Nitrogen’s Impact on Soil Carbon Sequestration
Published:21 Dec.2021 Source:University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Soil organic carbon is a cornerstone of soil health. It improves soil structure while enhancing water- and nutrient-holding capacity, key factors for any agricultural production system. To build it up, farmers incorporate crop residues into soils.
So why, despite decades of residue inputs, is soil organic carbon diminishing in corn production systems? Short answer: it's the nitrogen.