Can a Labile Carbon Test be Used to Predict Crop Responses to Improve Soil Organic Matter Management?

Abstract

Permanganate (KMnO4) oxidizable C (POXC), an estimate of labile soil C, was evaluated for use as a soil test to identify soils that may respond positively to soil organic matter (SOM) management. We hypothesized that soils lower in POXC would be more likely than soils higher in POXC to show increased crop productivity in response to practices that increase SOM. At four sites, paired fields of the same soil but contrasting management history (cropping vs. sod) were studied. Fields with sod history tested higher in total organic C (TOC) and POXC than fields with cropped history. Permanganate‐oxidizable C was strongly related to TOC (r = 0.94). We examined crop stover, grain, and biomass responses to two cover crop treatments within each field: winter rye (Secale cereale L.) or no rye. After at least 1 yr of treatment, there was a significant negative correlation between relative stover response to rye and POXC (r = –0.60) at sites with finer textured soils. After at least 2 yr of treatment, crop responses to rye showed a significant negative correlation with POXC and TOC. The strongest relationships to POXC occurred in the stover response at two sites with finer textured soils (Keedysville: r = –0.74; Holtwood: r = –0.84). Permanganate‐oxidizable C was comparable to TOC at predicting crop responses to rye. These results suggest that POXC may be a useful test for identifying soils where improved SOM management is likely to improve productivity. The rapid, simple POXC methodology enables on‐site or laboratory soil testing.