Description: Undergraduate collaborators work directly with faculty, the CRWP, and area farmers to examine the effects of different agricultural practices on soil quality and agricultural yields. Past research has examined water runoff and the diversity of invertebrate soil fauna associated with different tillage methods, especially no-till and strip-till. Lands owned by farmer participants as well as St. Olaf College are used as field sites. In additional a special project examined tillage practices and carbon sequestration with the possibility of local carbon offsets. Recent research has focused on exploring how differences in applied nitrogen fertilizer translate into soil nitrogen levels, stalk nitrate levels, and product yield. Additionally, research work focuses on general indicators of soil quality including moisture levels, compaction, organic carbon and nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorous.

Participants:

• David Legvold, farmer
• Gene Bakko, St. Olaf College (retired)
• Kathleen Shea, St. Olaf College
• Megan Gregory ‘04, St. Olaf College

Contact:  Kathy Shea, Curator of Natural Lands, Biology & Environmental Studies Departments, St. Olaf College (sheak@stolaf.edu, 507-786-3396)