Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are a key group of soil microorganisms that promote plant growth, nutrient uptake, carbon sequestration and soil health. Despite their natural occurrence in soils, the abundance and diversity of indigenous AMF populations have been declining in response to intensive farming practices, such as excessive tillage and high rates of P fertilizer application. The loss of AMF is a significant concern for regenerative agriculture in the North Central region, as it affects soil aggregate stability, soil organic carbon pools, plant productivity, resilience to drought and diseases, and ultimately, the economic viability of farms. To understand the effect of different agricultural practices on AMF abundance in soils and root colonization, we will use an existing on-farm research network and a long-term (>34 years) research study to investigate the effects of tillage, fertilization, and cover crops on the presence and abundance of AMF in soils and plant roots. Our study will provide data-driven information for farmers to benefit from the economic and ecosystem services of AMF populations. This project builds on important on-farm past research that highlights the effects of cover crops on soil health. This research will fill in the knowledge gap of long-term field-based AMF studies and enable local data-driven recommendations for farmers from the North Central region. The outcomes of this project will have a direct impact on producers, extension specialists, and other stakeholders in the North Central Region. The main outcomes of this project include an increased awareness of the importance of AMF and their benefits for crop productivity, soil health, and environmental sustainability; a greater understanding of what drives the presence of AMF in agricultural fields and how to use management practices for stimulating their presence to provide profitability. By the end of this project, we hope to stimulate changes in management practices, enabling farmers to utilize AMF populations for enhanced productivity, soil health, and sustainability. Our outputs will provide local, data-driven information that will allow farmers to learn about the importance of AMF and potentially increase their profitability in a sustainable way.
Project objectives from proposal:
The outcomes of this project will have a direct impact on the farmers, extension specialists, and other stakeholders in the North Central Region. Learning outcomes include: (1) Enhance understanding of AMF and their role in regenerative agriculture among farmers, extension specialists, and students, promoting informed decision-making for soil health and environmental sustainability; (2) Empower farmers with knowledge and practical skills to manage AMF populations, including understanding the factors that drive their presence in agricultural fields to increase P use efficiency and soil health, leading to improved crop productivity and profitability; (3) Facilitate technical assistance and knowledge-sharing among farmers, students, and researchers to adopt AMF-enhancing practices to improve soil health and farm resilience.
The action outcomes of this project include: (1) Changes in management practices of farmers to stimulate AMF presence and root colonization potential into their systems to enhance productivity, soil health, and sustainability; (2) Increasing soil aggregation and phosphorus use efficiency and reducing dependence on external inputs, leading to more sustainable and resilient farming practices; 3) Improve the well-being of farmers and communities by enhancing their quality of life, economic stability, access to expert guidance, and knowledge of sustainable farming practices, leading to a more environmentally sustainable future.
To measure the outcomes of this project, we will conduct surveys at our field days and workshops to assess changes in attendee’s knowledge about AMF and sustainable soil management and their willingness to adopt these practices. Project outcomes will benefit farmers, communities, and society through economic viability, sustainability, and social well-being.