I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate Utah State University. My research focuses on crop nutrition/soil fertility, soil health characterization in long-term trials, cover crops and compost management, nitrogen, and phosphorus management in agroecosystems. I am delighted to contribute to the global knowledge on the impact of soil management practices on soil health, fertility, and organic matter dynamics for sustainable agricultural production.

Session Code: 1C

Track: CREF Research

Session Name: Compost Impact on Crops and Soil

Session Time: Wednesday, February 7, 8:15 – 9:45 AM

Presentation Title: Investigating Soil Organic Matter Composition in Response to Various Compost Types in a Dryland Winter Wheat Agroecosystem

Presentation Description: Compost fertilization has been shown to impact soil carbon storage in organic dryland winter wheat agroecosystems in the Intermountain West region of the US. However, the specific effects of different compost types on the magnitude of soil carbon storage and the molecular-level composition of soil organic matter (SOM) remain unclear. This lack of understanding hinders our ability to fully comprehend soil SOM dynamics and develop effective soil carbon management strategies. This study investigated the molecular-level composition of soil organic matter in response to different compost types applied in a dryland winter wheat system. The study includes the following compost treatments: (i) control, (ii) compost made from cow manure and wood pallets, (iii) hardwood compost, (iv) softwood compost, and (v) wheat straw. These treatments were applied at specific rates of 50 Mg dry weight per hectare for compost types (ii)-(iv) and 5 Mg per hectare for wheat straw. Soil samples were collected from the 0-10 cm depth. The collected soil samples were analyzed for SOM composition at the molecular level. The analyses assessed the presence and abundance of various components, including plant-derived steroids, cutin-, suberin-, and lignin-derived compounds. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of how different compost types influence SOM composition in dryland winter wheat agroecosystems. This knowledge will enable us to inform growers on the most effective soil carbon management strategies. By optimizing compost application based on the desired changes in SOM composition, growers can enhance soil health and productivity in dryland wheat systems.