Cropping systems that are resilient to the effects of severe weather, pests and diseases are more essential than ever. Researchers are developing a modeling platform that will equip farmers, as well as food producers and government agencies, with data and predictions to inform management practices. The goal is to increase the probability of positive economic, environmental and social impacts of farming decisions through efficient use of inputs. The principal investigator is Bruno Basso, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in the departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, as well as the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.
Solutions to farming challenges that are adaptable yet profitable for growers are increasingly needed. MSU scientists are creating an artificial intelligence-based forecasting platform for four major agricultural production systems in the southern portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula: corn, potatoes, soybeans and wheat. The goal is to provide high-quality information to farmers and land managers to formulate solutions-oriented strategies to increase resiliency. The principal investigator is Jiquan Chen, a professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences.
Nutrient runoff from agriculture is one of the primary contributors to harmful algal growth in Michigan’s waterbodies. Working with corn and soybean growers, researchers will develop leading-edge tools to prevent nutrient loss and lessen the environmental consequences. The project will include water quality monitoring, demonstration of nutrient-capturing technology, evaluating conservation practices for water quality and soil carbon sequestration, quantifying socioeconomic benefits of conservation practices, and development of a decision-support tool for farmers. The principal investigator is Subhasis Giri, an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
Given weather variability such as increased precipitation or long droughts, there is mounting uncertainty and risks for growers. Current responses to these challenges may strain water resources. Using modeling approaches that simulate the impacts of various practices under projected climate scenarios, researchers are seeking to quantify and predict how regenerative agriculture can enhance soil health and hydrological function. Objectives of the project include determining the potential for regenerative practices to increase soil water-holding capacity, improving soil nutrient cycling, recharging aquifers, reducing surface runoff and retaining soil and nutrients on the land. The principal investigator is Jeremiah Asher, assistant director of the MSU Institute of Water Research.
2024
Increasing resiliency of tree fruit production to climate change through a holistic approach to water, nutrient and soil management. Researchers will work to develop a climate-smart technology that can optimize irrigation and fertilizer management to make timely decisions, as well as maximize water and fertilizer use efficiency. The principal investigator is Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
Creating a decision-support system that promotes sustainable farming by providing insights into climate-smart approaches. The goal of the project is to develop a statewide tool that integrates socioeconomic analysis, groundwater flow, nutrient and pollutant fate and transport modeling, and field observations. The principal investigator is Pouyan Nejadhashemi, an MSU Foundation Professor in the departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. He is also a director of the Center for Intelligent Water Resources Engineering.
Providing Michigan field crop farmers the information they need to build climate-resilient cropping systems. Using an innovative and multidisciplinary approach that engages field crop farmers as partners, the research team will assess factors influencing climate adaptation and mitigation of major commodity crops in Michigan. Researchers will explore how regenerative agriculture practices enhance soil health and yield stability, evaluate the relationship between soil health and greenhouse gas emissions, and identify factors that influence farmer adoption of climate-smart practices. The principal investigator is Christine Sprunger, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences based at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station. Sprunger is also a faculty member in the MSU Plant Resilience Institute.
Addressing specific pest management concerns regarding the effects of erratic weather on early season management, bloom prediction and late-season management in apple, blueberry, cherry and grape production systems. The goals of the project are to develop resilient disease management strategies, adaptive insect pest control measures, integrated bloom prediction models and effective outreach strategies for stakeholder engagement. The principal investigator is Julianna Wilson, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology.
Print
Email