2015

100 Times More Sensitive

New piece of equipment at Michigan State University takes soil contaminant research to a whole new level.

In motion: Improving water quality through better land management

Researchers are looking at large-scale ways to recycle the wastewater created by human activity.

Cropping Up

Interest in cover crops is surging, but integration on farms remains extremely low. Researchers are examining the benefits of cover crop implementation.

Turf triumphs: From Friday nights under the lights to World Cup, MSU research plays vital role

Researchers of the Michigan State University turfgrass program have been offering innovative solutions to the everchanging needs and challenges faced by the sports industry since the 1880s.

No Matter How You Slice It, Healthy Soil Is Important

Civilization has thrived in areas with healthy soil and water. Farmers remain reliant on the same soils as their ancestors 6,000 years ago.

Changing the face of science: Q & A with Alvin J. M. Smucker

Alvin Smucker is the 2015 MSU Innovator of the Year for his original work with subsurface water retention technology and his continuing research to develop water retention membranes on a commercial scale.

Getting the Scoop on Soil

Raising awareness of the important roles soil plays in everyday life is one of the goals of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which has dubbed 2015 the "International Year of Soils."

A Spartan comeback of the seed kind

The barley fittingly called Spartan, created in 1916, is making a comeback in light of increased demand for locally brewed beers in Michigan.

CANR alum is lead soil scientist for State of Michigan

CANR alumnus Martin Rosek is Michigan's state soil scientist.

Groundbreaking moments in soil: A look back on various advancements

Soil research at Michigan State University has a long, rich history — some milestones even predate the university's official establishment of a soils department in 1909.

The Biochar Boon

More and more researchers are looking at biochar — an ancient practice — to remediate soil by removing contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and antibiotics.