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Cropping Systems

Fields in the Palouse
The term cropping system refers to the crops and crop sequences and the management techniques used on a particular field over a period of years. Long-term cropping systems research projects generally involve a team of scientists of different disciplines working together to answer questions and solve problems. Dryland cropping is practiced in many diverse agro-climates in the Inland Pacific Northwest where average precipitation ranges from 6 to 26 inches per year. Common objectives of cropping systems research projects conducted by WSU and USDA-ARS scientists are to increase crop diversity with non-cereals such as oilseed and legume crops, intensify rotations (i.e., less fallow), maintain or increase soil quality, reduce or eliminate tillage, and sustain economic profitability for farmers.

Research

Crops

Soils

Agricultural Systems

Human Dimensions

 

Faculty

Dave Huggins, USDA-ARS

david.huggins@ars.usda.gov

Dave Huggins is Director of the Cook Agronomy Farm Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site and Co-Director of the Pacific Northwest Climate Hub. His research is in the area of Conservation Farming and Agroecology focusing on nitrogen use efficiency, carbon sequestration and overall agroecosystem performance.

 

Clark Neely

Clark Neely

clark.neely@wsu.edu

My research and extension program focuses on identifying production systems and practices that maximize economic returns for dryland producers in central and eastern Washington. I am interested in evaluation of basic agronomic practices for wheat and other common crops across the region as well as looking at alternative crops and how they fit into cropping rotations. I am also interested in the role soil plays in cropping systems and how we can improve their productivity through nutrient management, water capture and storage, and building organic matter.