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Crop Fertilization Helps
Stabilize Carbon in the Soil
The primary role of crop
fertilization has been and will continue to be that of increasing crop yield and
quality. An additional benefit is
improved environmental protection. It has been shown that proper fertilization
results in fast growing, vigorous plants that rapidly close their above-ground
canopy to protect the soil from the effects of wind and water—and thus runoff
and erosion. Also, healthy crops develop massive root systems that help to hold
the soil in place. Another environmental benefit of fertilization is that it
contributes to the stabilization of carbon (C) in the soil. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
is one of the three primary global warming gases. When C is tied up or
stabilized in the soil, the release of CO2
into the atmosphere is lowered, thus
reducing the potential for global warming.
There is strong evidence that
there is a relatively stable sink of CO2
in North America. For example, the U.S.
exports more C in agricultural and wood products than it imports. Further, it
stores about 500 million tons of C annually in forest and non-forest soils.
Indications are that the agricultural sector is storing more C in soil organic
matter and crop residues than it once did, in part due to use of conservation
tillage and crop fertilization.
A proper nutrient management
system, one that considers existing soil fertility and the need for supplemental
fertilization, aids in the capture of atmospheric CO2,
improves photosynthesis, enhances the release of oxygen into the atmosphere, and
increases soil organic C. For example,
research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has shown that
nitrogen (N) fertilization increases both soil organic C and the soil’s
productivity.
Extensive reports from
long-term research indicate that whenever N fertilization results in higher crop
yields, the accumulation of C in soil organic matter also increases.
Furthermore, there is evidence that N itself is chemically involved in the
stabilization of soil C. It is thought that N compounds are involved in the
formation of humus and, as a result, help to stabilize C in soil organic matter.
Other long-term studies have shown that soil organic C levels are highest when
conservation tillage is combined with rotations of high residue crops and
adequate fertilization to increase yields.
The
role of crop fertilization in protecting the environment is undeniable.
Helping to stabilize C in the soil is an
important example. The key to the total benefit of crop fertilization—for yield
and quality increases and environmental protection—is a sound fertilization
program. Proper nutrient
management should be an integral part of every farmer’s overall management
program.
This page prepared from Potash and Phosphate Institute online.
Below, Cleveland Potash Company explanation of the processing of potash to potassium fertilizer.
One of the world's most sophisticated and efficient mines
02/01/2009