Response of soil carbon and nitrogen to transplanted alfalfa in North Dakota rangeland

Abstract

Incorporation of alfalfa (Medicago spp.) into rangelands can increase forage production and quality and may improve the soil resource. A study was conducted to quantify the effects of alfalfa transplanted into native rangeland on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN). Results from this study suggest both grazing- and hay-type alfalfa can increase stocks of soil C and N in native rangeland. However, concurrent increases in SOC and TN in a non-alfalfa control treatment underscore the importance of applying caution when interpreting results.