Enhancing Iowa's soil health

By Andi Anderson

Farmers in Iowa are taking a high-tech approach to study the interactions between crops, water usage, carbon and nitrogen storage, and their combined effects on long-term soil biodiversity.

This initiative is part of a seven-state project in the Midwest, aiming to improve soil health and agricultural practices.

Researchers are examining the effects of different crop combinations on soil and moisture across the Corn Belt. Iowa State University Agronomy Professor Sotirious Archontoulis is leading one of the research sites in this five-year, $16 million project.

His team is monitoring how crop management, carbon, and nitrogen content influence soil moisture, with the goal of predicting the impact on future crop viability.

"We have the same setup in many different environments to capture different organic matter, soil hydrology conditions," said Archontoulis, "so we get a better understanding of the complexities in the agronomic system."

Archontoulis also noted that scientists can study greenhouse gas emissions from the soil, which ultimately affect soil health and can impact large agricultural operations' waste runoff, known to pollute nearby ground and surface water.

The research is gearing up now, with significant potential benefits for farmers.

Based on the computer model's findings, Archontoulis explained that researchers can make specific recommendations to farmers. For example, they can advise how much nitrogen the soil is losing in certain areas and suggest adjustments to planting schedules accordingly.

"We can say, 'This cropping system with this management practice typically loses that amount of nitrogen,'" said Archontoulis. "'However, the other combination of cropping systems could reduce nitrogen loss and improve productivity by X%, so this is a better strategy to move forward.'"

The research begins across the Midwest this summer, and farmers are hopeful that these insights will lead to improved soil health and more sustainable farming practices.

By understanding and managing the complexities of crop interactions and soil conditions, this project aims to ensure the long-term viability and productivity of Midwest agriculture.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock