By Yadunath Bajgai
Healthy soil is essential for water movement, root growth, and crop productivity. A recently published paper in the Soil Science Society of America Journal (SSSAJ) reports findings from an on‑farm study examining how land use and conservation practices affect soil physical health in Central Ohio. Authored by Yadunath Bajgai, Rattan Lal, M. Scott Demyan, Klaus Lorenz, Alec Ogg, and Noor Us Sabah, the study is an output of the Carbon Farming Alliance for Research and Management (C‑FARM) and was funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). The research evaluated 41 farm sites across Sandusky, Seneca, Wyandot, Delaware, and Pickaway counties, focusing on five dominant soil series: Blount, Eldean, Pewamo, Spinks, and Warsaw.
Results showed that woodland soils had the best physical condition, with lower compaction and greater porosity, while cropland soils—regardless of tillage system—were generally more compacted. The findings underscore the value of undisturbed systems such as woodlands and suggest that although reduced tillage can improve cropland soils, meaningful improvements may require more than 15 years of sustained management. The study provides valuable insights for farmers, researchers, and land managers working toward healthier and more resilient soils in Central Ohio. Full article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.70183
A scientific poster was presented to disseminate research findings at the Ohio State University Soil Symposium, held on December 5 in recognition of World Soil Day by Yadunath Bajgai. The poster, titled “On‑farm Study of Soil Physical Properties under Conservation Agriculture in Central Ohio,” highlighted results from on‑farm investigations evaluating the impacts of conservation agriculture practices on soil physical properties.
