Crop responses to topsoil replacement within eroded landscapes

Approaches to restore productivity eroded soils are urgently needed sustain food security. We evaluated plant response soil-landscape rehabilitation, in which approximately 15 cm of topsoil was moved from depositional landscape positions the upper slope. Crop monitored for 6 yr a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation at severely site and 4 wheat (Triticum aestivum moderately site. Experiments were conducted years with relatively wet springs droughty summers. In landscape, addition soil increased crop biomass by 25–95% on kg ha–1 basis grain yields 20–49% (corn) 12–59% (soybean), largest yield increases recorded most positions. Soil protein test weight. No significant differences observed emergence rate or stand establishment. significantly biomass, but not yield. both landscapes, lower areas removal than adjacent no removed, is likely least partially an artifact plot design. While more research evaluate long-term impacts, results these studies show that rehabilitation may help alleviate effects past erosion provide immediate benefits soils.