Stroud Water Research Center
This collection of projects includes training, planning, and technology conversion assistance to farmers as they prioritize soil health thereby protecting water on their lands. Training sessions by the Pa. No-Till…
This project provides funding for implementing streamside forests, streambank fencing, stabilized livestock crossings, and watering systems in Lancaster County, Pa., as part of the countywide restoration strategy. Funded by: Funded…
This project installs nearly 80 acres of streamside forests and demonstrates the income potential of those that grow fruits, nuts, and salable horticultural materials. (Project details may change over the…
This project establishes the Pennsylvania Soil Health Coalition to improve communication and coordination among numerous organizations involved with soil health education, implementation, and research. Coalition member organizations will conduct educational…
This project implements agricultural best management practices on farms, such as stormwater-runoff controls for barnyards and mushroom compost processing areas, new and seasonally earlier cover crops, improved no-till practices, and…
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…
Scientists are investigating whether biosolid application on Pennsylvania farms represents a significant source of PFAS in soils and water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS, are a group of…
By examining the bacteria, Archaea, and fungi living in soils, this project will provide insights on how farming practices and land management affect the microbes that make soils healthy. This…
This project characterizes microbial soil health through detailed community structure of bacteria and fungi and determines the relationship of microbial structure with application of pesticides under conventional and organic cropping…
The Penn Vet campus is a 700-acre living laboratory at the headwaters of White Clay Creek, protecting soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.