The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Cropland Common Experiment at Northern Plains.

Cropland agriculture in the northern Great Plains is challenged by variable weather, agricultural intensification, and competing use for energy development. Innovative cropland practices that address these challenges are needed to ensure regional agriculture can sustainably meet future food, fuel, and fiber demand. In response to this need, the Northern Plains Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network site established a cropland experiment in 2019 that contrasts prevailing and alternative practices at plot and field scales over a proposed 30-year time frame.

Cover crop inclusion and residue retention improves soybean production and physiology in drought conditions.

Soybean ( max (L.) Merr.) planting has increased in central and western North Dakota despite frequent drought occurrences that limit productivity.