North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory

The eddy covariance tower measures gas, energy and water balance in a soybean field. 

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Photo Credit: Chris Wente

Food or biofuel production? Why not both? We have developed novel double cropping systems to grow winter oilseeds (camelina and pennycress) as cover crops to produce advanced biofuels, followed by soybean the next summer to produce two crops in a single season. Photo by Russ Gesch

Female ruby-throated hummingbird visiting a borage flower. Borage is an oilseed crop adapted to the Upper Midwest. Its seeds contain high levels of gamma linolenic acid, a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid and a substitute for fish oil. Borage is attractive to many types of pollinators. Photo by Jim Eklund

How much crop residue is needed to maintain soil health? We are working with farmers to determine the amount of residue that can be removed for biofuel without damaging the soil to help farmers maintain productivity for generations. Photo by Kathy Eystad.

Seeds of cuphea contain valuable oils comprised of medium chain fatty acids, useful for cosmetics and other bioproducts. These plants provide agroecosystem services, such as active visitation and resource use by pollinating insects like this honey bee. Photo by Jim Eklund.

Gary Amundson demonstrates soil quality benefits of conservation practices including cover crops and no tillage during local on-farm field day.