In this project we assessed the influence of grain production cropping systems on soil quality and C sequestration potential using participatory and on-farm research methods.
Project background and objectives:
This project was the third study carried out as part
of the Illinois Soil Quality Initiative which
began on farm research to provide Illiniois grain
producers with research‐based tools and
recommendations to help them improve soil
stewardship in 1995. This project, which was funded by USDA’s Organic transitions program (USDA‐NIFA‐ICGP‐003218), assessed how different soil management practices influence soil function including soil productivity and soil carbon storage by comparing soils collected from organically managed (and certified) farms with soils taken from conventionally managed sites that had used standard and reduced tillage/conservation practices for at least five years. We had initially planned to sample no‐tilled fields but were unable to find a sufficient number of farms that continue to use true ‘no‐till’ practices. Our effort sought to identify organic and conservation practices that perform well enough to compete for carbon trading and conservation programs and, to improve the utility and accuracy of assessment tools used to rank farm stewardship and determine eligibility for farm programs or support business standards, certifications and carbon
trading schemes.
A pdf summary is here Wander and Ugarte Final take 2
The CRIS report can be found here
Coming soon: Ugarte, C.M., Kwon, H-Y., and M.M. Wander. 2018. Conservation management and ecosystem services in Midwest agricultural systems. J. Soil Water Cons. In press.