Abstract
Agronomic management practices that maximize monoculture switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) yield are generally well understood; however, little is known about corresponding effects of differing switchgrass management practices on near-surface soil properties and processes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of cultivar (“Alamo” and “Cave-in-Rock”), harvest frequency (1- and 2-cuts per year), fertilizer source (poultry litter and commercial fertilizer), and irrigation management (irrigated and non-irrigated) on near-surface soil properties and surface infiltration in a Leadvale silt loam (fine-silty, siliceous, semiactive, thermic, Typic Fragiudult) after four years (2008 through 2011) of consistent management in west-central Arkansas. Irrigating switchgrass increased (P 0.05) and averaged 0.79 mm∙min−1. Results from this study indicate that management decisions to maximize switchgrass biomass production affect soil properties over relatively short periods of time, and further research is needed to develop local best management practices to maximize yield while maintaining or improving soil quality.
Highlights
The United States (US) is the largest consumer of petroleum in the world at an estimated 18.6 million barrels per day [1]
Silt, and clay distributions remained within the range of a silt-loam texture in all treatment combinations, sand, silt, and clay contents in the top 20 cm differed slightly among various treatment combinations (P < 0.05), with the largest differences occurring between soil depths, which was expected
Sand content was greatest in the irrigated-“Alamo” treatment combinations (Table 1)
Summary
The United States (US) is the largest consumer of petroleum in the world at an estimated 18.6 million barrels per day [1]. Even though the US is the third largest producer of petroleum, domestic production cannot keep pace with demand, as 40% of petroleum products consumed in the US are net imports from other countries [1]. Promoting the generation and development of domestic fuel supplies, while reducing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, has become a central issue in global policy. Concerns related to the effects of global warming and possible shortages of finite fossil fuel sources have led to government-mandated regulations encouraging the development of alternative fuels. Only 12% of electricity generated in the US is currently generated from renewable sources, such as wind, hydroelectric, and biomass [3]
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