The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) is jointly established by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the College of ACES, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Research Themes
Agroecosystem is a comprehensive system that carbon, water, nutrient cycles are intrinsically connected, interacting with human management practices, providing critical food/energy/fiber needs for humanity and ecosystem service.
Agricultural Production
We study the complex dynamics of crop productivity, its response to management practices and environmental stresses, and its resilience to climate change.
Learn MoreCarbon
Plant carbon input from residue and root exudates further drives soil carbon dynamics and microbe-mediated transformation.
Learn MoreNutrients
Nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients) cycling in the agroecosystem is a critical determinant for both agricultural production and environmental sustainability.
Learn MoreWater
Water quantity and quality are crucial for agroecosystems as they impact crop productivity and are also indicators of agriculture environmental outcomes.
Learn MoreDigital Replica
Could the U.S. Midwest remain as the global food basket in the next 100 years? How can we ensure co-sustainability of food production and environmental quality in this landscape?
Learn MoreSolutions
ASC aims to transform our advanced use-inspired and applied basic research outcomes into different practical solutions for various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Learn MoreIn The News
Coppess’ new book traces history and development of U.S. conservation policy
The law and policy expert offers insight into how Congress works, how policy is put together, and the challenge of balancing narrow and public interests in addressing pressing agricultural and environmental topics.
Jonathan Coppess provides valuable link from ASC researchers to policymakers
Coppess helps ASC scientists bridge the gap between research and policy, often interpreting their research to inform policymakers.
NASA launches ‘out of this world’ partnership with U.S. ag
Farm Week’s Hannah Spangler covered the April 23 NASA visit to the Illinois campus hosted by ASC, iSEE, and ACES.
NASA officials visit ASC to exchange insights with University of Illinois leadership, farm community
The event brought together many of the key stakeholders – NASA, ASC, university research and innovation leaders, area farmers, legislators, the Illinois Farm Bureau and other agriculture agencies.
NASA, UI team up for farm research
NASA officials visited the UI on Tuesday to discuss further partnership, especially when it comes to tackling food insecurity and agricultural challenges. (News-Gazette)