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U of M studies linkage between soil heath and clean water

A new research project in the Western Lake Erie Basin is studying what soil health practices lead to improved water quality.

Lead investigator Jennifer Blesh is with the University of Michigan.

“Up to 70 fields will link understanding of the fields management history to soil health indicators, including ones that are not commercially available or really thinking about novel indicators for our region and especially ones focused on soil biology,” she explains.

She tells Brownfield farm partners are still needed in Lenawee, Hillsdale, and Monroe counties for the five-year project which is funding by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

“The funding is coming from MDARD which has an interest in supporting practices that improve nutrient conservation that in the basin,” she explains. “One hope is that the outcomes of this research will really help them improve their conservation programming.”

Blesh says the study will evaluate different tillage practices, cover crops, integration of livestock, and impact of nutrient management plans.

Collaborators also include Michigan State University, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Michigan Agriculture Advancement, and Michigan Climate Smart Farm Project.

AUDIO: Jennifer Blesh, University of Michigan