To research the development and evaluation of pathways to net-zero emission agriculture and cropping systems
By Sandhya Karki
Soil management practices that enhance soil health are increasingly recognized as crucial strategies for mitigating climate change. Applying biochar and integrating cover crops in crop rotation are commonly recommended soil management practices for enhancing carbon sequestration and improving soil health. However, limited studies exist on the combined effect of these practices on soil physical properties.
Under a Sloan Foundation project with PI Dr. Laura Lindsey, Dr. Sandhya Karki is investigating the impacts of biochar, cover crops, and their combination on soil physical properties. The field experiments were established in the fall of 2020 at two Ohio State University research stations: Western Agricultural Research Station and Northwest Agriculture Research Station. These stations represent two different soil textures: medium and fine. The experimental sites were managed under a no-till cropping system under corn-soybean-soybean crop rotation. A pine-derived biochar was applied once in the fall of 2020, and the cover crop was established a year later.
Soil samples were collected in the fall of 2023 to evaluate bulk density, water retention, and aggregate stability. Additionally, soil penetration resistance was measured in the field. The Sloan project completed in December 2023, with an extension for proper analysis and synthesis of the findings. Dr. Karki has completed the analysis, data processing, and handling of these soil samples and is now finalizing the manuscript based on the findings.