Southeastern Coastal Plain Region Research Articles

Evaluation of phosphorus runoff from sandy soils under conservation tillage with surface broadcasted recovered phosphates

Potential new sources of phosphorus (P) fertilizer are the recovered P from livestock wastewater through chemical precipitation and the ash from combusting animal manures. Although most of the research on P losses from conservation tillage include high water-soluble P compounds from commercial fertilizer sources, information on the use of non-conventional, low water-soluble, recycled P sources is scarce. Particularly for sandy soils of the United States (US) Southeastern Coastal Plain region, research driven information on P loss into the environment is needed to determine recommendations for a direct use of new recycled P sources as crop P fertilizers. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential P runoff from sandy soils under conservation tillage, fertilized with recovered P from liquid swine manure and turkey litter ash in comparison with commercial P fertilizer triple superphosphate (TSP). The field study included two typical sandy soils of the US Southeastern Coastal Plain region, the Noboco and Norfolk. Simulated rain corresponding to the annual 30-min rainfall in the study site (Florence County, South Carolina) was applied to plots treated with recovered P from liquid swine manure, turkey litter ash, and TSP, including a control with no P added. The runoff was monitored and sampled every 5 min during the test and composite soil samples were collected from the top (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soil layers in each plot. Laboratory analyses were conducted to quantify both total P (TP) and soluble reactive P (SRP) in runoff samples, and the soil test P in the soil layers. Two-way analyses of variances show significant treatment effects on both TP and SRP runoff. The quantities of SRP runoff from plots treated with the recovered P from swine manure and turkey litter ash represent respectively 1% and 7–8% of SRP runoff from plots treated with TSP. Hence, the use of the recovered P materials as crop P fertilizers through surface broadcast application present less environmental risks compared to commercial TSP.

Urease activity and nitrogen dynamics in highly weathered soils with designer biochars under corn cultivation

The application of designer biochar has the potential to impact soil enzyme activity and soil nitrogen dynamics. However, very little is known about the mechanisms responsible for biochar-enzyme-nitrogen interaction in highly weathered soils. The objective of our 3-year (2016–2018) field experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of designer biochars (DB) in enhancing urease activity (UA), total nitrogen (TN), total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), and nitrogen uptake (NU) at different growth stages (GS) of corn in a highly weathered soil of southeastern Coastal Plain region, USA. Experimental treatments have consisted of the control, 100% pine chips (100PC), 100% poultry litter (100PL), 2:1 blend of PC and PL (PCPL), 100% raw switchgrass (Panicum vaginatum, L; 100RSG), and 2:1 blend of PC and RSG (PCRSG). All the designer biochar treatments were applied at the rate of 30,000 kg ha−1 to a Goldsboro loamy sand in 2016. Urease activity, TN, TIN, and NU varied remarkably with DB (p ≤ 0.0001) at different GS (p ≤ 0.0001) of corn. Soils treated with 100PL had the greatest UA (28.18 µg N g−1 h−1), TN (0.087%), and TIN (14.53 mg kg−1) while the least UA, TN, and TIN of 20.55 µg N g−1 h−1, 0.063%, and 5.42 mg kg−1, respectively, were observed from the control. The three-year TN average increase over the control was in the order: 100PL (36.8%) > 100RSG (25.8%) > PCRSG (25.3%) > PCPL (23.9%) > 100PC (7.1%). The greatest NU of corn of 140.4 kg N ha−1 was from soils treated with 100PL while the least amount of NU was from 100PC. Overall, our results showed promising significance for the treatment of highly weathered soils since the application of DB did enhance UA and improve TN and TIN in the soils.

Evaluating Nitrogen Management for Corn Production with Supplemental Irrigation on Sandy Soils of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of the U.S.

Highlights This study addressed the inclusion of field-scale soil variability in nitrogen (N) management for corn production. RZWQM2 was calibrated for corn yield and N dynamics on four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. Multi-year simulations of corn production under high and low N application rates were analyzed. Results showed room to reduce N use and N leaching without affecting corn production on Coastal Plain sandy soils. Abstract. Nitrogen (N) fertilization contributes significantly to maintain high yields in corn (Zea mays L.) production. In the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the U.S. where soils are sandy with poor water and nutrient holding capacity, a fraction of the N applied to corn fields is often leached from the root zone and becomes unavailable to plants. As these soils belong to various taxonomic classes, research has shown significant corn yield differences among soil series. However, few studies have focused on integrating field-scale soil variability, N leaching, and corn production. To address this knowledge gap, this study used the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) to simulate different N management scenarios in corn production for four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. The calibrated model was used to simulate nine consecutive years of corn production under four N management scenarios, including two high rates of N application (rate A = 224 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate A' = 224 kg N ha-1 without preplant N), and two low rates of N application (rate B = 157 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate B' = 157 kg N ha-1 without preplant N). Simulation results showed that without preplant N application, N leaching was reduced by up to 17% with no significant impact on corn yield, depending on the soil series. Hence, consideration of field-scale soil variability could help improve N management by reducing N use and N leaching without impacting corn production. Keywords: Corn yield components, Growing season, Modeling, Nitrogen dynamics, RZWQM2, Soil variability.

Evaluating Nitrogen Management for Corn Production with Supplemental Irrigation on Sandy Soils of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of the U.S.

Highlights This study addressed the inclusion of field-scale soil variability in nitrogen (N) management for corn production. RZWQM2 was calibrated for corn yield and N dynamics on four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. Multi-year simulations of corn production under high and low N application rates were analyzed. Results showed room to reduce N use and N leaching without affecting corn production on Coastal Plain sandy soils. Abstract. Nitrogen (N) fertilization contributes significantly to maintain high yields in corn (Zea mays L.) production. In the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the U.S. where soils are sandy with poor water and nutrient holding capacity, a fraction of the N applied to corn fields is often leached from the root zone and becomes unavailable to plants. As these soils belong to various taxonomic classes, research has shown significant corn yield differences among soil series. However, few studies have focused on integrating field-scale soil variability, N leaching, and corn production. To address this knowledge gap, this study used the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) to simulate different N management scenarios in corn production for four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. The calibrated model was used to simulate nine consecutive years of corn production under four N management scenarios, including two high rates of N application (rate A = 224 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate A' = 224 kg N ha-1 without preplant N), and two low rates of N application (rate B = 157 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate B' = 157 kg N ha-1 without preplant N). Simulation results showed that without preplant N application, N leaching was reduced by up to 17% with no significant impact on corn yield, depending on the soil series. Hence, consideration of field-scale soil variability could help improve N management by reducing N use and N leaching without impacting corn production. Keywords: Corn yield components, Growing season, Modeling, Nitrogen dynamics, RZWQM2, Soil variability.

Evaluating Nitrogen Management for Corn Production with Supplemental Irrigation on Sandy Soils of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of the U.S.

Highlights This study addressed the inclusion of field-scale soil variability in nitrogen (N) management for corn production. RZWQM2 was calibrated for corn yield and N dynamics on four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. Multi-year simulations of corn production under high and low N application rates were analyzed. Results showed room to reduce N use and N leaching without affecting corn production on Coastal Plain sandy soils. Abstract. Nitrogen (N) fertilization contributes significantly to maintain high yields in corn (Zea mays L.) production. In the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the U.S. where soils are sandy with poor water and nutrient holding capacity, a fraction of the N applied to corn fields is often leached from the root zone and becomes unavailable to plants. As these soils belong to various taxonomic classes, research has shown significant corn yield differences among soil series. However, few studies have focused on integrating field-scale soil variability, N leaching, and corn production. To address this knowledge gap, this study used the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) to simulate different N management scenarios in corn production for four sandy soil series under supplemental irrigation. The calibrated model was used to simulate nine consecutive years of corn production under four N management scenarios, including two high rates of N application (rate A = 224 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate A' = 224 kg N ha-1 without preplant N), and two low rates of N application (rate B = 157 kg N ha-1 with 25 kg N ha-1 at preplant; rate B' = 157 kg N ha-1 without preplant N). Simulation results showed that without preplant N application, N leaching was reduced by up to 17% with no significant impact on corn yield, depending on the soil series. Hence, consideration of field-scale soil variability could help improve N management by reducing N use and N leaching without impacting corn production. Keywords: Corn yield components, Growing season, Modeling, Nitrogen dynamics, RZWQM2, Soil variability.

Soil nitrogen dynamics and leaching under conservation tillage in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Georgia, United States

Conservation tillage (CsT) involves management that reduces soil erosion by maintaining crop residue cover on farm fields. Typically, both infiltration and soil organic matter increase over time with CsT practices. We compared the impact of a commonly used CsT practice, strip tillage (ST), to conventional tillage (CT) management on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics and leaching and examined associations to soil N availability and microbial biomass. A winter cover crop was used in both tillage treatments. The study was conducted over a five-year period during rotational cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region in Georgia, United States. Fertilizer and poultry litter were applied ahead of the cotton crops. Sets of PVC cylinders were filled with soil from each of six plots, three in ST and three in CT, and maintained in situ in their respective plots for 16 intervals of about 90 days. After retrieval, the soil in each cylinder was analyzed for inorganic N (ammonium and nitrates [NH4+ and NO3−]), total N, total carbon (C), and microbial biomass. Leached NO3−-N was captured on anion exchange resin-filled bags attached to the bottom of each cylinder. After the five-year study period, the ST and CT soil C content increased by 22% and 23%, respectively. Total soil N content increased 27% with ST compared to 22% with CT. Temporal patterns in NO3−-N leaching were not different between CT and ST treatments, and a high amount of NO3−-N leaching was observed after the application of poultry litter. The cumulative amount of NO3−-N leached from soils throughout the five-year study was 141 and 122 kg N ha−1 (126 and 109 lb N ac−1) with CT and ST practices, respectively. Results suggest that leaching from the top 15 cm (6 in) of soil may be an important pathway of N loss from both CT and ST cropping systems in the region. Regardless of tillage, soil microbial biomass N was equal to or higher than the total inorganic N, but still represented a small percentage (up to 9%) of the total soil N. Overall, microbial biomass N was higher in ST compared to CT. Minimizing NO3−-N in the soil from reaching ground and surface waters while increasing crop productivity represents a major challenge. The use of ST in conjunction with winter cover crops may improve plant N availability by more than 27 kg ha−1 y−1 (24 lb ac−1 yr−1) in the sandy landscapes of the southeastern Coastal Plain region through microbial cycling of organic N while reducing subsurface NO3−-N losses.

Forest transpiration from sap flux density measurements in a Southeastern Coastal Plain riparian buffer system

Forested riparian buffers are prevalent throughout the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of the United States (US). Vegetation in the riparian forest buffers in this region are primarily made up of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) trees. Because they make up a significant portion of the regional landscape, transpiration within these riparian buffers is believed to have an important impact on the hydrologic budget of regional watersheds. A riparian buffer along a first order stream in South-central Georgia US was selected for a sap flow study designed to provide measurements of tree transpiration. The forest provided a buffer zone that averaged 70m in width from an upland field to the first order stream. Shallow water table conditions allowed direct interaction between the tree's root system and groundwater. Sap flux density, groundwater, and climatic data were collected to determine transpiration rates from different tree species and their relationship to potential ET rates and hydrologic and environmental conditions. Average sap flow rates ranged from 2 to 142Lday−1. Sap flow was related to tree diameter, solar flux density, and daily vapor pressure deficit. An exponential relationship was developed that related measured average daily sap flow rate (Lday−1) to tree diameter at breast height (DBH) (mm) for the range of measured trees (56<DBH<390mm) with a coefficient of 2.04 and an exponent of 0.01. On an area basis, the average transpiration for the studied 720m2 study area was 1114mm for the observation period from April to December. This represented 103% of the potential evapotranspiration for a reference grass (PET) for that same period. While landscape position, and subsequently access to groundwater, did not appear to strongly influence sap flow rates, reduced soil water in the vadose zone led to reductions in tree transpiration. The data indicate that transpiration within regional buffers uses a disproportionate amount of water on a per area basis compared to upland land covers, an important consideration when examining overall water consumption in regional watersheds.

Description and Classification ofLindera melissifoliaHabitat in the Southeastern Coastal Plain

ABSTRACT Lindera melissifolia is a federally endangered wetland shrub endemic to the Southeastern Coastal Plain and the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Lindera melissifolia is known to occupy seasonally flooded habitats, but little work has been done to describe habitat characteristics in the Southeastern Coastal Plain region. This research uses vegetation and environmental data collected from 50 plots in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to develop a habitat classification and description for L. melissifolia in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Cluster analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, indicator species analysis, and analysis of variance were used to assign plots to four distinct isolated wetland habitat types. Swamp Tupelo Depression Pond and Successional Swamp Forest communities supported the densest and healthiest L. melissifolia populations, followed by Pond-Cypress Pond and Pocosin, and Limestone Sink Forest habitats. Habitat degradation and other forms of disturbance were fou...

Multi‐region response to conservation buffers targeted for northern bobwhite

AbstractWe coordinated a large‐scale evaluation of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population response to establishment of 9‐m to 37‐m linear patches (buffers) of native herbaceous vegetation along row‐crop field margins as part of the Conservation Reserve Program practice Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (CP33). We compared northern bobwhite covey densities on 1,088 paired row‐crop fields with and without native herbaceous buffers in 13 states during autumn, 2006–2008. We used a 2‐stage random effects modeling approach that incorporates the effective area as an offset in generalized linear mixed models to assess regional relationships among autumn bobwhite covey densities and covariates of field type (i.e., fields with vs. without native herbaceous buffers), ecological region, year, survey week, and contracted vegetative cover (i.e., planting native grasses and forbs vs. establishing through natural regeneration). Covey density was correlated with year and interaction effects of field type and ecological region. The year effect suggested annual variation in covey densities, whereas the field type by ecological region interaction suggested covey response to buffers was dependent on spatial location, likely reflecting differences in buffer establishment, succession, and characteristics of the surrounding landscape among regions. Mean fitted covey density on fields across all survey sites was 0.047 (±0.008 bootstrap standard error [BSE]) and 0.031 coveys/ha (±0.003 BSE) on row‐crop fields with and without herbaceous buffers, respectively. Covey density was greater on fields with buffers relative to matched, comparison fields without buffers in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (241%; P &lt; 0.001) and both the eastern (123%; P &lt; 0.001) and western (60%; P = 0.01) portions of the Southeastern Coastal Plain region. Covey density was an order of magnitude greater in the central Texas region compared to other regions, but exhibited a small response to native herbaceous buffers, as did density of coveys in the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Central Hardwoods regions. Disproportionate response to buffers in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and Southeastern Coastal Plain suggests native herbaceous habitats might be limiting during autumn in these regions, whereas lack of response in the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie, Central Hardwoods, and central Texas regions suggests that herbaceous habitat either was not limiting or buffers failed to provide adequate requirements for bobwhites during autumn. Selection of other habitats to meet security and thermoregulatory needs might have resulted in lack of response in these regions. Native herbaceous cover provided by buffers can provide critical habitat in row‐crop agricultural systems in some regions, and can contribute to regional population recovery objectives of the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI). However, range‐wide NBCI recovery objectives will best be met through multiple conservation practices in row‐crop agricultural systems. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Using Soils to Guide Fertilizer Recommendations for Southern Pines

Soils supporting southern pine stands in the South tend to be infertile and nutrient additions are often required to achieve optimum rates of production. This revised 12-page publication describes and classifies soils of the southeastern Coastal Plain region and specifically addresses issues of fertility, growth-limiting nutrients, and fertilizer recommendations for southern pines. Written by Eric J. Jokela and Alan J. Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, June 2012. Circular 1230/FR053: Using Soils to Guide Fertilizer Recommendations for Southern Pines (ufl.edu)

An analysis of the link between strokes and soils in the South Carolina coastal plains

The Stroke Belt is a geographical region of the Southeastern United States where resident individuals suffer a disproportionately higher rate of strokes than the rest of the population. While the “buckle” of this Stroke Belt coincides with the Southeastern Coastal Plain region of North and South Carolina and Georgia, there is a paucity of information pinpointing specific causes for this phenomenon. A number of studies posit that an exposure event–potentially microbial in nature–early in life, could be a risk factor. The most likely vector for such an exposure event would be the soils of the Southeastern Coastal Plain region. These soils may have chemical and physical properties which are conducive to the growth and survival of microorganisms which may predispose individuals to stroke. To this aim, we correlated SC stroke mortality data to soil characteristics found in the NRCS SSURGO database. In statewide comparisons, depth to water table (50 to 100 cm, R = 0.62) and soil drainage class (poorly drained, R = 0.59; well drained, R = −0.54) both showed statistically significant relationships with stroke rate. In a 20 county comparison, depth to water table, drainage class, hydric rating (hydric soils, R = 0.56), and pH (very strongly acid, R = 0.66) all showed statistically significant relationships with stroke rate. These data should help direct future research and epidemiology efforts to pinpoint the exact exposure events which predispose individuals to an increased stroke rate.

Geostatistical modeling of the spatial variability and risk areas of southern root-knot nematodes in relation to soil properties

Identifying the spatial variability and risk areas for southern root-knot nematode [ Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] (RKN) is key for site-specific management (SSM) of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the soil properties that influence RKN occurrence at different scales; and (ii) delineate risk areas of RKN by indicator kriging. The study site was a cotton field located in the southeastern coastal plain region of the USA. Nested semivariograms indicated that RKN samples, collected from a 50 × 50 m grid, exhibited a local and regional scale of variation describing small and large clusters of RKN population density. Factorial kriging decomposed RKN and soil properties variability into different spatial components. Scale dependent correlations between RKN data showed that the areas with high RKN population remained stable though the growing season. RKN data were strongly correlated with slope (SL) at local scale and with apparent soil electrical conductivity deep (EC a-d) at both local and regional scales, which illustrate the potential of these soil physical properties as surrogate data for RKN population. The correlation between RKN data and soil chemical properties was soil texture mediated. Indicator kriging (IK) maps developed using either RKN, the relation between RKN and soil electrical conductivity or a combination of both, depicted the probability for RKN population to exceed the threshold of 100 second stage juveniles/100 cm 3 of soil. Incorporating EC a-d as soft data improved predictions favoring the reduction of the number of RKN observations required to map areas at risk for high RKN population.

Field Screening of Experimental Corn Hybrids and Inbred Lines for Multiple Ear-Feeding Insect Resistance

Identifying and using native insect resistance genes is the core of integrated pest management. In this study, 10 experimental corn, Zea mays L., hybrids and 10 inbred lines were screened for resistance to major ear-feeding insects in the southeastern Coastal Plain region of the United States during 2004 and 2005. Ear-feeding insect damage was assessed at harvest by visual damage rating for the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and by the percentage of kernels damaged by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, and stink bugs [combination of Euschistus servus (Say) and southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.)]. Among the eight inbred lines and two control populations examined, C3S1B73-5b was resistant to corn earworm, maize weevil, and stink bugs. In contrast, C3S1B73-4 was resistant to corn earworm and stink bugs, but not to maize weevil. In a similar manner, the corn hybrid S1W*CML343 was resistant to all three ear-feeding insects, whereas hybrid C3S1B73-3*Tx205 was resistant to corn earworm and maize weevil in both growing seasons, but susceptible to stink bugs in 2005. The silk-feeding bioassay showed that corn earworm developed better on corn silk than did fall armyworm. Among all phenotypic traits examined (i.e., corn ear size, husk extension, and husk tightness), only corn ear size was negatively correlated to corn earworm damage in the inbred lines examined, whereas only husk extension (i.e., coverage) was negatively correlated to both corn earworm and maize weevil damage on the experimental hybrids examined. Such information could be used to establish a baseline for developing agronomically elite corn germplasm that confers multiple ear-feeding insect resistance.

Doublecropping Soybean after Canola and Wheat

Canola (Brassica napus L.) can be planted as a winter crop and doublecropped with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Men.] in the southeastern Coastal Plain of the USA, but little information is available about canola's effect on subsequent crops in the rotation. A 2-yr study was conducted to determine the effect of deep tillage on both canola and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the subsequent response of doublecropped soybean, and response of wheat grown following the soybean crop when controlled traffic and minimum tillage practices were used. The study was initiated in autumn of 1990 and repeated in 1991 on an Orangeburg loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Paleudults) near Blackville, SC. Canola yields averaged 37.8 bu/acre in 1991 and 43.2 bu/acre in 1992, whereas wheat yields were 58.0 and 72.5 bu/acre, respectively. In both years, deep tillage (chiseling to 11 in.) had no effect on wheat yields when compared with disking. Deep tillage increased canola yields by 12.5 % in the drier of the two growing seasons. Soybean yields were not significantly affected by the tillage used for the previous crops. Subsoiled soybean yielded 33.7 vs. 31.9 bu/acre for no-till soybean in 1991, and 22.6 vs. 19.4 bu/acre in 1992. The difference was significant (P = 0.05) in 1992, and that year soybean tillage following wheat did not affect soybean yield but following canola, in-row subsoiling resulted in greater soybean yields than no-till. Wheat following soybean was not affected by the tillage practice used for the previous winter crops, and the 1992 wheat yields were unaffected by previous winter crop or soybean tillage. In 1993, soybean tillage did not affect subsequent wheat yield but following canola, in-row subsoiling resulted in greater wheat yields than no-till. These results suggest canola has no adverse effect on either soybean or wheat when grown in sequence on a Coastal Plain soil

The Relationship of Soil Character as Expressed by Certain Soil Types, to Choice of Land for Resettlement in the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region

Soil Science Society of America JournalVolume B17, Issue 2001 p. 81-82 Article The Relationship of Soil Character as Expressed by Certain Soil Types, to Choice of Land for Resettlement in the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region Allen H. Hasty, Allen H. HastySearch for more papers by this author Allen H. Hasty, Allen H. HastySearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 January 1936 https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1936.036159950B1720010025xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. VolumeB17, Issue20011936Pages 81-82 RelatedInformation

The Desmids of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of United States

The Desmids of the Southeastern Coastal Plain Region of United States