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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #410046
Research Project: Innovative Cropping System Solutions for Sustainable Production on Spatially Variable Landscapes

Location: Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research

Title: Sanborn Field: Challenges and Opportunities

Author
item REINBOTT, TIMOTHY - University Of Missouri
item MILES, RANDY - Retired Non ARS Employee
item Veum, Kristen
item ANDERSON, STEPHEN - University Of Missouri
item KREMER, ROBERT - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/25/2023
Publication Date: 10/31/2023
Citation: Reinbott, T.M., Miles, R.J., Veum, K.S., Anderson, S.H., Kremer, R.J. 2023. Sanborn Field: Challenges and Opportunities [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, October 29-November 1, 2023. St. Louis, Missouri. No. Paper No. 149749. Available: https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/149749

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sanborn Field, established in 1888, is the 3rd oldest continuous research site in the world. The 40 experimental plots focus on crop rotation, crop species, and fertility inputs with 15 plots relatively unchanged for the past 135 years. Soil cores, 1.2 m, taken approximately ever 25 years are archived since 1915 and serve as a valuable resource to document changes in the soil and environment. One of the most notable discoveries at Sanborn Field was the discovery of one of the first tetracyclines with the trade name Aureomycin which reflected it gold color. Aureomycin was considered one of the wonder drugs and is still used today in livestock and humans. What is now referred to as "soil health" has been a huge part of Sanborn Field since the 1940s and utilizing soil archives and forage and grain samples the connection between soil health, environmental health, plant health and human health is a major focus. Keeping a 19th century research site operating is a challenge with continuous funding, data storage, sample storage, and overall maintenance.