Erosional impacts on soil properties and corn yield on Alfisols in central Ohio

Abstract

Accelerated soil erosion can impact upon agronomic productivity by reducing topsoil depth (TSD), decreasing plant available water capacity and creating nutrient imbalance in soil and within plant. Research information on soil-specific cause – effect relationship is needed to develop management strategies for restoring productivity of eroded soils. Therefore, two field experiments were established on Alfisols in central Ohio to quantify erosion-induced changes in soil properties and assess their effects on corn growth and yield. Experiment 1 involved studying the effects of past erosion on soil properties and corn yield on field runoff plots where soil was severely eroded and comparing it with that on adjacent slightly eroded soil. In addition, soil properties and corn grain yield in runoff plots were compared on side-slopes with that on toe-slopes or depositional sites. Experiment 2 involved relating corn growth and yield to topsoil depth on a sloping land. With recommended rates of fertilizer application, corn grain yield did not differ among erosional phases. Fertilizer application masked the adverse effects of erosion on corn yield. Corn grain yield on depositional sites was about 50 per cent more than that on side-slope position. Corn plants on the side-slope positions exhibited symptoms of nutrient deficiency, and the ear leaves contained significantly lower concentrations of P and Mg and higher concentrations of Mn and K than those grown on depositional sites. Corn grain yield in experiment 2 was positively correlated with the TSD. Soil in the depositional site contained significantly more sand and silt and less clay than that on the side-slope position. There were also differences in soil properties among erosional phases. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was 19\7 g kg−1 in slightly eroded compared with 15\1 g kg−1 in severely eroded sites. Aggregate stability and the mean weight diameter (MWD) were also significantly more in slightly eroded than severely eroded soils. Adverse effects of severe erosion on soil quality were related to reduction in soil water retention, and decrease in soil concentration of N and P, and increase in those of K, Ca and Mg. Severe erosion increased leaf nutrient contents of K, Mn and Fe and decreased those of Ca and Mg. Corn grain yield was positively correlated with aggregation, silt and soil N contents. It was also negatively correlated with leaf content of Fe. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.