Soil & Agricultural Water Management

Soil and agricultural water management research at the SWROC primarily focuses on managing drainage water, surface and subsurface flows, and the soil it flows over/through and the nutrients it carries. The purpose of our research is to improve agricultural management practices and productivity while protecting and improving the quality of the soil, air, and water.

Our field-based research aims to develop practices that reduce offsite nutrient mobility and improve water and nutrient use efficiency and crop yield. All projects address production needs and quantify and mitigate negative off-site environmental impacts. We combine agronomic, ecological, and engineering approaches to guide soil and water resource management decisions.

SWROC agricultural water management and conservation projects include:

Collaboration is an essential part of our research. We collaborate statewide with colleagues throughout the University of Minnesota system as well as researchers at other universities and institutions. We also work directly with producers, agencies, communities, and resource advisors to deliver research-based education that increases knowledge and provides management solutions.

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Educational Resources & Diagrams

Soil & Water Management Field Day

Soil and Water Management Field Day is a tri-annual inter-institutional event designed to highlight progress on soil and water management research. The objective of these field days is to convene farmers, researchers, stakeholders, and practitioners to interact on issues related to soil and water management for productivity and environmental enhancement. Watch the 2020 Soil & Water Management Field Day below.

Soil & Water Management Field Day Proceedings