AREAS OF RESEARCH

AGRONOMYAgronomy

Research focuses on understanding the principles of cropping system design and biologically-based management. This includes the multi-functional role of accessory crops such as cover crops in mediating nutrient efficiency, soil function and healthy crop roots. Learn More >>

MICROBIAL ECOLOGYMicrobial Ecology

Current research is focused primarily on the subset of microbes involved in the production or consumption of greenhouse gases, although surveys of fungal, bacterial and viral diversity have been initiated by collaborators from several institutions. Learn More >>

Plant DynamicsPlant Dynamics

We have examined a variety of responses to and effects of variation on cropping system diversity, including: impacts of weed community composition, seed predation (Menalled et al 2007), and crop yields. Learn More >>

INSECT DYNAMICSInsect Dynamics

Past work examined long-term dynamics of insect predator communities, primarily coccinellids and ground-dwelling carabid beetles. Current work examines the population and community-level impacts of insects as invaders in agriculture. Learn More >>

BIOGEOCHEMISTRYBiogeochemistry

The biogeochemistry of soil solutions reveals the fate of carbon in lime that is applied to agricultural soils. The conclusion is that as lime dissolves it sequesters CO2 as bicarbonate ions, which is transported to groundwater reservoirs with long residence times. Learn More >>

REGIONALIZATIONRegionalization

This region represents the research being conducted due to its major contribution to production of corn and soybeans. We have also research the land use change in Michigan and have examined the role that fragment plays in affecting ecological services Learn More >>

ECOSYSTEM SERVICESEcosystem Services

Agricultural ecosystems are managed to meet private objectives, primarily profitability from the sale of food, fuel and fiber products. They are suited to generate ecosystem services that could meet other human needs for which markets may not exist. Learn More >>

BiofuelsBiofuels

As part of our long-term research program, we investigate the economic viability and environmental sustainability of crops that have potential to be grown for cellulosic biofuels, such as ethanol. Learn More >>