Soil Machine Dynamics Lab solves problems in outer space and Iowa fields

Articles describe genomic selection’s potential to meet future challenges in agriculture

Developing high-yielding, nutritious and climate-resilient crops is vital to safeguard the future of global food production. To meet the challenges, Iowa State University scientists are working with crop breeders to look for approaches that can efficiently speed up crop improvement programs. Genomic selection is an important part of the answer, according to Professor Jianming Yu, the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding and director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding at Iowa State. 

SCN Coalition helps farmers fight relentless pest

The microscopic, soil-borne soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is considered the most serious biological threat to the U.S. soybean industry. In North America, it causes yield losses worth more than $1 billion annually. The SCN Coalition helps farmers combat this relentless pathogen in a variety of ways. Established by Professor Greg Tylka, director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center, with colleagues at other universities, the coalition was launched in 2018. It now includes scientists from 28 states and Ontario, Canada, grower checkoff organizations and corporate partners. 

Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University funds four research projects, holds Research Day

The Iowa Soybean Research Center’s Industry Advisory Council met in September for its annual meeting to consider proposed soybean research ideas and to offer guidance on how to best invest $380,000 in available new funding. The ISRC funded two new soybean research projects and provided an additional year of funding for two continuing projects. 

New study shows dynamic shifts in Iowa farmers’ conservation practice use

A new study from Iowa State University sheds light on the evolving landscape of agricultural conservation in Iowa. It found that many farmers who adopted two key conservation practices -- cover crops and no-till -- did not continue to use the practices over time. The report recommends that conservation programs focus not only on encouraging initial adoption but also on supporting long-term continuance.