top of page

How crop residue becomes soil organic matter and plant nutrients

Crop residue, or the above-ground portion of crops (stems and leaves), are a major contributor to soil carbon and recycling of nutrients to subsequent crops.  

residue_edited.jpg

Dynamics of crop roots and
soil biogeochemistry

While agriculture production is often focused on above-ground portion of crops (yield), roots are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in yield, but also having soil and environmental benefits.  The soils surrounding roots are hot spots of chemical reactions

and biological activity (called the rhizosphere). 

corn 73_2 - b.jpg
DSCN2409.JPG

Soil-Plant Interactions in the McDaniel Lab

bottom of page