Assessing the impact of cover cropping on ecosystem carbon fluxes in the U.S. Midwest
This dissertation focuses on the management of cover crops in the U.S. Midwest. The region faces significant environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, including increased temperature and precipitation variability, which impact agricultural sustainability and productivity. The primary focus of this research is to address one key science question: How to manage cover crops in the U.S. Midwest to balance the environmental impact and productivity? By answering this question, this dissertation provides an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms in the cover crop systems and a comprehensive analysis of cover crop management strategies, which offers practical guidance to farmers and policymakers to support sustainable agriculture.
