Jasmeet Lamba, Auburn University Sushil Adhikari, Auburn University William Batchelor, Auburn University Hossein Jahromi, Auburn University Charles Chen, Auburn University Neha Potnis, Auburn University Wendiam Sawadgo, Auburn University Rajan Ghimire, University of New Mexico Shannon Norris-Parish, University of New Mexico Jinfa Zhang, University of New Mexico Deb Jaisi, University of Delaware Lindsay Naylor, University of Delaware Erin Sparks, University of Delaware
The overarching goal of this NSF EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaborations (NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 FEC) project is to make agricultural systems more resilient to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural sources in an environmentally sustainable manner (e.g., improving soil health and water and air quality), and enhance the resilience of farmers to the negative consequences of climate change. The goal will be accomplished through the following three thrust areas, comprised of research, educational, and outreach activities: (a) development of engineered biochar for use in agricultural systems; (b) providing new insights toward understanding the impact of using engineered biochar on the environment and crop production systems; and (c) quantify the socioeconomic benefits of using engineered biochar. The research project leverages each institution's unique and complementary research expertise and resources to accomplish the following objectives: (1) develop engineered biochar to lower agricultural nitrous oxide emission in a climate-resilient system, (2) determine the plant genes and pathways associated with a positive yield response to engineered biochar amendment under water deficit conditions, (3) elucidate the impact of engineered biochar on nutrients, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial processes, (4) simulate the impact of extreme events on crop yield and nutrient losses, and identify the suites of conditions that are less impactful for agricultural productivity, and (5) assess farmers' perceptions and the economics of using engineered biochar along with the animal waste. The project includes educational, mentoring, and training activities for undergraduate and graduate level students, post-doctoral scholars, early career faculty, and various communities (farmers, biochar producers, students K-12, industry personnel).