Patternsof Productivity: An Explicit Comparison of Annual and PerennialCrops vs. Native Ecosystems

Corbin, A.T., G.R. Ponciroli, and G.P. Robertson

Presented at the ASM at Snowbird (2000-08-02 to 2017-12-05 )

Net primary productivity (NPP) estimates present an essential piece of the puzzle in our comprehension of nutrient and energy cycling through managed and native ecosystems. Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) is measured at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS LTER) project site in an array of environments from annual cropping systems to deciduous forests. The various plant communities in these habitats involve discrete harvest and/or sampling methods. ANPP measurements in crops are taken pre-harvest at peak annual biomass. Non-crop plant communities are measured at physiological maturity for annuals and pre-senescence for perennials. Multiple sampling stations in each plot are sampled for plant biomass.Net primary productivity (NPP) estimates present an essential piece of the puzzle in our comprehension of nutrient and energy cycling through managed and native ecosystems. Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) is measured at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS LTER) project site in an array of environments from annual cropping systems to deciduous forests. The various plant communities in these habitats involve discrete harvest and/or sampling methods. ANPP measurements in crops are taken pre-harvest at peak annual biomass. Non-crop plant communities are measured at physiological maturity for annuals and pre-senescence for perennials. Multiple sampling stations in each plot are sampled for plant biomass.Comparing 3-year productivity results of managed corn-soybean-wheat rotations to perennial crop and native communities emphasizes differences between agricultural and native ecosystems. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature need to be considered when comparing productivity between ecosystems over time. The 1993-1995 productivity means shows the poplar trees to be the most productive treatment producing 8100 kg/ha/yr more biomass than the conventionally tilled high input crops. A more in-depth analysis involving environmental factors over differing time periods will be presented.Comparing 3-year productivity results of managed corn-soybean-wheat rotations to perennial crop and native communities emphasizes differences between agricultural and native ecosystems. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature need to be considered when comparing productivity between ecosystems over time. The 1993-1995 productivity means shows the poplar trees to be the most productive treatment producing 8100 kg/ha/yr more biomass than the conventionally tilled high input crops. A more in-depth analysis involving environmental factors over differing time periods will be presented.

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