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Cited by 82Bioenergy crop production and managementSoil Carbon and Nitrogen DynamicsSoil Management and Crop Yield

Field-scale soil property changes under switchgrass managed for bioenergy

Open access
SCHMER, M. R., LIEBIG, M. A., VOGEL, K. P., MITCHELL, R. B.·2011·GCB Bioenergy
DOI 10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01099.x
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Abstract

The capacity of perennial grasses to affect change in soil properties is well documented but information on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) managed for bioenergy is limited. An on-farm study (10 fields) in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska was sampled before switchgrass establishment and after 5 years to determine changes in soil bulk density (SBD), pH, soil phosphorus (P), and equivalent mass soil organic carbon (SOC). Changes in SBD were largely constrained to near-surface depths (0–0.05 m). SBD increased (0–0.05 m) at the Nebraska locations (mean=0.16 Mg m−3), while most South Dakota and North Dakota locations showed declines in SBD (mean=−0.18 Mg m−3; range=−0.42–0.07 Mg m−3). Soil pH change was significant at five of the 10 locations at near surface depths (0–0.05 m), but absolute changes were modest (range=−0.67–0.44 pH units). Available P declined at all sites where it was measured (North Dakota and South Dakota locations). When summed across the surface 0.3 m depth, annual decreases in available P averaged 1.5 kg P ha−1 yr−1 (range=0.5–2.8 kg P ha−1 yr−1). Averaged across locations, equivalent mass SOC increased by 0.5 and 2.4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 for the 2500 and 10 000 Mg ha−1 soil masses, respectively. Results from this study underscore the contribution of switchgrass to affect soil property changes, though considerable variation in soil properties exists within and across locations.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a 10-field on-farm study across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, switchgrass managed for bioenergy changed near-surface soil properties over 5 years, with available P most frequently affected (67% significant responses), followed by bulk density (50%), SOC (40%), and pH (20%). Equivalent-mass SOC increased on average by 0.5 and 2.4 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for the 2500 and 10 000 Mg ha⁻¹ soil masses, respectively.

Key findings

  • Soil bulk density changes were largely constrained to 0–0.05 m: Nebraska locations increased by a mean of 0.16 Mg m⁻³, while most South Dakota and North Dakota locations declined by a mean of −0.18 Mg m⁻³ (range −0.42 to 0.07 Mg m⁻³).
  • Soil pH change was significant at five of 10 locations at 0–0.05 m, but absolute changes were modest (range −0.67 to 0.44 pH units).
  • Available P declined at all sites where measured (North Dakota and South Dakota); summed across 0–0.3 m, annual decreases averaged 1.5 kg P ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (range 0.5–2.8 kg P ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹).
  • Averaged across locations, equivalent-mass SOC increased by 0.5 and 2.4 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for the 2500 and 10 000 Mg ha⁻¹ soil masses, respectively.

Methods

  • On-farm study of 10 fields: Nebraska (4), South Dakota (4), and North Dakota (2), sampled before switchgrass establishment and after 5 years (4 years for Atkinson).
  • At each site, soil samples were collected from two 60 m transects with three sampling locations each (six per site; Atkinson had two per transect), using a truck-mounted hydraulic probe; depths included 0–0.05, 0.05–0.1, 0.1–0.2, 0.2–0.3 m, with deeper sampling at Nebraska sites.
  • Changes were evaluated with paired t-tests at P 0.1 and 0.05 in PROC MIXED; P and SOC were recalculated on equivalent mass bases of 2500 and 10 000 Mg ha⁻¹, and Pearson correlations were used for associations.

Limitations

  • Stated: SOC accrual results had limited statistical significance because of inherent site-by-site variation under on-farm conditions and the relatively short timeframe; the paper calls for further quantification of long-term trends (>5 years).
  • Stated: sampling locations were treated as pseudoreplicates.
  • Evident: available P was measured only at North Dakota and South Dakota locations, not Nebraska; the study is an on-farm observational comparison without research-station control plots.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01099.x

Cites

48 of 48 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 37 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Changes in plant available P expressed volumetrically and on an equivalent mass basis were strongly associated (r=0.99; P<0.0001).

    “Changes in plant available P expressed volumetrically and on an equivalent mass basis were strongly associated (r 5 0.99; Po0.0001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The least number of significant responses to switchgrass occurred at the 0.1-0.2 m sample depth.

    “Conversely, the least number of significant responses to switchgrass occurred at the 0.1-0.2m sample depth.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Equivalent mass and volumetric SOC values were strongly associated based on correlation analyses.

    “Equivalent mass and volumetric SOC values were strongly associated based on correlation analyses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Soil bulk density (SBD) increased at 0-0.05 m at the Nebraska locations, with a mean increase of 0.16 Mg m-3.

    “SBD increased (0-0.05 m) at the Nebraska locations (mean 5 0.16 Mg m À3 ), while most South Dakota and North Dakota locations showed declines in SBD (mean 5À0.18 Mg m À3 ; range 5À0.42-0.07Mg m À3 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    When summed across the surface 0.3 m depth, annual decreases in available P averaged 1.5 kg P ha-1 yr-1, with a range of 0.5 to 2.8 kg P ha-1 yr-1.

    “When summed across the surface 0.3 m depth, annual decreases in available P averaged 1.5 kg P ha À1 yr À1 (range 5 0.5-2.8kg P ha À1 yr À1 ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 27
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 12
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 3

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Based on the number of significant responses across sites and depths, available P was most affected by switchgrass (67% significant response), followed by SBD (50%), SOC (40%), and pH (20%).

    “Based on the number of significant responses across sites and depths, available P was most affected by switchgrass (67% significant response), followed by SBD (50% significant response), SOC (40% significant response), and pH (20% significant response).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Numerically, soil pH increased at all sites in North Dakota and South Dakota, but decreased at three out of four locations in Nebraska.

    “Numeri- cally, soil pH increased at all sites in ND and SD, but decreased at three out of four locations in NE (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Soil pH changed in response to switchgrass at eight of the 10 locations (six locations with P<0.05), with the majority of changes occurring at the 0-0.05 m and 0.05-0.1 m depths.

    “Soil pH changed in response to switchgrass at eight of the 10 locations (six locations with Po0.05) with the majority of changes occurring at the 0-0.05 m and 0.05-0.1 m depths (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most South Dakota and North Dakota locations showed declines in SBD at 0-0.05 m, with a mean change of -0.18 Mg m-3 and a range of -0.42 to 0.07 Mg m-3.

    “SBD increased (0-0.05 m) at the Nebraska locations (mean 5 0.16 Mg m À3 ), while most South Dakota and North Dakota locations showed declines in SBD (mean 5À0.18 Mg m À3 ; range 5À0.42-0.07Mg m À3 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Near-surface depths (above 0.1 m) were most sensitive to changes in pH, while no changes in pH were observed below 0.6 m.

    “Near-surface depths (above 0.1 m) were most sensitive to changes in pH, while no changes in pH were observed below 0.6 m.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Correlation coefficients for SOC in the 10000 Mg ha-1 soil mass and volumetric SOC within the 0-1.2 m depth were 0.96 (P<0.0001) for the initial sampling and 0.98 (P<0.0001) for the 5-year sampling.

    “Similarly, correlation coefficients for SOC in the 10 000 Mg ha À1 soil mass and volumetric SOC within the 0-1.2 m depth were 0.96 (Po0.0001) for the initial sampling and 0.98 (Po0.0001) for the 5-year sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only at Huron, Ethan, Crofton, and Douglas did changes in SBD equal or exceed 0.2 Mg m-3, all at 0-0.05 m.

    “Only at Huron, Ethan, Crofton, and Douglas did changes in SBD equal or exceed 0.2 Mg m À3 (all at 0-0.05 m).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Changes in soil pH at 0-0.3 m were significant at Streeter (increased), Highmore (increased) and Lawrence (decreased).

    “Changes in soil pH at 0-0.3 m were significant at Streeter (increased), Highmore (increased) and Lawrence (decreased).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Changes in soil properties occurred at all depths, but were most prevalent at 0-0.05 m.

    “Changes in soil properties occurred at all depths, but were most prevalent at 0-0.05 m.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Equivalent mass SOC changes varied by location, with eight locations showing increased SOC and two locations showing decreased SOC at the 2500 Mg ha-1 soil mass.

    “Equivalent mass SOC changes varied by location, however, with eight locations showing increased SOC and two locations showing decreased SOC at the 2500 Mg ha À1 soil mass (Table 6).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Soil pH change was significant at five of the 10 locations at near-surface depths (0-0.05 m), with absolute changes ranging from -0.67 to 0.44 pH units.

    “Soil pH change was significant at five of the 10 locations at near surface depths (0-0.05m), but absolute changes were modest (range 5À0.67-0.44 pH units).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Across sites, changes in SBD decreased in frequency with increased depth; the 0-0.05 m depth was most sensitive to changes in SBD (significant at eight sites), while the 0.3-0.6 m depth was least sensitive (significant at one site).

    “Across sites, changes in SBD decreased in frequency with increased depth; the 0-0.05 m depth was most sensitive to changes in SBD (significant at eight sites), while the 0.3-0.6 m depth was least sensitive (significant at one site).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only at Crofton did switchgrass production change pH more than half a unit, with a decrease of 0.67 at 0-0.05 m.

    “Only at Crofton did switchgrass production change pH more than half a unit (À0.67; 0-0.05 m), indicating absolute changes in pH across sites were relatively modest.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Crofton, NE, soil bulk density increased significantly at multiple depths from 0 to 0.6 m and in the 0-0.3 and 0-1.2 m profiles following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “Crofton, NE | 0.25** | 0.10** | 0.03* | 0.09** | 0.14** | À0.01 | À0.09** | 0.10** | 0.03**”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Equivalent mass SOC trends were similar to volumetric SOC trends reported earlier.

    “Equivalent mass SOC trends were similar to volumetric SOC trends reported earlier (Liebig et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Liebig et al., 2008 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Soil property changes were analyzed by landscape features in this study but were largely insignificant with only the Streeter location showing differences in SOC by landscape position during the initial sampling.

    “Soil property changes were analyzed by landscape features in this study but were largely insignificant with only the Streeter location showing differences in SOC by landscape position during the initial sampling.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Huron, SD, plant available P decreased significantly (P<0.05) across the 0-0.3 m profile and on a 2500 Mg soil ha-1 basis following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “0-0.3 | À14.2* | À10.9** | À6.9* | À2.5 | À8.4** | À3.8 |”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Streeter, ND, plant available P decreased significantly (P<0.05) across the 0-0.3 m profile and on a 2500 Mg soil ha-1 basis following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “0-0.3 | À14.2* | À10.9** | À6.9* | À2.5 | À8.4** | À3.8 |”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    At Bristol, SD, soil organic C stock in the 0-2500 Mg soil ha-1 layer increased significantly (P<0.1) by 8.4 Mg C ha-1 following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “Bristol, SD | 56.5 (3.4) | 64.9 (3.5) | 8.4* | - | - | - |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Lawrence, NE, soil pH decreased significantly in the 0-0.3 m profile and at 0.2-0.3 and 0.3-0.6 m depths following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “Lawrence, NE | À0.06 | À0.03 | À0.18 | À0.36** | À0.33* | À0.03 | À0.03 | À0.19** | À0.22”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    At Bristol, SD, plant available P decreased significantly (P<0.05 at 0-0.05 and 0.1-0.2 m; P<0.1 at 0-0.3 m; P<0.05 at 2500 Mg basis) following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “0-0.3 | À14.2* | À10.9** | À6.9* | À2.5 | À8.4** | À3.8 |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    At Munich, ND, soil organic C stock in the 0-2500 Mg soil ha-1 layer increased significantly (P<0.1) by 7.1 Mg C ha-1 following 5 years under switchgrass.

    “Munich, ND | 57.1 (3.7) w | 64.2 (5.9) | 7.1* | - | - | - |”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Overwinter changes in soil structural attributes from freeze-thaw cycles may also contribute to lower SBD in near-surface depths.

    “Overwinter changes in soil structural attributes from freeze-thaw cycles may also contribute to lower SBD in near-surface depths (Perfect et al., 1990), though investigations on this topic are scarce.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Perfect et al., 1990 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Increases in SBD under switchgrass at the Nebraska locations were likely caused by tillage operations immediately before soil sampling, which would have acted to decrease initial SBD considerably for soils with a silty clay loam texture.

    “Increases in SBD under switchgrass at the Nebraska locations were likely caused by tillage operations immediately before soil sampling, which would have acted to decrease initial SBD considerably for soils with a silty clay loam texture (Tables 2 and 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Sampling locations were treated as pseudoreplicates as reviewed by Gomez (1984).

    “Sampling locations were treated as pseudoreplicates as reviewed by Gomez (1984).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gomez (1984)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    To eliminate effects of sampling depth and SBD on soil P and SOC, data from the initial and 5-year samplings were recalculated on an equivalent mass basis assuming soil profile masses of 2500 and 10000 Mg ha-1 following the method of Ellert & Bettany (1995).

    “To eliminate effects of sampling depth and SBD on soil P and SOC, data from the initial and 5-year samplings were recalculated on an equivalent mass basis assuming soil profile masses of 2500 and 10 000 Mg ha À1 following the method of Ellert & Bettany (1995).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ellert & Bettany (1995) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fertilizer additions to grassland systems have shown to increase SOC and root C storage but overall changes varies by soil type and climate.

    “Fertilizer additions to grassland systems have shown to increase SOC and root C storage but overall changes varies by soil type and climate (Conant et al., 2001;Ma et al., 2001;Lee et al., 2007;Heggenstaller et al., 2009;Blanco-Canqui, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Conant et al., 2001 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Ma et al., 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Lee et al., 2007 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Switchgrass grown in higher precipitation regions have P removal rates between 7 and 14 kg P ha-1 yr-1.

    “Switchgrass grown in higher precipitation regions have P removal rates between 7 and 14 kg P ha À1 yr À1 (Heggenstaller et al., 2009;Lemus et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Heggenstaller et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Lemus et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Reconstructed prairies have shown SOC differences by landscape positions and by sample period for shallow sampling depths (0-0.15 m).

    “Reconstructed prairies have shown SOC differences by landscape positions and by sample period for shallow sampling depths (0-0.15m) (Guzman & Al-Kaisi, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Guzman & Al-Kaisi, 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Depth distribution of increased SOC has relevance to soil function, as near-surface increases in SOC influence nutrient conservation, water infiltration, and erosion control.

    “Depth distribution of increased SOC has relevance to soil function, as near-surface increases in SOC influence nutrient conservation, water infiltration, and erosion control (Franzluebbers, 2002).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Franzluebbers, 2002 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Soil parameters of N, pH, P, and soil moisture explained more of the switchgrass yield variation than topographic effects on a switchgrass field in Europe.

    “Soil parameters of N, pH, P, and soil moisture explained more of the switchgrass yield variation than topographic effects on a switchgrass field in Europe (Di Virgilio et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Di Virgilio et al., 2007 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These results demonstrate that switchgrass from a soils aspect should be a sustainable energy crop for the Northern and Central Great Plains and adjacent Midwest states because of its role in soil C sequestration throughout the soil profile and its minimal impact on other important soil properties.

    “These results demonstrate that switchgrass from a soils aspect should be a sustainable energy crop for the Northern and Central Great Plains and adjacent Midwest states because of its role in soil C sequestration throughout the soil profile and its minimal impact on other important soil properties.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Equivalent mass SOC mean values were smaller in relation to volumetric SOC changes, a result of using the shallower sampling depth to account for variation in SBD.

    “Equivalent mass SOC mean values were smaller in relation to volumetric SOC changes, a result of using the shallower sampling depth to account for variation in SBD (Ellert & Bettany, 1995).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ellert & Bettany, 1995 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Switchgrass aboveground biomass yields have shown little variation when evaluated across landscape features in the Central US.

    “Switchgrass aboveground biomass yields have shown little variation when evaluated across landscape features in the Central US (Lee et al., 2009;Schmer et al., 2010;Thelemann et al., 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Lee et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Schmer et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Thelemann et al., 2010 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Results from this study showed similar SOC accrual rates to previous estimates, albeit with limited statistical significance given site-by-site variation and the relatively short timeframe of the investigation.

    “Results from this study showed similar SOC accrual rates albeit with limited statistical significance given the inherent siteby-site variation characteristic of on-farm conditions coupled with the relatively short timeframe of the investigation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Switchgrass has an extensive, fibrous root system that extends 3 m below the soil surface, making it a good candidate to sequester C.

    “Switchgrass has an extensive, fibrous root system that extends 3 m below the soil surface, making it a good candidate to sequester C (Weaver & Darland;1949).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Weaver & Darland, 1949

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Harvest timing can influence P removal rates with aboveground P concentrations differing by harvest dates.

    “Harvest timing can influence P removal rates with aboveground P concentrations differing by harvest dates (Adler et al., 2006;Dien et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Adler et al., 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Dien et al., 2006 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    P mobilization from the shoots to the roots is less than N shoot to root mobilization for upland ecotypes.

    “P mobilization from the shoots to the roots is less than N shoot to root mobilization for upland ecotypes (Heggenstaller et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Heggenstaller et al., 2009 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Switchgrass forms strong associations with mycorrhizal fungi, which increases P uptake under low P levels limiting the need for supplemental P.

    “Switchgrass forms strong associations with mycorrhizal fungi, which increases P uptake under low P levels limiting the need for supplemental P (Brejda et al., 1993).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brejda et al., 1993 source

      Not checked in the free run.

39 of 39

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most crops grown in the Great Plains have a wide range of suitable soil conditions for growth.

    “since most crops grown in the Great Plains have a wide range of suitable soil conditions for growth.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Switchgrass likely will be in a crop rotation for a minimum of 5 years before another crop rotation occurs.

    “Switchgrass likely will be in a crop rotation for a minimum of 5 years before another crop rotation occurs.”
2 of 2

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?

  • Although the potential of switchgrass for SOC sequestration was highlighted in several studies, different cropping managements and analytical approaches to estimate SOC stock variations limit the possibility to compare data across studies.

    “Although the potential of switchgrass for SOC sequestration was highlighted in several studies (Ma, 2000;Liebig et al., 2008;Schmer et al., 2011), the different cropping managements (in terms of fertilization and irrigation) and analytical approaches to estimate the SOC stock variations limit the possibility to compare data across studies.”

    From Carbon sequestration potential in perennial bioenergy crops: the importance of organic matter inputs and its physical protection (2016) · cites this paper as Schmer et al., 2011

  • Variation in bulk density increases uncertainty of stock changes and needs to be accounted for to capture spatial heterogeneity effects on SOC dynamics and sequestration.

    “Bulk density in particular is a dynamic property when changing from arable to perennial agricultural systems [24], and its variation increases the uncertainty of stock changes [80, 164, 184] and needs to be accounted for to capture the effect of spatial heterogeneity on SOC dynamics and sequestration.”

    From Carbon Sequestration by Perennial Energy Crops: Is the Jury Still Out? (2015) · cites this paper as [184]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

  • Across-location SOC increase does not match site values

    Major

    The ten site-level changes for the 2500 Mg soil mass average 2.07 Mg C ha À1, which rounds to 2.1 rather than the reported 2.4. The reported increase underlies the paper's annual SOC accrual estimate.

    Reported 2.4 · recomputed 2.07

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Blake, 1986, Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 - Physical and Mineralogical Methods, 363
  2. Follett, 2001, Soil Carbon Sequestration and the Greenhouse Effect Vol. SSSA Spec. Publ. No. 57, 27
  3. Gee, 1986, Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1 - Physical and Mineralogical Methods, 383
  4. Hanson, 2005, Germination under various temperature and pH regimes, Seed Technology, 27, 203
  5. Loeppert, 1996, Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 3. Chemical Methods Vol. SSSA Book Series No. 5, 437
  6. Nelson, 1996, Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 3. Chemical Methods, 961
  7. Watson, 1998, Recommended Chemical Soil Test Procedures for the North Central Region, 13

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
SCHMER, M. R., LIEBIG, M. A., VOGEL, K. P., & MITCHELL, R. B.
Affiliations
  • Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (US)
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln (US)
Corresponding author
SCHMER, M. R.
ORCID
Venue
GCB Bioenergy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2011-03-01
Volume
3
Issue
6
Pages
439-448
ISSN
1757-1693 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01099.x
OpenAlex
W2168248179
Semantic Scholar
4d7838b17744c27daa4ae36997d61a6f7c4ded88
Cited by
82
References
48
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 6
FWCI
15.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
doi.wiley.com/10.1002/tdm_license_1.1 (tdm, 1645 d)
Locations
  • GCB Bioenergy (publishedVersion)
  • Lincoln (University of Nebraska) (submittedVersion)
  • Global Change Biology
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Bioenergy crop production and management
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Management and Crop Yield
Keywords
switchgrass, energy crops, perennial grasses, soil bulk density, soil pH, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, soil property changes, bioenergy cropping systems

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.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

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 ›

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