The Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network: Cross‐site transdisciplinary science to support a sustainable and resilient agriculture

• Published in: Journal of environmental quality
• Main Authors: Tsegaye, Teferi, Eve, Marlen, Hapeman, Cathleen J., Kleinman, Peter J. A., Baffaut, Claire, Browning, Dawn M., Coffin, Alisa W., Spiegal, Sheri A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05.11.2024
• ISSN: 0047-2425; 1537-2537; 1537-2537
• DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20649

Abstract The Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is a collaborative initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, aimed at advancing sustainable, resilient agriculture through coordinated research conducted on croplands, grazing lands, and integrated crop/livestock systems. Here we provide an overview of the LTAR network, highlighting its vision, mission, initiatives, recent network activities, and future directions. Network‐level research is critical for developing contextually relevant solutions to the challenges faced by agricultural producers. Long‐term data collection, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of scientific knowledge are needed to enhance agricultural productivity and its resiliency, environmental quality, profitability, and social well‐being into the future. Core Ideas Sustainable agriculture must address productivity, environmental concerns, and costs while being adaptable. USDA‐Agricultural Research Service established the Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network. This article discusses LTAR vision, mission, initiatives, recent activities, and future directions. LTAR network includes collecting long‐term data, engaging stakeholders, and integrating scientific knowledge. The Common Experiment and Working Groups unify network scientists and facilitate knowledge integration. Plain Language Summary Agriculture faces pressure to balance production and environmental concerns under continually changing climate, market and resource constraints. Sustainable agriculture systems must simultaneously enhance prosperity, economic outcomes, environmental quality, and social wellbeing. In pursuit of science‐based solutions for sustainable agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its partners established the Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network, a collection of nearly 20 sites across the United States. The network collects long‐term data and engages stakeholders while integrating scientific knowledge. This overview of LTAR highlights the network's vision, mission, recent network activities, and future directions.