Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Publication Date

4-22-2021

Faculty Mentor

Denise Finney

Abstract

Soil health is a critical aspect of an area’s ability to produce viable and healthy crops. Key indicators of soil health are carbon and nitrogen. Previous case studies have reported that carbon concentration decreased with soil depth. We hypothesized that as the soil depth increases, the total soil carbon and nitrogen decreases due to fewer sources of carbon and nitrogen as well as fewer microbes. To test the influence of depth on soil nutrient levels, samples were collected at three different depths, 0-15cm, 15-30cm, and 30cm-60cm; and at three different plots. The total carbon and nitrogen within each sample were analyzed using combustion analysis. The results indicated that as soil depth increased, the total carbon and nitrogen levels decreased. The preliminary study supports the hypothesis that soil carbon and nitrogen levels are influenced by soil depth. Understanding these data are critical for making suggestions for best agriculture management practices.

Comments

Presented as part of the Ursinus College Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA) held April 22, 2021.

The downloadable .mp4 video file is a poster presentation with audio commentary with a run time of 5:38.

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