Both the quantity and quality of plant residues can impact soil properties and processes. Isotopic tracers can be used to trace plant residue decomposition if the tracer is homogeneously distributed throughout the plant. Continuous labeling will homogeneously label plants but is not widely accessible because elaborate equipment is needed. In order to determine if the more accessible repeat-pulse labeling method could be used to trace plant residue decomposition, this labeling procedure was employed using (13)CO(2) to enrich field pea and canola plants in a controlled environment. Plants were exposed weekly to pulses of 33 atom% (13)CO(2) and grown to maturity. The distribution of the label throughout the plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, and pod) and biochemical fractions (ADF and ADL) was determined. The label was not homogeneously distributed throughout the plant; in particular, the pod fractions were less enriched than other fractions indicating the importance of continuing labeling well into plant maturity for pod-producing plants. The ADL fraction was also less enriched than the ADF fraction. Because of the heterogeneity of the label throughout the plant, caution should be applied when using the repeat-pulse method to trace the fate of (13)C-labeled residues in the soil. However, root contributions to below-ground C were successfully determined from the repeat-pulse labeled root material, as was (13)C enrichment of soil within the top 15 cm. Canola contributed more above- and below-ground residue C than field pea; however, canola was also higher in ADF and ADL fractions indicating a more recalcitrant residue.

Pulse crops represent an ever-increasing proportion of cropping systems in the Northern Great Plains. Previous studies have noted apparent benefits associated with pulse crop production that extend beyond the reduced need for N fertilizer in the year of production; these benefits have been attributed to the quality of pulse residues and their effects on N dynamics in subsequent years. This study used isotope dilution techniques to quantify the N-cycling effects of pulse crops in the rotation. Gross N mineralization was measured over three growing seasons at two Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research sites in Saskatchewan, Canada: Scott (four rotations; one with pulse crop) and Swift Current (three rotations; one with pulse crop). Gross nitrification and the relative contribution of nitrification vs. denitrification to N 2 O emissions were also measured. Across all dates and rotations, the average gross mineralization rate at Scott was 2.0 ± 4.0 mg NH 4 ? -N kg -1 soil d -1 and at Swift Current was 1.4 ± 3.9 mg NH 4 ? -N kg -1 soil d -1 . At both sites, rates were highly variable across the growing season, but tended to be higher at anthesis than either pre-seeding or post-harvest. The only significant difference among rotations was at Swift Current, where the fertilized continuous wheat rotation had the highest gross mineralization rates (rotation average: 2.3 mg NH 4? -N kg -1 soil d -1 ). The lack of difference among most rotations was particularly notable given the differences in residue quantity among the crops. Ultimately, the lower quantity of residues produced by pulse crops appears to be offset by their higher quality.