"The Impact of Soil Depth on Current Knowledge of The Effects of No-til" by Duncan Hardy

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

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

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