12/19/2025
Seeking South Carolina Farmers for On-Farm Research
We're looking for farmers with a history of conservation practices (no-till, cover crops, reduced tillage) in the SC Upstate or Piedmont region in the following counties to participate:
Abbeville | Anderson | Cherokee | Chester | Edgefield | Fairfield | Greenville | Greenwood | Lancaster | Laurens | McCormick | Newberry | Pickens | Saluda | Spartanburg | Union | York
Why this research matters: Conservation practices such as no-till and cover crops can improve soil health over time; however, we need high-quality data from real farms to understand how these practices affect soil organic matter and nutrient distribution at different depths. Your field and management history can help us develop more effective recommendations for farmers across the region.
What we'll measure: A comprehensive soil health analysis, including organic matter fractions, biological activity, nutrient availability, compaction, water infiltration, and erosion resistance, providing a detailed picture of your soil's condition and productivity potential.
What's needed from you:
✔️ Three cropland fields available for sampling (ideally: one long-term conservation field, one conventionally tilled or newer to conservation, and one with different rotation/cover crop/amendment practices)
✔️ About 2 hours for soil sampling (researcher will collect samples independently)
✔️ 15-30 minutes to complete a management history survey
Soil samples will be collected at three depths (0-4", 4-12", and 12-24") from each field. Woodland or grassland areas can also be sampled for reference if available.
What you'll receive: 🔬 Detailed soil health report with interpretation for each field 📊 Insights on soil carbon sequestration potential, nitrogen supplying capacity, and deep-profile nutrients 🤝 Opportunity for a follow-up session with Clemson Extension to discuss your results
Farm names remain confidential — only county-level information will be used in any published summaries.
Interested or know someone who might be?
Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha | [email protected] | (217) 778-5170
Please tag or share with farmers in these counties who might be interested!