Jess Shapiro, from Westmoreland, NH, is majoring in environmental conservation and sustainability with a minor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Jess studied the impact of farming practices on carbon/nutrient cycling and microbial communities.
Please summarize your research as simply as possible.
Jess Shapiro: We focused on asking farmers about their practices and how they may be managing for carbon, microbial communities and nutrient cycling. We also directly asked growers about what specific topics they want to see more research, and what their specific agricultural experience is. All this is in effort to to close the gap between farmers and scientists and find where we can offer more support.
What is the challenge/problem your research is looking to solve?
Jess: The gap between farmers and scientists/researchers. The ideal agricultural system is very difficult to achieve, but expected by today's society given the current status of our climate. This survey is a chance to ask farmers directly what help they need in order to adjust to this ever-changing societal and environmental climate.
Your work elevates research supported by the NH Agricultural Experiment Station. How will your work benefit people, communities and/or the natural environment in New Hampshire?
Jess: Working towards agricultural sustainability is the foundation of environmental sustainability. Agricultural sustainability encompasses supporting a local economy, working with the local climate and supporting community dynamics.
What did you learn as a result of your experience?
Jess: I learned that many farms have practices in place that work towards promoting carbon/nutrient cycling and microbial communities, but aren't aware. In other words, they aren't conscious of the full impacts of their practices. They have the right systems in place, but with added support they can be strengthened and more effectively sustainable.
