Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This study aimed to trace possible changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) at different soil depths when treated with different levels on nitrogen fertilizer, in both conventional tillage and reduced tillage systems. The experiment was undertaken in Lönnstorp research station at SLU, Alnarp in south west of Sweden, as a part of a long term experiment. The results agreed with the hypothesis that implied there will be no difference in the amount of soil organic carbon in the soil profile between conventional tillage and reduced tillage systems. But results did not certify other hypothesis of higher SOC in top 20 cm of soil in reduced tillage and neither did they comply with hypothesis of higher SOC in 20-50 cm depth in conventional tillage system. Furthermore, higher levels of N fertilization showed no significant effect on the amount of SOC in soil profile in neither of the systems. In order to encourage farmers to include operations to preserve SOC a case study was included in the socio-economic part and discussed. Since the monetary terms and conditions make the idea more acceptable to farmers, the suggested idea in the case study to provide a carbon-exchange system where the total value of the sequestered carbon can be sold and bought like shares seemed to be suitable, but its feasibility in all countries is questionable. In places where providing incentives to the farmers to sequester carbon in the soil is considered, the longevity of this action for many years is required, due to the nature of SOC.