New research shows finding the 'sweet spot' is key to successful groundcover systems

New study quantifies large increase in Corn Belt maize residue

Carbon inputs from maize residue in the Corn Belt increased almost 50% from 1980 to 2020, according to a new Iowa State University-led study. The increase, driven by higher productivity and expanded corn acreage, has significant implications for crop management, farm economics and environmental sustainability across the region. 

Exploring opportunities for backyard conservation

Fanny Riand, graduate student in wildlife ecology, sees the potential that everyday homeowners and renters have in the grand scheme of conservation. Her thesis, focused on how urban environments can help support birds and pollinators, examines how the smallest yards can make the biggest difference.

Graduate student’s research aims to provide solutions for organic vegetable growers

Smriti Chaudhary, a graduate student in sustainable agriculture and horticulture, has had great success studying vegetable crops at Iowa State University. So much that she was awarded a 2026 Graduate Program Research Excellence Award. With her May 2026 graduation on the horizon, Chaudhary plans to continue working in horticultural science and specialty crop production. She wants to develop research-based management strategies that help growers improve crop performance while maintaining sustainable production systems. 

Iowa State nitrogen specialist engaged in answering farmers’ questions

Traditional approaches, like applying a fixed amount of fertilizer early in the season, do not account for how crop needs change over time, according to Richard Roth, an assistant professor of agronomy at Iowa State University. Too much fertilizer or poorly timed applications often lead to wasted input costs, along with water pollution and increased greenhouse gas emissions. As the state’s new nitrogen science specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach, Roth provides leadership to help answer farmers’ questions about growing crops profitably and responsibly.