Science?based maize stover removal can be sustainable

Maize (Zea mays L.) stover can be harvested for multiple uses or left in the field to sustain soil organic carbon (SOC), cycle essential plant nutrients, and protect health. This 13-yr study quantified effects of no (0 Mg ha–1 yr–1), low (1.0–1.4 moderate (3.5–4.0 high rates (4.7–5.4 yr–1) harvest from either continuous maize maize–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation on grain yield, nutrient concentrations, properties at two sites Iowa. Stover increased macro- micro-nutrient removal, but did not affect average yields crops. Soil inorganic (IC), SOC, bulk density, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) showed significant differences due harvest. Plant tissue soil-test concentration were also minor site-specific. significantly (p < .05) decreased exchangeable K Ca concentrations by 8.3–23.8% 0.3–22.5% overall health indicator minimal. Overall, based crop yields, indicators, sequestration estimates, sustainable provided: (a) consistently exceed 11 ha–1, (b) removal does 40% aboveground biomass (i.e., 3.5–4.0 (c) nutrients (especially K) are closely monitored.