The 8th Annual Plant Sciences Symposium at The Ohio State University brought together researchers from all levels – undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars, along with professionals to explore the theme “Plants in a Changing World.” Hosted as part of the Corteva Plant Sciences Symposia Series, the event featured insightful keynote addresses, engaging poster presentations, and research spanning various plant science disciplines. The Soil Fertility and Soil Health Lab participated in the symposium’s poster competition, presenting research focused on soil health and crop yields. Held at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on February 13-14th, 2025, the symposium sparked discussions on plant adaptation, sustainability, and the future of agriculture in a rapidly changing climate.
Valeria Moreira, a visiting scholar, presented findings on the long-term effects of no-tillage practices on soybean yields. The research, based on the Triplett-Van Doren Experiment, one of the longest-running agricultural studies in the U.S., investigates the impact of three tillage treatments: No-Tillage, Chisel, and Moldboard Plow, across two distinct soil types in Ohio – Wooster (silt-loam) and Hoytville (clay-loam). With over 60 years of data, Valeria highlighted how no-tillage practices can positively impact soybean production in Ohio. This research provides valuable insights into how conservation practices can influence crop productivity and offers a broader understanding of the role of soil health in sustainable agriculture.
Naiima Abdi, an undergraduate intern, shared her presentation discussing the long-term effects of crop rotation and no-tillage practices on corn yields. The research, based on data from the Triplett-Van Doren No-Tillage and Crop Rotation Experiment as well, examines the impact of nine different treatment combinations, which included three tillage systems: No-Tillage, Chisel, and Moldboard, and three crop rotations: Continuous Corn, Corn-Soybean, and Corn-Forage-Forage. Naiima presented key findings that demonstrate that crop diversification is a major driver of yield improvements and that benefits of no-tillage vary based on soil type. The research underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in increasing long-term productivity.
Authors: Naiima Abdi, Aline de Camargo Santos, Valeria Moreira, and Manbir Rakkar.