Climate-Smart Agricultural Systems

Adapting to a changing climate and performing responsibly

Our researchers are finding balanced solutions to sustain a growing global population. Their research seeks to effectively reduce the emissions from agricultural production while also increasing resilience and adaptability to both volatile and enduring environmental shifts.

Employing Multisource Data for Precise Improvements

Refining Fertilizer Applications

Site-specific recommendations for fertilizer provide balanced solutions for farmers.

Using Water More Efficiently

Precision irrigation technology can conserve water and improve crop quality and yield.

Reducing Agricultural Emissions

Innovative cover crop strategies can help organic growers minimize greenhouse gas leaks.

Customizing Ecosystem Services

"Farm tuning" cover crops for soil and climatic conditions can improve plant, soil health.—

Applying Evolutionary Mechanisms to Improve Resilience

Deploying Natural Defenses

Discovery of how insects trick plant defenses can guide management tactics.

Finding Natural Biocontrols

Better knowledge of plant defenses against pests could reduce pesticide use.

Breeding for Adaptation

Boosting flavonoids in sorghum roots may lead to frost-resistant crops.

Enhancing Pathogen Tolerance

Studying genetic differences to understand how plant diversity can aid in disease tolerance.

Sustainably increasing productivity and efficiency

Developing Competitive Products

Organic soybean producers can be both ecofriendly and competitive using little or no tillage

Cutting Methane Emissions

Finding safe, affordable, and beneficial ways to reduce the carbon footprint of producing milk

Increasing Yields and Incomes

Cacao provides an alternative to illicit production of coca for Colombian farmers

Improving Dairy Cow Health

Spicing up the diets of transition dairy cows has been shown to improve their health

Using natural defenses to improve resilience

Improving Soybean Yield

"Scaring" soybeans into defense mode yields better plants a generation later

Protecting Against Biotic Stressors

Insect-deterring sorghum compounds may be eco-friendly pesticide

Managing Mushroom Pests

Tackling mushroom phorid fly infestations with a multipronged biocontrol approach

Controlling Destructive Pests

A common soil fungus can help corn growers control insect pests naturally

Breeding Resilient Crops

Novel use of laser technology paves way for future precision breeding

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600