Cropland Management in the Eastern United States for Improved Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

Research from the eastern U.S. indicates that no-till crop production (NT) will typically lead to the sequestration of ~0.5 Mg soil organic C (SOC) ha − 1 yr − 1 for several years after adoption, largely due to a high potential for SOC sequestration near the soil surface. However, the impact of conservation tillage deeper in the soil profile is less clear. Careful consideration of both sampling depth and adequate sample numbers, especially when accessing multiple soil series, is needed in future research to conclusively determine effects that practices have below the upper few cm of soil. While conservation tillage, cover crops, and manure application are generally expected to increase SOC, data are needed for a broader range of practices and soils within the region. Even in cases where no net increase in SOC is achieved, conservation practices are highly valuable for erosion control, enhanced nutrient cycling, and improved water and air quality.