Nitrogen recovery and contribution to production agricultural systems are critical services provided by cover crops investigated in this study. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of simulated residual N (SRN) on N recovery in various winter cover crop systems (CCS) and subsequent effects on corn N uptake. Biomass, C and N measurements, 15N recovery, and sources of N acquisition were quantified among CCS. Subsequently, CCS and SRN effects on corn productivity and N status were quantified. Grass-included CCS had the greatest N scavenging ability by CCS termination, though they had negative or neutral effects on corn N acquisition. Brassicas-included CCS were prolific early season N scavengers, though winterkill may have negated this effect. Legumes-included CCS generally accumulated large quantities of N and had narrow C:N ratios, positively affecting corn N acquisition. This study highlights the importance of context-specific CCS selection for N conservation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-7252 |
| Date | 13 August 2024 |
| Creators | Knight, Curtis Champ |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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