Elwell Agroecology Farm
Background of the Elwell Agroecology Farm (EAF)
The Elwell Agroecology Farm is a 160 acre parcel in Lamberton Township, MN that has a 30+ year history of minimal pesticide and fertilizer application, and limited tile drainage. These characteristics present researchers with unique opportunities for developing cropping systems studies, as well as studies on fertility, water quality, low input and organic input, management and tile drainage - all in close proximity to the University of Minnesota's Southwest Research and Outreach Center.
Pioneer agriculture by Europeans began prior to 1878 on the parcel that is now the EAF. The University began renting the land for research purposes in 1988. In that year, portions of the property were tile-drained for research projects, and a detailed soil and nutrient survey was conducted. Two long-term research projects on cropping systems were started in 1989. Native prairie was established on 12 acres in 1990, and in 1996 organic farming was initiated on another 12 acres. In 1991, the property was purchased by Larry and Ruth Elwell, who gave 51% of the parcel to the University in December of 1995.
This gift ensures long-term research opportunities on the farm, which will contribute greatly to the agricultural community and the State of Minnesota.
What is Agroecology?
Agroecology is the study of relationships between organisms (including humans) and their environment, involving landscapes that are defined by a significant presence of agricultural activity.
The main distinctions of agroecosystems, compared to natural ecosystems, are deliberate human intervention to modify the spatial and temporal species composition, altered energy and resource dynamics, and greater levels of disturbance. Agricultural ecosystems are defined by environmental, biological, and sociological factors and can be described using properties such as productivity, stability, sustainability, and equity.
Goals for Management of the Elwell Agroecology Farm
The management of the Elwell Agroecology Farm (EAF), will emphasize a team-based planning process that includes researchers, farmers, SWROC staff, Extension faculty, and others interested in agriculture. Research and education activities will foster an environment that respects and rewards individuals and teams, and enhances the communities in which people live. Efforts will be made to develop an ongoing research and educational environment that has opportunities for people with diverse interests to participate.
Current and future research projects conducted on the EAF emphasize the development of cropping systems that efficiently cycle water, nutrients, and energy, while at the same time enhancing profitability. Multi-disciplinary approaches to research and educational activities will be encouraged, and projects will be designed to further our understanding of systems properties and processes.
Research History on the EAF
More than twenty University researchers have been involved in studies conducted on the EAF. Information collected from these studies has been presented at national meetings including those of the Agronomy, Crop, and Soil Science Societies of America. Published articles have appeared in several scientific arenas including refereed articles in Agronomy Journal. The gifting of the Elwell Agroecology Farm to the University has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term viability of these and future studies.
Cropping Systems Research
There are two on-going, long-term cropping systems research studies on the EAF. The Variable Input Crop Management Systems (VICMS) study was established in 1989 to evaluate the productivity and profitability of a corn-soybean rotation, as well as a corn-soybean-oat-alfalfa rotation under different management systems including: high purchased chemical inputs, low purchased chemical inputs, organic inputs, and minimum inputs. Native prairie strips were also established in conjunction with the minimum input plots in order to compare changes in soil conditions in the other management systems with these two conditions. A companion study, located on the SWROC, evaluates the same systems but from an initially high fertility status.
The Organic Rotation Plots (ORP) were established in 1990 to study the effect of both fertility and crop rotation on corn production under organic management. Composted turkey manure is used to supply nutrients, and weeds are controlled mechanically. The four crop rotations evaluated are continuous corn, corn-soybean, corn-soybean-oats, and corn-soybean-oats/alfalfa-alfalfa. Unfertilized companion plots are maintained in order to allow comparisons of crop yields and soil conditions resulting from both the manure applications as well as the different crop rotations.
Water Quality Research
In 1994 a study was established in a poorly-drained soil on the eastern portion of the EAF to evaluate the quantity and quality of water entering surface tile inlets and subsurface tile drains. Sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents are monitored in tile drained water from treatments that compare moldboard plowing vs. ridge-tilling, and synthetic vs. organic forms of fertilizer. The information gained from this tudy will aid our understanding of surface and subsurface tile drainage effects on crop production and water quality in the Minnesota River watershed.
Future Opportunities
Approximately one-third of the EAF acreage is not currently in research plots. This acreage is being preserved under previous minimal input management for future research.
Related Internet Sites
Return to the SWROC home page.
Last modified 12/18/02 by M. Werner