NCERA_OLD59: Soil Organic Matter: Formation, Function and Management
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
NCERA_OLD59: Soil Organic Matter: Formation, Function and Management
Duration: 10/01/2011 to 09/30/2016
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
Many contemporary environmental and ecological challenges facing society are related to the management of soil organic matter (SOM). These include sequestration of C in soil, fate and transport of pollutants, soil bioremediation, crop nutrition, and sustainable ecosystem management. NCERA-59 is the only multi-state group in the U.S. dedicated to the discussion of SOM and its role in affecting soil biological, chemical and physical properties. The work of this committee helps us understand how soil management can enhance soil nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services. This research and outreach effort is important for the protection of soil resources, reduction of environmental impacts from agricultural activity, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. To work toward these goals, the committee will continue to research the genesis, composition, reactivity and function of particulate and humic substances
Many scientists outside the North Central Region participate regularly in the annual meeting of the committee. One of the most important functions of NCERA-59 is to provide an informal setting for exchanging ideas among scientists interested in the various roles of SOM in the functioning of ecosystems. The technical outreach component of this committee has been especially important in transferring information to its members as well as to the general research community. In addition, many of the efforts of committee members have influenced policy at both the state and local level. The committee is especially valuable for younger scientists, since it provides an excellent opportunity for them to interact with experienced SOM researchers from different areas of the country. A major strength of the NCERA-59 group is the diversity of member research interests in microbial, biochemical, chemical, physical and applied aspects of SOM dynamics.
The NCERA-59 committee proposes to continue its historical mission of promoting research cooperation among its members, fostering interest in understanding the basic principles of organic matter formation, humus chemistry, and SOM dynamics, and applying such knowledge to problems of regional and national scope. The committee also proposes to continue providing leadership in initiating, planning and implementing timely symposia on the role of SOM in issues of public concern such as C sequestration, biodiversity, soil and water quality, and sustainability of the soil resource. This remains an important function of the committee, with numerous symposia and proceedings having been organized since its inception
Objectives
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Coordinate research collaborations and information exchange on the biochemistry, biological transformations, and physical/chemical fractions of soil organic matter. Applications of this work can: (a) improve nutrient cycling and use efficiency in cropping systems, (b) determine soil carbon storage potential, (c) assess the stress and resilience of soils impacted by agricultural and other anthropogenic activities (d) better define particulate organic matter and potentially mineralizable C and N pools as indicators of nutrient release (e) mitigate greenhouse gases and (f) remediate degraded or contaminated soils
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Identify and evaluate indicators that can be used to assess soils as a resource for ecosystem services. These may include detailed chemical characterizations of physically extracted fractions and interactions among soil microorganisms, plants and SOM.
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Conduct outreach activities to scientists in related disciplines and practitioners to promote the ecological management of soils, including practices that repair or sustain functionally important soil organic matter fractions in both managed and undisturbed systems.
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Co-sponsor symposia at national and international meetings. Contribute and participate in educational and outreach activities to include training of the next generation of scientists.
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Interact with other regional committees as appropriate.
Procedures and Activities
1) We will accomplish Objectives 1&2 through the following targeted activities:
(a) annual committee meetings, each focused on one of the themes listed in Obj. 1&2, using roundtable discussions, invited and NCERA-59 participant presentations, and field or lab tours for reporting results and information exchange;
(b) exploring funding for collaborative research grant opportunities on the formation, function and management of SOM across spatial scales.
(c) Subgroups of members with collaborative projects or interests will summarize their work for presentations at national meetings and in review papers.
2) Outreach activities will include the collection and dissemination of research findings and advances in SOM management on the internet as well as with scientists in related fields at meetings organized under Objectives 4&5.
3) We will work with national and international societies to co-sponsor soil organic matter oriented symposia that emphasize research on humus chemistry, the role of soil organic matter in C sequestration and nutrient cycling, biodiversity, soil and water quality, and productivity. The Soil Science Society of America, International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), International Humic Substances Society and the Soil Ecological Society are examples of societies that actively engage in areas directly related to the goals of NCERA-59. Many of the members of NCERA-59 are participants in these societies and actively engage in symposia and publications that these societies produce.
4) We will coordinate NCERA-59 meetings with other appropriate NIFA committees, including NC-1178 that focuses on the impacts of crop residue removal for biofuels on soil properties, as well as other groups.
Expected Outcomes and Impacts
- There will be a synergistic impact on the research programs of NCERA-59 members through exchange of ideas, information, and data. Collaborations among members will result in scientific publications and reviews.
- Organizing symposia at national and international meetings will continue to promote information exchange among the professional community. Our face to face NCERA-59 meetings over several days provide a unique opportunity to develop high impact, timely and emerging ideas for symposia as well as identify speakers. NCERA-59 has sponsored symposia at professional societies, including the Soil Science Society of America, Soil Ecological Society, and International Humic Substances Society.
- The NCERA059 grant writing committee will be a powerful tool for enhancing the development of resources for collaborative research projects. By creating new funding streams for programs, the grant committees will deepen existing ties and enhance programs. The grant committee will met virtual to write a proposal at any time a grant opportunity is identified and matched with our programs needs. The grant committee will work between the regular meetings to ensure that any opportunities that present themselves can be met. Therefore, the grant committees will exist at all times and will be active anytime there is a need.
- Outreach materials will address, organismal based processes, chemical and physical measures of SOM and carbon sequestration.
Projected Participation
View Appendix E: ParticipationEducational Plan
Education and outreach will be accomplished through the following activities:
(1) Significant contributions resulting from idea and information exchange by the committee will be summarized in review papers and/or presented at national meetings.
(2) Symposia will be organized at national meetings to promote information exchange among the professional community.
(3) Committee members will inform extension educators and others, including policy makers, of issues pertaining to SOM formation, function and management.
(4) Contribute to eXtension and disseminate research results through other electronic forms of science based information.
(5) Document thesis and dissertations that are produced by participants in the NCERA 59 committee.
Organization/Governance
NCERA59's governance will follow the standard description. The recommended Standard Governance for multistate research activities include the election of a Chair, a Chair-elect, and a Secretary. All officers are to be elected for at least two-year terms to provide continuity. Administrative guidance will be provided by an assigned Administrative Advisor and a NIFA Representative.
Literature Cited
Balser, T, and D. Wixon. 2009. Investigating biological control over soil carbon temperature sensitivity. Global Change Biology, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.01946.x
Cihacek, L. J., B. B. Botnen and E. N. Steadman. 2010. A Sampling Protocol for Monitoring, Measurement, and Verification of Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration in Soils. Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership (PCO2R) Value-Added Report. Univ. of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. April 2010.
Geisseler D, and W.R. Horwath. 2009. Relationship between carbon and nitrogen availability and extracellular enzyme activities in soil. Pedobiologia.: 53: 87-98.
Goebel, M., S. E. Hobbie, B. Bulaj, M. Zadworny, D. D. Archibald, J. Oleksyn, P. B. Reich and D. M. Eissenstat. "Decomposition of the finest root branching orders: Linking carbon and nutrient dynamics belowground to fine root function and structure." Ecological Monographs (accepted for publication, 6-25-2010).
Ruark, Matthew D., Sylvie M. Brouder and Ronald F. Turco. Dissolved Organic Carbon Losses from Tile Drained Agroecosystems J. Environ. Qual. 38:12051215 (2009).
Stubbs, T.L., A.C. Kennedy and A. Fortuna. 2010. Use of NIRS to predict cereal residue fiber content and decomposition. J. Agric. Food Chem.58, 398403 DOI:10.1021/jf9025844
Wander, M. 2009. Strategy for agroecosystem development: updating the humus theory. 2009. In Agricultural Ecosystems; Unifying Concepts II. Bohlen, P. and G. House. Taylor and Francis, NY.
Wander. M.M. with input from Richard Dick and others in NCERA-59. 2009. Measures of Soil Biology and Biological Activity. http://www.extension.org/article/18626