Theme 1: Grassland Ecology
Description
Due to an increased interest in soil health and the role soils can have in carbon sequestration, native grasslands are getting heightened attention. Native grasslands are known for their deep top-soils that develop over time through the accumulation of soil organic matter. The deep and fibrous root systems that make up two-thirds of the biomass of native grasslands are the primary contributors to the soil organic carbon (SOC) content of grassland soils. Increased SOC content has a cascading effect on soil health metrics through increasing water infiltration and water holding capacity, supporting diverse and abundant soil microbial life, and improving nutrient cycling.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.13023/dshx-2s44
Citation
Bitler, C. and Keyser, Pat, "The Soil Health Properties of Native Grasslands" (2023). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 9.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/XXV_IGC_2023/Ecology/9
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Soil Health Properties of Native Grasslands
Due to an increased interest in soil health and the role soils can have in carbon sequestration, native grasslands are getting heightened attention. Native grasslands are known for their deep top-soils that develop over time through the accumulation of soil organic matter. The deep and fibrous root systems that make up two-thirds of the biomass of native grasslands are the primary contributors to the soil organic carbon (SOC) content of grassland soils. Increased SOC content has a cascading effect on soil health metrics through increasing water infiltration and water holding capacity, supporting diverse and abundant soil microbial life, and improving nutrient cycling.
