Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Agriculture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin P. Handayani, PhD.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Soil properties are fundamental to sustainable agricultural productivity, influencing crop yield and soil health. This study examined the effects of perennial grassland systems compared to annual maize–soybean (Zea mays–Glycine max) cropping on selected soil properties. Grassland systems such as Kentucky bluegrass and Miscanthus provide continuous cover that enhances soil structure, water retention, while annual systems often involve greater soil disturbance and higher fertilizer use. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed, six replications per crop) were collected on September 13th, 2025 from Grenada and Calloway silt loam soils at Pullen Farm, Murray, KY. Soil chemical properties, including pH (measured in distilled water, 1:2.5 ratio), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil organic matter (SOM), were analyzed using the Loss On Ignition method. Physical properties such as macroporosity, total porosity, bulk density, soil water field capacity (SWFC), and soil water-holding capacity (SWHC) were determined using the gravimetric method. Results showed slightly acidic soils, with average pH values of 5.54 for annual crops and 5.65 for grasslands. Grasslands exhibited higher SOC (3.89%) and SOM (7.14%) compared to annual crops (3.03% and 5.22%, respectively). Macroporosity averaged 44.09% in grasslands and 41.75% in annual systems. Bulk density remained similar (1.20 g cm⁻³) for both systems. Grasslands also showed greater SWHC (47.36%) and SWFC (35%) than annual crops (41.14% and 34.02%). Overall, perennial grasslands had higher soil properties except bulk density, compared to maize–soybean systems. This research would help farmers by improving water retention and enhancing long-term agricultural productivity.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Research Poster Competition and Presentations, Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability
COMPARING THE SOIL PROPERTIES ASSESSMENT BETWEEN ANNUAL CROPS AND GRASSLAND SYSTEMS
Soil properties are fundamental to sustainable agricultural productivity, influencing crop yield and soil health. This study examined the effects of perennial grassland systems compared to annual maize–soybean (Zea mays–Glycine max) cropping on selected soil properties. Grassland systems such as Kentucky bluegrass and Miscanthus provide continuous cover that enhances soil structure, water retention, while annual systems often involve greater soil disturbance and higher fertilizer use. A total of 48 soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed, six replications per crop) were collected on September 13th, 2025 from Grenada and Calloway silt loam soils at Pullen Farm, Murray, KY. Soil chemical properties, including pH (measured in distilled water, 1:2.5 ratio), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil organic matter (SOM), were analyzed using the Loss On Ignition method. Physical properties such as macroporosity, total porosity, bulk density, soil water field capacity (SWFC), and soil water-holding capacity (SWHC) were determined using the gravimetric method. Results showed slightly acidic soils, with average pH values of 5.54 for annual crops and 5.65 for grasslands. Grasslands exhibited higher SOC (3.89%) and SOM (7.14%) compared to annual crops (3.03% and 5.22%, respectively). Macroporosity averaged 44.09% in grasslands and 41.75% in annual systems. Bulk density remained similar (1.20 g cm⁻³) for both systems. Grasslands also showed greater SWHC (47.36%) and SWFC (35%) than annual crops (41.14% and 34.02%). Overall, perennial grasslands had higher soil properties except bulk density, compared to maize–soybean systems. This research would help farmers by improving water retention and enhancing long-term agricultural productivity.