Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Agriculture Science
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Agriculture Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
I.P Handayani
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
It is crucial to understand how different cropping systems influence soil health to boost the efficiency of resources and sustainable agricultural outputs. This study examined the effects of leguminous (soybean and pea) and non-leguminous (sunflower and maize) cropping systems on selected soil characteristics. On September 16th, 2025, soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0-7.5 cm depth of West Farm, Murray, Kentucky. Disturbed samples were analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC), while undisturbed samples were used to determine bulk density, porosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water field capacity (SWFC). The results indicated that soybean and pea fields were more acidic with pH range (5.43 and 6.23) and contained lower SOM and SOC, with soybean having the lowest values (SOM 3.66%, SOC 2.70%). In contrast, maize had higher SOM (5.68%) and SOC (3.29%), lower bulk density (1.66 g/cm³), and greater porosity (37.24%), whereas the sunflower field had greater SWFC (29.13%). Leguminous fields, soybeans, and peas exhibited slightly higher bulk density, 1.72 g/cm³ and 1.73 g/cm³, respectively, indicating a higher compaction level and reduced porosity of (34.57% and 34.92%), resulting in the lowest SWHC in peas (25.30%). Overall, non-leguminous cropping systems demonstrated good soil structure and moisture retention, indicating better physical soil quality. These findings highlight the complexity of crop-soil interactions and indicate that there must be further research to explore how different cropping patterns may influence soil quality and sustainability in long term.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Research Poster Competition and Presentations, Soil/Crop Management (Agriculture) and Sustainability
Included in
Assessing Soil Quality Indicators in Leguminous and Non-leguminous Cropping Systems
It is crucial to understand how different cropping systems influence soil health to boost the efficiency of resources and sustainable agricultural outputs. This study examined the effects of leguminous (soybean and pea) and non-leguminous (sunflower and maize) cropping systems on selected soil characteristics. On September 16th, 2025, soil samples (24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed) were collected from the 0-7.5 cm depth of West Farm, Murray, Kentucky. Disturbed samples were analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon (SOC), while undisturbed samples were used to determine bulk density, porosity, soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and soil water field capacity (SWFC). The results indicated that soybean and pea fields were more acidic with pH range (5.43 and 6.23) and contained lower SOM and SOC, with soybean having the lowest values (SOM 3.66%, SOC 2.70%). In contrast, maize had higher SOM (5.68%) and SOC (3.29%), lower bulk density (1.66 g/cm³), and greater porosity (37.24%), whereas the sunflower field had greater SWFC (29.13%). Leguminous fields, soybeans, and peas exhibited slightly higher bulk density, 1.72 g/cm³ and 1.73 g/cm³, respectively, indicating a higher compaction level and reduced porosity of (34.57% and 34.92%), resulting in the lowest SWHC in peas (25.30%). Overall, non-leguminous cropping systems demonstrated good soil structure and moisture retention, indicating better physical soil quality. These findings highlight the complexity of crop-soil interactions and indicate that there must be further research to explore how different cropping patterns may influence soil quality and sustainability in long term.