UVM Researchers Explore Sustainable Dairy Farming Solutions
Source: DairyNews.today
University of Vermont (UVM) researchers are testing innovative methods to make dairy farming more sustainable, focusing on reducing environmental impact while boosting resilience to extreme weather.
The team, led by research associate professor Joshua Faulkner, is midway through a six-year, multi-state study examining how practices like cover cropping, no-till planting, and tailored fertilization can improve soil health, limit nutrient runoff, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Adapting to Extreme Weather
Vermont farmers face increasing challenges from climate change, including severe flooding and prolonged wet conditions. In July 2023, catastrophic flooding caused $69 million in agricultural damages statewide, significantly impacting feed crops. The aftermath saw a spike in phosphorus levels in Vermont rivers, highlighting the need for alternative practices to curb agricultural runoff.
“Can a dairy farm sequester as much carbon as it emits? Can it be net zero?” Faulkner asks, underscoring the complexity of balancing environmental goals with farm productivity.
Data-Driven Insights
The UVM study is part of the Dairy, Soil, and Water Regeneration Project, a collaboration with the Soil Health Institute and six other universities across regions including Wisconsin, Texas, Idaho, and California. The initiative evaluates how various farming practices influence water quality, crop yields, economic outcomes, and greenhouse gas emissions.
In Vermont, the team collects soil samples from test sites in St. Albans and Bridport, measuring parameters like bulk density, carbon concentration, and water-holding capacity. Advanced techniques, such as injecting manure directly into the soil, are being tested alongside traditional methods to assess their effectiveness in reducing nutrient runoff and emissions.
“Low bulk density is a really good indicator,” Faulkner says, noting it signals healthy soil management.
Mitigating Climate Risks
Graduate student Molly Ratliff focuses on emissions, regularly measuring levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. In 2023, prolonged flooding created waterlogged fields, leading to unusual methane emissions—a consequence of oxygen-starved microbes in saturated soils.
“These emissions underscore the challenges farmers face as climate change increases soil moisture and temperatures,” Ratliff explains.
Her research also explores how high and low points in fields impact emissions, aiming to identify practical solutions like improved grading to manage water flow.
Preserving Soil and Water
Soil erosion and nutrient loss are major concerns for Vermont’s dairy farms, especially during winter thaw and rain-on-snow events. Practices like cover cropping provide crucial protection, stabilizing soil and reducing runoff.
“Runoff can happen year-round, not just during active farming,” says water quality specialist Ben Tutko, emphasizing the importance of year-round soil cover.
Toward a Greener Future
While conclusive results are still a year away, the study marks the first comprehensive effort to measure carbon sequestration and emissions across U.S. dairy systems. Findings will offer region-specific insights, helping farmers adopt practices tailored to their local environment.
“We’re taking a whole-systems approach for the first time,” Faulkner says. “This rigorous documentation will provide the tools to make dairy farming sustainable, both economically and environmentally.”
As Vermont’s farmers navigate the uncertainties of climate change, the research offers hope for a more resilient and sustainable dairy industry.
Adapting to Extreme Weather
Vermont farmers face increasing challenges from climate change, including severe flooding and prolonged wet conditions. In July 2023, catastrophic flooding caused $69 million in agricultural damages statewide, significantly impacting feed crops. The aftermath saw a spike in phosphorus levels in Vermont rivers, highlighting the need for alternative practices to curb agricultural runoff.
“Can a dairy farm sequester as much carbon as it emits? Can it be net zero?” Faulkner asks, underscoring the complexity of balancing environmental goals with farm productivity.
Data-Driven Insights
The UVM study is part of the Dairy, Soil, and Water Regeneration Project, a collaboration with the Soil Health Institute and six other universities across regions including Wisconsin, Texas, Idaho, and California. The initiative evaluates how various farming practices influence water quality, crop yields, economic outcomes, and greenhouse gas emissions.
In Vermont, the team collects soil samples from test sites in St. Albans and Bridport, measuring parameters like bulk density, carbon concentration, and water-holding capacity. Advanced techniques, such as injecting manure directly into the soil, are being tested alongside traditional methods to assess their effectiveness in reducing nutrient runoff and emissions.
“Low bulk density is a really good indicator,” Faulkner says, noting it signals healthy soil management.
Mitigating Climate Risks
Graduate student Molly Ratliff focuses on emissions, regularly measuring levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. In 2023, prolonged flooding created waterlogged fields, leading to unusual methane emissions—a consequence of oxygen-starved microbes in saturated soils.
“These emissions underscore the challenges farmers face as climate change increases soil moisture and temperatures,” Ratliff explains.
Her research also explores how high and low points in fields impact emissions, aiming to identify practical solutions like improved grading to manage water flow.
Preserving Soil and Water
Soil erosion and nutrient loss are major concerns for Vermont’s dairy farms, especially during winter thaw and rain-on-snow events. Practices like cover cropping provide crucial protection, stabilizing soil and reducing runoff.
“Runoff can happen year-round, not just during active farming,” says water quality specialist Ben Tutko, emphasizing the importance of year-round soil cover.
Toward a Greener Future
While conclusive results are still a year away, the study marks the first comprehensive effort to measure carbon sequestration and emissions across U.S. dairy systems. Findings will offer region-specific insights, helping farmers adopt practices tailored to their local environment.
“We’re taking a whole-systems approach for the first time,” Faulkner says. “This rigorous documentation will provide the tools to make dairy farming sustainable, both economically and environmentally.”
As Vermont’s farmers navigate the uncertainties of climate change, the research offers hope for a more resilient and sustainable dairy industry.
