Living Field Laboratory

Living Field LaboratoryRichardHarwood

Michigan State UniversityEast LansingMichigan

rharwood@msu.edu<kbsml_text><p> The Living Field Laboratory is designed to evaluate the effects of extended rotations and different management systems on yield, weed and insect pressure as well as soil health.</p><p>The LFL has a factorial design that allows for the comparison of a number of interactions. These interactions include: differences in management practices (Integrated-Fertilizer vs. Integrated-Compost), rotation effects, and cover crops. The rotation consists of the following crops in the order listed, corn (Zea mays L.)/ corn,/soybean (Glycine max)/wheat (Triticum aestivum). Cover crops vary depending upon the point in the rotation. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is seeded to 1st yr. corn, 2nd yr. corn is in rye grass (lolium multiflorum), soybeans have no cover, and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is seeded into wheat plots.</p></kbsml_text>LTERKBSKellogg Biological StationHickory CornersMichiganGreat LakesKellogg Biological StationData Manager

Kellogg Biological Station3700 East Gull Lake DriveHickory CornersMi49060USAdata.manager@kbs.msu.eduhttp://lter.kbs.msu.edu

uid=KBS,o=lter,dc=ecoinformatics,dc=orgallpublicreadSoil ClassificationIn 1992 the Living Field Laboratory site was mapped for soil texture, horizon identification, and soil classification on the plots that were selected for lysimeter installation. These plots were mapped prior to the installation of the lysimeters. The remaining plots were mapped in the spring of 1993.Soil ClassificationNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-001YearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDOtherPlotIDAdditional identification of the plotAdditional identification of the plotRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeDateSurveyedDate each plot was surveyed and classifiedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18SoilClassificationThe soil type determined by information contained in the texture file - See classification descriptionThe soil type determined by information contained in the texture file - See classification descriptionSoil Class DescriptionsSoil Class DescriptionsNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-002ClassificationThe soil seriesThe soil seriesClassificationDescriptionThe soil descriptionThe soil descriptionTextureTextureNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-003YearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDOtherPlotIDAdditional identification of the plotAdditional identification of the plotRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeDateSurveyedDate each plot was surveyed and classifiedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18HorizonThe name assigned to the horizon based on soil properties The name assigned to the horizon based on soil properties DepthThe depth measured for each horizon1realTextureThe identification based on texture-by-feel method - See Texture DescriptionThe identification based on texture-by-feel method - See Texture DescriptionTexture DescriptionsTexture DescriptionsNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-004TextureKeyundescribedundescribedTextureundescribedundescribedTillageTillage consists of chisel plow, field cultivate, row cultivate, and rotary hoe on various plots. All equipment provided by KBS. TillageNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-005&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallTillageDateDate tillage was doneyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18TillageTypeThe type of tillage done on each plotThe type of tillage done on each plotPlantingCorn and soybeans are planted at a 30 inch row spacing and wheat drilled at a 7 inch spacing.PlantingNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-006&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallPlantingDatesDate each crop was plantedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18RateRate for each crop plantedRate for each crop plantedSeedVarietyThe variety/type of each seed crop plantedThe variety/type of each seed crop plantedCover CropsAll cover crops are purchased from Michigan State Seed (Grand Ledge, MI). Cover crops are planted on the west half of each plot in 1st year corn, 2nd year corn, and wheat (except for the conventional management plots). The different varieties used included: Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) Red clover v. Michigan mammoth (Trifolium pratense L.) Crimson clover Cover CropsNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-007&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallCoverCropPlantDateDate cover crop was plantedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18CoverCropRateRate of cover crop applied1realCoverCropVarietyVariety/type of cover crop appliedVariety/type of cover crop appliedFertilizer Starter fertilizer was applied to corn when planted; nitrogen applied after PSNT (pre sidedress nitrate test) in June. No fertilizer was applied to soybeans. Fertilizer was applied to wheat in early spring; applied in fall at planting through 1994. Lime was applied to all plots on 9/29/1992 at a rate of 2T/a. FertilizerNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-008&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallFertilizerAppDateDate fertilizer was appliedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18ActualAmtThe actual amount of each nutrient applied to each plot1realMaterialAmtThe amount of fertilizer material applied to each plotThe amount of fertilizer material applied to each plotFertTypeThe type of fertilizer applied as indicated by the content of each nutrient (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium)The type of fertilizer applied as indicated by the content of each nutrient (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium)CompostCompost is applied to the organic and compost management treatments and is the only nutrient source of these plots. Composted dairy manure is used and is obtained from various sources. The application rate takes into account the %Moisture and the total %N present in the compost. It is applied on the basis of estimated nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements. It is applied on a dry weight basis. In 1995 the application rate was determined after correction for sand content. This method continues to present.CompostNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-009&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallCompostSourceSource of compost appliedSource of compost appliedCompostAppDateDate compost was appliedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18CompostRateRate of compost appliedRate of compost appliedHerbicides and PesticidesHerbicides and pesticides were applied in spring prior to planting; banded herbicides in the fertilizer treatments and broadcast herbicides in the conventional treatments. Applied as needed any time thereafter.Herbicides and PesticidesNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-010&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springHerbicideAppDateDate herbicide was appliedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18HerbicideAppThe method of herbicide applicationThe method of herbicide applicationHerbicideRateThe rate at which the individual herbicide was applied - left blank if mixture used - See Descritpion of mixtures1realHerbicideType The type of individual herbicide or mixture of herbicide applied. See Description of mixtures The type of individual herbicide or mixture of herbicide applied. See Description of mixturesPesticideAppDateDate pesticide was appliedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18PesticideRateThe rate at which the pesticide was appliedThe rate at which the pesticide was appliedPesticideTypeThe type of pesticide appliedThe type of pesticide appliedHerbicide and Pesticide CompositionHerbicide and Pesticide CompositionNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-011HerbicideTypeThe short name for a herbicide or herbicide mixThe short name for a herbicide or herbicide mixContentsThe components or active ingredients of the herbicide or herbicide mixThe components or active ingredients of the herbicide or herbicide mixHarvestHarvestNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-012&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springHarvestDateDate each crop was harvestedyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18Carbon MineralizationSampling Soil cores are taken at 10 areas per plot at a depth of 10 cm usually after tillage. One step forward is taken in the row and the core is sampled from the resulting footprint. Five soil cores (1.9 cm diameter cylinder wet tip hand probe) are taken in a zigzag pattern up between rows 2 & 3 and five soil cores are taken in a zigzag pattern down between rows 4 & 5 using the footprint method. The cores are taken on either side of the row. The cores are placed directly into a plastic zip lock bag and placed on ice in a cooler. The soils are immediately taken to the laboratory and placed in a cooler at 4 ° C until analysis can be performed. Laboratory Analysis The composite soil samples are mixed, sieved through a 6 mm sieve and sub-sampled for carbon mineralization determination. The sub-samples are allowed to air dry and then placed in a plastic bag for further analysis and/or storage. For carbon incubations, 50 g are weighed into a plastic specimen cup and adjusted to 70% water holding capacity. The cups are placed in quart size wide mouth canning jars, 10 ml of water added to the bottom of the jars (to maintain humidity) and then sealed with the accompanying ring/lid. The lid has a holed drilled in the center and a septa placed in the hole to accommodate gas sampling. The jars are pre-incubated in a darkened controlled temperature room at 25 ° C for 5-7 days. The CO2 content in the headspace of each jar is measured at various timed intervals using an infrared gas analyzer. The jars are flushed with CO2-free air when CO2 concentrations are expected to exceed 6% prior to the next sampling. Reference: Assessment Methods for Soil Carbon. 2001. Chapter 14. Lal, R., Kimble, J. and Follett, R. (eds). CRC Press Boca Tatton, FL.Carbon MineralizationNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-013&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springDepthDepth of soil sample1.0realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18DayLaboratory incubation day1integerRate-CO2Rate of CO2 evolved per day1realCarbon-CO2Rate of CO2 evolved per gm of carbon1realSoil-CO2Rate of CO2 evolved per gm of soil1realNitrogen MineralizationSampling Soil cores are taken at 10 areas per plot at a depth of 10 cm usually after tillage. One step forward is taken in the row and the core is sampled from the resulting footprint. Five soil cores (1.9 cm diameter cylinder wet tip hand probe) are taken in a zigzag pattern up between rows 2 & 3 and five soil cores are taken in a zigzag pattern down between rows 4 & 5 using the footprint method. The cores are taken on either side of the row. The cores are placed directly into a plastic zip lock bag and placed on ice in a cooler. The soils are immediately taken to the laboratory and placed in a cooler at 4 ° C until analysis can be performed. Laboratory Analysis The composite soil samples are mixed, sieved through a 6 mm sieve and sub-sampled for moisture determination. For each composite soil four 20 g dry weight equivalent aliquots are weighed into 100 ml plastic specimen cups and brought to 50% water holding capacity. One cup/soil is immediately extracted (0 day) with 100 ml of 1N KCL and inorganic N (N-NO3- and N-NH4+) concentrations are analyzed using a Lachat automated colorimetric analyzer. The other three cups are placed in plastic storage containers (containing a thin layer of water on the bottom to maintain humidity), loosely capped and incubated in a darkened controlled temperature room at 25 ° C. At each interval (30, 70,150 day) one cup/soil is removed and extracted with 100 ml of 1N KCL. Inorganic N (N-NO3- and N-NH4+) concentrations are analyzed using a Lachat automated colorimetric analyzer. (See Soil Nitrates for more information on extraction procedure). Nitrogen MineralizationNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-014&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springDepthDepth of soil sample1.0realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18DayLaboratory incubation day1integerNO3Inorganic NO3-N1realNH4Inorganic NH4-N1realC and N ContentSampling Sampling is conducted by one of two methods Method 1 Soil cores are taken at 5 areas per plot at a depth of 25 cm. Three soil cores (1.9 cm diameter cylinder wet tip hand probe) are taken in a zigzag pattern up between rows 2 & 3 and two soil cores are taken in a zigzag pattern between down rows 4 & 5. The cores are taken on either side of the row. The cores are combined in a pail, hand crumbled, hand mixed and put into a cardboard soil box. Any remaining soil is placed backed into the plot. The boxes are then placed (within 2-3 hrs of sampling) into the soils dryer (low temperature convection oven) at 110-140 ° F until dry (at least 48 hrs). After removal from the dryer, the soils are then ground using a Hammermill Grinder through a 2 mm sieve and placed back into the box. The soils are then taken to the laboratory for analysis. (See Deep Core Nitrates for sampling protocol for sampling of deep cores). Method 2 Soil cores are taken at 10 areas per plot at a depth of 10 cm usually after tillage. One step forward is taken in the row and the core is sampled from the resulting footprint. Five soil cores (1.9 cm diameter cylinder wet tip hand probe) are taken in a zigzag pattern up between rows 2 & 3 and five soil cores are taken in a zigzag pattern down between rows 4 & 5 using the footprint method. The cores are taken on either side of the row. The cores are placed directly into a plastic zip lock bag and placed on ice in a cooler. The soils are immediately taken to the laboratory and placed in a cooler at 4 ° C until analysis can be performed. Laboratory analysis Analysis corresponds to choice of method. Method 1 Sub-samples are placed in a Qorpak jar containing several metal rods, capped, and placed on a rotary grinder overnight. The ground soil is then placed in plastic vials for future analysis/storage. Method 2 The composite soil samples are mixed and sieved through a 6 mm sieve. Sub-samples are removed and allowed to air dry. These samples are ground with a mortar and pestle and placed in plastic vials for future analysis/storage. If mortar and pestle is insufficient, the soil is placed in a Qorpak jar containing several metal rods, capped, and placed on a rotary grinder overnight. The ground soil is then placed in plastic vials for future analysis/storage. The dried, ground soils are weighed on a microbalance into tin capsules for analysis on a Carlo Erba CHN analyzer for % Total Carbon and Nitrogen.C and N ContentNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-015&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springDepthDepth of soil sample1.0realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18NTotal Nitrogen1realCTotal Carbon1realCNRatioThe ratio of carbon to nitrogen1realNitratesSampling Soil Nitrate is sampled approximately every 2 weeks through growing season (April - October) through 1999; not all years were sampled every 2 weeks depending on ground conditions; only spring and fall sampling from 2000 on. Soil cores are taken at 5 areas per plot at a depth of 25 cm. Three soil cores (1.9 cm diameter cylinder wet tip hand probe) are taken in a zigzag pattern up between rows 2 & 3 and two soil cores are taken in a zigzag pattern between down rows 4 & 5. The cores are taken on either side of the row. The cores are combined in a pail, hand crumbled, hand mixed and put into a cardboard soil box. Any remaining soil is placed backed into the plot. The boxes are then placed (within 2-3 hrs of sampling) into the soils dryer (low temperature convection oven) at 110-140 ° F until dry (at least 48 hrs). After removal from the dryer, the soils are then ground using a Hammermill Grinder through a 2 mm sieve and placed back into the box. The soils are then taken to the laboratory for analysis. Laboratory analysis A 10 g sub-sample is weighed into a 100 ml plastic specimen cup and 50 ml of 1N KCl is added. The cup is shaken for 30 minutes on a reciprocal shaker (approx. 180 strokes per minute). The cup is removed from the shaker and allowed to stand for 15 minutes. The supernatant is then filtered through a Whatman No. 1 filter paper and collected into a small plastic vial. The samples are then analyzed for inorganic N (N-NO3- and N-NH4+) concentrations using a Lachat automated colorimetric analyzer. If analysis cannot be preformed immediately, the vials can be frozen until they can be analyzed. NitratesNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-016&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springDepthDepth of soil sample1realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18NO3Inorganic NO3-N1realNH4Inorganic NH4-N1realDeep NitrateThree soil cores are taken down the center of the plot at the north end, south end and middle of plot. A 1 1/4 inch diameter core cylinder (using the probe truck) is pushed down to approximately 3 1/2 feet. If there is no soil compression, any soil beyond 3 ft. is discarded. If there is soil compression, all of the soil beyond 2 ft. is considered the 3 ft. sample. The probe is marked for each of the depths: 1 ft., 2 ft., and 3 ft. The probe is removed from the ground and inverted. A large screwdriver (or other implement to separate the depths) is used to cut off the 0-1 ft. and put into a pail. The 1-2 ft. is separated and put into another pail. The 2-3 ft. (or 2 ft. to the end) is placed into a 3rd pail. The cores from each site in the plot are combined in a pail, hand crumbled, run through a ¼ inch screen (to remove rocks) and put into a cardboard soil box. The boxes are labeled with the plot ID, depth and date sampled. The boxes are then placed (within 2-3 hrs of sampling) into the soils dryer (low temperature convection oven) at 110-140 ° F until dry (at least 48 hrs). After removal from the dryer, the soils are then ground using a Hammermill Grinder through a 2 mm sieve and placed back into the box. The soils are then taken to the laboratory for analysis. Laboratory analysis. Inorganic N (seeSoil Nitrates), Total C and N (see Total CN), and Macro and Micro nutrients (analyzed in Soil & Plant Nutrient Laboratory, A-81 PSSB, MSU) may be analyzed as determined by the LFL manager. Deep NitrateNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-017&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springFallCropCrop planted in the fallCrop planted in the fallDepthDepth of soil sample1.0realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18NO3Inorganic NO3-N1realNH4Inorganic NH4-N1realLysimetersLysimetersNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-018&limitBy=Year&order=descYearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeYearPlantedYear in which the crop was plantedyyyy864001987-4-18LeachingCropCrop associated with the leachate volume and NO3 valueCrop associated with the leachate volume and NO3 valueDateSampledDate lysimeter was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18LeachateVolume of leachate (water)1realNO3Inorganic NO3-N1realCommentsAny comments pertinent for each plotAny comments pertinent for each plotBig LysimetersBig LysimetersNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-019YearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeYearPlantedYear in which the crop was plantedyyyy864001987-4-18LeachingCropCrop associated with the leachate volume and all valuesCrop associated with the leachate volume and all valuesDateSampledDate lysimeter was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18LeachateVolume of leachate (water)1realNO3Inorganic NO3-N1realNH4Inorganic NH4-N1realPPhosphorus1realKPotassium1realCommentsAny comments pertinent for each plotAny comments pertinent for each plotNutrientsNutrientsNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-020YearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeSpringCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springDepthDepth of soil sample1.0realDateSampledDate soil was sampledyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18pHpH of the sample1realBpHBray pH of the sample1realPPhosphorus1realKPotassium1realCaCalcium1realMgMagnesium1realFeIron1realZnZinc1realMnManganese1realCuCopper1realOrganicOrganic Matter1realYieldsYieldsNonecolumn,http://lternt2.kbs.msu.edu/Data/table.jsp?Product=KBS042-021YearYear in which the date occursyyyy864001987-4-18PlotPlot IDPlot IDRepField repField repCoverCover crop present or notCover crop present or notMgmntManagement typeManagement typeCropCrop planted in the springCrop planted in the springHarvestDateDate of harvestyyyy-mm-dd864001987-4-18YieldThe amount of crop obtained at harvest10.0real