Graduation date: 1992

Concerns for environmental quality stimulate the development of various management strategies that mitigate nutrient losses to the environment. / Field experiments were conducted at St. Emmanuel, Quebec, from 1998 to 2000 to investigate the combined effects of water table management and N fertilizer application rates on corn yield, concentrations of NO3- -N in the soil profile and tile subsurface drainage water, denitrification and N2O production rates, and N2O:N2O+N 2 production ratios in the soil profile. There were two water table treatments: free drainage (FD) with open drains at a 1.0 m depth from the soil surface and subirrigation (SI) with a water table depth of 0.6 m below the soil surface, and two N fertilization rates: 120 kg N ha-1 (N120) and 200 kg N ha-1 (N 200) arranged in a split-plot design. Compared to FD, subirrigation reduced NO3--N concentration in the soil by up to 50% and in drainage water by 55 to 73%. Water table had little effect on corn yield during the study period. Greater denitrification rates under SI were not accompanied with greater N2O emissions as ratios of N2O:N2O+N2 were lower under SI than in FD plots. Denitrification rate, N2O emissions, and their ratios were unaffected by N rate. / A second field experiment was initiated from 1999 to 2000 to assess impacts of tillage systems on NO3--N, denitrification, N2O, and ratios of denitrification end-products (N2O:N 2O+N2). The experiment was conducted on long-term momocropped corn experimental plots under conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no-till (NT), located at the Macdonald Research Farm, McGill University. Soil NO3--N concentrations tended to be lower under RT than under NT or CT. Denitrification and N2O were similar among tillage systems. / Approximately 50% of soil denitrification activity was measured within the 0.15--0.45 m soil layer. Consequently, we propose that sampling the 0--0.15 m soil layer alone, as is usually done, may not give an accurate picture of soil denitrification activity. Dissolved organic carbon concentrations remained high in all soil depths sampled, but was not affected by water table, N rate or tillage system.

The effect of species, parent material, and stand age on nitrogen mineralization were examined during aerobic lab and field incubations. The experimental design consisted of 3 tree species (birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.); poplar (Populus tremuloides Michx.); and conifers (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.)); two parent materials (lacustrine clay and glacial till); and three stand ages (50, 75, and 124 years of age). The strongest determinant of nitrogen mineralization potential was species. The effects of parent material and stand age were variable. Total nitrogen, pH, and soil moisture also affected N mineralization. Nitrogen mineralization dynamics may be largely affected by annual changes in quality of organic matter or climate. Available nitrogen inherent in forest stands must be taken into consideration when replacing hardwood stands with softwoods, because eliminating stages of boreal mixedwood succession could have detrimental effects on available nitrogen and forest productivity in the long-term.

Soil mineral N and soil water content at planting, biomass accumulation, yield and grain quality parameters (hectolitermass and protein percentage) were measured on an unfertilized and recommended-N-application treatment during two consecutive growing seasons (1997-1998). The trials were planted in a fallow-wheat-wheat cropping system at three representative localities in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. High levels of available soil water and mineral N were measured following the fallow period preceding the start of the trials in 1997. For example, soil water content was 81.7%, 69.6%, and 78.2% of DUL at Bethlehem, Kroonstad and Petrusburg respectively. Although comparable total soil profile water contents to 1997 were measured in 1998 at all three sites, the cultivation zone (0-400 mm) had a substantially lower soil water content. This was due to erratic rainfall distribution during the fallow period, which prevented effective soil cultivation management, subsequent soil water conservation and residue decomposition. Undecomposed residue in the cultivation layer at planting appeared to affect availability of soil mineral N to the growing crop. At planting in 1998, undecomposed crop residue amounted to 53.6% at Bethlehem, 32.5% at Kroonstad and 46.9% at Petrusburg of that added at harvest in 1997. Soil mineral N was lower at planting in 1998 compared to 1997 due to decomposing residue (C:N ratio of above 73) in the cultivation zone immobilizing soil mineral N. This reduced initial growth, N accumulation, yield, and grain protein percentage without additional fertilizer N. Distribution of soil mineral N showed notable amounts in the 600-1200 mm soil layers, with limited changes over the trial period. This was linked to low root exploration of these soil layers (10-15% of total root distribution). The ratios of soil mineral NH(4+):N0(3)- for the different soil layers indicated similar values over the trial period. Climatic data for the localities indicated differences in the amount and distribution of rainfall and temperatures during the study period, which influenced crop development, yield and grain protein percentage. At Bethlehem above average in-season rainfall was measured during 1997, at Kroonstad average rainfall and at Petrusburg below average in-season rainfall. Response to applied N at the localities varied in magnitude during 1997. Nitrogen application significantly increased N concentrations of plant components, N uptake, yield and grain protein percentage, although values for all these parameters were lower in 1998 than in 1997. Indeed higher yields were produced in 1997 (mean=1.838 t ha(-1)) compared to 1998 (mean=0.980 t ha(-1)). A significant yield response to applied N was measured at the two higher yielding localities in both cropping years, but there was no significant response at the lower yielding locality. The limiting factors appeared to be the availability of soil water and residual soil mineral N. From the calculated response functions, the variables soil water content at planting, soil mineral N content at planting, in-season rainfall, and added fertilizer N explained the bulk of the variations in grain protein percentage, plant N uptake, and yields. It was concluded that the present fertilizer N recommendation system for dryland wheat production, which is based on fertilizer response curves for specific yield potentials, should be augmented by using initial soil mineral N and water contents in the profile measured prior to planting. / Thesis (M.Sc.Agric.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

In an attempt to investigate the cause of change in the competitive ability between monocots and dicots in a pastureland in Farnham, Quebec under CO2 enrichment, I chose to study the response of Plantago major (dicot) and Poa pratensis (monocot) grown in ambient and elevated CO2 chambers, hypothesizing that a large increase in root biomass of dicots would be observed under elevated CO 2. A transient stimulation of root biomass of Plantago major was found during the first month of CO2 exposure but disappeared later. / The second objective of this study was to examine the effect of 5 years of CO2 enrichment both on root biomass and on total C and N content of roots and soil in the pasture. The largest belowground growth was recorded for Taraxacum officinale. Plantago major responded by achieving the highest aboveground growth. / N content of CO2 enriched roots was reduced. This change in the elemental composition of root tissues might negatively affect the process of decomposition and therefore, the nutrient availability to soil microbes and plants. The observed reduction of NO3 in CO2 enriched soil maybe due to greater N immobilization caused by the expected increase in microbial populations.

Decomposition and N dynamics of grain-corn residues were investigated in a field study in southwestern Quebec, with particular reference to the roles of different plant parts (stems, leaves etc.) in determining overall residue mass loss and N content. A litterbag study was conducted, with surface and buried placements in plots under three tillage systems (no-till, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage, established five years before litterbag placement). Residue mass loss and N content were monitored over a two-year period. Separate data were obtained for leaves, stems, husks, and cobs. Net values for all residues combined were calculated taking into account initial proportions of each plant part at harvest. Overall estimates were made based on residue depth-distribution typical of each tillage system. A spreadsheet-based model of surface residue mass loss was developed, incorporating litterbag mass and other surface-residue data, in order to determine how well litterbag results predicted surface residue mass loss in the field, and to test alternative assumptions regarding residue decomposition and/or burial. Buried residues lost mass more quickly than surface residues, as expected. Thus residue breakdown would be fastest in a conventional system, slowest under no-till, and intermediate with reduced tillage. Substantial decreases in mass and residue N content occurred between fall placement and first sampling in spring, despite low temperatures for much of this period. Mass loss in the first period was substantial for stems as we as husks and leaves. Cobs decomposed most slowly throughout. Nitrogen dynamics, including effects of depth on residue N content, differed greatly by residue type. All the lower-N residues (cobs, husks, stems) immobilized N at some point. However, during the two-year study, N immobilization by one or more residue types was always counterbalanced or exceeded by N release by other residue, at least for the sampling intervals included. Pa

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 1955. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: no abstract available / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

O pisoteio dos animais favorece o processo de compactação do solo em áreas de Integração Lavoura Pecuária. Essa compactação apresenta efeitos negativos, dificultando o desenvolvimento de raízes, a disponibilidade de nutrientes, água e aeração, ocasionando perdas na produção, tornando-se indispensável à avaliação dos atributos físicos do solo para o monitoramento da qualidade do solo. A matéria orgânica do solo pode ser utilizada para avaliar a qualidade do solo, por apresentar relação com os atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo. Sistemas de manejo conservacionistas com o plantio direto, juntamente com sistemas de integração entre lavoura e pecuária estão sendo utilizados para manter e até mesmo aumentar os teores de matéria orgânica do solo. Para avaliar estas questões está instalado na cidade de Guarapuava, PR, desde 2006, um experimento de integração lavoura – pecuária com ovinos, sob um Latossolo Bruno álico com textura argilosa, sob um clima classificado como Cfb. O estudo teve objetivo avaliar os atributos físicos do solo e quantificar o estoque de carbono orgânico do solo e sua compartimentalização em sistema submetido a quatro doses de N (0, 75, 150 e 225 kg ha-1) na pastagem de inverno, formada pelo consórcio de aveia preta (Avena strigosa) e azevém comum (Lolium multiflorum) e o efeito do pastejo (com e sem). As avaliações de densidade, porosidade total, macroporosidade, microporosidade, agregação e estoques de carbono foram realizadas em duas fases: Fase pecuária (após a saída dos animais da área) e fase lavoura (após o cultivo de milho). As coletas das mostras de solo foram realizadas nas camadas de 0-0,5, 0,05-0,10, e 0,10-0,20 m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as hipóteses testadas pelo teste F (p<0,05). Para os dados de efeito quantitativo foram realizadas análises de regressão e os de efeito qualitativo utilizou-se o teste de médias. Nas regressões não significativas utilizou-se a média dos tratamentos e o desvio padrão. O pisoteio animal ocasionou um aumento na densidade do solo na camada de 0,10-0,20 m. A dose de 225 kg de N ha-1 na pastagem de inverno aumentou a porosidade total do solo em 8% em relação a dose 0 kg de N ha-1 na fase lavoura. O pastejo não influenciou na macroporosidade do solo. O Diâmetro médio geométrico dos agregados na fase após pastejo na camada superficial foi prejudicado pelo pastejo. As doses de nitrogênio aplicadas na pastagem de inverno e o pastejo não influenciam nos estoques de carbono orgânico total (COT) e que também não é influenciado pelas doses de nitrogênio aplicadas na pastagem. O pastejo aumenta o estoque de carbono orgânico particulado (COP) na camada de 0,10-0,20 m na fase pecuária e causa no estoque de COP na camada de 0-0,5 m na fase lavoura. O carbono associado aos minerais (CAM) não é influenciado pelas doses de N aplicadas na pastagem, nem pelo pastejo. / The animal trampling favors the soil compaction process in sheep raising and crop production integrated systems. This compression has negative effects, hindering the development of roots, the availability of nutrients, water and aeration, causing production losses, making it essential for the assessment of soil physical attributes for monitoring soil quality. Soil organic matter can be used to assess the quality of the soil, due to its relationship with the chemical, physical and biological soil properties. Conservation management system with tillage, along with systems integration between crops and livestock are being used to maintain and even increase the levels of soil organic matter. For that, a field experiment was carried out over a Oxisol clayey Alic in Guarapuava, PR, from de 2006 one. experiment sheep raising and crop production integrated systems The climate classified as Cfb .. The study was to evaluate the soil physical properties and quantify the stock of soil organic carbon and its compartmentalization in system integration crop - livestock with sheep under four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1) in the winter pasture, formed by the consortium oat (Avena strigosa) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and the effect of grazing (with and without). The soil samples blades density evaluations, total porosity, macro and micro, aggregation and carbon stocks were held in two phases: Phase livestock (after removal of the animals of the area) and phase crop (after maize cultivation). The collection of soil samples were carried out in layers of 0-0.5, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and m. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the hypotheses tested by the F test (p <0.05). For the quantitative effect data regression and the qualitative effect used the test medium. In non-significant regressions used the average and standard deviation treatments. The animal trampling caused an increase in bulk density in the 0.10-0.20 m layer. The dose of 225 kg N ha-1 in winter pasture increased total soil porosity at 8% compared to dose 0 kg N ha-1 in the crop stage. The grazing had no effect on soil macroporosity. GMD of aggregates in the phase after grazing the surface layer was damaged by grazing. Nitrogen rates used in the winter pasture and grazing not influence the total organic carbon stocks. The TOC is not influenced by nitrogen fertilization on grassland. The grazing increases the stock of POC in the 0.10-0.20 m layer livestock phase and cause the stock of POC in the 0-0.5 m layer in the crop stage. The MAC is not influenced by N rates applied in the pasture or by grazing.

O pisoteio dos animais favorece o processo de compactação do solo em áreas de Integração Lavoura Pecuária. Essa compactação apresenta efeitos negativos, dificultando o desenvolvimento de raízes, a disponibilidade de nutrientes, água e aeração, ocasionando perdas na produção, tornando-se indispensável à avaliação dos atributos físicos do solo para o monitoramento da qualidade do solo. A matéria orgânica do solo pode ser utilizada para avaliar a qualidade do solo, por apresentar relação com os atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo. Sistemas de manejo conservacionistas com o plantio direto, juntamente com sistemas de integração entre lavoura e pecuária estão sendo utilizados para manter e até mesmo aumentar os teores de matéria orgânica do solo. Para avaliar estas questões está instalado na cidade de Guarapuava, PR, desde 2006, um experimento de integração lavoura – pecuária com ovinos, sob um Latossolo Bruno álico com textura argilosa, sob um clima classificado como Cfb. O estudo teve objetivo avaliar os atributos físicos do solo e quantificar o estoque de carbono orgânico do solo e sua compartimentalização em sistema submetido a quatro doses de N (0, 75, 150 e 225 kg ha-1) na pastagem de inverno, formada pelo consórcio de aveia preta (Avena strigosa) e azevém comum (Lolium multiflorum) e o efeito do pastejo (com e sem). As avaliações de densidade, porosidade total, macroporosidade, microporosidade, agregação e estoques de carbono foram realizadas em duas fases: Fase pecuária (após a saída dos animais da área) e fase lavoura (após o cultivo de milho). As coletas das mostras de solo foram realizadas nas camadas de 0-0,5, 0,05-0,10, e 0,10-0,20 m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as hipóteses testadas pelo teste F (p<0,05). Para os dados de efeito quantitativo foram realizadas análises de regressão e os de efeito qualitativo utilizou-se o teste de médias. Nas regressões não significativas utilizou-se a média dos tratamentos e o desvio padrão. O pisoteio animal ocasionou um aumento na densidade do solo na camada de 0,10-0,20 m. A dose de 225 kg de N ha-1 na pastagem de inverno aumentou a porosidade total do solo em 8% em relação a dose 0 kg de N ha-1 na fase lavoura. O pastejo não influenciou na macroporosidade do solo. O Diâmetro médio geométrico dos agregados na fase após pastejo na camada superficial foi prejudicado pelo pastejo. As doses de nitrogênio aplicadas na pastagem de inverno e o pastejo não influenciam nos estoques de carbono orgânico total (COT) e que também não é influenciado pelas doses de nitrogênio aplicadas na pastagem. O pastejo aumenta o estoque de carbono orgânico particulado (COP) na camada de 0,10-0,20 m na fase pecuária e causa no estoque de COP na camada de 0-0,5 m na fase lavoura. O carbono associado aos minerais (CAM) não é influenciado pelas doses de N aplicadas na pastagem, nem pelo pastejo. / The animal trampling favors the soil compaction process in sheep raising and crop production integrated systems. This compression has negative effects, hindering the development of roots, the availability of nutrients, water and aeration, causing production losses, making it essential for the assessment of soil physical attributes for monitoring soil quality. Soil organic matter can be used to assess the quality of the soil, due to its relationship with the chemical, physical and biological soil properties. Conservation management system with tillage, along with systems integration between crops and livestock are being used to maintain and even increase the levels of soil organic matter. For that, a field experiment was carried out over a Oxisol clayey Alic in Guarapuava, PR, from de 2006 one. experiment sheep raising and crop production integrated systems The climate classified as Cfb .. The study was to evaluate the soil physical properties and quantify the stock of soil organic carbon and its compartmentalization in system integration crop - livestock with sheep under four nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1) in the winter pasture, formed by the consortium oat (Avena strigosa) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and the effect of grazing (with and without). The soil samples blades density evaluations, total porosity, macro and micro, aggregation and carbon stocks were held in two phases: Phase livestock (after removal of the animals of the area) and phase crop (after maize cultivation). The collection of soil samples were carried out in layers of 0-0.5, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and m. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the hypotheses tested by the F test (p <0.05). For the quantitative effect data regression and the qualitative effect used the test medium. In non-significant regressions used the average and standard deviation treatments. The animal trampling caused an increase in bulk density in the 0.10-0.20 m layer. The dose of 225 kg N ha-1 in winter pasture increased total soil porosity at 8% compared to dose 0 kg N ha-1 in the crop stage. The grazing had no effect on soil macroporosity. GMD of aggregates in the phase after grazing the surface layer was damaged by grazing. Nitrogen rates used in the winter pasture and grazing not influence the total organic carbon stocks. The TOC is not influenced by nitrogen fertilization on grassland. The grazing increases the stock of POC in the 0.10-0.20 m layer livestock phase and cause the stock of POC in the 0-0.5 m layer in the crop stage. The MAC is not influenced by N rates applied in the pasture or by grazing.

Subsurface drainage has recently become common for agriculturally productive soils and key to maintain and improve crop production in poorly drained, frigid clay soils. The first study was conducted for four years (2014-17) at Casselton, ND to determine best combination of drainage, tillage and crop rotation for higher corn yield. Our finding suggested corn yield was highest with no drainage, CS and CH combination in years with drought conditions. The second study was conducted for three years (2015-17) to evaluate subsurface drainage spacing (9, 12, and 15m) and depth (0.9 and 1.2m) combination on corn, soybean and sugarbeet yields and residual soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) contents. Results indicated that 9 m drain spacing produced highest corn and soybean yield when average across three years in contrast with drain depth that has no effect on corn and soybean yield except for sugarbeet where the 1.2m depth yielded higher than the 0.9m depth. / North Dakota Corn Council / North Dakota Soybean Council / North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute