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better water through farming .
Stroud Water Research Center ( Stroud Center ) and Rodale Institute are conducting a six-year project to compare the influence of farming practices on soil health , crop yield , and water quality at our Stroud Preserve in West Chester , Chester County . The study , now in its final year , compares four methods of farming : conventional , conservation ( no-tillage plus cover crops ), organic tilling , and organic no-tillage .
“ Our hypothesis is that improved agricultural practices will produce better soil conditions that lead to more resilient crops , fewer contaminants delivered to surface water , and improved infiltration of storm water ,” said Diana Oviedo-Vargas , Ph . D ., who leads the biogeochemistry group at Stroud Center . “ We believe this will result in healthier streams and cleaner water .”
“ This project represents the first of its kind to link farming practices and soil health directly to water quality ,” said Jinjun Kan , Ph . D ., who leads the research project and microbiology group at Stroud Center . “ Converting the fields from conventional to conservation or organic practices is relatively straightforward , but it may take some time to see the benefits , especially for water quality and improved rainwater infiltration .”
Scientists from both Stroud Center and Rodale are measuring courtesy Rodale Institute
TILLAGE is the agricultural preparation of soil by mechanical agitation , such as digging , stirring , and overturning . Tillage has several negative effects , including soil compaction , water runoff , and the loss of nutrients in the soil .
COVER CROPS are plants that are planted to cover the soil — usually for the purpose of preventing erosion — rather than for the purpose of being harvested .