Reduced tillage and rotational diversity improve soil health in Missouri

Abstract The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program was initiated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to address challenges related soil water degradation examining health under real‐world management practices. data from 5,300 field sites enrolled in a DNR cost‐share program were analyzed for effects tillage intensity [no‐till (NT), reduced (RT), intensive (IT)] crop rotational diversity (monoculture, two‐crops, three or more crops rotation) within across six regions state. indicators included organic carbon (SOC), active carbon, potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), aggregate stability. At state level, SOC, PMN 14.4, 14.0, 17.5% greater NT, 10.2, 11.0, 11.2% RT, respectively, compared with IT. Aggregate stability NT (33.8%) RT (30.4%) relative IT (28.0%). Across state, diversified rotations exhibited 6.1 7.9% 6.5 10.7 11.6% two‐crop monocultures, respectively. significantly (35.5%) (30.6%) monoculture (30.8%). This study highlights value on‐farm datasets real production systems illustrates potential increase adoption conservation extended Missouri.