Statement

The mission of the National Soil Tilth Laboratory is to generate and integrate knowledge for the development and evaluation of management practices that enhance surface and ground water quality while ensuring the long term enhancement and conservation of the nation's soil and water resources. Multidisciplinary research teams conduct quantitative research on soil biological, chemical, and physical processes and their interaction as related to agricultural practices. Research findings will improve the understanding of the impact of current agricultural practices on the soil and water resources and evaluate the effect of changing practices on soil and water quality at the field, watershed, and regional scale.

This mission is directed toward two primary goals. First, development and evaluation of farming practices and landscape management practices that will improve water and soil quality in the Midwest. Second, development and evaluation of a framework for assessing soil quality relative to soil function (plant productivity, environmental buffer, and water movement in the environment).

Jerry L. Hatfield

Laboratory Director