Regenerative Soil Health
Laboratory
Regenerative Soil Health and Agroforestry Program
College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
We cannot build a sustainable future on broken ground. Regenerating soil is regenerating hope
About Us
The Bardhan Laboratory at Tennessee State University investigates and promotes best management practices to improve soil health through regenerative agricultural practices, agroforestry, and sustainable cultural practices. Our objective is to provide information on how to best manage soils to boost income generation for small farms.
Research Projects
Soil Biodegradation
Our goal is to deepen our understanding of how plant community diversity enhances biodegradation capacity, offering pathways for the development of sustainable land management practices and strengthening scientific knowledge on rhizosphere ecology.
Agroforestry
Agroforestry enhances soil health by increasing organic matter inputs through leaf litter, root biomass, and nitrogen-fixing trees, which enrich the soil with nutrients. Additionally, agroforestry fosters beneficial microbial communities, boosting biological activity that drives nutrient cycling and long-term soil fertility.
Organic Agriculture
Over time, organic practices build organic matter content, increase water retention, and reduce erosion, leading to more resilient and productive soils. It eliminates synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, encouraging the growth of beneficial soil microbes and fauna that support nutrient cycling and plant health.
Outreach Projects
In addition to research, our lab collaborates with universities, private companies, government organizations, and nonprofits in a variety of outreach projects to improve agriculture sustainability and profitability.
Education
We engage in a variety of outreach and educational activities for soil health, agroforestry, cover cropping, and biochar research.
Field Days
See sustinable agriculture and agroforestry in action! More events are being planned to showcase novel production approaches.
Farm Visits
We are happy to visit your farm and help brainstorm ways to integrate soil health and agroforestry into your operation.
Technical Guides
We have a variety of informational and educational materials. More to come!
Contact Us
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