Assessment of Soil Quality on TSN Plots at Ellerslie and Breton Utilizing Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties
Assess the impact of consistent management, tilled vs no-till, straw removed or not, and N application rate on soil quality using physical, chemical and biological properties at Ellerslie and Breton, AB.
IPNI-2007-CAN-AB25
21 Dec 2007
Project Description
Agricultural productivity depends largely on the uppermost layer of soil which is generally 15 to 20 cm deep for most soils. This soil layer stores and releases water for plant use, provides a rooting zone for plants, and supplies plant nutrients. It also enhances seed germination and root penetration, and supports a complex community of microorganisms and fauna that decompose organic materials and recycle nutrients (Parr et al., 1992). A productive soil needs a favorable structure and an efficient nutrient cycling system. Management practices which simultaneously enhance these functions can lead to sustainable land use.