How do agronomic system changes impact crop yields, soil properties and profitability? This long-term research project tackled these big questions in dryland soybeans. Awareness of soil as a living ecosystem is increasing, sparking interest in fall cover crops, no-tilling cash crops and applying organic fertilizer as an alternative to commercial inorganic fertilizer. This complex study to look at how multiple practices work together in a system included five cover crop options, three fertilizer treatments and two soybean planting dates. For five years, the team has gathered plot data, including soil characteristics and yield.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists