Soil organic carbon sequestration in cotton production systems
2005
Franzluebbers, Alan
Conservation tillage, crop intensification, sod-based rotations, and judicious application of fertilizers and herbicides are agricultural practices that are not only agronomically sound, but could increase soil organic C (SOC) sequestration. These practices have great potential for adoption by cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) producers in the southeastern USA. We calculated potential SOC sequestration under different management scenarios of five major land resource areas in the southeastern USA using the Soil Conditioning Index (SCI), a decision tool currently used by USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. The SCI will be used to determine payments to farmers enrolling in the Conservation Security Program. All cotton cropping systems with conventional tillage would lead to loss of SOC. Growing cotton in monoculture with no tillage could lead to a small loss, no change, or a small increase in SOC, depending upon major land resource area, slope, and soil texture. The SCI predicted larger changes in SOC whenever no-tillage management was combined with cover cropping and cotton was rotated with high-residue-producing crops. Cotton producers in eligible watersheds of the Conservation Security Program could expect to receive an average of $3.36/acre, with payments up to $8/acre, depending on practices employed and soil conditions. Soil organic C is important to maintain high soil quality, to improve crop productivity, and to mitigate greenhouse gas emission. Further agricultural research and extension activities are needed to capture the full benefits of SOC sequestration for agronomic, environmental, and economic sustainability.
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