Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Cox, Michael S.

Committee Member

Dodds, Darrin M.

Committee Member

Krutz, L. Jason

Committee Member

Reed, Vaughn T.

Committee Member

Varco, Jac J.

Date of Degree

8-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Plant & Soil Sciences (Agronomy)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Abstract

Nitrogen recovery and contribution to production agricultural systems are critical services provided by cover crops investigated in this study. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of simulated residual N (SRN) on N recovery in various winter cover crop systems (CCS) and subsequent effects on corn N uptake. Biomass, C and N measurements, 15N recovery, and sources of N acquisition were quantified among CCS. Subsequently, CCS and SRN effects on corn productivity and N status were quantified. Grass-included CCS had the greatest N scavenging ability by CCS termination, though they had negative or neutral effects on corn N acquisition. Brassicas-included CCS were prolific early season N scavengers, though winterkill may have negated this effect. Legumes-included CCS generally accumulated large quantities of N and had narrow C:N ratios, positively affecting corn N acquisition. This study highlights the importance of context-specific CCS selection for N conservation.

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