The LTAR Central Mississippi River Basin common experiment

Authors: Abendroth, Lori; Schreiner-Mcgraw, Adam; Ransom, Curtis; Baffaut, Claire; Sudduth, Kenneth - Ken; Veum, Kristen

Submitted to: Journal of Environmental Quality
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Common Experiment located in central Missouri has a southern Corn Belt climate and soils with a hydrologically restrictive layer unique among LTAR sites. Scientists are working to improve the soil ecosystem as this is a driver for production, environmental, and climate goals for the region. Yield stability is a key metric for area farmers idue to high variability in crop yields across years and within fields. The performance of conservation practices to improve overall environmental indicators at this location may be particularly valuable for guiding expectations for areas, such as the upper Corn Belt, that have less challenging soils.

Technical Abstract: The Central Mississippi River Basin Common Experiment, with its marginal soils and southern Corn Belt climate, is an ideal location for evaluating progress toward environmental, productivity, and climatic adaptation goals. Sustainable production with conventional row-crop systems is more challenging than in the upper Corn Belt, making evaluation and adoption of alternative farming practices crucial. Improvement of the soil ecosystem is key, as it underpins other objectives, including reduced nutrient losses, increased soil water holding capacity, and yield stability.