LTAR Has A Field Day!

Several PSM scientists involved in large scale, Long Term Agroecosystem Research at Kellogg Biological Station.

Recently several PSM scientists, students and MSUE educators met with stakeholders and other visitors out in the fields to learn more about “Sustainable Cropping Systems for the Future” in the first ever field day held at the LTAR fields adjacent to the KBS research station.

Supported by the USDA and MSU, KBS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) scientists and community partners are working together to investigate the relationships among row crop systems, environmental sustainability, and profits.

Among many MSU researchers working at the LTAR are Christine Sprunger, Bruno Basso, and Manninderi Singh: and Phil Robertson, all whom have students and colleagues using long-term data and collaborating with numerous scientists and stakeholders toward a future in sustainable agriculture.

Now in its second year of the first five-year USDA funding cycle, the mission the KBS LTAR program is to address the “growing world demand for food, fuel, and fiber and at the same time sustain the environment’s ability to provide economic, social, and environmental services.” Quoted from a paper authored by Phil Robertson and colleagues.

Most LTAR research is focused on two models and treatment methods: the “business as usual” treatment following traditional corn/wheat/soy rotations based on mid-Michigan practices, and the “aspirational” – or “What could farming look like in 30 years” in which various combinations of cover crops, seed timing and method, vole control, tilling regimes, and inputs.

Soil quality is a big part of Dr Christing Sprunger’s LTAR research. Beyond increasing carbon, Sprunger’s team is looking closely at the soil, looking more subtle soil health indicators. “Turns out,” Sprunger says, “the vast majority of nematodes are beneficial. And they are contributing to a lot of ecosystem services.”

After only 2 years into the KBS TAR project, they have yet to see real differences in soil carbon. “But we are already seeing greater numbers of beneficial nematodes abundance and biodiversity in the ‘aspirational’ corn/soy crop rotation systems.” Sprunger also introduced the group to the MiStrips prairie strips program.

The ultimate goal is sustainability

Christine Charles, MSUE Regenerative Cropping Systems Extension Educator, says the team meets with “a bumper crop” of interested stakeholders, and asks them “what indicators are you most interested in exploring?”

Source: msu.edu