Location: Agroecosystems Management Research
Project Number: 5030-13000-012-017-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 6, 2023
End Date: Sep 30, 2027
Objective:
To quantify the levels of organic carbon stored in the soil and monitor the change in soil carbon stocks before and after the implementation of a conservation practice or conservation plan; and in parts to contribute to a curriculum geared toward agricultural extension professionals to lead workshops for agricultural producers for assessing and developing healthy soils on their farms.
Approach:
Step 1: Relate the history of management practices to Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks.
Step 2: Use the knowledge gained from different practices to inform producers to implement the Soil Organic Carbon Stock Measurement Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity (CEMA 221) on all land uses where a change in management or vegetation is expected to impact soil organic carbon levels.
Step 3: Coordinate with cooperator, on how to train qualified individuals and/or producers to incorporate data from the Soil Organic Carbon Stock Monitoring Activity into USDA protocols and calculators.
Step 4: Perform Soil health assessments that integrate SOC monitoring into existing frameworks, like Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF).
