University of Wisconsin - Madison | Department of Soil Science

Department of Soil Science
University of Wisconsin - Madison
608.262.2633

1999 Agronomy Abstracts

Division A-1 - Resident Education

Student Response and Outcomes with the Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules. P. Barak*, E.A. Nater, J.L. Boettinger, and A.H. Duin, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Univ. Minnesota-TC, Utah St. Univ., Univ. Minnesota-TC.

Division A-3 - Agroclimatology and Agronomic Modeling

A New Approach to Infrared Thermometry. J.M. Baker, USDA-ARS, J.M. Norman, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Division A-5 - Environmental Quality

Residual Effect of 15 Years of Biosolids Application on Crop Yield, Crop and Soil Analysis, and Groundwater. A.E. Peterson*, P.E. Speth, T.H. Wright, and P.L. Schlecht, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Dairy Diet Effects on Phosphorus Cycles of Cropland. J.M. Powell*, Z. Wu, and L.D. Satter, Univ. of Wisconsin and USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center.

Division A-7 - Agricultural Research Station Management

Application of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS to Farm Management. D.H. Mueller*, S. Mukhtyar, P.R. Nichols, R.F. Harris, S.J. Ventura, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Application of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS to Experiment Station Design. D. Wiersma*, S. Mukhtyar, P.R. Nichols, R.F. Harris, S.J. Ventura, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Division S-1 - Soil Physics

Field Observations Suggesting Preferential Flow Through Frozen and Unfrozen Soil. K.R. Brye*, J.M. Norman, L.G. Bundy, and S.T. Gower, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Characterizing Soil Properties in 3-D Using Multiple Sensor Penetrometer Technology. D.J. Rooney, J.M. Norman, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, S.H. Lieberman, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Ctr., San Diego, CA, S. Grunwald , Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Preferential Flow to Tile Drains in Southeastern Indiana. E.J. Kladivko, Purdue Univ., K-J.S. Kung, Univ. of Wisconsin, T.J. Gish, USDA-ARS

A Generalized Theory for Preferential Flow. T.S. Steenhuis*, J.-Y. Parlange, C.J.G. Darnault, Y.-J. Kim, O. McHugh, Cornell Univ., K-J.S. Kung, Univ. of Wisconsin, and M.S. Akhtar, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council

Temporal Dynamics of Preferential Flow in an Iowa Soil. D.B. Jaynes*, K-J.S. Kung, R.S. Kanwar, and S.I. Ahmed, USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Lab, Univ. of Wisconsin, and Iowa State University

From Narrow Trail to Five-Lane Highway. K.S. Kung*, E.J. Kladivko, T.J. Gisih, T.S. Steenhuis, D. Jaynes, G. Bubenzer, and C.S. Helling, Univ. of Wisconsin, Purdue Univ., USDA-ARS, and Cornell Univ.

Impact of Subsurface Stratigraphy on Soil Moisture and Yield Variability. T.J. Gish*, W.P. Dulaney, C.S.T. Daughtry, K-J.S. Kung, D. Jones, P. Miller, and J. Doolittle. USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, WI; Advanced Geological Services, Columbia, MD; and USDA-NRCS, Randor, PA

Determination of Funnel Flow Processes at the Watershed Scale. W.P. Dulaney*, T.J. Gish, C.S.T. Daughtry, K-J.S. Kung, D. Jones, P. Miller, P. Buss, and J. Doolittle, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Advanced Geological Services, Columbia, MD, Sentek Pty Ltd., South Australia, and USDA-NRCS, Randor, PA

Interpolating Point Measurements of Soil Hydraulic Properties to Model Landscape Water Flow. C.L. Morgan, C.A. Rodgers, J.M. Norman, B. Lowery, K. McSweeney, Univ. of Wisconsin.

Complexities of Soil Aggregation Processes within the Biophysical Matrix. J.M. Norman, K. McSweeney, Univ. of Wisconsin

Status of Diagnostic Tests for Nitrogen Availability in Corn. R.H. Fox*, Penn State Univ., W.P. Piekielek, Penn State Univ., L.G. Bundy, Univ. of Wisconsin.

15 N Labeling of Dairy Feces and Urine by Feeding Organic or Inorganic 15 N. J.M. Powell*, G. Iemhoff and Z. Wu, Univ. of Wisconsin and USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center

Division S-5 - Pedology

Creating Photomicrograph Mosaics for Soil Micromorphology. K. L. Maltoni, UNESP/Fac. Eng., Brazil, P. Barak , and K. McSweeney* Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Soil Landscape Models Portrayed in Virtual Reality Modeling Language. S. Grunwald *, P. Barak, K. McSweeney, Dept of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Origin of Balsam Poplar Oases in Arctic Alaska. J.D. O'Brien, J.G. Bockheim*, K.M. Hinkel, and J.S. Munroe, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Univ. of Cincinnati

Using a Penetrometer to Produce a 3-D Model of Soil Patterns. S. Grunwald , B. Lowery, M.K. Clayton, K. McSweeney, G.L. Hart, D. J. Rooney, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

General Slope Classification System for Soil-Landscape Analysis. S.J. Park, K. McSweeney, B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Paleosol Micromorphology: A Lens into the Past. K. McSweeney, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin, D.E. Fastovsky, Dept. of Geology, Univ. Rhode Island, G. Retallack, Dept. of Geology, Univ. Oregon

Soil Formation within Closed Depressions of a Glaciated Landscape and the Prediction of Their Spatial Occurrence. P. Almond, Lincoln Univ., New Zealand, S.J. Park, K. McSweeney, B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Division S-6 - Soil and Water Management and Conservation

Impact of Burning on the Hydrologic Cycle of a Restored Tallgrass Prairie. K.R. Brye*, J.M. Norman, L.G. Bundy, and S.T. Gower, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Minimizing Dry Zones and Nitrate Leaching in Potato Hills Using Surfactants. E.T. Cooley* and B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Identifying Surface Runoff Contributing Areas Using Ceramic Beads. J.E. Richmond*, B. Lowery, L.D. Norton and J.R. Samuelson, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Purdue Univ.

Division S-7 - Forest and Range Soils

Species-related Differences in Throughfall Chemistry in Old-growth Northern Hardwood Stands, Upper Michigan. R. Fujinuma* and J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Eight-Year Response of Populus tremuloides to Soil Compaction and Organic Matter Removal, Northwestern Wisconsin. J.M. Sternfels* and J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ozone and CO 2 Enrichment Alters N Resorption Efficiency in Populus tremuloides . W.F. Parsons, R.L. Lindroth, and J.G. Bockheim*, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Division S-8 - Nutrient Management and Soil and Plant Analysis

Effect of Tillage System on Alfalfa N Credit to Wheat. K.A. Kelling*, and P.E. Speth, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Division S-11 - Soils and Environmental Quality

Atrazine and Nitrate Leaching in an Eroded Silt Loam with Organic Amendments: Field vs. Model Data. F.J. Arriaga, B. Lowery, Univ of Wisconsin-Madison

Land-Use Effects on Dissolved Nitrogen and Carbon in Leachates from a Sandy Soil. G.R. von Kiparsky*, J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

Evaluation of Industrial and Agricultural By-Products Composting. L.R. Cooperband*, A.G. Stone, and J.L. Ravet, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

The Reliability of the Soil Survey in Predicting Septic System Suitability. A.C. Engebretson, American Soc. of Agronomy, E.J. Tyler, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Computer Software Application Committee

Structure and Function of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS. R.F. Harris, S. Grunwald, K. McSweeney, S. Mukhtyar, B. Lowery, S.J. Ventura, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Using Interactive 3-D Models of Minerals in Instrauction: Technology and Pedagogy. E.A. Nater, Univ. of Minnesota, J.L. Boettinger, Utah State Univ., P. Barak, Univ. of Wisconsin, A.H. Duin, Univ. of Minnesota

Special Sessions ASA, CSSA, SSSA

Diversity in Agriculture Symposium

Advancement of Soil Science: Contribution by Minorities. B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

USDA-NRI Poster Session

Accelerated Soil Weathering Due to Nutrient Inputs in Wisconsin Cropping Systems. M. Avila-Segura, P. Barak, D.A. Laird, and J.L. Posner, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, USDA-NSTL, Ames, IA

Effect of Organic Amendment Quality on Disease Suppression in Sandy Soils. A.G. Stone*, G.E. Vallad, R.M. Goodman, W.R. Stevenson, and L.R. Cooperband, Univ. of Wisconsin.

Geographic Information Systems and Site-Specific Management for Integrated Crop Production and Nonpoint Source Pollution Protection. B. Lowery*, K. McSweeney, J.M. Norman, S. Grunwald, and R.F. Harris, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Gene Transfer and Evolution of Novel Metabolic Pathways in Soil Bacteria. A.S. Yuroff, W.J. Hickey*, and A.R. Arment, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

Relevance of Biodiversity to the Sustainability of Agricultural Systems. V.A. Gollwitzer, A.S. Yuroff, P.A. Selbach, W.H. Hickey*, and R.F. Harris, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

1999 Agronomy Abstracts

Division A-1 - Resident Education

Student Response and Outcomes with the Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules . P. Barak*, E.A. Nater, J.L. Boettinger, and A.H. Duin, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Univ. Minnesota-TC, Utah St. Univ., Univ. Minnesota-TC.
Recent advances in computer software and www browser plug-ins permit visual representation of spatial coordinates of molecular models in "2-1/2-D" representations, i.e., interactive screen representations with shadows and perspective. A growing collection of interactive visualizations of models of interest to soil science, incorporated into HTML modules with text and highlighting features, has been made available by the authors as the "Minerals & Molecules Project" at the Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules, URL (http://www.soils.wisc.edu/virtual_museum or http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/virtual_museum). One year's use of interactive web-based molecular models and modules in more than 10 different undergraduate and graduate classes and universities will be summarized, including student responses and contributions.
Phillip Barak, 608 263-5450, pwbarak@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division A-3 - Agroclimatology and Agronomic Modeling

A New Approach to Infrared Thermometry . J.M. Baker, USDA-ARS, J.M. Norman, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Surface temperature is a critical variable, but is difficult to measure accurately. Infrared thermometry is often the method of choice, but is plagued by problems that limit its absolute accuracy. These include calibration shifts and an inability to eliminate or correct for the influence of detector temperature on the measurement. We describe a new approach that eliminates these problems by switching the detector back and forth between two positions: one viewing the scene of interest and one viewing a temperature-controlled blackbody cavity. In laboratory tests, the mean absolute error of the instrument over a 24 C temperature range was 0.04 C. In field tests over a water surface, the MAE was 0.17 C, while a second IRT from the same manufacturer, operated in conventional mode produced a MAE of 2.2 C. The concept appears to offer substantial improvement in surface temperature measurement.
John M. Baker, 612 625-4249, jbaker@soils.umn.edu

Division A-5 - Environmental Quality

Residual Effect of 15 Years of Biosolids Application on Crop Yield, Crop and Soil Analysis, and Groundwater . A.E. Peterson*, P.E. Speth, T.H. Wright, and P.L. Schlecht, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Research was undertaken in 1979 to determine the effect of biosolids on the nutrient content of the soil, groundwater, and corn ( Zea mays L.) Grown on a Plano silt loam (prairie) soil. Liquid sewage sludge (bio-solids) from the Milwaukee South Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant was applied at the rate of 6.6 and 13.2 Mg ha -1 initially, with some plots receiving the same treatment annually. The normal rate (6.6 Mg ha -1 ) supplied 200 kg ha -1 of available N and 200 kg ha -1 of P for the corn. After 15 yr of corn production and the annual biosolid applications of 6.6 and 13.2 Mg ha -1 , the corn grain yield averages about 3.30 MT ha -1 more than the untreated and about the same as the fertilizer treatment. However, after 4 yr of measuring the residual effect, the fertilizer treatment yields have decreased by one-third, while the biosolid yields have remained constant. After 19 yr, the high soil P is not hurting the balance of nutrients nor the yield of corn. A.E. Peterson, (608) 262-2631, aepeters@facstaff.wisc.edu

Dairy Diet Effects on Phosphorus Cycles of Cropland. J.M. Powell*, Z. Wu, and L.D. Satter, Univ. of Wisconsin and USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center.
The repeated importation of feed and fertilizer has resulted in soil nutrient accumulation and loss from dairy farms. Many dairy producers feed supplemental phosphorus (P) at 25 to 30% in excess of that required for maximum milk production. This paper examines how the excessive supplementation of a dairy cow diet with inorganic P affects the land required for recycling manure P through crops, and the ability of dairy farms to recycle manure P in view of new regulations that limit the land application of manure based on crop P requirements. Approximately 0.6 ha of cropland is required to recycle manure P excreted by a lactating cow fed a P adequate diet. The addition of supplemental P to raise dietary P from 3.8 g kg -1 of diet dry matter, a level adequate for lactating cows, to 4.8 g kg -1 typical of diets currently fed in North America, increases the cropland needed for recycling manure by 38%. The decision on how much dietary P to feed profoundly affects how many cows and for how long a farm can support milk production before all cropland attains excessive levels of soil test P. For example, the annual addition of 6.8 kg P per cow to increase dietary P from 3.8 to 4.8 g kg -1 for a 90 cow herd on a 78 ha farm would create excessive soil test P levels in all fields within 38 years.
J.M. Powell, 608-264-5044, jmpowel2@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division A-7 - Agricultural Research Station Management

Application of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS to Farm Management. D.H. Mueller*, S. Mukhtyar, P.R. Nichols, R.F. Harris, S.J. Ventura, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
The 2,037-acre Arlington Agricultural Research Station (ARS) located 20 miles north of the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison campus, is the prototype ARS for customizing the ArcView-based Wisconsin ARS GIS for farm management. A comprehensive inventory of multi-scale land attributes and Access-based farm records organized within a hierarchal, modular structure, provides state, county and farm perspectives and data input for customized farm management. A user-friendly, enhanced flexibility query system allows for visual display of station records linked to field and annually-revised subfield boundaries and geographic attributes such as soil type and slope. Hard copy of such visual displays of integrated GIS information are incorporated into daily work plans for applications of chemicals, fertilizer, tillage and planting.
R.F. Harris, 608 265-0677, rfharris@facstaff.wisc.edu

Application of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS to Experiment Station Design. D. Wiersma*, S. Mukhtyar, P.R. Nichols, R.F. Harris, S.J. Ventura, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
The Marshfield Agricultural Research Station (ARS) has recently acquired additional land for agronomic and dairy research, and is the prototype ARS for customizing the ArcView-based Wisconsin ARS GIS for designing and developing new experiment station landfarm. A comprehensive inventory of multi-scale land attributes and Access-based farm records organized within a hierarchal, modular structure, provides state, county and farm perspectives and data input for station design. This presentation emphasizes the use of state-and county-scale spatial data (digital elevation models and soil type) and farm-scale data collected by researchers using GPS and other techniques to 1) design a surface water drainage system, and 2) identify uniform land areas so that fields can be optimized in size and location for equipment and research needs.
R.F. Harris, 608 265-0677, rfharris@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-1 - Soil Physics

Field Observations Suggesting Preferential Flow Through Frozen and Unfrozen Soil. K.R. Brye*, J.M. Norman, L.G. Bundy, and S.T. Gower, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Preferential flow of water and solutes may be occurring through agricultural soil between growing seasons due to winter snow melt and during the growing season due to extreme precipitation events. Equilibrium tension lysimeters (ETLs) were used beneath 1.4 m undisturbed soil columns of Plano silt loam (Typic Argiudolls) to make observations suggesting drainage and solute leaching occurred preferentially through frozen and unfrozen soil. Three event periods (two winter snow melts and an intense rainfall) were chosen to illustrate the potential for preferential flow. Between 3 Jan. and 5 Feb. 1996, an ETL recorded 119 mm of drainage through >70 cm of frozen soil following 45 mm of water from snowfall and 81 mm water from melting snow. Between 16 and 19 June 1996, 116 and 119 mm drained through no-tillage and chisel plow soil, respectively, following 116 mm of rainfall. This event was responsible for 51 kg N ha-1 to be leached from no-tillage and chisel plowed corn plots. Between 31 Dec. 1996 and 7 Jan. 1997, 41 mm of drainage was recorded through >70 cm of frozen chisel plowed soil following the addition of 10 mm of water as rainfall, 11 mm of water as melted snow cover, and 28 mm of water as snowfall.
K.R. Brye, (608) 262-0415, krbrye@students.wisc.edu

Characterizing Soil Properties in 3-D Using Multiple Sensor Penetrometer Technology. D.J. Rooney, J.M. Norman, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, S.H. Lieberman, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Ctr., San Diego, CA, S. Grunwald, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
A miniature version of the ASTM penetrometer was used to delineate the soil horizons by measuring changes in physical properties up to a depth of 2.5 m. The truck-mounted, hydraulically driven system measures tip penetration resistance and sleeve friction associated with the soil environment. Data is displayed real-time on a multiple channel data acquisition system. Penetration results as well as ratio calculations between tip and sleeve output were compared to core samples analyzed for texture, bulk density, and moisture. Additionally, color characteristic data determined with a miniature video penetrometer taken adjacent to penetration rest locations and soil cores were used to determine horizons by color. Results indicate that a multiple sensor approach to mapping soil horizons based on soil physical properties and optical measurements is capable of delineating subsurface strata.
Daniel J. Rooney, 608 294-9695, djrooney@students.wisc.edu

Preferential Flow to Tile Drains in Southeastern Indiana. E.J. Kladivko, Purdue Univ., K-J.S. Kung, Univ. of Wisconsin, T.J. Gish, USDA-ARS
Field experiments were conducted on tile-drained plots, to quantify contaminant transport via preferential flow paths in a silt loam soil. Four conservative tracers were sequentially applied to the soil at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after the initiation of a 10-h, 3 mm h -1 irrigation event. The first through fourth tracers were detected in drainflow 4, 1.7, 0.7, and 0.3 h after their respective application times, and recoveries in drainflow were 7, 14, 19, and 20% of the applied mass, respectively. The next year the same tracers were applied to another plot, but the first two received a short irrigation and then a waiting period after application, to evaluate the extent to which the chemicals would move into the matrix and be protected from preferential flow in the long irrigation event. Results of the two experiments will be compared to each other and to previous results from field applications of pesticides to these plots.
Eileen J. Kladivko, 765 494 6372, kladivko@purdue.edu

A Generalized Theory for Preferential Flow. T.S. Steenhuis*, J.-Y. Parlange, C.J.G. Darnault, Y.-J. Kim, O. McHugh, Cornell Univ., K-J.S. Kung, Univ. of Wisconsin, and M.S. Akhtar, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council
Groundwater pollution occurs rapidly and can be detected shortly after application with the first rainfall. Expressions for distance traveled, arrival time, and concentration of preferentially moving water are derived by a conceptual model in which a layer near the surface becomes saturated and distributes the water and solutes to the preferential flow paths. The preferential flow paths below the so-called distribution layer consist of either: a) fingers in layered but otherwise homogeneous sand soils and locally high conductive flow paths through cracks, or b) earthworm burrows in structured clayey or loamy soil with a low conductivity of the matrix. Examples are given of preferential flow of tracers and pesticides in sandy and structured soils.
T.S. Steenhuis 607-255-2489, tss1@cornell.edu

Temporal Dynamics of Preferential Flow in an Iowa Soil. D.B. Jaynes*, K-J.S. Kung, R.S. Kanwar, and S.I. Ahmed, USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Lab, Univ. of Wisconsin, and Iowa State University
Little is known about the temporal dynamics of preferential flow during an irrigation or rainfall event. we investigated this aspect of solute transport by applying a sequence of non-interacting, conservative tracers and the herbicide atrazine during a low intensity irrigation of a Nicollet loam under both conventional-till and no-till management. Solute leaching was monitored by measuring the outflow quantity and quality from a subsurface drain system and by taking soil cores after the irrigation. Results indicated that a greater fraction of the tracers and herbicide traveled via preferential pathway sin the no-till vs. conventional-till field. In both fields, atrazine was detected in the drainage within 2 h of application. However, the tracers were not detected in drainage during the first irrigation of the conventional-till field, but were detected within the first 2 h from the no-till field. In the soil cores from the conventional-till field, the depth to the center of mass for the tracers reflected the order in which they were applied. This was not the case in the no-till field where the first tracer applied was leached to the shallowest depth. Overall, the solute transport pattern in the no-till field was more complicated than in the conventional-till field.
D.B. Jaynes, 515-294-8243, jaynes@nstl.gov

From Narrow Trail to Five-Lane Highway. K.S. Kung*, E.J. Kladivko, T.J. Gisih, T.S. Steenhuis, D. Jaynes, G. Bubenzer, and C.S. Helling, Univ. of Wisconsin, Purdue Univ., USDA-ARS, and Cornell Univ.
Soil's capacity to quickly absorb, yet slowly release water regulates plant growth and hence allows the existence of all life in terrestrial ecosystems. This water-holding capacity hinges primarily on the soil pores that have a spectrum of sizes. These pores in field soils are often associated via unique spatial configurations/combinations, which can trigger special water flow patterns. Four types of flow patterns have been demonstrated in unsaturated soils: uniform Darcy flow, macropore flow, finger flow, and funnel flow. The latter three types of flow were grouped as "preferential flow," whose significance is especially coupled with greatly accelerated contaminant transport in unsaturated soils, and possible degradation of groundwater quality. In order to better manage soils and agrichemicals, it is critical to comprehend the unique mechanisms causing preferential flow. Because the physics of the four flow types is the same (gravitational potential dictates flow in the bigger pores and matric potential in the smaller pores), the four flows have their similarity. They can be conceptualized with a unified model that has as its analogy, automobile traffic patterns observed in metropolitan areas.
K-J.S. Kung, 608 262-6530, kung@calshp.cals.wisc.edu

Impact of Subsurface Stratigraphy on Soil Moisture and Yield Variability. T.J. Gish*, W.P. Dulaney, C.S.T. Daughtry, K-J.S. Kung, D. Jones, P. Miller, and J. Doolittle. USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, WI; Advanced Geological Services, Columbia, MD; and USDA-NRCS, Randor, PA
Soil moisture is one of the most critical factors governing crop growth and development. Recently, surface micro-topography and soil texture have been used with varying degrees of success for evaluating yield variability. This study investigates the impact of subsurface stratigraphy and funnel flow processes on corn grain yield during a drought season. Subsurface stratigraphy was determined using over 40 km of ground penetrating radar and multi-depth/multi-frequency electromagnetic induction data. Real time soil moisture observations, collected at 10 minute intervals, revealed that water flow was intercepted and converged along impervious restricting layers. These subsurface flow pathways were well correlated with data from a yield monitor.
T.J. Gish (301) 504-8378, tgish@hydrolab.arsusda.gov

Determination of Funnel Flow Processes at the Watershed Scale. W.P. Dulaney*, T.J. Gish, C.S.T. Daughtry, K-J.S. Kung, D. Jones, P. Miller, P. Buss, and J. Doolittle, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, Advanced Geological Services, Columbia, MD, Sentek Pty Ltd., South Australia, and USDA-NRCS, Randor, PA
The ability to determine field or watershed scale solute fluxes is dependent upon measuring both preferential and matrix flow components. Subsurface restricting layers may intercept preferential flow resulting from spatial voids and flow instabilities as well as matrix flow processes. Knowledge of the size, shape, and orientation of soil restricting layers is essential to identify subsurface convergent flow pathways. This study characterizes the subsurface stratigraphy of a 25 ha watershed by evaluating over 40 km of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) induction data at various length scales. Soil core and real-time soil moisture data are presented which confirm the stratigraphy as characterized by GPR and EM geophysical techniques.
W.P. Dulaney, 301-504-6076, wdulaney@asrr.arsusda.gov

Interpolating Point Measurements of Soil Hydraulic Properties to Model Landscape Water Flow. C.L. Morgan, C.A. Rodgers, J.M. Norman, B. Lowery, K. McSweeney, Univ. of Wisconsin.
An important aspect in modeling the water budget on a landscape is being able to quickly and easily quantify the distribution of soil hydrologic properties. Hydraulic properties, which include texture, bulk density, saturated and unsaturated conductivity, and water retention characteristics, were measured at several depths at four locations along a transect. Then these properties were related to non-destructive measurements of electrical conductivity and penetrometer force at the four locations so that a field map of hydraulic properties could be estimated from a dense grid of non-destructive measurements. Point measurements show an increase in loess-cap thickness as elevation decreases and the presence of a compacted soil horizon at the foot slope and basin points. Results of a landscape water budget model using the data will be compared to lysimeter readings. Also, a spatial map of available water will be presented.
Cristine L.S. Morgan, 608 262 0415, clsmith5@students.wisc.edu

Complexities of Soil Aggregation Processes within the Biophysical Matrix. J.M. Norman, K. McSweeney, Univ. of Wisconsin
To quantitative biophysicists, soil structure is important to all biophysical processes; however, structure has been difficult to capture mathematically so it is considered in biophysical models mainly by inference. The schism is obvious between those who use complex mathematical equations to describe oversimplified media and those who use complicated verbiage to describe subtleties of real soil structure. If quantitative measures of soil structure could be identified, standardized and related to more extensive survey descriptions, then biophysical modelers could make better use of structural information. Quantitative measures might include projected cleavage-plane area fractions, ped interface gap distances, organic matter mass per ped surface area, ped size and shape, order of nested aggregates, or fraction of soil volume made up of ped interface regions. Perhaps a Bouyoucos conference on standardizing quantitative measures could start a dialog.
John M. Norman, 608-262-4576, norman@calshp.cals.wisc.edu

Division S-2 - Soil Chemistry

Cadmium Bioavailability Affected by Root-Derived Organic Acids in a Sludge-Treated Soil. C.A. Bissani* and P.A. Helmke, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Several low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOA) can be released into the rhizosphere by many plant species. Enhanced LMWOA exudation is often a response to nutrient deficiency (e.g., P, Fe) or metal toxicity (e.g., Al) in soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of some LMWOA, in concentrations normally found in soil conditions, on Cd release from solid phase, speciation in soil solution, and uptake by plants, in comparison with Cd complexing agents chloride and EGTA. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was grown in pots containing 2 kg of Plano silt loam soil (Typic Argiudolls) collected in a field treated with sewage sludge. At transplanting, citric, malic, and fumaric acids, EGTA (ethylene glycol tetracetic acid) and chloride were added to the soil at rates of 0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol kg -1 . Soil evaluations included Cd concentration and speciation in soil solution (saturated paste method) using Donnan- membrane equilibrium technique and computer-implemented models MINTEQA2 and GEOCHEM-PC. Relationship between these evaluations and plant uptake will be discussed.
P.A. Helmke, (608) 263-4947, pahelmke@facstaff.wisc.edu

Form and Speciation of Zn in Natural Metalliferous Peats: EXAFS and Polarography Studies. C.E. Martinez, M.B. McBride, and W.F. Bleam, Cornell Univ. and Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Elevated concentrations of metals in contaminated soils may exhaust the capacity for bonding at strong binding sites. We study organic soils with a range of Zn concentrations (148 - 15,790 mg Zn kg -1 soil) originating from natural biogeochemical processes. The results serve as an example of the principles governing metal retention and solubility when kinetic control of reactions can be assumed to be minimized relative to thermodynamic control. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is used to provide molecular level information on the binding environment of Zn at increased Zn:Stotal molar ratios (0.035 - 2.18). Inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP) and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (dpasv) are used in the solution-phase speciation of Zn. Investigations in this laboratory have demonstrated that a fraction of the total dissolved Zn forms non-labile Zn-organic complexes. Partial analysis of the EXAFS results suggest that Zn binds to S in these peat soils.
C.E. Martinez, 607-255-1728, cem20@cornell.edu

Competitive Binding of Zn, Cu, Cd, Ca, and Mg with Humic Substances. P.A. Helmke and P.A.V. Escosteguy*, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The competitive binding of Zn, Cu, Cd, Ca, and Mg with water-soluble humic substances was investigated in soil solutions. The soil solutions were obtained by a water saturation extract of a Plano silt loam (Typic Argiudolls) treated with sewage sludge more than 20 yr ago. The solutions of humic substances were titrated with additions of individual metals. The concentrations of free cations of all metals were determined by Donnan membrane equilibrium analysis after each addition. The values of the competitive binding constants increase as the ratio of metal concentrations to humic substance concentration decreases.
P.A. Helmke, (608) 263-4947, pahelmke@facstaff.wisc.edu

Determination of Phosphorus in Solutions Containing Citric Acid. P.A.V. Escosteguy* and P.A. Helmke, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Solutions containing citric acid are often used in studies of P and metal availability. Citric acid then interferes in the determination of P. Such interference was investigated in solutions containing different concentrations of citric acid and P. These solutions were analyzed with the Murphy-Riley procedure and by procedures where the amounts of ammonium molybdate and reaction time were varied. Interference occurred at citric acid concentrations > 2.5 mM. At > 5.0 mM citric acid, the effect was overcome with 1.55 mM ammonium molybdate in 60 min. For 7.5 mM citric acid, 1.55 mM ammonium molybdate can still be used, but the reac-tion time must be extended to 120 min. Only 2.331 mM ammonium molybdate was found to overcome the interference of 10 mM citric acid, and a 30-min reaction time is then sufficient.
P.A. Helmke, (608) 263-4947, pahelmke@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-3 - Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Paper Mill Sludge and Compost Effects on Soil Properties and Potato Production. B.J. Foley*, L.R. Cooperband and A.G. Stone, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Central Sands of Wisconsin is characterized by intensive, irrigated vegetable crop production on sandy soils. This region is also home to large-scale paper production, providing a locally produced source of paper mill sludge (PS). The objective of this project is to evaluate the short- and long-term improvements to the quality of sandy soils amended with PS and PS composts in a vegetable rotation. In-season nutrient availability, soil moisture, and temperature were measured throughout the growing season. Water holding capacity and bulk density of the soil were also measured. First-year results with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) showed the A and total yields for plots amended with fresh PS, stabilized PS and PS-bark compost were similar to the no-amendment control. All plots amended with organic materials retained significantly more water than the no-amendment control.
B.J. Foley, (608) 262-0383, bjfoley@students.wisc.edu

Division S-4 - Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

Nitrogen Cycling in Crop Residues and Cover Crops on an Irrigated Sandy Soil. T.W. Andraski* and L.G. Bundy, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Adverse effects of N fertilizer use on groundwater quality are a major concern in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin. A 3-yr field study was conducted to determine the effect of a winter rye cover crop, commonly used for wind erosion control in this region, on recovery of fertilizer-N (FN) released from previous sweet corn and potato residues grown with 15N-depleted ammonium nitrate. Total FN recovery was greater for sweet corn (54% of 190 kg N ha -1 ) than potato (34% of 224 kg N ha -1 ). Following harvest, cover crop treatments of winter rye and fallow were established. The field was plowed the following spring and field corn was grown with 112 kg ha-1 unlabeled fertilizer-N (1/2 recommended rate). Leaching loss of FN between the time of application and the subsequent growing season (~10 months) was about 95% of the total losses that occurred for sweet corn (113 kg N ha -1 ) and potato (151 kg N ha -1 ). Both the winter rye cover and subsequent field corn recovered only 3 kg FN ha -1 . Corn yields following rye were 0.8 and 1.0 Mg ha -1 higher than in fallow where previous crops were sweet corn and potato, respectively.
T.W. Andraski, (608) 265-5370, andraski@facstaff.wisc.edu

Status of Diagnostic Tests for Nitrogen Availability in Corn. R.H. Fox*, Penn State Univ., W.P. Piekielek, Penn State Univ., L.G. Bundy, Univ. of Wisconsin.
Four diagnostic tests for the availability of N to corn ( Zea mays L.) introduced in the last 15 years are being used to varying degrees by farmers and farm advisors in the North Central, Northeastern, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. Two, the pre-sidedress test (PSNT) and the pre-plant test (PPNT) are soil tests, and two, the chlorophyll meter test and the stalk nitrate test, are plant tests. Advantages and disadvantages of the tests will be discussed and the results of a survey of soil fertility specialists in the 23 North Central, Northeastern, and Mid-Atlantic states on the sue of these tests in their respective states will be presented. Other proposed diagnostic tests for N availability to corn will also be briefly discussed.
Richard H. Fox, 814 865 1169, rhf@psu.edu

15 N Labeling of Dairy Feces and Urine by Feeding Organic or Inorganic 15 N. J.M. Powell*, G. Iemhoff and Z. Wu, Univ. of Wisconsin and USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center
Estimates of the availability of dairy manure nutrients to crops rely on indirect measurements and can vary greatly. More direct estimates of manure nutrient availability are needed to improve manure management. Two methods were compared for labeling dairy urine and feces with 15 N. The organic method involved 15 N labeling of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) and corn ( Zea mays L.) and the subsequent feeding of these forages to two cows to label urine N, undigested feed N in feces and endogenous N in feces. Endogenous N is composed of N contained in microbial products and microorganisms from the rumen, the intestine and the hind gut, and the N originating from the digestive tract itself. It comprises 60-70% of total fecal N. The inorganic method involved the direct feeding of 15 N labeled urea to two cows to obtain 15 N-labeled urine N and endogenous fecal N. Manure was labeled in this manner to test the hypothesis that urine N and endogenous fecal N applied to soil are the main N components of dairy manure available for crop uptake the first year after manure application. The 15 N excretion pattern in urine and fecal N components will be presented for both labeling techniques.
J.M. Powell (608) 264-5044, jmpowel2@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-5 - Pedology

Creating Photomicrograph Mosaics for Soil Micromorphology. K. L. Maltoni, UNESP/Fac. Eng., Brazil, P. Barak , and K. McSweeney* Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Conventional soil micromorphology techniques visualize and record a prepared soil thin section only in small fields of view under magnification. Modern desktop computer software readily permits the assembly of numerous images into a single large image, with correction to remove color discrepancies between images. Photomicrographs of thin sections under cross-polarized light from A horizons (0 to 5 cm) of contrasting 30-yr old prairie vegetation management systems &horbar; natural, burned, harvested, mulched, and bare &horbar; are used to illustrate the technique. Ten individual photomicrographs per treatment were scanned in 24-bit color, stitched together into a single image, and printed at approximately ~25x resolution. Fine-scale features, such as roots, channels, and platy structure associated with freeze/thaw processes, were clearly apparent in the composite images and differed among the various management systems.
K. McSweeney, 608 262-0331, kmcsween@facstaff.wisc.edu

Soil Landscape Models Portrayed in Virtual Reality Modeling Language. S. Grunwald*, P. Barak, K. McSweeney, Dept of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Commonly, soil attributes are represented in 2-D maps or cross-sections even though natural soil systems are three-dimensional. This project was conducted to create 3-D soil landscape models in Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), an open-standard, 3-D graphics language suitable for stand-alone or browser-based interactive viewing. Soil attributes used were penetration resistance, texture, bulk density, water content, depth of A horizon, silt and glacial till. Properties were interpolated based on 3-D ordinary kriging. Results were portrayed in 3-D soil landscape models coded in VRML with enhancements to present cross-sections and alternative surface maps. This approach has value for pedology, environmental assessment studies and precision agriculture.
Sabine Grunwald, 608-265-3331, sgrunwald@facstaff.wisc.edu

Origin of Balsam Poplar Oases in Arctic Alaska. J.D. O'Brien, J.G. Bockheim*, K.M. Hinkel, and J.S. Munroe, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Univ. of Cincinnati
Balsam poplar is found further north than any other tree species in North America. On the North Slope of Alaska, poplar is confined to 68 to 69 o N latitude and 141 to 151 o W longitude. The poplar groves range from several trees to 0.5 ha in area and occur primarily along principal north-flowing rivers and their tributaries. The groves occur in areas of braided streams with river icings (aufeis) due to discharge of groundwater enriched in calcium carbonate. These areas lack permafrost within the upper 5 m and have soil temperatures considerably warmer than adjacent tundra. The groves are also favored by moisture held in the upper 50 cm of soil by an underlying cobble layer that inhibits soil water movement. A case study in a poplar grove near the Ivishak River (69 o N; 147 o W) revealed that the height, diameter, age decreased and stand density increased with distance from the river. Based on radiocarbon dating of buried wood fragments, the Ivishak grove likely has existed for 650 yr. Poplar seeds may be carried from groves south of the Brooks Range by orographic low-pressure systems and deposited in the headwaters of rivers.
J.G. Bockheim (608) 263-5903, bockheim@facstaff.wisc.edu

Using a Penetrometer to Produce a 3-D Model of Soil Patterns. S. Grunwald, B. Lowery, M.K. Clayton, K. McSweeney, G.L. Hart, D. J. Rooney, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Tools and techniques are now available to portray the continuous 3-dimensional (3-D) character of soil. The objective of this study was to test the ability of a profile cone penetrometer (PCP) to distinguish among soil horizons and materials and use of the data to develop a 3-D soil landscape model. The PCP was used to measure penetration resistance of soil profiles. Penetration data were calibrated using soil core samples analyzed for texture, bulk density, and water content. The study site was located in southern Wisconsin on fine, mixed mesic Typic Argiudolls. Soil attributes were interpolated based on 3-D ordinary kriging. A 3-D soil landscape model was developed, which showed the spatial distribution of cone indices and associated soil properties. Soil patterns were portrayed in a 3-D soil layer model.
Sabine Grunwald, 608 265-3331, sgrunwald@facstaff.wisc.edu

General Slope Classification System for Soil-Landscape Analysis. S.J. Park, K. McSweeney, B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
While topography and soil information has become increasingly important in landscape modeling, a methodological framework to characterize landsurface in terms of process recognition and the identification of soil occurrence is generally lacking. process-based terrain classification system was developed to predict the occurrence of soil types on the complex landscape. The approach assumes that soil distribution over the landscape can be most efficiently identified by separation of pedogeomorphological units where similar hydrological, geomorphological and pedological processes occur. The proposed model is a three-dimensional extension of Conacher and Darlymple's (1977) nine-unit soil landscape model. Their two-dimensional conceptual model is reinterpreted in terms of continuity equations of soil material transport over the landscape and implemented in a GIS through a set of FORTRAN programs analyzing digital elevation models.
S.J Park, 608 263-5719, soojinpark@facstaff.wisc.edu

Paleosol Micromorphology: A Lens into the Past. K. McSweeney, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin, D.E. Fastovsky, Dept. of Geology, Univ. Rhode Island, G. Retallack, Dept. of Geology, Univ. Oregon
Paleopedology, the study of soil landscapes of the past, provides essential insight into Earth history. Micromorphology is an essential tool used in paleopedology to help interpret the origin of features in soils and related sediments, which have invariably been altered by burial and/or diagenesis. Burial and diagenesis can appreciably alter features that formed in soil, which can result in obliteration, masking or transformation of original soil features. High resolution images and chemical data provided by micromorphological techniques are of great value for interpreting the history preserved in ancient soils The objective of this presentation is to illustrate how micromorphology is used to help interpret paleoenvironmental conditions that operated in a variety of former soil landscapes. Examples include Pre-Cambrian, Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, and Quaternary soil landscapes.
Kevin McSweeney, 608 262 0331, kmcsween@facstaff.wisc.edu

Soil Formation within Closed Depressions of a Glaciated Landscape and the Prediction of Their Spatial Occurrence. P. Almond, Lincoln Univ., New Zealand, S.J. Park, K. McSweeney, B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Small closed depressions are common in the glaciated landsapes. Soil formingn processes within closed depressions were investigated in southern Wisconsin. Morphology indicates that most closed depressions were originally either small glacial lakes or paleo-channels. The depressions contain dense horizons, probably formed via desiccation or physical ripening processes of infilled loess accumulated at water saturated conditions. Even though fragipans have not been previously identified in southern Wisconsin, these dense horizons show a close morphological resemblance with fragipans elsewhere. Periodic hydromorphic processes caused by the dense horizons produce strongly bleached ped surfaces above the dense horizons and thick cutans between the prisms. A terrain analysis algorithm was also developed to predict the occurrence of closed depressions and their associated soils.
S.J Park, 608 263-5719, soojinpark@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-6 - Soil and Water Management and Conservation

Impact of Burning on the Hydrologic Cycle of a Restored Tallgrass Prairie. K.R. Brye*, J.M. Norman, L.G. Bundy, and S.T. Gower, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Periodic burning is a common prairie restoration management practice that is intended to promote new growth, better species establishment, and improved seed quality. However, altering the character of the above-ground vegetation strongly influences the hydrologic cycle of a natural prairie. The impact of burning on above-ground biomass and residue, precipitation interception, and drainage was examined in a restored tallgrass prairie on Plano silt loam soil (Typic Argiudolls). During the pre-burn growing season (1997), peak prairie biomass and necromass were 1.5 and 1.0 Mg ha -1 , respectively. Precipitation interception capacity of the necromass residue averaged 11.4 mm, ranging from 1.3 to 32.7 mm depending on rainfall intensity. Annual drainage below a 1.4-m soil profile in the prairie was 83 mm of 644 mm of precipitation. During the post-burn growing season (1998), above-ground biomass more than doubled to 3.1 Mg ha -1 , while no necromass residue existed until late in the growing season. With negligible residue interception, the soil moisture status was regularly greater throughout the 1.4-m profile during the post-burn year compared to the pre-burn year. Consequently, post-burn annual drainage increased significantly to 208 mm of 691 mm of precipitation received.
K.R. Brye, (608) 262-0415, krbrye@students.wisc.edu

Minimizing Dry Zones and Nitrate Leaching in Potato Hills Using Surfactants. E.T. Cooley* and B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
In a study comparing the efficiency of drip versus sprinkler irrigation, using a Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) system, we observed a dry zone in the center of potato hills in sandy soils. The dry zone is caused by a combination of hill geometry, hydrophobic properties of sandy soils at low water contents, high root density, and reduced stem flow as the canopy falls into the furrow. This dry zone, which becomes more extensive as the growing season progresses, results in decreased water and fertilizer uptake by potato plants and subsequent leaching of nitrate to groundwater. To alleviate this problem, surfactants were applied using various methods and rates to the potato hills at planting and prior to supplemental nitrogen fertilizer application. Porous-cup samplers installed at a 1-m depth showed decreased nitrate leaching in all surfactant-treated plots. TDR showed increased water infiltration to the center portion of the potato hill in surfactant-treated plots and greater yield and potato size were observed.
E.T. Cooley, (608) 262-0415, etcooley@students.wisc.edu

Identifying Surface Runoff Contributing Areas Using Ceramic Beads. J.E. Richmond*, B. Lowery, L.D. Norton and J.R. Samuelson, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison and Purdue Univ.
Identifying areas, which contribute to surface runoff, is essential for developing management plans for reducing erosion and nonpoint source pollution generated from agricultural land. We are evaluating the use of low-density ceramic beads for identifying runoff contributing areas. Beads of different colors were placed on different slope positions. Beads passing through a flume are collected, sorted, and quantified. The flume is equipped with a pressure transducer monitored by a data logger to measure runoff from a grass waterway. Beads of various colors were applied to nine application areas of 1 m2, including three replicate application sites, each located on slopes of 0, 5, and 7%. Splashguards were placed over each application area to prevent bead movement due to raindrop impact and wind shear. In June 1999, the grass waterway was lined with plastic to facilitate bead tracking as they move to flume. Prior to installation of plastic in the waterway, there was no record of channeled flow occurring. Since plastic installation, up to 0.0045 m3s-1 of flow has been logged, but this occurred prior to the application of beads to the land surface. We have demonstrated that ceramic beads can be effectively coated with magnetite powder and paint, and the magnetic beads can be traced using a magnetic susceptibility meter.
J.E. Richmond, (608) 262-0415, jrichmon@students.wisc.edu

Division S-7 - Forest and Range Soils

Species-related Differences in Throughfall Chemistry in Old-growth Northern Hardwood Stands, Upper Michigan. R. Fujinuma* and J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Northern hardwood stands in the upper Great Lakes region are converting to nearly pure sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ). This loss of biodiversity has important implications for future site quality. To test the influence of individual trees on throughfall quality, we installed collectors in open areas and beneath three old-growth trees (DBH >60 cm) of each of the following species at each of two sites in the Sylvania Wilderness: sugar maple, yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis ), and basswood ( Tilia americana ). Throughfall was collected on seven occasions from leafout until just prior to leaf abscission, ca. 2 June to 12 Sept. 1998. The following chemical parameters were significantly greater for basswood throughfall than for bulk precipitation or throughfall sugar maple or yellow birch throughfall: pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved Ca and Mg. The results of this study suggest that management of northern hardwoods should be directed toward maintaining species in addition to sugar maple. Basswood is especially important because of its capability to cycle base cations.
J.G. Bockheim (608) 263-5903, bockheim@facstaff.wisc.edu

Eight-Year Response of Populus tremuloides to Soil Compaction and Organic Matter Removal, Northwestern Wisconsin. J.M. Sternfels* and J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The effects of timber harvesting on quaking aspen were examined on two contrasting soils in northwestern Wisconsin, a mixed frigid Typic Udipsamment and a very fine, mixed Glossic Eutroboralf. Five timber harvesting disturbances were simulated on replicated 400 m 2 plots, including commercial whole-tree harvesting (CWH), winter logging + CWH (WLT), logging slash removal + CWH (LSR), forest floor removal + LSR (FFR), and spring compaction + FFR (CMP). Although there were a few significant treatment-related differences in soil properties for the first 2 yr after treatment, there were no significant differences after 8 yr in stocking, mean aspen diameter, mean aspen height, total volume, total basal area, and aboveground biomass on either site. We attribute this lack of differences to initial differences in aspen genotypes and stocking and unusually heavy deer browsing. These results suggest that factors other than site treatment may influence sustainability of the aspen resource in the upper Great Lakes region.
J.G. Bockheim (608) 263-5903, bockheim@facstaff.wisc.edu

Ozone and CO 2 Enrichment Alters N Resorption Efficiency in Populus tremuloides . W.F. Parsons, R.L. Lindroth, and J.G. Bockheim*, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
This study determined whether CO 2 enrichment and elevated ozone concentrations, either singly or in combination, could affect retranslocation of N from senescing leaves to the woody tissues of trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) and paper birch ( Betula payrifera ) prior to litterfall. For two growing seasons, aspen and birch trees were exposed to four treatment combinations of low and high CO 2 levels (ambient vs. +200 mL L -1 ), crossed with low and high O 3 (ambient vs. 60 to 70 nL L -1 ) at the Aspen-FACE (Free-Air CO 2 Enrichment) facility near Rhinelander, WI. Nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE) was calculated from specific leaf areas and leaf N concentrations from four bagged trees per species in each of 12 FACE plots, as the difference in pre-senescent (early August) and senescent leaf N (late October), divided by pre-senescent N. The species displayed similar patterns of response to the treatments, although mean NRE for birch was significantly lower than aspen (p=0.008, 57.7% vs. 51.9%). Only aspen NRE (mean±SD) could be significantly ordered (p<0.01) among treatments as: +CO 2 (66.04±3.1%) ambient (62.8±4.6%) CO 2 +O 3 (58.3±5.1%) >> O3 (43.6%±9.1%).
J.G. Bockheim, (608) 263-5903, bockheim@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-8 - Nutrient Management and Soil and Plant Analysis

Effect of Tillage System on Alfalfa N Credit to Wheat. K.A. Kelling*, and P.E. Speth, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The fertilizer N replacement value for alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) pre-ceding corn ( Zea mays L.) can be quite large; however, for fall-seeded small grains, this value may be substantially different due to the synchrony of the N mineralization and uptake processes. This experiment attempted to quantify the replacement value for alfalfa preceding winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) in no-till or moldboard plow systems at three Wisconsin locations. Fertilizer N rates from 0 to 101 kg N ha -1 provided the basis for estimating the size of the legume N credit. In the moldboard plow system, no yield increases were observed with increasing N application; however lodging percentage was directly related to N rate applied, increasing from 5 to 70% lodged. With no-till, yield increases were seen to about 45 kg N ha -1 , and although lodging increased with N rate, it never exceeded 40% lodged. These preliminary data indicate a smaller fertilizer N replacement value should be assigned to alfalfa preceding wheat compared to corn and the magnitude of this value is tillage system related.
K.A. Kelling, (608) 263-2795, kkelling@facstaff.wisc.edu

Division S-11 - Soils and Environmental Quality

Atrazine and Nitrate Leaching in an Eroded Silt Loam with Organic Amendments: Field vs. Model Data. F.J. Arriaga, B. Lowery, Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
Computer models have been used extensively to simulate water and chemical movement in soils for a wide array of environmental conditions. The pesticide and nitrogen versions of the Leaching Chemistry and Estimation Model (LEACHM) were compared to atrazine and nitrogen leaching data collected in 1997 and 1998 for an eroded Dubuque silt-loam under continuous corn. Three erosion levels (slight, moderate and severe) have been identified for this soil. In addition to the erosion levels, the effect of dairy cattle manure applications was also evaluated. Preliminary runs showed that LEACHM underestimated atrazine and nitrate leaching, especially with manure additions. This may be related to macropore leaching. Field measured data showed more variability of atrazine and nitrate leaching than simulated results for the three erosion levels.
Francisco J. Arriaga, 608 262-0415, farriaga@students.wisc.edu

Land-Use Effects on Dissolved Nitrogen and Carbon in Leachates from a Sandy Soil. G.R. von Kiparsky*, J.G. Bockheim, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Dissolved organic carbon, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and dissolved organic nitrogen were examined in soil solution under three land-use types (Prairie, Corn and Pine) on a sandy soil originally under dry prairie in the Lower Wisconsin River Valley. Dissolved OC was significantly greater (p<0.05) in soil leachates of the Pine and Corn sites than the Prairie site. Dissolved IN was significantly greater (p<0.05) in soil solutions in Corn than Pine and Prairie. Soil solution DON levels were not affected by land-use type. The Prairie and Pine ecosystems contained significantly greater DON than DIN in soil solutions than the Corn site. Although the Pine and Prairie sites may be N limited, these ecosystems are still losing DON below the rooting zone. Nitrogen retention efficiencies were lower on the Pine and Prairie sites than for other North American ecosystems, possibly because of the effect of the coarse soil texture on N leaching loss.
Guntram Ramutis von Kiparsky, 765 494-5040, guntram@purdue.edu

Evaluation of Industrial and Agricultural By-Products Composting. L.R. Cooperband*, A.G. Stone, and J.L. Ravet, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison
Composting sawdust with manure or food wastes holds promise as an environmentally and economically sound means of treating organic wastes. Objectives of this research were to: 1) cocompost sawdust with other organic by-products and 2) assess effects of feedstock combinations on the composting process and quality of the final product. Four compost windrows were established using either: a) 1 part unbedded dairy manure: 1 part sawdust; b) 1 part cannery wastes: 2 parts municipal leaves: 1 part sawdust; c) 1 part bedded duck manure: 1 part sawdust and d) 3 parts potato culls: 3 parts sawdust: 1 part dairy manure. Windrows were turned once/week for the first 5 wk and monthly thereafter. Measurements included pile temperature, total C, N, microbial respiration (CO 2 evolution), mineralizable N, deionized water-extractable C, N and P, ash content/volatile solids, pH, and electrical conductivity. We also conducted rye grass bioassays to relate plant growth to nutrient availability and compost maturity. Dissolved organic C was low in the cannery waste-sawdust compost relative to the other three composts. Deionized water-extractable NO 3 -N, P, and CO 2 respiration declined among all four composts after 3 to 5 months of composting. Rye grass growth bioassays showed differences among compost types over time.
L.R. Cooperband, (608) 265-4654, lrcooperband@facstaff.wisc.edu

The Reliability of the Soil Survey in Predicting Septic System Suitability. A.C. Engebretson, American Soc. of Agronomy, E.J. Tyler, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Decisions resolving land use conflicts should be made to maximize return from land practices and preserve natural resources. The Soil Survey of Dane County is a natural resource inventory of soils and is a tool that can be used for judging the suitability of specified land practices. The goal of this study was to quantify the reliability of the Soil Survey of Dane County, Wisconsin, for predicting on-site wastewater treatment system suitability using the interpretive tables for absorption fields. The study found for a majority of sites, soil surveys could be used for predicting septic system suitability. Taxonomic classifications at the suborder and subgroup level also were helpful in assessing site suitability.
Andrea C. Engebretson, 608 273-8080, aengebretson@agronomy.org

Computer Software Application Committee

Structure and Function of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station GIS. R.F. Harris, S. Grunwald, K. McSweeney, S. Mukhtyar, B. Lowery, S.J. Ventura, Dept. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Univ. of Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station (ARS) GIS has a hierarchal, modular structure amenable to expansion, updating and application to farm management and experimental design. It uses ArcInfo to standardize all spatial data to common coordinates, and ArcView to incorporate state-, county- and farm-scale land properties and farm records. The land data include locations and boundaries of each ARS, watersheds, soils, topography, and susceptibility to water contamination. The farm records include chemical applications, soil test properties, and crop production over time. Queries are addressed via manual and script mechanisms. The objective is to establish a framework and protocol for development, maintenance and application of a GIS for research and outreach on economic and environmentally sustainable land management by the ARS and surrounding communities.
R.F. Harris, 608 265-0667, rfharris@facstaff.wisc.edu

Using Interactive 3-D Models of Minerals in Instrauction: Technology and Pedagogy. E.A. Nater, Univ. of Minnesota, J.L. Boettinger, Utah State Univ., P. Barak, Univ. of Wisconsin, A.H. Duin, Univ. of Minnesota
The authors have developed a collection of web-deliverable modules of minerals for instructional use viewable at the following urls: http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/virtual_museum or http://www.soils.wisc.edu/virtual_museum. These modules incorporate pseudo-3-D models of mineral structures that can be rotated, zoomed, and highlighted to show structural and other features of interest. The models can be displayed in a variety of formats, including ball-and-stick, space-filling, and stick models. The modules also contain textual descriptions of the minerals, structural and crystallographic data, an element key, and a variety of links to other data. They provide a rich resource for soil mineralogy instruction. The authors will demonstrate the design, construction, use, and pedagogical development of these modules and will provide a summary of their instructional use and benefit.
Edward A. Nater, 612 625-1725, ed.nater@soils.umn.edu

Special Sessions ASA, CSSA, SSSA

Diversity in Agriculture Symposium

Advancement of Soil Science: Contribution by Minorities. B. Lowery, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Throughout history, minorities and indigenous people of all countries have made significant contributions to the world's agricultural system, both from production and technological advancement or research standpoints. This certainly is the case in the United States. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction Period, minority farmers gained a land base and made significant contributions to agricultural production especially in southern states. With respect to research and outreach, minorities have made contributions through 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in all areas of agriculture. Minorities' contributions in soil science have come in relation to overall agricultural production, but the single largest contributions have been through the former Soil Conservation Service (Natural Resource Conservation Service).
B. Lowery, (608) 262-2752, blowery@facstaff.wisc.edu

USDA-NRI Poster Session

Accelerated Soil Weathering Due to Nutrient Inputs in Wisconsin Cropping Systems. M. Avila-Segura, P. Barak, D.A. Laird, and J.L. Posner, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, USDA-NSTL, Ames, IA
Excess nitrogen inputs produce soil acidification as a result of coupling of nitrogen and proton biogeochemical cycles and increased nitrate leaching causes increased cation leaching. Crops interact with soils by extracting cations and anions, excreting acidity or alkalinity, and storing alkalinity as organic anions. The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial at Arlington (WI) Research Station has sampled soils and plants under standard rotations and nutrient inputs starting in 1989. Archived samples from this trial are being used to study the coupling of nitrogen and proton cycles under real farm conditions and to evaluate acidification and alteration of soil chemical properties in common agroecosystems. Leaching of cations, potential acidification due to excessive nitrogen inputs, and crop-induced acidification are under evaluation as indicators of how agriculture impacts long term soil quality.
Mauricio Avila, 608 262-0397, mavila@students.wisc.edu

Effect of Organic Amendment Quality on Disease Suppression in Sandy Soils. A.G. Stone*, G.E. Vallad, R.M. Goodman, W.R. Stevenson, and L.R. Cooperband, Univ. of Wisconsin.
The objective of this project is to investigate the effect of organic amendment type, age, rate and multi-year application on snap bean disease incidence and induced systemic resistance in sandy field soils. Paper mill sludge (PS: 10/20 dry T/A 1998; 10/15 dry T/A 1999) and PS composted with bark (PSB: 17/35 dry T/A) were applied in single and multi-year applications. Soils were screened for general suppression with a cucumber damping-off (DO) bioassay. In soils sampled the day after incorporation, five mo old PSB (both rates) decreased (P=0.01) and fresh PS (both rates) increased (P=0.09) DO incidence. In soils assayed nine mo later, suppression was variable in all amended soils. All soils re-amended in the second season suppressed cucumber DO (P=0.05) and natural incidence of aerial pythium of snap bean (P=0.05). Further data on root rot, white mold, and brown spot incidence in snap bean will be presented.
A.G. Stone, 608 262-0132, agstone@facstaff.wisc.edu

Geographic Information Systems and Site-Specific Management for Integrated Crop Production and Nonpoint Source Pollution Protection. B. Lowery*, K. McSweeney, J.M. Norman, S. Grunwald, and R.F. Harris, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Data for developing a geographic information system (GIS) and computer simulation models for runoff and leaching for identifying critical sites for assessing crop production impact on environmental quality have been assembled. GIS database includes field boundaries, a digital elevation model, soil map, and soil grid-sampling information, surface and groundwater hydrology, bedrock geology, land use or cropping sequences, and fertilizer and pesticide treatments. Porous-cup soil solution samplers (PCS) and pan lysimeters at three sites were used to monitor nitrate and atrazine leaching. These are located in mini-basins (mini-basins were defined as critical sites), three PCS and one pan lysimeter in the basin and three outside the basin. Samplers were installed to a depth of 1 m, which corresponds to the rooting depth of corn in these soils. Atrazine leaching was greater in one of the three basins in 1997 and all three basins in 1998. Nitrate leaching was less from the basins than upslope areas. The reverse in the leaching trend for nitrate is believed to be caused by denitrification in the basins since water was ponded in these areas most of the growing season of 1998 and part of 1997. There is greater leaching from two of the three basins compared to up-slope positions, and we hope to further assess the leaching and runoff into basin areas with computer model simulation.
B. Lowery, (608) 262-2752, blowery@facstaff.wisc.edu

Gene Transfer and Evolution of Novel Metabolic Pathways in Soil Bacteria. A.S. Yuroff, W.J. Hickey*, and A.R. Arment, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sequence analysis of transmissible DNA cloned from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain JB2 revealed 19 open reading frames for which functions were assigned based on homologies to known genes. Two gene clusters were identified: one putatively encoded an o-halobenzoate dioxygenase (OHBD) and a membrane transport system, while the other encoded a chlorocatechol degradation pathway. The putative OHBD appeared to be a novel class III dioxygenase. The OHBD had little similarity to other halobenzoate dioxygenases, but instead had high homology to structural genes and regulatory elements of naphthalene biodegradation pathways, possibly suggesting a common ancestry. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of and hybridization analysis showed the transmissible DNA was located in the chromosome of strain JB2. Collectively, this work indicates a chromosomally integrated but mobile element in P. aeruginosa strain JB2 carries a supraoperonic cluster encoding a variety of functions for uptake and dissimilatory metabolism of o-halobenzoates.
W.J. Hickey, (608) 262-9018, wjhickey@facstaff.wisc.edu

Relevance of Biodiversity to the Sustainability of Agricultural Systems. V.A. Gollwitzer, A.S. Yuroff, P.A. Selbach, W.H. Hickey*, and R.F. Harris, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
The community structure of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was studied in three diverse agricultural systems to investigate how cropping practices commonly used in Wisconsin affect these populations. The AOB community structure was evaluated by amplified ribosomal rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and by 16S rDNA sequencing. ARDRA analysis of DNA extracted from the entire community revealed the AOB community structure did not differ in the various cropping systems. The number of common bands per treatment was 18 out of a total of 19 restriction bands seen for all treatments with two different restriction enzymes. An initial ARDRA screen was performed on the clones to identify which contained potential AOB inserts. A secondary ARDRA of AOB clones revealed individual patterns that could be detected in the whole community ARDRA, indicating that the protocol used probably recovered the dominant members of the AOB community. The majority of these clone patterns resemble those obtained from the genus Nitrosospira. Sequence analysis also revealed Nitrosospira-like sequences as the most dominant populations in these soils.
W.J. Hickey, (608) 262-9018, wjhickey@facstaff.wisc.edu

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