This new investigator seed grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, CFDA 10.310, will provide $299,959 to The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) to conduct foundational research on how four forage species can improve soil health up to 1 meter in depth. Through detailed greenhouse and field experiments, the project will explore the relationships between root traits, rhizosphere and soil microbiomes, and overall soil health. The insights gained will benefit forage crop producers, agronomists, soil health practitioners, and scientists by establishing a foundation for future collaborations and research aligned with the NIFA Soil Health Program priority area. The project aims to advance scientific knowledge of soil physical and biogeochemical processes and identify plant species that can promote long-term soil health and productivity.
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