Soil and Water Management Research : USDA ARS

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Welcome

to the

Soil and Water
Management Unit

New Vacancy: Research Soil Scientist/Ecologist/Biologist (Research Associate)

Click on the link below to view and apply for this position.

USAJOBS - Job Announcement

This device uses electrodialysis to capture excess nitrate in contaminated water. The nitrates can then be reused as fertilizer. Photo by Peggy Greb

Using electrodialysis to capture excess nitrates in contaminated water

This image shows a corn crop made more productive by utilizing a cover crop to improve the soil.

Optimizing corn production in cover crop systems

Here's an image of Dr. Rice's turfgrass plots.

Protecting the environment

Rainfall simulation studies for evaluation of turfgrass management practices that reduce off-site transport of plant protection products with storm runoff

This diagram depicts nitrous oxide production pathways in soil.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) production in soil

Developing improved practices for reducing agricultural N₂O emissions requires better understanding of the multiple biochemical processes responsible for its production in soil

Diagram depicting the benefits of biochar application.

Biochar research

Examining the mechanisms behind biochar effects on crop yield, agrochemical sorption, and microbial impacts

Birdseye view: Using remote sensing to track Nitrogen deficiency

Picture of the 10 m field and 200 m regional tall towers in Rosemount, MN. The towers are used to measure CO2, H2O, and trace gases such as ammonia.

Measurement of CO₂, H₂O, and trace gas exchange at field and regional scales

This image shows two ARS researchers setting up a system to automatically measure nitrous oxide emissions.

Trace gas research

Setting up system for automated measurement of N₂O emissions

This photo shows ARS researchers loading rye seeds into a helicopter for aerial seeding.

Analyzing efficacy of pre-harvest seeding of cover crop

Loading rye into a helicopter for aerial seeding into standing corn

This is a picture of a tractor equipped with sensors with shadowbands for mapping leaf area index.

Instrumental development

Tractor-mounted line quantum sensors with shadowbands for mapping leaf area index

Mission

The mission of the Soil and Water Management Research Unit is to develop and test agricultural management practices that improve water and soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity of cropping systems.