Kansas State University

K-State lab conducts first soil sampling for regenerative agriculture project in Brazil

Submitted by Priscila Junia Cruz

Kansas State University's Soil Microbial Agroecology Lab embarked on the initial soil sampling for a groundbreaking project in regenerative agriculture at Roncador Farm, located in Querência, Mato Grosso, Brazil, from Aug. 5-10

The project, led by renowned soil scientist Professor Charles "Chuck" Rice, is set to evaluate the long-term impacts of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health. Specifically, the research will assess four critical aspects: soil carbon content, aggregate stability, microbial diversity and abundance, and enzymatic activity. Additionally, the study will examine how integrated management practices, coupled with local edaphoclimatic conditions, affect nutrient efficiency by analyzing carbon and nitrogen budgets. Finally, the project aims to measure the environmental effects of these sustainable farming methods.

Roncador Farm, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture for more than 15 years, employs a variety of sustainable practices, including crop rotation, no-till farming, crop-livestock integration and the production of bioinoculants, known locally as "forest soup." The farm's commitment to sustainability extends to its sewage treatment system, which ensures that water leaving the property is of higher quality than the water that enters. Surrounded by 72,000 hectares of pristine native forest, the farm is a sanctuary for diverse species, including jaguars, tapirs, macaws, foxes and alligators, underscoring its dedication to biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Rice, who participated in the initial soil sampling, expressed optimism about the project's potential to uncover valuable insights into sustainable farming practices.

"This research is crucial in understanding how regenerative agriculture can enhance soil health and contribute to environmental conservation," Rice said.

The team extended its thanks to the Roncador Farm staff, especially Pelerson "Peleco" Penido, Guilherme Alves, Maurício Ferrari and Matheus Langhi, for their invaluable support throughout the sampling process. The project is generously funded by JBS and Asiatan, whose contributions have been essential to its launch.

As the research progresses, the team eagerly anticipates the results, which could have significant implications for the future of sustainable agriculture worldwide.