The Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network: Cross‐site transdisciplinary science to support a sustainable and resilient agriculture
Teferi Tsegaye, Marlen Eve, Cathleen J. Hapeman, Peter J. A. Kleinman, Claire Baffaut, Dawn M. Browning, Alisa W. Coffin, Sheri Spiegal
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.