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Evaluating How Conventional, Conservation, and Organic Farming Management Practices Enhance Soil Health and Improve Water Quality

800 532 Stroud Water Research Center

This project investigates how different agricultural management practices influence water quality and soil health. Using Rodale Institute’s 37-year-old Farming Systems Trial and a recent transition to organic farming at the Stroud Preserve, it examines the effect of farming techniques on water infiltration, runoff, and nutrient, contaminant, and sediment export. Results will inform practices that can reduce contamination and flooding in the Delaware River watershed.

Funded by: William Penn Foundation

Principal Investigators: Jinjun Kan, Melinda D. Daniels, Diana Oviedo Vargas, Marc Peipoch, David B. Arscott, Matthew J. Ehrhart, and Bernard W. Sweeney

Collaborators:

  • 2022: Jeff Moyer, Andrew Smith, Gladis Zinati, Yichao Rui, and Kirsten Pearsons (Rodale Institute); Raven Bier (Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia); Kurt Williamson (William & Mary)
  • 2021: Jeff Moyer, Andrew Smith, Gladis Zinati, Diana Martin, Yichao Rui, and Kirsten Pearsons (Rodale Institute); Raven Bier (Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia); Kurt Williamson (William & Mary)
  • 2019-2020: Jeff Moyer, Emmanuel Omondi, Andrew Smith, Gladis Zinati, Diana Martin, Yichao Rui, and Kirsten Pearsons (Rodale Institute); Raven Bier (Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia)
  • 2018: Jeff Moyer, Emmanuel Omondi, Andrew Smith, Gladis Zinati, and Diana Martin (Rodale Institute); Raven Bier

Project Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022