The hub of the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial (WICST) Project is two crop rotation trials based in southern Wisconsin. Around this framework, the project has developed a wide range of projects examining on-farm biodiversity:

Grass-Based Dairy
An interdisciplinary team of WICST researchers worked with Altfrid and Sue Krusenbaum to evaluate their seasonal, grass-based dairy operation.

Core Systems Trial
Initiated in 1990, this long-term trial compares six Wisconsin cropping systems for productivity, profitability and environmental impact.

Oak Savanna Restoration
This project is looking at the roles of fire and grazing by Scottish highland cattle on clearing brushy, overgrown understory of oak savanna in southwest WI.

Cover Crops Project
WICST research and on-farm trials have used leguminous cover crops, either companion seeded, frost seeded or sequentially seeded with small grains.

Small Grains Initiative
This project works with 40 growers in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin to promote the inclusion of small grains in corn-soy rotations.

Decision Aid Tools
Software is helping farmers make strategic decisions on cropping systems, nutrient management, herd management, soil conservation and farm profitability.

Reduced Input Systems
This section includes a collection of research activities to reduce the use of chemicals in Wisconsin cropping systems.

Improving Manure Management
Wisconsin's landscape is a mix of livestock and grain farms. Nutrient management is important to both types of farm and trading feed for manure may benefit both.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
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