Finding a New Way to Control Weeds in Cotton.
Sarah Chu
FFAR Fellow, Texas A&M University
Program Contact
Dr. LaKisha Odom
lodom@foundationfar.org
Development Contact
Catherine Maxwell
cmaxwell@foundationfar.org
Some farming practices harm soils, depriving them of nutrients, killing the beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil, or leaving them vulnerable to washing away. Climate change is further accelerating the loss and degradation of soils.
Yet, we need nutrient-rich soils to grow healthy, flavorful food. Thriving soils also bolster crop yields, increase water retention, protect water quality, prevent erosion, sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve biodiversity.
We created the Soil Health Challenge Area to develop sustainable on-farm practices and empower farmers to implement these practices. Our Soil Health research develops and deploys the latest technology and knowledge to help farmers build and maintain healthy, productive soil. Ultimately, this research protects farmer’s livelihoods and the environment, while increasing productivity.
Congress established FFAR to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement USDA’s research agenda. Our public-private partnerships match federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment.
Our Soil Health grants, programs and consortium produce data-driven results to help farmers make sustainable decisions that support thriving farms.
Year Awarded 2023
FFAR award amount $5,150,000
Total award amount $10,300,000
Location Falls Church, VA
Matching Funders Ecosystem Services Market Consortium
Grantee Institution Ecosystem Services Market Consortium
Year Awarded 2023
Total award amount $195,124
Location Ames, IA
Matching Funders The Organic Center
Grantee Institution Iowa State University