Institute of Water Research

A team of experts from Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research, in partnership with Colorado State University and the Noble Research Institute, are leading the water monitoring efforts in a five-year study to optimize the management of America’s rangelands and pastures. Spanning three diverse ecoregions in the U.S., including research hubs in Michigan, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, the project looks at how contrasting grazing management strategies affect carbon and water cycling at the field scale as well as producer social and economic wellbeing at over 60 farms and ranches. This broad geographic scope provides a comprehensive understanding of how different environmental and socio-economic factors influence pasture and rangeland ecosystems and vice-versa. 

Since 2022, team members from The Institute of Water Research have travelled over 10,000 collective miles, installing 522 soil moisture sensors and conducting 1,188 infiltration experiments across the participating research sites. They have also collected and analyzed almost 800 soil samples for important nutrients such as nitrate and ammonium. In addition to the robust field campaign to gather data, IWR GIS specialist Glenn O’Neill has been leading the modeling effort to build field-scale hydrological models of each site using the SWAT modelling platform. Concurrently, Alex Kuhl has been working with MSU faculty member Andrey Guber, a specialist in soil physics and hydrology to create multiple 1D hydrological models with HYDRUS of each sampling point. Their goal is to estimate the water balance and understand which site-specific physical characteristics, including unique perched ground water features observed throughout Michigan, may be contributing to observed heterogeneities in infiltration, evapotranspiration, and carbon fluxes. Hydrological modeling results, in conjunction with data from the various project modules in soil health and socioeconomics, will be used to inform the development of a feedback tool that will empower producers to manage their land for various ecosystem function targets. “I’m excited to see how the modeling, data, and various ecological metrics come together to inform the online producer decision support tool the team is creating. These types of tools are critical to assist producers with evaluating the outcomes of various investments and management decisions." – Jeremiah Asher, Assistant Director Institute of Water Research.

The Core Challenge 

Rangelands cover a significant portion of the world's agricultural area. In addition to providing important forage for livestock, they have a vast potential for storing carbon. However, the ability of these lands to provide such ecosystem services is threatened by land use changes and soil degradation due to mismanagement, such as overgrazing. Addressing this issue requires an integrated approach that not only focuses on improving soil health but also considers the socio-economic aspects of rangeland management. 

The project's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive methodology, integrating advanced field and remote sensing technologies, and complex-systems modeling. It aims to: 

1. Accurately quantify soil health and ecosystem metrics affected by management practices. 
2. Examine the interplay between grazing management and soil health. 
3. Develop process-based ecosystem models predicting soil carbon sequestration and ecological functions. 
4. Understand the socio-economic wellbeing and resilience of rural communities involved in rangeland management. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Social Wellbeing 

A key aspect of the project is the emphasis on producer wellbeing and resilience. By engaging directly with ranchers and integrating their experiences and insights into the research, the project seeks to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world application. This participatory approach ensures that the outcomes are not only scientifically robust but also socially relevant and beneficial. 

Implications and Impact 

This project provides actionable insights for ranchers and stakeholders, informing management decisions that enhance soil health, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services. Additionally, the socio-economic research will illuminate the drivers and barriers of adopting sustainable practices, paving the way for more resilient rural communities. By bridging the gap between science and practice, it promises to foster healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems, and thriving rural communities, thereby contributing significantly to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture.