Comparing Soil Characteristics between Forest and Farm Land

Agricultural ecosystem sustainability is affected by soil degradation. Within the United States, this degradation is primarily caused by agricultural activities and monocropping systems. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of different ecosystems on selected soil characteristics, such as soil organic Carbon (SOC), total porosity, macro-porosity, and soil water at field capacity (SWFC). A total of 24 disturbed and 24 undisturbed soil samples were collected at a 0 to 7 cm depth interval with three replications per field/cropping system. This study evaluated eight agricultural lands: grazed and ungrazed pastures in West Farm; ungrazed pastures in North Farm; a corn field; a post-harvested corn field; a forest with ground cover (0% slope); a forest without ground cover (3 to 4% slope); and a tobacco field. All soil samples were analyzed for SOC, total porosity, macro-porosity, and soil water field capacity SWFC. The results showed that forest land had higher average macroporosity of (45.26%) than farm land (30.30%). Similarly, average total porosity was higher in forest soils (53.82%) compared to farm soils (45.35%). Soil water at field capacity was also greater in forest land (37.32%), when compared to farm land (26.21%). In contrast, average of SOC content was similar between forest and farm land at 5.28% and 5.31%, respectively. In conclusion, forest land exhibited more favorable soil physical properties such as total porosity, macroporosity and soil water at field capacity. These findings highlight the importance of land-use practices in maintaining soil quality and promoting sustainable agricultural management.