Project Number: 3625-11000-003-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Aug 08, 2002
End Date: Mar 31, 2005

Objective:
1. Implement and evaluate methods for quantifying the spatial and temporal variations of CO2 fluxes from soil, vegetation and atmospheric components of Midwest cropping systems. 2. Quantify the interrelationships of crop water use, soil water regime, CO2 flux and soil carbon storage. 3. Integrate results from Objective 1 and 2 to evaluate predictive capabilities of CO2 emissions and soil carbon storage as a function of Midwest cropping system management practices.

Approach:
Field scale studies will be conducted throughout the year to quantify the release of carbon dioxide and water vapor exchanges. A series of experiments will be conducted to evaluate the differences among different methods to quantify carbon dioxide and water vapor flux for components of the soil-plant-atmosphere system. Carbon dioxide and water vapor exchange rates will be compared among nitrogen management practices across two soil types. Carbon dioxide will be measured from the soil and from the atmosphere to quantify the effects of soil management on carbon dioxide release. Subsequent studies will then compare the gaseous exchange between corn and soybeans and the effect of different tillage and crop residue management practices on the gas fluxes. Gas exchange flux data will be combined with the energy exchanges and plant growth analysis to determine the interactions among soil management practices, gas exchange, and physiological reactions of the crop.

Project Team

Sauer, Thomas Parkin, Timothy - Tim Hatfield, Jerry Prueger, John

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003