MO DIRT: Missourians Doing Impact Research Together

The Project

       

ABOUT US

MO DIRT, Missourians Doing Impact Research Together, is a state-wide project aimed at educating citizens on soil health and working with them to examine soils properties and how these properties are influenced by microclimate and climate in the state. The Missouri Transect project was established through a $20 million National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant in 2014 (www.missouriepscor.org; award IIA-1355406). This project aims to study and predict the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and natural habitats in Missouri, and how communities are likely to be affected by and respond to the challenges of a changing climate. The lead institution of this project is the University of Missouri-Columbia with the following partners: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis University, Lincoln University, Washington University, the University of Missouri at Kansas City and St. Louis, and the University of Missouri Science and Technology.

SPECIFIC GOALS

• To educate citizens on soil science, soil-climate interactions and the soil-plant interface

• To create public awareness of soil threats and conservation actions

• To train citizens on data collection, analysis, and reporting of soil properties

• To conduct soil surveys with particular emphasis on soil respiration and soil carbon

• To maintain a web-based portal for MO DIRT participants

• To contribute valuable data to scientists involved in Missouri Transect research

COMPONENTS

• Soil science curriculum

• Citizen science soil health surveys

• High school scientists

• Enrichment activities

WEB-BASED RESOURCES

MO DIRT offers web-based resources to access educational and training materials, to post experiences with MO DIRT and to enter educational and research data (Data Portal).