We are working to gain a better understanding of the influence of management, cultivar, and site-specific factors (G×E×M) on crop fitness. Specifically, we are:
- Quantifying dynamic soil properties and their relationship with root architecture and fine root characteristics.
- Contrasting the abundance and community structure of plant growth promoting rhizoassociates under maize hybrids bred on low-input organic and high-input conventional programs.
- Examining the dynamics of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and enzymatic activity in maize grown under contrasting N fertility conditions.