Publication Date

1994

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Krmenec, Andrew J.||Loubere, Paul

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Geography

LCSH

Soil degradation--Illinois--De Kalb County; Soils--Illinois--De Kalb County--Composition

Abstract

The study compared biological, chemical, and physical properties in three silt loam soils in DeKalb County: conventionally-farmed, alternatively-farmed, and never- cultivated soils. The objective was to assess the effects of agriculture on native soil, and to ask whether there were any differences in soil properties between conventional and alternative agricultural practices. The study found significant differences in soil properties between the never-cultivated soil and the two cultivated soils, and no significant differences between the conventionally- and alternatively-farmed soils. The lack of differences between the two types of management systems was the most interesting result of the study. The study tested levels of soil properties present at sampling time (fall, 1992). A valuable direction for future research would be estimation of the nutrient cycling efficiency of these management systems, i.e., the recycling and retention of energy and nutrients within the systems over time. This could be accomplished by box model calculations and would supplement the picture of standing stock values of soil properties reported by this study.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [64]-70).

Extent

vii, 70 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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