By Andi Anderson
Michigan farmers are working closely with Michigan State University researchers to better understand how land management practices affect soil health, crop productivity, and environmental outcomes.
The project is led by Christine Sprunger, Associate Professor of soil health, through the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, in partnership with more than 90 farms across Michigan.
The research team collects soil samples, measures greenhouse gas emissions, and studies above ground biomass while also documenting each farm’s management practices and socioeconomic conditions.
This approach allows researchers to compare different soil types, climates, and farming systems across the state.
“We're really grateful that so many farmers wanted to participate in the study,” Sprunger said. “We have a large interdisciplinary team working on this project who are getting to know the farmers very well. There is a lot of collaboration and communication with faculty in a wide range of departments at MSU. We get a management survey from each farm that is critical to our study, because we can't really analyze the data without understanding the management.”
Early findings show that management practices strongly influence soil health, regardless of soil texture. “Fundamental soil science says that your soil texture influences your soil health and your soil organic matter. What our study has found is soil texture does indeed play a role, but we saw multiple instances in which a sandy or silt loam soil had better soil health indicators than a clay soil,” Sprunger said. “That's showing that management also plays a critical role.”
Practices such as reducing tillage and using cover crops or perennials were shown to improve soil health. “We can definitively say that management can boost your soil health if you're doing things correctly, even if you’re farming on sandy soil.”
Participating farmers value the data-driven insights. “I've always appreciated what I learned during my time at MSU, and there's no better way to give back to current and future students than to participate in research like this,” said Andrea Polverento of Zeeb Farms. “We need quality research in all sectors of agriculture to be ready to face what's next.”
Others emphasized the importance of measurable results. “The study will be a good barometer. Farmers don’t always have the ability to quantify what is happening on the farm. Studies like this make that possible,” Kevin Messing said.
The project also examines prairie strips as a conservation practice. “Incorporating prairie strips within row-crop agriculture is an innovative strategy that could reverse biodiversity trends,” Sprunger said.
Overall, the study provides valuable data to guide better soil management, support climate resilience, and help Michigan farmers make informed long term decisions.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture