Long-Term Soil and Crop Management Effects on Soil Physical Properties Related to Soil Erodibility.

Understanding the long-term effects of crop rotations with annual manure applications is critical for assessing the production potential of land. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 125 years of continuous crop management on selected soil physical properties for Sanborn Field, Columbia, Missouri. Intact soil cores (76 mm diam. by 76 mm long) were collected from continuous corn (Zea mays L.), continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), continuous timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and a rotation of corn–wheat–red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). These plots have been in continuous cultivation for 125 years. Some plots received no fertilization and others 13.5 Mg/ha manure each year. The soil was Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs). Soil samples were removed from the surface horizon throughout one year (April, July, and November sampling dates). Aggregate stability, soil splash detachment, bulk density and soil strength were monitored. Significant differences in splash detachment and aggregate stability were found among the treatments with the Timothy plots having the lowest detachment and highest stability. Other properties supported these results. Learning the effects of long-term soil management on soil quality and erodibility is critical for society to assess the level of soil erosion with soil management and develop appropriate conservation practices to minimize this challenge. It is also important to know which land management methods maintain soil quality and long-term sustainability.