218-9 In-Field Variability of Terrain and Soils in Southeast Kansas: Challenges for Crop Production.

See more from this Division: C03 Crop Ecology, Management and Quality
See more from this Session: Crop Ecology, Management and Quality Oral

Tuesday, November 8, 2016: 11:45 AM
Phoenix Convention Center North, Room 121 C

Gretchen F. Sassenrath, P. O. Box 316, Kansas State University, Parsons, KS, Xiaomao Lin, Kansas State University, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, Thomas G. Mueller, Mercury Bldg 4140 NW 114th St, John Deere Company, Urbandale, IA, Vladimir J Alarcon, Centro de EnergĂ­a y Desarrollo Sustentable, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile and Stacey E. Kulesza, Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Abstract:
A particular challenge for crop production in southeast Kansas is the shallow topsoil, underlain with a dense, unproductive clay layer. Concerns for topsoil loss have shifted production systems to reduced tillage or conservation management practices. However, nutrient and sediment loss is still a problem in the high-rainfall area. To improve crop production and further adoption of conservation practices, identification of vulnerable areas of fields is needed. Publicly available high-resolution imagery products and terrain maps can provide information on field conditions. This research explores within-field variability of farm production fields and uses online databases to collect information on vegetation and topography. The information can be used to develop protocols for alternative management to protect vulnerable areas and reduce topsoil loss.

See more from this Division: C03 Crop Ecology, Management and Quality
See more from this Session: Crop Ecology, Management and Quality Oral