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Division S-3—Soil Biology & Biochemistry

Biochemical Properties of Decomposing Cotton and Corn Stem and Root Residues

^a USDA-ARS, Integrated Farming and Natural Resources Research Unit, 2413 E. Hwy 83, Weslaco, TX 78596-8344
^b The Univ. of Texas-Pan American, Biology Dep., 1202 West University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539

^* Corresponding author (lzibilske{at}weslaco.ars.usda.gov)

Maintaining soil C is especially difficult in hot climates. Information is needed regarding the influence of residue biochemical properties on decomposition in hot, semiarid climates so that management practices can be developed that improve organic matter retention. Litterbags containing stalk or root tissues of senescent cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) or corn (Zea mays L.) were placed on the surface or 10 cm below the surface of a fallow Hidalgo sandy clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic Typic Calciustoll) near Weslaco, TX, USA (26°9' N lat., 97°57' W long.), and were monitored quarterly for 1 yr for changes in mass, water-extractable C (WEC), water- and alcohol-extractable polyphenolics (WEP and AEP, respectively). Surface-placed cotton residues retained more mass than when buried, from approximately 80% (surface) to <50% (buried). For corn, retention ranged from approximately 60 to approximately 70% for surface residues to approximately 40% for buried residues. Most mass loss occurred within the first three months. The greatest increases in WEC (approximately 1500 µg C g^–1 for corn; approximately 500 µg C g^–1 for cotton) and WEP (approximately 175–325 µg g^–1) for corn also occurred within the first 3 months. Water-extractable polyphenolics peaked (about 100 µg g^–1) in cotton residues at 6 mo, while corn residues reached a maximum (approximately 300 µg g^–1) at 3 months. Over a year, AEP decreased in cotton stem residues, from approximately 5 to 8 to approximately 2 µg g^–1. Surface cotton roots maintained approximately 6 µg g^–1 after three months. Results illustrated the importance of residue moisture content during decomposition, and indicate that different residues may have different capacities to hold moisture, which may affect the biochemical characteristics and kinetics of decomposition.

Abbreviations: AEP, alcohol-extractable polyphenolics • DOM, dissolved organic matter • SOM, soil organic matter • WEC, water-extractable organic C • WEP, water-extractable polyphenolics • *, significant at the 0.05 probability level • **, significant at the 0.01 probability level • ***, significant at the 0.001 probability level

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