Tillage and Nutrient Sources Impact the Productivity of Eroded Soil.

Soil degradation is a consequence of soil organic matter (SOM) losses due to soil disturbance, SOM decomposition, and soil erosion.  Manure addition has been shown to enhance SOM, improve soil nutrient status, and increase soil productivity. Manure rates and degree of incorporation may also influence the soil nutrient status in soil profile. Productivity of degraded/eroded soils can be restored using organic amendment and reduced tillage practices.  Our objectives are to: (i) Evaluating the productivity of eroded soil using manure as a nitrogen source vs. chemical fertilizer; and (ii) Identify the long-term influence of beef manure addition at different rates and degree of incorporation on soil chemical properties. The experiment was established in 2006 at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays, Kansas. Tillage practices include conventional tillage (CT) i.e. sweep tillage and no-tillage (NT). Two N-sources (manure, M; and commercial fertilizer, F) are used and applied at two rates. The experimental design is a randomized complete block with four replications.  Manure addition increased the productivity and influenced chemical properties of this eroded soils compared with fertilizer.  In general, the addition of organic material, such as manure could improve many aspects of soil quality which reflect in increase crop yield.