Data from: Integrated crop-livestock system effects on soil N, P, and pH in a semiarid region

Efficient use of plant nutrients is an important attribute to concurrently achieve production and environmental goals in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems. Unfortunately, there is a lack of published findings on soil nutrient dynamics for ICL systems, particularly in semiarid regions. Effects of residue and grazing management on soil nitrate, available phosphorus, and soil pH were evaluated over a 12-yr period for an ICL experiment near Mandan, ND USA. From 1999 to 2011, soil nitrate and phosphorus were measured in three residue management treatments [grazed (GRAZE), mechanical harvest (HAY), no residue removal (CHOP)] every third year across a 122 cm depth, while soil pH was measured prior to deploying ICL treatments in 1999 and again in 2011. Soil samples were collected in each treatment on a grid pattern representing distinct zones differing in livestock impact based on distance from water and shelter. Soil nitrate-N was determined from 1:10 soil KCl (2M) extracts using cadmium reduction, while plant-available soil phosphorus was estimated by bicarbonate extraction. Soil pH was estimated using a 1:1 soil-water ratio. Gravimetric data were converted to a volumetric basis for each sampling depth using field measured soil bulk density from the 2011 sampling. Data were expressed for four soil depths: 1) near-surface (0-8 cm), 2) primary rooting (0-31 cm), 3) subsoil (31-122 cm), and 4) whole profile (0-122 cm). Data may be used to investigate soil nitrate-N, phosphorus, and pH responses to residue and grazing management for ICL systems under dryland conditions in a semiarid continental climate. Applicable USDA soil types include Temvik, Wilton, Grassna, Linton, Mandan, and Williams.