Seasonal dynamics of active soil carbon and nitrogen pools under intensive cropping in conventional and no tillage

Active fractions of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) can undergo seasonal changes due to environmental and cultural factors, thereby influencing plant N availability and soil organic matter (SOM) conservation. Our objective was to determine the effect of tillage (conventional and none) on the seasonal dynamics of potential C and N mineralization, soil microbial biomass C (SMBC), specific respiratory activity of SMBC(SRAC), and inorganic soil N in a sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]‐wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and in a wheat/soybean double crop. A Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas was sampled to 200 mm depth 57 times during a 2‐yr period. Potential C mineralization was lowest (≈︁2 to 3 g · m−2 · d−1) midway during the sorghum and soybean growing seasons and highest (≈︁3 to 4 g · m−2 · d−1) at the end of the wheat growing season and following harvest of all crops. Addition of crop residues increased SMBC for one to three months. Potential N mineralization was coupled with potential C mineralization, SRAC, and changes in SMBC at most times, except during the wheat growing season and shortly after sorghum and soybean residue addition when increased N immobilization was probably caused by rhizodeposition and residues with low N concentration. Seasonal variation of inorganic soil N was 19 to 27%, of potential C and N mineralization and SRAC was 8 to 23%, and of SMBC was 7 to 10%. Soil under conventional tillage experienced greater seasonal variation in potential C and N mineralization, SRAC, bulk density, and water‐filled pore space than under no tillage. High residue input with intensive cropping and surface placement of residues were necessary to increase the long‐term level of active C and N properties of this thermic‐region soil due to rapid turnover of C input.