Effects of cropping-system, irrigation method, and soil properties on soil nitrogen and organic matter dynamics in the Big Horn Basin

摘要: We propose to investigate factors that support sustainability in sugar beet production on farms the Big Horn Basin, Northwestern Wyoming. Increasing costs, changing markets, and off-site environmental concerns interact create a need for better understanding of efficiency ecological impacts irrigated systems. The project will provide data is lacking these systems, including soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, nitrogen (N) cycling, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, tradeoffs between economic performance sustainability. This decision short term leverage funding future, more in-depth research extension mid long term. interdisciplinary would build upon past AES-CGP-funded work by analyzing how rotation systems pathogen control affect quality productivity under different water conditions. Our primary objectives are describe make results available growers. 16 scenarios include four on-farm crop rotations place 10 or years clayey sandy soils furrow- sprinkler-applied irrigation. Each scenario be replicated three times an unfertilized pair. defined advisory team producers agricultural advisers. pitfall this study design variability practices from farm farm. plan minimize through field selection process carefully recording within each scenarios. addresses first second priorities 2008 RFP by: 1) assessing viability maintenance resource base; 2) evaluating long-term farming base as contributions air quality. discovery dissemination focus areas University Wyoming College Agriculture mission. Working closely with Basin ag advisers, along inclusion Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Area Agricultural Educators team, ensure both relevance questions results. instruction mission also addressed because graduate students faculty teaching appointments departments participate project. Though proposed broad scope, it’s coincidence complementary projects managed Project Director facilitate laboratory sharing human resources equipment. It parallels similar funded USDA-NRI Soil Processes Program processes dryland cropping Southeastern A PhD student paid wheat NRI combine investigations economics.