Effect of Topsoil Depth and Amendments on Soil Health and Agronomic Productivity in Central Ohio.

Topsoil loss due to erosion is a continued threat to the productivity and sustainability of agroecosystems in the Midwestern United States. Amendment application in the form of composts and fertilizers has the ability to restore and improve soil quality and health of eroded soils. A study was conducted on two soils in Central Ohio with varying topsoil depths (TSD) with the objectives of evaluating (1) overall soil health and agronomic productivity after 20 years of simulated erosion of varying TSD and (2) the impact of using compost manure and synthetic fertilizers on restoring soil health of eroded soils. Treatments at each study site have three topsoil depths {(1) removal of 20 cm of soil, (2) undisturbed soil, and (3) addition of 20 cm of soil} and two soil amendment types {(1) compost manure and (2) synthetic N fertilizer}. A comprehensive assessment on soil health was accomplished through evaluating key soil physical, chemical, biological, and agronomic properties. Preliminary results and conclusions will be discussed. The evaluation of long-term changes to soil health and agronomic productivity, with varying TSD and amendment application, will allow for greater understanding of the effects erosional processes have on soil and crop yields. The restoration and maintenance of soil health of eroded soils will allow for enhanced food security and environmental sustainability.