Institute of Water Research

Project Summary

The Understanding the Outcomes of Improved Soil Health to Accelerate Conservation project is a collaborative research initiative led by the University of Michigan in partnership with the Institute of Water Research (IWR) and Michigan State University. The project supports the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in advancing soil health, improving water quality, and increasing the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices across priority watersheds in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB). By partnering directly with farmers, researchers, conservation organizations, and state agencies, the project evaluates how regenerative management practices influence soil health, nutrient cycling, and water quality while providing science-based information to strengthen conservation programs and improve watershed management. The project integrates field research, edge-of-field monitoring, soil health assessments, and watershed-scale analyses to better understand the environmental outcomes of conservation practices and support long-term agricultural sustainability. 

The project includes comprehensive soil and water quality monitoring, collection and laboratory analysis of soil, plant, manure, and water samples, installation of edge-of-field monitoring systems, and measurement of key soil health indicators such as soil carbon, nutrient retention, soil moisture, and biological activity. Researchers will combine field observations with watershed modeling and producer management information to evaluate how regenerative practices affect nutrient losses, water quality, and ecosystem services. The project also emphasizes producer engagement, technical collaboration, and data synthesis to develop practical recommendations that encourage wider adoption of conservation practices. By generating scientifically validated evidence linking improved soil health with enhanced environmental performance, the project will support more effective conservation planning, strengthen water resource protection, and contribute to sustainable agricultural production throughout Michigan's Western Lake Erie Basin.