At Mizzou, researchers collaborate across disciplines and explore new paths in pursuit of answers to real-world issues like those faced by farmers right here in Missouri.
Caixia “Ellen” Wan, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, is developing a solution to improve soil health and meet the challenges posed by changing environmental and market conditions.
Extreme weather events like record-setting temperatures, flooding and prolonged drought can lead to soil loss, reduced soil health and nutrient leaching, all of which threaten the productivity of conventional agriculture operations.
As a hedge against these threats, some farmers are turning to organic production. The number of certified organic operations has roughly doubled in the last 15 years, with more than 3.5 million acres of cropland certified organic, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
To be certified organic, farmers must follow stringent — and expensive — production rules. They gamble they will earn dividends in the premium prices organic products command and in a growing market. More than 80% of U.S. households purchase organic food, according to the USDA.
Wan wants to even the odds and help farmers achieve profitability as they reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and enhance soil fertility.
“We want to help small- and medium-sized farms transition land that is not currently ready for organic farming into productive organic systems,” Wan said.
Source : missouri.edu