Location: Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research
Project Number: 5070-21600-001-011-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2024
End Date: Jun 30, 2028
Objective:
In support of the national SHAPE effort, Cooperator will coordinate and manage collection of 10,100 on-farm soil samples from across the U.S., collect associated management and yield information, and support landowner communication and outreach.
Approach:
Landowners across the U.S. and five inhabited territories will be identified and contacted by the Cooperator, leveraging an existing Climate Smart database and existing procedures for land access permissions and data privacy protections, including the Geospatial Data Act. Cooperator will subcontract collection of 10,100 soil samples from selected landowner fields that meet project criteria following a detailed sampling protocol. The subcontractor will have demonstrated specialized knowledge of soil information systems (e.g., soil taxonomy and soil survey), prevailing and alternative agronomic management practices across crops and regions, and climate information systems to insure appropriate sample site selection. Associated land management and yield data (current and historical) will be collected from the landowners using an NRCS-approved survey. Soil samples will be delivered to the ARS PI by the subcontractor following USDA-APHIS protocols and permits for Foreign (AK, HI, and all territories) and Domestic (all other states) soils. Final soil health reports and other outreach materials will be produced and provided to the participating landowners by the Cooperator and subcontractor in collaboration with the ARS PI.
