Tillage Effects

Tillage Effects on Gas Exchange and Soil Organic Matter

Don Riecosky Soil Scientist
USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory
reicosky@morris.ars.usda.gov
http://www.mrsars.usda.gov/morris/personel/reicosky.htm

Biography:  Donald C. Reicosky is a Soil Scientist with the USDA-ARS, North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory, Morris, MN, and Adjunct Professor in the Soil Science Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul. He holds degrees from Ohio State University and the University of Illinois. His research deals with describing crop response and water use on conventional till, strip till and no-till systems. Current research focuses on carbon cycling, tillage and residue management with emphasis on carbon sequestration. Global change issues are addressed by measuring soil carbon dioxide (CO2) losses following intensive tillage with a portable chamber. Recent research has shown short-term tillage-induced losses after moldboard plowing can help explain the long-term decline in soil carbon associated with intensive cropping. These results suggest need for improved reduced intensity tillage methods for enhanced soil carbon sequestration to improve the soil resource and maintain environmental benefits important to our quality of life.