The LTAR cropland Common Experiment at Lower Chesapeake Bay

Journal of Environmental Quality
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Abstract

The Lower Chesapeake Bay (LCB) Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Common Experiment (CE) located in Beltsville, MD, focuses on research of concern to producers of the major regional crops, which are corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and various forage species. Livestock production in the region includes broiler and laying chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) and dairy and beef cattle (Bos taurus L.). The LCB region is among the most heavily populated in the United States. Urban development pressure is high for both farms and natural areas. The need to restore Chesapeake Bay water quality is a major influence on regional agricultural practices. Conservation practices such as cover cropping, no-till agriculture, and nutrient management planning are more common in the region compared to nationally. However, farmers still face management challenges implementing practices that address water quality and the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds. Researchers at the LCB site recognize the need to protect the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and maintain farmer profitability. The LCB CE compares a 3-year crop rotation system featuring alternative crop management (cover crop intensification, crop rotation diversification, and integrated weed management [IWM]) with a prevailing 2-year system (no cover crops and no IWM), both under continuous no-tillage, to identify the optimal balance to promote the sustainability of regional cropping systems. The LTAR LCB site provides data-driven tools and solutions to support farmers in the mid-Atlantic region.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The LTAR cropland Common Experiment at Lower Chesapeake Bay
Series title Journal of Environmental Quality
DOI 10.1002/jeq2.20650
Volume 53
Issue 6
Publication Date November 04, 2024
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 814
Last page 822
Country United States
State Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia
Other Geospatial Lower Chesapeake Bay
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