Soil Research Projects Gets $600,000 from NSERC
It was announced today that the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) awarded a Strategic Partnership Grant to Prof. Claudia Wagner-Riddle, School of Environmental Sciences.
Wagner-Riddle will use a $614,353 grant to help improve soil quality. She will look at cropping practices that mimic natural ecosystems and improve resiliency to climate change.
Farming can reduce soil quality, even as a growing world requires more food.
Wagner-Riddle’s research team will compare conventional and perennialized annual cropping systems (where the soil is never left unseeded) using corn, winter wheat and soybeans.
Researchers from three U of G departments are involved, as well as scientists from the University of Saskatchewan, Western University and the University of Toronto.
“These are new collaborations and we are very excited about the research we will conduct over the next three years,” Wagner-Riddle said. “Each researcher brings a unique perspective and expertise to this very important topic.”
A recent report on Ontario’s soil health from the province’s environmental commissioner calls for rebuilding soil health expertise and encouraging “soil-friendly” production practices.