Data from: Soil CO2 Efflux Dynamics in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System

Integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems combine crop and livestock production and have been found to improve soil health. However, there is limited understanding of how ICL systems affect soil carbon (C) dynamics, especially in semi-arid regions. To better understand C responses to ICL systems, a 3-yr study was conducted near Mandan, ND, USA. Carbon dioxide efflux, aboveground biomass, and soil C measurements were made in grazed and ungrazed ICL system crop rotations and grass pasture. Treatments were replicated four times. Measurements of CO2 efflux were made using static chamber methodology 93 times over the study period (14 Oct 2016 – 16 Oct 2019). Aboveground biomass, soil organic matter, water-soluble C and N, and C mineralization were measured annually following standard protocols. Aboveground biomass was expressed as mass units of C per unit area assuming a plant tissue C concentration of 45%. Data may be used to understand CO2 efflux, aboveground biomass, and soil C dynamics in ICL production systems. Data are generally applicable to cropland under a semiarid continental climate for the following soil types: Grassna, Linton, Mandan, Temvik, Williams, and Wilton.