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.