Project Number: 6612-12000-011-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2000
End Date: Sep 30, 2005

Objective:
Determine the rate and magnitude of soil C sequestration, depth distribution of soil C and N pool, biogeochemical transformations of organic matter, and biochemical quality of soil C during growth of tall fescue pastures varying in plant genetic source, nutrient source, and harvest management. We will elucidate the biological and/or environmental controls that might contribute to greater soil C sequestration in endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Approach:
This project will integrate measurements of soil C sequestration, soil quality, water quality, and animal performance and productivity in a unique combination of replicated water catchments with diverse plant genetic resources. We will link rates of soil C sequestration in tall fescue pastures in a holistic manner with animal performances and productivity, plant stand and composition, alkaloid production, soil microbial biomass C, particulate organic matter, soil bulk density, surface residue accumulation, plant nutrient availability, soil pH, deep profile nitrate, concentration, water-stable aggregation, soil C protection in macroaggregates, glomalin, water infiltration, total runoff, and quality of runoff (e.g. nutrients and pathogenic organisms). Soil will be incubated with infected and uninfected leaf tissue, dung, and urine to evaluate if microbial activity is inhibited by the presence of the endophyte. We will also test if plant productivity is affected by the endophyte through calculations of conversion efficiency of forage to animal grain.

Project Team

Franzluebbers, Alan

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Soil Resource Management (202)   Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages (205)