Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Agricultural Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Iin P. Handayani; Dr. Thomas Powell
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Soil chemical health is critical for sustaining long-term agricultural productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt, yet continuous monocropping of corn poses persistent challenges to soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient balance, and pH stability. This review synthesizes findings from long-term field studies to compare the impacts of crop rotation and continuous monocropping on soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and soil pH across the Corn Belt. Results consistently show that crop rotation enhances SOM and SOC through increased residue input, diverse root systems, and improved microbial activity, whereas continuous monocropping accelerates organic matter decomposition and carbon loss. Rotational systems, especially those incorporating legumes and cover crops, also improve nutrient cycling and elevate potentially mineralizable nitrogen while reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Soil pH remains more stable under rotational systems due to reduced acidifying fertilizer requirements and improved base cation recycling, in contrast to the gradual acidification observed in continuous corn systems. Overall, crop rotation provides superior long-term soil chemical resilience by supporting carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and pH buffering. These findings underscore the importance of diversified cropping strategies for maintaining soil health, reducing fertilizer dependence, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems in the U.S. Corn Belt. Future research should emphasize multi-decadal trials and more complex rotation designs to refine region-specific sustainability recommendations.
Keywords: Crop rotation, Monocropping, Soil chemical properties, Soil health, U.S. Corn Belt
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Included in
Comparing Effects of Crop Rotation and Continuous Monocropping on Soil Chemical Properties: A Review of Agricultural Practices in the U.S. Corn Belt
Soil chemical health is critical for sustaining long-term agricultural productivity in the U.S. Corn Belt, yet continuous monocropping of corn poses persistent challenges to soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient balance, and pH stability. This review synthesizes findings from long-term field studies to compare the impacts of crop rotation and continuous monocropping on soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and soil pH across the Corn Belt. Results consistently show that crop rotation enhances SOM and SOC through increased residue input, diverse root systems, and improved microbial activity, whereas continuous monocropping accelerates organic matter decomposition and carbon loss. Rotational systems, especially those incorporating legumes and cover crops, also improve nutrient cycling and elevate potentially mineralizable nitrogen while reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Soil pH remains more stable under rotational systems due to reduced acidifying fertilizer requirements and improved base cation recycling, in contrast to the gradual acidification observed in continuous corn systems. Overall, crop rotation provides superior long-term soil chemical resilience by supporting carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and pH buffering. These findings underscore the importance of diversified cropping strategies for maintaining soil health, reducing fertilizer dependence, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems in the U.S. Corn Belt. Future research should emphasize multi-decadal trials and more complex rotation designs to refine region-specific sustainability recommendations.
Keywords: Crop rotation, Monocropping, Soil chemical properties, Soil health, U.S. Corn Belt