Modern monoculture systems of agriculture rely heavily on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer and are particularly susceptible to excess nitrogen runoff which can contaminate surrounding ecosystems or leak into groundwater. Intercropping of complementary crop species has been explored as a potential method of mitigating nutrient loss; the traditional combination of corn and bean crops is of particular interest in regards to N conservation, both due to the two species’ high value as staple foods and due to complementary N uptake systems. Current research lacks specific data on how rates of nitrogen leaching change under intercropped conditions, including during intense rainfall events or over plant growth cycles. This project aims to address these knowledge gaps by evaluating rates and peak concentrations of N flux in runoff under both monoculture and paired crop situations. Additionally, by evaluating plant total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN), this project aims to explore how pairing crops may influence nutrient assimilation. This, combined with a greater understanding of how intercropping impacts N loss via leaching, will hopefully provide insights for both improving fertilizer efficiency and precision agriculture.

By participating in SuperUROP, I hope to gain high-level research experience and skills in developing and running a research project. As someone interested in how food production impacts the environment, along with methods of improving sustainability in agriculture, I’m eager to explore how a traditional farming method may have positive ecosystem implications. I hope to further my knowledge of crop research methods and am excited to explore new information during the project!