Crop residue chemistry, decomposition rates, and CO2 evolution in Bt and non-Bt corn agroecosystems in North America: a review

Yanni, S. F.; Whalen, J. K.; Ma, B. L.

doi:10.1007/s10705-009-9338-8

Cited by 26Soil Carbon and Nitrogen DynamicsGenetically Modified Organisms ResearchCrop Yield and Soil Fertility

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 63 of the 63 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Crop residue chemistry, decomposition rates, and CO2 evolution in Bt and non-Bt corn agroecosystems in North America: a review

Yanni, S. F., Whalen, J. K., Ma, B. L.·2010·Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems

DOI 10.1007/s10705-009-9338-8

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a major cereal crop, with production on more than one-fifth of the agricultural land worldwide. In North America, about 50% of corn acreage is planted with transgenic corn hybrids such as those with the gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that express the insecticidal crystalline protein (Cry1Ab) for the control of European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner). Widespread production of Bt corn could affect soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in agroecosystems if transgenic corn differs from conventional corn in yield and chemical composition. Generally, the yield of Bt corn is greater than non-Bt corn in years when there is severe infestation of corn insect pests. Some authors report that Bt corn has higher lignin content than non-Bt corn, whereas others found no difference in the chemical composition of near isolines. Residues with higher lignin content are expected to have a slower decomposition rate and release less CO₂ to the atmosphere; however, this is not supported by the literature. A few studies have examined decomposition of Bt corn residues in this context, and the findings to date have been inconclusive, perhaps due to the variety of experimental approaches used to study this question. Generally, the literature supports the view that decomposition rates in Bt corn- and non-Bt corn-amended soils are similar. Whether Bt corn has greater lignin content or slower decomposition rates, the relevant question is whether this will affect the amount of C storage in the soil. A significant gain in SOC requires crop residue inputs with higher lignin content than what is realistically expected from Bt corn residue.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s10705-009-9338-8

Cites

63 of 63 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

The disagreement between stalk mass loss and total biomass loss might be due to differences between GE and their isolines in the proportion and composition of the plant organs in the residue, i.e. stalks and leaves which have a distinct rate of degradation.
“This disagreement might be due to differences between GE and their isolines in the proportion and composition of the plant organs in the residue, i.e. stalks and leaves which have a distinct rate of degradation50,51.”
From Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data (2018) · cites this paper as [51]

Climate change 2001 : the scientific basis
Houghton, J., Ding, Y., Griggs, D., Noguer, M., van der Linden, P. V. D., Dai, X., Maskell, K., & Johnson, C. (2001) · Foreign Affairs · doi:10.2307/20033020 · Cited by 14,162
Bacillus thuringiensis and Its Pesticidal Crystal Proteins
Schnepf, E., Crickmore, N., Rie, J. V., Lereclus, D., Baum, J. A., Feitelson, J. S., Zeigler, D. R., & Dean, D. H. (1998) · Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews · doi:10.1128/mmbr.62.3.775-806.1998 · Cited by 3,062
Lignin: Occurrence, Biogenesis and Biodegradation
Lewis, N., & Yamamoto, E. (1990) · Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology · doi:10.1146/annurev.pp.41.060190.002323 · Cited by 987
Soil processes and the carbon cycle
(1998) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.35-5645 · Cited by 979
Driven by nature: plant litter quality and decomposition
(1997) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.35-2094 · Cited by 961
Management options for reducing CO2 emissions from agricultural soils
Paustian, K., Six, J., Elliott, E. T., & Hunt, H. W. (2000) · Biogeochemistry · doi:10.1023/a:1006271331703 · Cited by 846
Variation in Lignin Content and Composition (Mechanisms of Control and Implications for the Genetic Improvement of Plants)
Campbell, M. M., & Sederoff, R. R. (1996) · PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · doi:10.1104/pp.110.1.3 · Cited by 657
Soil Processes and the Carbon Cycle
Golchin, A., Baldock, J., & Oades, J. (2018) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.1201/9780203739273 · Cited by 657
Estimating Source Carbon from Crop Residues, Roots and Rhizodeposits Using the National Grain‐Yield Database
Johnson, J. M. F., Allmaras, R. R., & Reicosky, D. C. (2006) · Agronomy Journal · doi:10.2134/agronj2005.0179 · Cited by 548
Untitled work
(1997) · Cited by 544
Driven by Nature: Plant Litter Quality and Decomposition.
Newsham, K. K., Cadisch, G., & Giller, K. E. (1997) · Journal of Applied Ecology · doi:10.2307/2404928 · Cited by 455
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin released from root exudates and biomass of Bt corn has no apparent effect on earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi in soil
Saxena, D. B., & Stotzky, G. (2001) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/s0038-0717(01)00027-x · Cited by 384
Fate and effects of insect-resistant Bt crops in soil ecosystems
Icoz, I., & Stotzky, G. (2008) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2007.11.002 · Cited by 354 · cited 1×
“Readers are referred to a comprehensive review conducted by Icoz and Stotzky (2008) about the fate and effects of Bt crops in soil ecosystems.”
Background
Methods for the Study of Pest Diabrotica
Krysan, J. L., & Miller, T. A. (1986) · Springer series in experimental entomology · doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-4868-2 · Cited by 352
Evaluation of CuO oxidation parameters for determining the source and stage of lignin degradation in soil
Otto, A., & Simpson, M. J. (2006) · Biogeochemistry · doi:10.1007/s10533-006-9014-x · Cited by 341
Chemical Composition of Crop Biomass Impacts Its Decomposition
Johnson, J. M.-F., Barbour, N. W., & Weyers, S. L. (2007) · Soil Science Society of America Journal · doi:10.2136/sssaj2005.0419 · Cited by 336
Bt corn has a higher lignin content than non‐ Bt corn
Saxena, D. B., & Stotzky, G. (2001) · American Journal of Botany · doi:10.2307/3558416 · Cited by 311
Maize Root Biomass and Net Rhizodeposited Carbon
Amos, B., & Walters, D. T. (2006) · Soil Science Society of America Journal · doi:10.2136/sssaj2005.0216 · Cited by 281
Degradation of the Cry1Ab protein within transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis corn tissue in the field
Zwahlen, C., Hilbeck, A., Gugerli, P., & Nentwig, W. (2003) · Molecular Ecology · doi:10.1046/j.1365-294x.2003.01767.x · Cited by 258
Persistence of the insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki in soil
Tapp, H., & Stotzky, G. (1998) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/s0038-0717(97)00148-x · Cited by 254
Persistence and Biological Activity in Soil of Insecticidal Proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis and of Bacterial DNA Bound on Clays and Humic Acids
Stotzky, G. (2000) · Journal of Environmental Quality · doi:10.2134/jeq2000.00472425002900030003x · Cited by 251
NET PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF U.S. MIDWEST CROPLANDS FROM AGRICULTURAL HARVEST YIELD DATA
Prince, S. D., Haskett, J. D., Steininger, M. K., Strand, H., & Wright, R. K. (2001) · Ecological Applications · doi:10.1890/1051-0761(2001)011[1194:nppous]2.0.co;2 · Cited by 245
Insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is released from roots of transgenic Bt corn in vitro and in situ
Saxena, D. B., & Stotzky, G. (2000) · FEMS Microbiology Ecology · doi:10.1111/j.1574-6941.2000.tb00724.x · Cited by 227
Agronomic Handbook
Jr., J. B. J. (2002) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.1201/9781420041507 · Cited by 216
Impact of Bt Corn on Rhizospheric and Soil Eubacterial Communities and on Beneficial Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in Experimental Microcosms
Castaldini, M., Turrini, A., Sbrana, C., Benedetti, A., Marchionni, M., Mocali, S., Fabiani, A., Landi, S., Santomassimo, F., Pietrangeli, B. M., et al. (2005) · Applied and Environmental Microbiology · doi:10.1128/aem.71.11.6719-6729.2005 · Cited by 211
Transgenic Bt plants decompose less in soil than non-Bt plants
Flores, S., Saxena, D., & Stotzky, G. (2005) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2004.11.006 · Cited by 208
Agronomic Handbook: Management of Crops, Soils, and their Fertility
Ransom, J. K. (2003) · Agricultural Systems · doi:10.1016/s0308-521x(03)00076-3 · Cited by 206
Estimating C inputs retained as soil organic matter from corn (Zea Mays L.)
Bolinder, M. A., Angers, D. A., Giroux, M., & Laverdière, M. R. (1999) · Plant and Soil · doi:10.1023/a:1004765024519 · Cited by 179
Insecticidal Activity of the Toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki and tenebrionis Adsorbed and Bound on Pure and Soil Clays
Tapp, H., & Stotzky, G. (1995) · Applied and Environmental Microbiology · doi:10.1128/aem.61.5.1786-1790.1995 · Cited by 176
Post-harvest residue input to cropland
Buyanovsky, G., & Wagner, G. H. (1986) · Plant and Soil · doi:10.1007/bf02377145 · Cited by 142
Detection and decay of the Bt endotoxin in soil from a field trial with genetically modified maize
Hopkins, D. W., & Gregorich, E. G. (2003) · European Journal of Soil Science · doi:10.1046/j.1351-0754.2003.0563.x · Cited by 142
Planting Date and Nitrogen Effects on Grain Yield and Protein Content of Spring Wheat
Subedi, K. D., L., B., & Xue, A. (2007) · Crop Science · doi:10.2135/cropsci2006.02.0099 · Cited by 125
Lignin degradation during a laboratory incubation followed by 13C isotope analysis
Bahri, H., Rasse, D. P., Rumpel, C., Dignac, M., Bardoux, G., & Mariotti, A. A. (2008) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2008.04.002 · Cited by 125
Molecular Composition of Leaves and Stems of Genetically Modified Bt and Near‐Isogenic Non‐Bt Maize—Characterization of Lignin Patterns
Poerschmann, J., Gathmann, A., Augustin, J., Langer, U., & Górecki, T. (2005) · Journal of Environmental Quality · doi:10.2134/jeq2005.0070 · Cited by 109
The Economics of Bt Corn: Valuing Protection from the European Corn Borer
Hyde, J., Martin, M. A., Preckel, P. V., et al. (1999) · Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy · doi:10.2307/1349890 · Cited by 102
KRYSAN, J. K. & MILLER, T. A. edits. (1986): Methods for the Study of Pest Diabrotica. - Springer Series in Experimental Entomology. Springer-Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo. 272 S., 81 Abb., 19 Tab. - Preis 198.- DM.
Hieke, F. (2008) · Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift · doi:10.1002/mmnd.19880350103 · Cited by 96
Tissue and subcellular immunolocalisation of enzymes of lignin synthesis in differentiating and wounded hypocotyl tissue of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Smith, C., Rodgers, M. W., Zimmerlin, A. G., et al. (1994) · Planta · doi:10.1007/bf00194448 · Cited by 93
Nutritive value - mycotoxin contamination and in vitro rumen fermentation of normal and genetically modified corn (cry1A(b)) grown in Northern Italy
Masoero, F., Moschini, M., Rossi, F., Prandini, A., & Pietri, A. (1999) · Maydica · Cited by 90
Pedospheric Processes and the Carbon Cycle
Lal, R., Kimble, J. M., & Follett, R. F. (2018) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.1201/9780203739273-1 · Cited by 89
Assessing changes in soil microbial communities and carbon mineralization in Bt and non-Bt corn residue-amended soils
Fang, M., Motavalli, P. P., Kremer, R. J., & Nelson, K. A. (2007) · Applied Soil Ecology · doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2007.06.001 · Cited by 87
Field decomposition of transgenic Bt maize residue and the impact on non-target soil invertebrates
Zwahlen, C., Hilbeck, A., & Nentwig, W. (2007) · Plant and Soil · doi:10.1007/s11104-007-9410-6 · Cited by 84
Yield-Loss Relationships and Economic Injury Levels for European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Populations Infesting Pennsylvania Field Corn
Bode, W. M., & Calvin, D. D. (1990) · Journal of Economic Entomology · doi:10.1093/jee/83.4.1595 · Cited by 81
Modeling the incorporation of corn (Zea mays L.) carbon from roots and rhizodeposition into soil organic matter
Molina, J. A. E., Clapp, C. E., Linden, D. R., Allmaras, R. R., Layese, M. F., Dowdy, R. H., & Cheng, H. H. (2001) · Soil Biology and Biochemistry · doi:10.1016/s0038-0717(00)00117-6 · Cited by 80
Development, yield, grain moisture and nitrogen uptake of Bt corn hybrids and their conventional near-isolines
L., B., & Subedi, K. D. (2004) · Field Crops Research · doi:10.1016/j.fcr.2004.09.021 · Cited by 75
Utilization of Bt corn residues by grazing beef steers and Bt corn silage and grain by growing beef cattle and lactating dairy cows
Folmer, J., Grant, R. J., Milton, C. T., & Beck, J. J. (2002) · Journal of Animal Science · doi:10.2527/2002.8051352x · Cited by 73
Tissue and subcellular immunolocalisation of enzymes of lignin synthesis in differentiating and wounded hypocotyl tissue of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Smith, C., Rodgers, M. W., Zimmerlin, A. G., et al. (1994) · Planta · doi:10.1007/bf01089030 · Cited by 71
Divergent Selection for Rind Penetrometer Resistance and Its Effects on European Corn Borer Damage and Stalk Traits in Corn
Martin, S. A., Darrah, L. L., & Hibbard, B. E. (2004) · Crop Science · doi:10.2135/cropsci2004.7110 · Cited by 63
Differences in Yields, Residue Composition and N Mineralization Dynamics of Bt and Non-Bt Maize
Mungai, N. W., Motavalli, P. P., Nelson, K. A., & Kremer, R. J. (2005) · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · doi:10.1007/s10705-005-8850-8 · Cited by 59
Decomposition of Bt and Non-Bt Corn Hybrid Residues in the Field
Tarkalson, D. D., Kachman, S. D., Knops, J. M. N., Thies, J. E., & Wortmann, C. S. (2008) · Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems · doi:10.1007/s10705-007-9135-1 · Cited by 59
Influence of Bt Transgenes on Cell Wall Lignification and Digestibility of Maize Stover for Silage
Jung, H. G., & Sheaffer, C. C. (2004) · Crop Science · doi:10.2135/cropsci2004.1781 · Cited by 58
European Corn Borer
Raun, E. S. (1966) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-395601-9.50025-0 · Cited by 54
Biochemical Properties of Decomposing Cotton and Corn Stem and Root Residues
Zibilske, L. M., & Materon, L. A. (2005) · Soil Science Society of America Journal · doi:10.2136/sssaj2005.0378 · Cited by 49
No Differences in Decomposition Rates Observed between Bacillus thuringiensis and Non‐Bacillus thuringiensis Corn Residue Incubated in the Field
Lehman, R. M., Osborne, S. L., & Rosentrater, K. A. (2008) · Agronomy Journal · doi:10.2134/agronj2007.0123 · Cited by 48
Agronomic assessment of Bt trait and seed or soil-applied insecticides on the control of corn rootworm and yield
L., B., Meloche, F., & Wei, L. (2009) · Field Crops Research · doi:10.1016/j.fcr.2008.12.006 · Cited by 43
Dry Matter and Nitrogen Partitioning Patterns in Bt and Non‐Bt Near‐Isoline Maize Hybrids
Subedi, K. D., & L., B. (2007) · Crop Science · doi:10.2135/cropsci2006.09.0593 · Cited by 42
Performance of Bt Corn Hybrids, their Near Isolines, and Leading Corn Hybrids in Pennsylvania and Maryland
Dillehay, B. L., Roth, G. W., Calvin, D. D., et al. (2004) · Agronomy Journal · doi:10.2134/agronj2004.0818 · Cited by 42
Release, persistence, and biological activity in soil of insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis
Stotzky, G. (2001) · CRC Press eBooks · doi:10.1201/9781420042030.ch8 · Cited by 37
No Differences in Decomposition Rates Observed between and Non- Corn Residue Incubated in the Field
Lehman, R. M., Osborne, S. L., & Rosentrater, K. A. (2008) · Agronomy Journal · doi:10.2134/agrojnl2007.0123 · Cited by 31
Extractable Soil Lipids and Microbial Activity as Affected by Bt and Non Bt Maize Grown on a Silty Clay Loam Soil
Dinel, H., Schnitzer, M. I., Saharinen, M. M., Meloche, F., Paré, T., Dumontet, S., Lemée, L., & Amblès, A. (2003) · Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B · doi:10.1081/pfc-120018450 · Cited by 28
Crafting crop resistance to corn rootworms
Ostlie, K. R. (2001) · Nature Biotechnology · doi:10.1038/90219 · Cited by 26
Divergent Selection for Rind Penetrometer Resistance and Its Effects on European Corn Borer Damage and Stalk Traits in Corn
Martin, S. A., Darrah, L. L., & Hibbard, B. E. (2004) · Crop Science · doi:10.2135/cropsci2004.0711 · Cited by 20
Analytical composition and rumen degradability of isogenic and transgenic corn varieties
Rossi, F., Moschini, M., Fiorentini, L., Masoero, F., & Piva, G. (2003) · Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture · doi:10.1002/jsfa.1545 · Cited by 16
European corn borer in field corn.
Bohnenblust, E. W., & Tooker, J. F. (2010) · Cited by 5

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

Baute T (ed) (2004) A grower’s handbook: controlling corn insect pests with Bt corn technology, 2nd edn. Canadian Corn Pest Coalition, Ridgetown, Ontario, p 24
Dow Agrosciences (2007) Herculex® RW Rootworm protection maize: technical bulletin. http://www.dowagro.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_00a4/0901b803800a4d0c.pdf?filepath=herculex/pdfs/noreg/010-16438.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc . Accessed 18 April 2009
Goering H, Van Soest P (1970) Forage fiber analysis. Agric. Handbook No. 379. ARS, USDA, Washington, DC
Latshaw WL, Miller EC (1924) Elemental composition of corn plants. J Agric Res 27:845–861

Sorted by citations

Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data
Pellegrino, E., Bedini, S., Nuti, M., & Ercoli, L. (2018) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-21284-2 · Cited by 177

Dispersal Behavior of Neonate European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Bt Corn
Razze, J. M., & Mason, C. E. (2012) · Journal of Economic Entomology · doi:10.1603/ec11288 · Cited by 47
Modeling the Development of Resistance by Stalk-Boring Lepidopteran Insects (Crambidae) in Areas with Transgenic Corn and Frequent Insecticide Use
Onstad, D. W., Guse, C. A., Porter, P., et al. (2002) · Journal of Economic Entomology · doi:10.1093/jee/95.5.1033 · Cited by 62
Feeding Behavior of Neonate Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Cry1Ab Bt Corn: Implications for Resistance Management
Razze, J. M., Mason, C. E., & Pizzolato, T. D. (2011) · Journal of Economic Entomology · doi:10.1603/ec10287 · Cited by 26
Frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Bt maize in French and US corn belt populations of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis
Bourguet, D., Chaufaux, J., Séguin, M., Buisson, C., Hinton, J. L., Stodola, T. J., Porter, P., Cronholm, G. B., Buschman, L. L., & Andow, D. A. (2002) · Theoretical and Applied Genetics · doi:10.1007/s00122-002-1172-1 · Cited by 132
The effect of stem diameter on European corn borer behavior and survival: potential consequences for IRM in Bt‐corn
Losey, J. E., Carter, M. E., & Silverman, S. A. (2002) · Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata · doi:10.1046/j.1570-7458.2002.01037.x · Cited by 24

Authors: Yanni, S. F., Whalen, J. K., & Ma, B. L.
Affiliations: Collège MacDonald (CA)
Corresponding author: Whalen, J. K.
ORCID: Yanni, S. F.
Whalen, J. K.
Venue: Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2009-12-31
Volume: 87
Issue: 2
Pages: 277-293
ISSN: 1385-1314 (ISSN-L)
1573-0867
DOI: 10.1007/s10705-009-9338-8
OpenAlex: W2087416388
Cited by: 26
References: 63
Citations by year: 2026: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 5
FWCI: 3.92
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations: Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems (publishedVersion)
Funders: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Topics: Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Genetically Modified Organisms Research
Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Crop Yield and Soil Fertility
Keywords: Bt maize, transgenic maize, crop residue decomposition, soil organic carbon, lignin content, CO2 evolution, Ostrinia nubilalis, Cry1Ab, soil carbon storage, agroecosystems

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Crop residue chemistry, decomposition rates, and CO2 evolution in Bt and non-Bt corn agroecosystems in North America: a review

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks