Stalk Decomposition Using Humic Acids (with nitrogen) and Its Effects On Microbial Population and Nutrient Release in Maize.

A seven state decomposition study was performed by various Universities in the North Central U.S. Corn Belt from the fall of 2011 to spring of 2012 to examine the decomposition of maize residue after harvest.  Reduction of residue biomass along with increases in microbial population under decomposition treatments were documented.  In addition nutrient increases in the top 10 cm of the soil profile were found from the release of nutrients from the decomposition of residue.