Fortuna et al. Slow release of N from compost reduces the potential for loss to the environment compared to commercial fertilize. Carbon sequestration is increased by residue management practices such as reduced tillage and by cover crops. The Living Field Lab at the Kellogg Biological Station provides information on the interaction of crop rotation, cover crop, and fertilizer management on soil quality and productivity.
Cover crops are crimson clover, red clover, and annual ryegrass.
Nitrogen fertilizer managements are compost and N fertilizer. The Kalamazoo sandy loam soil was sampled at a 0-10 inch depth in 1994 and 1998 prior to tillage. There were few differences between crops within the rotation. Four years of sustainable agriculture management increased the MRT of the slow pool. The MRT of the slow pool was 18 years after four years of compost application.