Abstract We analyzed climatic and textural controls of soil organic C and N for soils of the U.S. Great Plains. We used a model of soil organic matter (SOM) quantity and composition to simulate steady‐state organic matter levels for 24 grassland locations in the Great Plains. The model was able to simulate the effects of climatic gradients on SOM and productivity. Soil texture was also a major control over organic matter dynamics. The model adequately predicted aboveground plant production and soil C and N levels across soil textures (sandy, medium, and fine); however, the model tended to overestimate soil C and N levels for fine textured soil by 10 to 15%. The impact of grazing on the system was simulated and showed that steady‐state soil C and N levels were sensitive to the grazing intensity, with soil C and N levels decreasing with increased grazing rates. Regional trends in SOM can be predicted using four site‐specific variables, temperature, moisture, soil texture, and plant lignin content. Nitrogen inputs must also be known. Grazing intensity during soil development is also a significant control over steady‐state levels of SOM, and since few data are available on presettlement grazing, some uncertainty is inherent in the model predictions.
Abstract The positive effects of soil organic matter (OM) on soil properties that influence crop performance are well documented. But definitive and quantitative information of ...
Abstract. Manurial treatments and cropping history have remained unchanged for many years in classical and long‐term experiments at Rothamsted and Woburn, in some cases for more...
The long-term stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) in tropical and temperate regions is mediated by soil biota (e.g.fungi, bacteria, roots and earthworms), soil structure ...
Abstract Managing soil organic matter (SOM) stocks to address global change challenges requires well‐substantiated knowledge of SOM behavior that can be clearly communicated bet...
Abstract Aerial photographs taken in 1945, 1957, 1970, and 1985 were used to examine the invasion of red gum ( Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) into an extensive, natural grassla...
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