Cropping Systems and Soil Management Program

Healthy soils provide the foundation for sustainable agriculture. Research at multiple locations in eastern New Mexico and Colorado to study soil health responses and associated ecosystem functions revealed multiple benefits of cover cropping and compost addition in dryland and limited-irrigation cropping systems. Regional collaboration projects like this can answer fundamental questions on soil health management in arid and semi-arid regions and support rural economies through improved soil health and ecosystem services. Engaging graduate and undergraduate students in projects like this further adds public value because it helps prepare the workforce and future leaders in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.