The project will provide USB with scientific data showing how tillage, crop rotation and residue management contributes to the soil biodiversity of the soil. Since soil microbial diversity will be characterized at microbial community level using state-of-the-art molecular techniques, soil biodiversity can be described a finer taxonomic level (“species” level) which gives a comprehensive and clearer picture of the soil biodiversity. Since soil biodiversity is a strong indicator for a healthy soil, a strong baseline for sustainability measure can be established which will be strengthened by correlating it with yield and other soil parameters.

Update:
1) A catalog or listing of up to 200,000 bacterial species was made into 48 different DNA libraries. These represent the diversity of bacteria in the Mississippi soil at two locations (Verona and Stoneville).
2) The composition of the bacterial community as well as the soil biomass was significantly affected by both the type of tillage or form of residue management. For example, the genera Proteobacter, known as efficient decomposers and recyclers of minerals in crop residue, was more prevalent under conventional till than no-till.
3) Results are being summarized for the 3-year study to be used in making recommendations and then communicated to soybean farmers.

Different types and systems of tillage, crop rotation and residue management change the biodiversity of soil microbes in the soil. A report is pending of how this translates into updating soil management guidelines for farmers with intention to improve long term soil health and sustainability.