Investigating the Multifunctionality of Ecosystem Services in Agroecosystems from an Interdisciplinary Lens

Climate change is increasing the frequency of drought, heat and severe weather events, which is dramatically affect agricultural production systems that are under increasing demand to produce food. To enhance the ability of high plains agricultural systems to respond to forecasted climate variability and remain productive and profitable, while maintaining ecological health, there is an immediate need to alter food production methods. Agroecological practices utilize natural processes to replace human inputs while building self-regulation feedbacks for increased resilience. It is well understood that diversification enhances the multifunctionality of agroecological systems, or the ability of systems to provide ecological, social and economic benefits. However, there is a gap in understanding of how multifunctionality of ecosystem services translates to resilience in agricultural systems. Building on the existing network of 30 farms across Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska engaged in the Farmers Advancing Regenerative Management Systems project, I will design and implement on-farm paired trials comparing ecosystem service multifunctionality and resilience outcomes between farms employing agroecological practices, such as cover cropping, crop diversification and animal integration, and those utilizing conventional farming practices. Ecosystem services will include biophysical indicators of soil carbon capture, soil fertility, microbial diversity and water retention, as well as provisioning services including crop yield and economic outcomes. This research will help us better understand the impact of management practices on agroecosystem resiliency and will inform environmental management programs and policies for a more sustainable and resilient future.