Where the Water Goes: Studying Water Quality and Hydrology in Diversified Ag Systems

by Elise Koning | Jul 17, 2025 | Conservation Technology Information Center Project Director

Connecting landscapes, farm-level economic decisions, air quality, and water quality is part of discovering how diversified agricultural systems can succeed. Making those connections is one of the challenges the DCB Modeling Team is tackling. Monitoring water quality...

Farmers, Researchers, Writers, and More Share Results and Vision at DCB All-Team Meeting

by Elise Koning | Jun 26, 2025 | Conservation Technology Information Center Project Director

Members of the DCB Team met in Davenport, IA, for the All-Team Meeting May 20-22. One of the Diverse Corn Belt Project’s (DCB) strengths is the collaboration of several disciplines in gathering insights about farming systems in the Midwest. That strength was showcased...

Developing Systems Thinking: Resources for Teachers Created by DCB

by Elise Koning | Jun 5, 2025 | Conservation Technology Information Center Project Director

Creating a system where all farmers can succeed is part of the challenge of agricultural diversification. The Diverse Corn Belt Project is researching how diversifying the Corn Belt can work for everyone. Systems thinking is a good place to start. Natalie Hunt, a...

The Dimensions of Soil Health: Measuring Soil Properties in the Field

by Elise Koning | Mar 20, 2025 | Conservation Technology Information Center Project Director

Researching soil health is, in some ways, similar to understanding human health. That’s according to soil scientist Andrew Margenot. He leads the DCB In-Field Team that is looking at soil health in a variety of systems across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. “Doctors...

Insects, Weeds, and Crop Productivity: Entomological Research of the DCB In-Field Team

by Elise Koning | Feb 19, 2025 | Conservation Technology Information Center Project Director

Agricultural diversity includes a wide range of aspects, from the ground to the table, and insects and weeds are an important aspect of diversity on the ground that can help improve crop production. The on-farm aspect of diversification is analyzed by the DCB In-Field...