By Jamie Martin
Modern technology is transforming regenerative agriculture, helping farmers balance productivity with environmental care. Research from Michigan State University is playing a key role in this shift.
A farm gained national recognition after applying research-based recommendations from Dr. Bruno Basso. The work was highlighted by the New York Times for showing how data-driven farming can improve both profits and sustainability.
Using drones and remote sensing tools, farmers can now study soil conditions in detail. This information helps guide fertilizer use, so nutrients are applied only where crops truly need them. Areas with lower productivity can be managed for conservation, supporting wildlife, pollinators, and soil recovery.
These precision methods reduce unnecessary input costs and limit environmental impacts such as nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. Over time, farmers also see improved soil health and more stable yields.
The research supports regenerative agriculture practices including cover crops, reduced tillage, diverse crop rotations, and integrated livestock systems. While these practices are not new, new modeling tools make them easier to evaluate and apply at scale.
“The vision of MSU as a land-grant university and our goal for the center to be one of the most critical hubs on regenerative agriculture — we can’t think about just helping farmers close to MSU,” said Dr. Basso. “We have to design this type of research in a scalable way that helps not only the farmers close to East Lansing, but also the ones as far away as the Thumb [of Michigan] and beyond, because we work regionally, nationally and globally.”
MSU researchers have developed advanced computer models that simulate crop growth, soil health, and environmental outcomes over many years. These tools allow farmers, researchers, and organizations to compare regenerative practices with conventional systems using real data.
The research is also supporting partnerships with nonprofits and food companies working to improve sustainability across large areas of farmland. These partnerships help turn scientific findings into practical strategies that farmers can adopt.
Overall, this work shows that regenerative agriculture can deliver economic and environmental benefits together. Continued investment in research and data tools will help farmers make informed decisions, protect natural resources, and build stronger food systems for the future.
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe
Categories: National