Plant Growth and Residue Decomposition Component of Wepp - Water Erosion Prediction Project for Fruit and Vegetables.

Abstract

<jats:p>Plant growth and residue decomposition values are needed by the Soil Conservation Service for developing data bases for selected fruit and vegetable crops. These data bases will be used for predicting soil loss using improved erosion prediction technology. The plant growth parameters under investigation are canopy cover leaf area index, plant height plant weight, root weight, stem diameter and vegetative dry matter. The climatic parameter are daily base temperature rainfall and growing degree days. The following is a list of the residue decomposition parameter: 1. Residue weight and harvest 2. Initial carbon-nitrogen ratio, and 3. Percent residue cover at harvest. The results are being used in the WEPP model to predict soil erosion. Data collection afor these parameters start 15 days after planting for vegetables and continue at 7 day intervals through maturity.</jats:p>