Soil and Crop Biology Testing - What It Means - Why Do It

Project Overview

ONC24-157
Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2024: $49,107.00
Projected End Date: 03/15/2026
Grant Recipient: Conservation Action Project
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Coordinator:
Alan Sundermeier
Email
Conservation Action Project

Commodities

  • Agronomic: corn, soybeans, wheat

Practices

  • Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research

    Proposal abstract:

    The Western Lake Erie Basin in Northwest Ohio needs to improve on agricultural practices that reduce nutrient runoff.  Nutrient runoff contributes to algae blooms in Lake Erie which have caused water quality problems.  Many farmers who produce corn, soybeans, and wheat, follow crop removal nutrient rates which result in over application and nutrient runoff.  Nitrogen application rates are also standardized and not reflective of soil and crop needs for economical production.  Standard chemical soil testing is only one measure of the soil’s ability for crop production. By using biological testing, farmers are able to better understand what fertility practices are needed for profitable crop production while limiting nutrient runoff.  Biological testing can be used to better understand the soil’s capacity for nutrient cycling and availability to the growing crop.  However, many farmers do not understand what biological tests are now available and lack knowledge on how to interpret test. Results from biological testing can be used by an ag professional experienced in regenerative practices to recommend a more sustainable cropping system.   This grant will conduct soil health testing, soil micro-organism testing, and crop tissue testing biology to analyze sustainable cropping systems compared to standard chemical inputs.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    On-farm research will be conducted on a range of soil, crop rotation, and sustainable management practices.

    1. Soil samples and crop tissue will be collected and analyzed.  Biological tests will be compared to conventional commonly used tests.
    2. Nutrient application adjustments will reflect recommendations from biological testing.  This will compare to standard nutrient rates normally applied.
    3. An economic study will be conducted on both systems.
    4. Develop interpretations and practical recommendations for using biological testing.
    5. Conduct outreach with field days, agronomy reports, factsheets, and conference presentations.

    Success will be determined as more cover crops are planted and less fertilizer is applied. 

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.