Data from: Impacts of rotation, tillage, cover cropping, and drainage on soil health in soybean-based cropping systems: Evidence from 4–50-year trials across the US

Recent studies highlight conservation management practices as an effective
strategy to enhance soil health. However, results vary, particularly
regarding which soil health parameters respond most sensitively to these
practices. More studies covering a wide range of soil types and climatic
conditions are needed to assist farmers in making management decisions on
production practices related to soil health. In this study, we collected
soil samples (0-15 cm) from 21 (4–50 years) soybean [Glycine max (L.)
Merr.]-based cropping systems trials across the United States (US) to
assess the impact of management practices on soil health indicators. Soil
indicators included wet aggregate stability (WAS), permanganate oxidizable
carbon (POXC), organic matter loss-on-ignition (OM-LOI), mineralizable
carbon (Min-C), water extractable organic carbon (WEOC), total organic
carbon (TOC), soil extractable protein (ACE-N), total nitrogen (TN), pH,
soil test phosphorus (STP), and soil test potassium (STK). Our objectives
were: (i) to assess the effects of crop rotation, tillage, cover cropping,
and artificial drainage on soil health; (ii) to inform soybean farmers
about the management practices that are associated with improvements on
soil health; and (iii) to develop and share a unique and open soil health
dataset with the research community for future global meta-studies. To
assess the effects of management practices on soil health indicators, both
meta-analysis approach and linear mixed-effect models were used. Two-crop
rotations were associated with greater STP values compared to a
single-crop. The inclusion of cover crops was associated with greater
Min-C and WEOC compared to no cover crops. No-tillage showed more acidic
pH than conventional tillage. The remaining soil health indicators tested
did not change in response to the management practices assessed. There
were no statistically significant differences in observed soil tests
between tile-drained and undrained treatments. Overall results suggest
that cover crops can play an important role in building soil health in
soybean-based cropping systems. Our open-access dataset provides a
valuable resource for future research and meta-studies, ultimately
contributing to the development of more effective management strategies
for promoting more sustainable soybean cropping systems.