impact carbon sequestration. Results indicate that sampling soil for carbon from only the top 4 inches of sediment is not sufficient and can misrepresent the total soil carbon profile. Soil carbon sequestration can reduce atmospheric carbon but variables such as the impact of different tillage systems and no-till soil depth need to also be taken into consideration.
Advisor
Moreno, Carlo
Department
Environmental Studies
Recommended Citation
Hardy, Duncan, "The Impact of Soil Depth on Current Knowledge of The Effects of No-till and Other Tillage Methods on Soil Carbon Levels" (2024). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11075.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11075
Disciplines
Agriculture | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Sciences
Keywords
Tillage, Carbon, Carbon sequestration, soil
Publication Date
2024
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2024 Duncan Hardy
