W.K. Kellogg Biological Station KBS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research

A Note from the Director — Roadmap for Research at the KBS LTAR

Long-term research starts with an overarching question that can only be informed by long-term observations and experiments. KBS LTAR is no exception—together with stakeholders, we aim to inform the development of row crop systems for the future: to paraphrase our Stakeholder Advisory Board, to bridge the gap between agricultural systems of today and those needed by the next generations. Along the way, we are finding answers to questions with more immediate applications.

In workshops over the past year, we identified six broad themes to guide our efforts: crop diversification, nutrient cycling and livestock integration, tillage management, precision inputs and conservation, and soil health. Underpinning all is system integration—how overall systems interact to provide key ecosystem services: resilient and profitable yields, clean water, healthy soils, biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and social well-being. Results from the Aspirational Cropping System Experiment (ACSE) will inform practices that make a difference both near and long term.

Kalamazoo printmaker Trevor Grabill captured the beauty of LTAR experimental plots during their time as Artist in Residence at KBS. Working from a hill overlooking the Aspirational Cropping Systems Experiment, Trevor created Quilt using hand-carved wooden stamps, layered inks, and textures. The residency is supported by the KBS Long-Term Ecological Research program. Learn more at lter.kbs.msu.edu/get-involved/artists-in-residence/.

Agronomy and Economics

By Brook Wilke

The 2024 season started warm and wet, shifting to drought in late summer and leading to below-average precipitation overall. Key observations included:

• A mild winter and wet spring caused slug outbreaks and severe damage to ASP soybeans, requiring replanting.
• Heavy rainfall on May 8th caused erosion and compaction in BAU fields, reducing corn stands, while ASP crops were unaffected.
• High spring temperatures accelerated crop growth and shortened grain fill periods for wheat and canola.
• Late-summer drought reduced grain size and yield despite strong early performance.
• Perennial forages were harvested three times; the first cutting included volunteer winter canola, increasing yield but reducing feed quality.
• Wildlife damage from deer and groundhogs reduced ASP soybean and canola yields.

Overall, the ASP cropping system was about 10% less profitable than BAU at the plot scale, with larger differences in scale-up fields.

2024 Summary

On-Farm Climate Research

By Monica Jean

A new Agricultural Climate Resiliency project, Ensuring the Success of Michigan Farms in the Face of Climate Change, led by Dr. Christine Sprunger, explores how regenerative agriculture practices impact soil health, yields, greenhouse gases, and farmer well-being across Michigan. In fall 2024, the team enrolled 91 farmers and sampled soil from 187 fields across 39 counties. Each farmer will receive a soil health report and contribute to a statewide database.

In 2025, 25 farmers will participate in an intensive two-year study measuring soil and greenhouse gas emissions. The project includes farmer interviews and networking with researchers and commodity groups. LTAR is excited about this collaboration, which links our field experiments to on-farm conditions and will inform the next iteration of the Aspirational Cropping System in 2026.

Prairie for Pollinators and Pocketbooks

By Annabelle McCarthy and Rachel Drobnak

Prairie strips—converting up to 10% of crop fields to perennial grasses and flowers—are gaining popularity as a low-maintenance conservation practice. Research by MSU PhD student Alice Dykstra found that prairie strips increase pollinator abundance and species richness, regardless of field location or crop type. MSU MS student Annabelle McCarthy discovered that butterflies lay more eggs and face less predation in prairie strips, suggesting these habitats act as refuges for pollinator populations.

PhD student Rachel Drobnak and collaborators developed an adjustable partial budget tool showing prairie strips can save farmers money when planted in low-yield areas (below 50% of statewide averages). Prairie strips are a novel component of the LTAR Aspirational Cropping System Experiment at both plot and field scales.

New Long-Term Pest Monitoring

By DeShae Dillard and Hannah Burrack

In 2024, KBS LTAR launched a long-term pest monitoring program focusing on key pests such as slugs, seedpod weevils, and lygus bugs. Increased slug pressure in ASP soybeans caused significant defoliation and replanting. Canola pests reached economic thresholds established by the Canola Council of Canada, but these may need adjustment for Michigan’s winter canola conditions. The team continues to develop regionally adapted pest management approaches.

Table 1. Pests Observed in LTAR Plots, May–October 2024

Monitoring methods: P = Pheromone trap, S = Shingle, DO = Direct Observation, SN = Sweep Net

LTAR Network Indicator Framework

By Brook Wilke and Sheri Spiegal

The LTAR Network, led by Dr. Teferi Tsegaye, has developed an indicator framework defining what matters most in agroecosystem performance. It integrates four domains—Production, Environment, Society, and Economics—to evaluate farm outcomes across research stations and on-farm sites. KBS LTAR uses this framework to measure performance in the ACSE and guide future on-farm research.

Staff Appreciation

We extend special thanks to Kevin Kahmark and David Weed for their exceptional work installing 96 lysimeters and an eddy covariance tower in the ACSE. These instruments will help measure groundwater quality and greenhouse gas exchange for years to come. David has been with KBS for 24 years and Kevin for 16 years—thank you both for your dedication!

Our Team

Leadership: Phil Robertson, Tayler Ulbrich, Brook Wilke

Scientific Steering Committee: Bruno Basso, Hannah Burrack, Sarah Evans, Nick Haddad, Sasha Kravchenko, Doug Landis, Sandy Marquart-Pyatt, Christine Sprunger

Systems Integration Team: Dean Baas, Jennifer Blesh, Tim Boring, Kim Cassida, Marc Hasenick, Manni Singh

Stakeholder Advisory Board (2024): Laura Campbell (Chair), Adam Reimer (Vice-Chair), Christine Charles, Julie Doll, Colleen Forestieri, Randy Heinze, Cade Klein, Henry Miller, Mark Mills, Emily O’Halloran, Kristin Poley, Sherman Reed, Melissa Shaw, Jason Stegink, Ben Wickerham, Lisa Woodke

Upcoming Events

• June 10: Food-Grade Grains Field Day (partnership with MiAA and MSU Extension)
• September 4: LTAR Field Day (partnership with MSU Extension)

Contact Us

Email: kbs.ltar@msu.edu
Website: ltar.kbs.msu.edu

Photo Credits: Brook Wilke, DeShae Dillard, Garret Morgan. Special thanks to Kevin Kahmark and David Weed.