Soil & Carbon Benefits of Midwest Agroforestry
Applied Soil Science & Environmental Conservation
About The Project
Soil degradation and elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations represent dual threats to environmental stability and agricultural productivity in the Midwest. This project evaluates the efficacy of integrating agroforestry practices—particularly alley cropping and windbreak implementation—to enhance soil structure, reduce erosion, and maximize carbon sequestration on agricultural land. Utilizing field experiments, soil carbon monitoring, and GIS mapping, this research will quantify environmental outcomes and inform regional agricultural policy decisions. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote sustainable farming practices capable of mitigating climate change effects while bolstering long-term agricultural productivity.
Achievements
Establish agroforestry demonstration sites across three Midwest farms, each implementing alley cropping and windbreak systems, to monitor soil stability over a three-year period.
Quantify reductions in soil erosion rates using GIS mapping and erosion pins, targeting a minimum erosion reduction of 40% compared to traditional agricultural plots.
Measure carbon sequestration potential through periodic soil organic carbon assessments, aiming to document at least a 25% increase in soil carbon content.
Develop region-specific predictive models correlating agroforestry practices with soil stability improvements and enhanced carbon storage potential, achieving predictive accuracies above 85%.
Produce comprehensive policy recommendations to guide the Illinois Department of Agriculture in integrating agroforestry practices into regional agricultural management plans.
Publish the primary research outcomes in a reputable peer-reviewed scientific journal, such as the Journal of Environmental Quality, to ensure broad dissemination and scholarly validation.
