Michigan State University studies regenerative agriculture and irrigation needs

Researchers at Michigan State University are conducting studies through the Soil Health Advancement for Agricultural Resilience Enhancement (SHARE) project to analyze how regenerative agricultural practices influence soil hydrology. The research focuses on how management techniques, such as no-till farming and cover crops, affect soil moisture holding capacity, pore space, and soil structure.

Data collected from on-farm soil moisture, weather conditions, and management practices will be integrated into a decision-support tool. This model aims to help growers select the most effective regenerative practices for their specific soil types to improve soil health and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. The project is supported by AgBioResearch, MSU Extension, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In a related assessment of water use needs, Michigan State University Extension surveyed agricultural stakeholders regarding irrigation technology. The findings indicate that while many growers use manual scheduling and rainfall monitoring, there is significant interest in variable rate irrigation, sensing technologies, and automated scheduling. Key barriers to adopting new technologies include high initial investment costs, limited technical knowledge for maintenance, and uncertainty regarding return on investment.