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K-state spearheads major crop sustainability study

K-state spearheads major crop sustainability study


By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University is set to lead a crucial five-year study, funded by a $7.7 million grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), to investigate the effects of crop production management on soil health, sustainability, and crop yields.

This comprehensive project, with a total investment of $16.3 million including matching funds from Bayer Crop Science, LI-COR, LandScan, and K-State, will unfold across seven states.

The study, initiated by Brian Olson of the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers and former Bayer employee, will delve into the interplay between soil water content, crop health, and various management practices. This research aims to enhance water management for diverse agricultural systems, from dryland and irrigated farming to rain-fed agriculture, focusing on the role of water tables.

Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, a soil fertility specialist at K-State, emphasizes the study's goal to unravel the complexities of increasing crop yields while ensuring the sustainability of farmlands and boosting profits. The research will explore a range of practices including cover crops, nitrogen management, crop rotations, and tillage methods, under diverse environmental conditions.

This project brings together a skilled team from various institutions, including Iowa State University, LandScan, LI-COR, Bayer, Mississippi State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Kansas. The team's collective expertise spans agricultural engineering, hydrology, biology, soil science, agronomy, and agricultural economics, among others.

Researchers will assess the long-term impact of these practices on crop productivity and environmental sustainability, measuring factors such as soil carbon, soil health, microbial activity, and greenhouse gas emissions. The findings aim to provide actionable insights that could lead to substantial economic and environmental benefits.

Key research sites include the Harold and Olympia Lonsinger Sustainability Research Farm near Alton and the Western Kansas Research-Extension Center in Garden City. These locations will provide vital data on water usage under different farming systems, including cotton cultivation in southwest Kansas.

This study represents a significant step towards understanding and enhancing sustainable crop production, potentially leading to revolutionary changes in agricultural practices and crop productivity.

 

Photo Credit: kansas state university

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Categories: Kansas, Crops

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