Current Research Projects
Resilience, stability, sustainability, and profitability of more-diverse cropping systems
Principal Investigator
- Gregg Johnson, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota ([email protected])
Funding Source
- NIFA-AFRI Foundational Knowledge of Agricultural Production Systems
Duration
- April 2023 - April 2026
Cropping Systems
- 2-Crop Rotation (Corn/Soybean)
- 3-Crop Rotation (Corn/Soybean/Wheat)
- Cover Crops (Corn/Soybean with Cover Crops)
Objectives
- Determine within-year crop plant resilience as influenced by soil water stress across three
cropping system diversification strategies and three environments. - Model the effect of diversified rotations on within-year crop resilience, yield stability, and
sustainability, under conditions of current and future climate scenarios - Assess the profitability of different cropping systems under current prices and as supply of
crops change.
Methods
Using short-range optical sensing (PRI, NDVI, IRT) of the plant canopy to measure resistance and recovery from experimental plots with different soil water deficit or excess regimes. Leveraging model-based simulations to explore mechanistic links between crop and yield responses in the context of experimental results and plausible future climate scenarios across the region. Conducting economic analysis to assess the current profitability of the three diversified cropping systems and how profitability may change if a system is widely adopted. The research is positioned to determine the performance of crops from diversified rotation practices under variable conditions of soil, weather (i.e., precipitation), and management practices.
Harnessing Cover Crops and Roots for Sustainable Cropping
Principal Investigator
- Axel Garcia y Garcia, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota ([email protected])
Funding Source
- Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund
Duration
- July 2024 – June 2027
Cropping Systems
- 2-Crop Rotation (Corn/Soybean)
- 3-Crop Rotation (Corn/Soybean/Wheat)
Cover crop species studied include cereal rye, red clover, and winter camelina.
Objectives
- Determine the C sequestration and N credit potential of cover crops.
- Characterize the water use of cover crops.
- Evaluate the performance of cereal rye cover crop at multiple locations in southwest
Minnesota.
Methods
Field trials within the three LTARN nodes—NCROC, SWROC, and SROC—were established to
assess monocrop cover crops (cereal rye, red clover, and winter camelina) within corn-soybean
and corn-soybean-wheat rotations, with all phases represent each year. Comparing two cover
crop termination timings: 10 days before and at planting ("planting green") the main crop.
Standardized protocols include baseline and seasonal soil sampling (15 cm and 30 cm) for
fertility and C/N analysis, and plant biomass sampling at key phenological stages. Soil moisture
is monitored throughout the fall and spring using access tubes and PR2/6 probes. Canopy cover
and leaf area index (LAI) are measured using image analysis and field instruments, respectively.
Post-harvest plant and soil samples are analyzed for total C and N content. Residue management
treatments (incorporated vs. non-incorporated) are used to study decomposition and nutrient
return. Field data are integrated with process-based modeling to estimate long-term cover crop
contributions to soil organic matter and nutrient cycling. These results aim to generalize cover
crop performance and inform sustainable cropping strategies in southern Minnesota.
Identifying Variety-Level Responses to Crop Rotations
Principal Investigator
Candy Hirsch, Professor, University of Minnesota ([email protected])
Aaron Lorenz, Professor, University of Minnesota
Aimee Schulz, NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Minnesota ([email protected])
Funding Source
NSF PRFB #2410349 and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station
Duration
Spring 2025 - Fall 2026
Cropping Systems
2-Crop Rotation (Corn/Soybean)
Cover Crops (Corn/Soybean with Cover Crops)
Objectives
Evaluate variety-level response to crop rotations in both corn and soybeans
Determine if these responses warrant breeding of corn and soybean varieties specifically for cover crop systems
Methods
Eight different corn and soybean varieties were planted in each location that were appropriate for the region. These varieties are being evaluated for yield and other agronomic traits across all stages of a cover crop and corn/soybean rotation. Analyses at the completion of the experiment will identify if any varieties perform consistently better or worse under each crop rotation or if there is a variety-by-cropping system effect. The results from this research will inform future breeding efforts to make selections with specific cropping systems in mind.