Aggregation is a measure of erosion resistance and also promotes infiltration and root development. Larger aggregates were found in pasture, CRP and range soils than in cropped soils. Aggregate MWD was weakly correlated with organic C content. The continuous wheat-fallow and rotated wheat systems show the results of long term cultivation and have declined in soil quality. Under CRP management, soil organic C has increased, but is not yet equivalent to levels found in the native range and pasture.
N are similar to cropped soils.
Q CO2 values in the 0-3 cm of CRP soils are similar to range and pasture. This parameter may predict future changes in organic matter. The changes in soil quality under CRP are indicative that broad-scale monitoring of soil resources is viable.