News
Feeding people, protecting the environment
June 23, 2025
Advancing sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge technology, global research, and smart farming solutions.
Upcoming Digital Agriculture Toolbox Training Program
May 28, 2025
Explore precision ag tools and tech in this upcoming hands-on training workshop on June 19, 2025 from 9:30AM to 4:00PM.
Bruno Basso in the Fields of America: “Soil is Life. Protecting It is a Priority”
April 29, 2025
Dr. Bruno Basso is revolutionizing agriculture with digital twin technology, helping farmers make smarter, more sustainable decisions to protect the planet.
Dr. Basso Featured on MSU Website Front Page
April 28, 2025
Dr. Basso and team spotlighted for groundbreaking research on MSU's front page.
2025 MSU Tech Transfer Achievement Award-Bruno Basso’s Crop Yield Modeling System
April 18, 2025
Dr. Basso honored for GeoYields at 2025 MSU’s Innovation Celebration.
Soil-Driven Solutions: Dr. Basso Leads the Way at Dirt to Glass 2025
April 11, 2025
Dr. Basso reveals how soil data can future-proof Michigan wine.
Webinar Spotlight: Precision Conservation Strategies in Digital Agriculture
February 25, 2025
Explore Precision Conservation with Rich Price in Upcoming Webinar
Dr. Bruno Basso's roadmap for smarter farming
January 24, 2025
Tailoring conservation for profit and sustainability: Bruno Basso's roadmap for smarter farming.
Richard Price joins MSU Extension as a conservation systems educator
December 5, 2024
Richard Price joins MSU Extension to promote precision agriculture in Michigan.
Advancing sustainable agriculture at MSU through real-world solutions.
October 17, 2024
Bruno Basso plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, where he works alongside Ian Olson and Jason Rowntree.
Professor Bruno Basso featured on PBS Weathered Series
October 16, 2024
Bruno Basso’s digital agriculture tech boosts yields while cutting emissions and optimizing fertilizer use.
Bruno Basso's Groundbreaking Research on Precision Agriculture Featured in Nature
October 3, 2024
Bruno Basso's Groundbreaking Research on Precision Agriculture Featured in Nature
KBS LTAR leadership recognized by the national LTAR network
September 10, 2024
Tayler Ulbrich drives agricultural sustainability through research
What the heck is "corn sweat" and is it making the Midwest more dangerous?
August 29, 2024
Bruno Basso explains how "corn sweat" intensifies Midwest heat and humidity.
Bruno Basso Leads Development of Innovative Models to Measure Soil Carbon in Climate-Smart Agriculture
July 23, 2024
Bruno Basso co-founded TSIP to model soil carbon and link farming practices to climate benefits.
A Spartan Bringing Sustainable Agriculture Into The Future
July 12, 2024
MSU Professor Bruno Basso uses precision conservation to boost crop yields globally.
Upcoming research projects from Michigan State University scientists that will support Michigan fruit industries
June 18, 2024
Michigan State University's fruit research initiatives, geared towards bolstering Michigan's fruit industries, span a range of innovative projects.
Agricultural Lands Are Losing Topsoil—Here’s How Bad It Could Get
June 11, 2024
A new study says topsoil erosion is likely to increase under climate change, though policy changes now could help stem the loss.
Editorial: Rural water crisis vital to health of the planet
April 21, 2024
As we celebrate Earth Day 2024 and think about the health of the blue planet, there is no other crisis more important than where land meets water in rural America.
Seven CANR faculty members among honorees at 2024 MSU faculty investiture
March 21, 2024 - College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Michigan State University formally recognized seven faculty members in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at the 2024 MSU Investiture for Endowed Faculty.
New MSU research details how analyzing historical crop yields can reveal key soil health insights
January 18, 2024 - Cameron Rudolph
An MSU-led team used a novel analytical method known as yield stability zones to show the relationship between crop yield and soil health. The results can help farmers lower input costs and increase yield, while lessening environmental impact.
MSU scientists featured in first-of-its-kind climate report
January 12, 2024 - Jack Falinski
Bruno Basso and Phil Robertson led research into how the U.S. can best manage cropland soil to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Lab Members Join MSU Cloud Computing Cohort
October 9, 2023 - Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research
Two members of the Basso lab: Juliana Hanle and Ojo Paul, have joined the 2023 Cloud Computing Fellowship cohort at Michigan State University.
Bruno on Tipping Point: Agriculture on the brink — A PBS NewsHour Special
May 21, 2023 - Miles O'Brien
The United Nations estimates the world population will reach 10 billion by 2060. As the world's population expands, so do concerns about how to sustainably grow enough food.
MSU helps agriculture adapt to climate change
May 3, 2023 - DeAnna Giles
Michigan State University plant researchers say climate change is making it harder to grow crops and raise livestock.
Lab Members Receive KBS LTER 2023-24 Fellowship
May 1, 2023
Lab Member Juliana Hanle and Prateek Sharma were awarded a KBS LTER 2023-24 Fellowship.
Bruno on WKAR's "MSU Today"
March 26, 2023 - Russ White
Agricultural Innovation at MSU Working to Feed A Growing Population in the Face of Climate Challenges.
New MSU research shows how biofuel crops can help mitigate climate change when grown on land of otherwise little agricultural value
March 20, 2022 - Cameron Rudolph
Newly published research from MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso shows how some Midwest farmers can see economic and environmental benefits of growing switchgrass, a biofuel crop, on traditionally less-productive land.
Bruno 2021 AAAS Fellow
January 26, 2022 - Matt Davenport
On Jan. 26, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS, has unveiled the names of its 2021 fellows. This year’s cohort includes nine Spartans, the largest number in 10 years.
Measuring and predicting soil carbon to offset climate chang
October 19, 2021 - Emilie Lorditch
MSU receives a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to study possible climate outcomes
Faculty voice: Feeding the future sustainably
June 2, 2021 - Bruno Basso
In the coming years, agriculture will be called on to feed a growing population, while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and making better use of increasingly scarce resources. To do this, the current agricultural system must adapt.
Precision conservation for a changing climate
May 31, 2021 - Bruno Basso
Agricultural landscapes, once diverse and heterogenous, are now increasingly simplified, with biodiversity-based ecosystem services drastically reduced. There is abundant evidence of nature’s contributions to society, but agricultural intensification continues to undermine these contributions through soil erosion, water and soil quality degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss at local and landscape scales.
Paul Ojo Awarded C.S. Mott Predoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Agriculture
March 11, 2021 - AnnMarie Guldner
Paul Ojo was selected to receive a C.S. Mott Predoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Agriculture. This is a three-year award beginning in January 2021.
Corn marketing program of Michigan invests in carbon research
March 10, 2021 - Angel Jenio
The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan today announced that carbon is one of the focus areas for the organization’s research program. In 2021, CMPM is funding two separate research projects investigating sustainable agriculture practices and how to measure potential changes in carbon on the farm.
Adaptation, not irrigation recommended for Midwest corn farmers
March 9, 2021 - Caroline Brooks, MSUNews
Farmers in the Midwest may be able to bypass the warming climate not by getting more water for their crops, but instead by adapting to climate change through soil management says a new study from Michigan State University.
Dr. Basso named to Invaio Scientific Advisory Board
February 3, 2021 - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/invaio-sciences-announces-formation-of-world-class-scientific-advisory-board-301221384.html
Invaio Sciences, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering company focused on unlocking the potential of the planet's interdependent natural systems to solve pressing agriculture, nutrition and environmental challenges, announces today the appointment of new academic leaders as members to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
Mapping a greener future on farms
October 7, 2020 - Matt Davenport
Michigan State University researchers have garnered a nearly $2.6 million grant to work with farmers across the country to make their fields more eco-friendly while boosting their farms’ bottom lines. Led by MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso, the team is developing conservation practices that cut losses on unproductive plots and make the most out of more fruitful fields.
MSU joins $20 million AI initiative for the future of sustainable agriculture
August 26, 2020 - Matt Davenport
Michigan State University researcher Bruno Basso has a reputation for bringing ideas celebrated in the tech world to the farm field. The MSU Foundation Professor in earth and environmental sciences is no stranger to big data or artificial intelligence. Today, however, he’s finding appreciation for a less technical concept he and his colleagues believe will play a central role in the future of digital agriculture: synergy.
‘Corn sweat’ may exacerbate heat impact in Midwest this weekend
July 14, 2020 - Matthew Cappucci
If you’re a meteorologist, putting together a good forecast doesn’t just require knowing about clouds and storm systems. Sometimes, you need some intimate knowledge about corn.
The Zillow App of Agricultural Regeneration
April 28, 2020 - Kamryn Romano and Caroline Brooks
We can check the price of a home from a mobile app, but what if that technology could be used to shop for agricultural land — and simultaneously improve environmental sustainability?
Digital agriculture to design sustainable agricultural systems
April 15, 2020 - Bruno Basso and John Antle
The global food system must become more sustainable. Digital agriculture — digital and geospatial technologies to monitor, assess and manage soil, climatic and genetic resources — illustrates how to meet this challenge so as to balance the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable food production.
Video: How Michigan State helps farmers grow “more food, more sustainably”
February 27, 2020 - BTN LiveBIG
At the forefront of digital agriculture, Michigan State University scientists leverage technologies, such as drones, GPS, and computer modeling, to create efficient and environmentally-sound farming practices.
Big Data Helps Farmers Adapt to Climate Variability
February 27, 2020 - MSU Today
A new Michigan State University study shines a light on how big data and digital technologies can help farmers better adapt to threats — both present and future — from a changing climate
Satellite and yield data identify unprofitable acres
January 23, 2020 - Matt McIntosh
Michigan State researchers highlight unprofitable acres with satellite and accumulated yield data.
Basso Works with Gore on Carbon and Climate Change
October 31, 2019 - MSU Dept of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Bruno Basso, Foundation Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, was recently invited by former Vice-President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore to be a panelist at the Climate Underground 2019 Conference. The conference explores how regenerative agriculture can be an essential component of a strategic plan to solve climate change, while at the same time improving nutrition and enabling healthier people and communities.
US corn yields get boost from a global warming 'hole'
October 23, 2019 - ScienceDaily
The global average temperature has increased 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 100 years. In contrast, the Corn Belt of the U.S., one of the most agriculturally productive regions of the world, has experienced a decrease in temperatures in the summer during the growing season.
Lab welcomes new member
October 20, 2019
The Basso Lab welcomes Sasmita Sahoo as a new Research Scientist.
Wanted: Undergraduate Research Assistants
September 15, 2019
The Basso Lab is looking for Undergraduate Research Assistants for Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 (and beyond).
Michigan family farm embracing precision agriculture for past two decades
August 25, 2019 - Cameron Rudolph
MSU researcher lends insight as more and more farms worldwide adopt precision practices.
UAV Demo at Agro Expo 2019
August 15, 2019 - Michigan Farm Bureau
The Basso Lab presentation and demo at 2019's AgroExpo.
Foundation Takes Ideas from Lab to Marketplace
July 28, 2019 - Tom Oswald
Dr. Basso's work is mentioned in an article about the MSU Foundation.
Prescription Maps Could Save on N
July 25, 2019 - Nicole Heslip
Remote sensing is helping farmers identify ways to reduce inputs and increase profits.
Farmers Benefit from Having Nature Nearby, Research Shows
July 11, 2019 - Kerry Hensley
Farmers reap surprising benefits from having areas that are biodiverse with many plant and animal species nearby, according to new research.
Algae Blooms Fed by Farm Flooding Add to Midwest's Climate Woes
June 25, 2019 - Georgina Gustin
The historic rains that flooded millions of acres of Midwestern cropland this spring landed a blow to an already struggling farm economy.
There’s an Amazingly Simple, Beautiful Way to Fix Midwestern Farmlands
April 25, 2019 - Tom Philpott
A new study from Michigan State University researchers points to a shockingly simple way farmers could help fix this pollution problem. And the strategy could improve their profits, which have declined sharply in recent years. All growers would have to do, the researchers posit, is retire about a quarter of the acres they now devote to corn and soybeans.
Big Data Shows How to Improve Profits and Help Environment
April 21, 2019 - USDA
Technology always changes the way we think and how we do things. Now, thanks to research at Michigan State University (MSU), farmers have a new tool to determine precisely where to focus their efforts… or not. The result can save them money and save the environment from excess – wasted – fertilizer.
Solving the Mystery of Fertilizer Loss from Midwest Cropland
April 14, 2019 - Caroline Brooks
Farmers can't predict their annual corn harvest with certainty, but with the help of new research from Michigan State University, they can now pinpoint specific parts of their fields that consistently produce either good or bad yields. Not only will this save them time and money; it will solve one of the most widespread environmental problems facing crop-producing regions – nitrogen loss.
Changing attitudes – sustainability, nutrition and wellness
March 25, 2019 - Callum Cyrus
Perspectives on sustainability and wellbeing are changing in response to health and environmental challenges, offering an opportunity to university-linked businesses.
How MSU’s Innovation Center Engages Entrepreneurs
March 5, 2019 - Kayla Walden
MSU Innovation Center provides visionaries with the tools they need
USDA Director Dr. Scott Angle Visits MSU
February 26, 2019 - MSU CANR/Beth Bonsall
Bruno met with Dr. Scott Angle to showcase how his drones are helping his lab quantify important aspects of crop variability with Michigan farmers. Drones are just one tool his lab uses to help farmers produce more with greater efficiency.
Soil Holds the Secret to Mitigating Climate Change
September 16, 2018 - MSU News/Caroline Brooks
Food production doesn’t have to be a victim of climate change. New research from Michigan State University suggests that crop yields and the global food supply chain can be preserved by harnessing the critical, and often overlooked, partner in food supply – soil.
Looking for undergraduate workers
August 28, 2018 - Brian Baer
The Basso Lab is looking for motivated MSU undergraduates to help with field and lab work starting this fall.
PhD Student, Lin Liu, work is highlighted by ESPP
July 11, 2018 - ESPP
PhD Student, Lin Liu, work is highlighted by MSU's Environmental Science & Policy Program as part of their summer series of articles about summer research activity: Keeping Crops Productive in Times of Drought, Heat and Floods.
Midwest farmers who plan ahead could turn climate change into an agricultural advantage
June 12, 2018 - Stateside Staff/Sophie Sherry
Globally, climate change is going to cause serious upheaval. But the kinds of changes will vary from place to place. That means there are likely to be both winners and losers in a changing climate.
Climate Change Should Help Midwest Corn Production Through 2050
May 15, 2018 - MSUToday/Caroline Brooks
Contrary to previous analyses, research published by Michigan State University shows that projected changes in temperature and humidity will not lead to greater water use in corn. This means that while changes in temperatures and humidity trend as they have in the past 50 years, crop yields can not only survive – but thrive.
NatSci's Basso, McCusker invested as MSU Foundation Professors
April 28, 2018 - College of Natural Science
Two Michigan State University College of Natural Science (NatSci) faculty members, Bruno Basso and James K. McCusker, were honored as MSU Foundation Professors on April 24 at an investiture ceremony held at MSU’s Wharton Center.
Bruno Meets Secretary of Agriculture
April 3, 2018 - MSUToday and EES
During U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's third “Back to Our Roots” RV tour Bruno explains the UAVs and seniors.
Board of Trustee Presentation December 2017
March 11, 2018 - MSU Research
On December 15, 2017 gave a 12 minute talk to the MSU Board of Trustees.
Faculty Voice
July 11, 2017
Blog on United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture site.
Making The World Less Hungry Through Agronomy Management
June 11, 2017 - Ben Muir
The Food Fix Podcast
Farming with drones hones in on drier zones
March 20, 2017 - Kevin Lavery
The United Nations recognizes March 22 as World Water Day. Michigan State University is observing the event with a speaker series. Dr. Bruno Basso, a University Foundation Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, uses drones to study how seed crops consume water.
MSU alum uses technology to improve farming operation
November 9, 2015 - Cameron Rudolph
Michigan farmer Jeff Sandborn looks to tech-based solutions to improve his operation.
MSU Innovation Celebration | Bruno Basso, Innovation of the Year
October 23, 2014 - MSU Innovation Center
The 2016 Innovation of the Year award goes to Dr. Bruno Basso for his work with crop growth management technology.
Expert: drone technology a game-changer in agriculture
October 6, 2014 - WKAR Current State
Still in its early stages, with many technological, legal and public safety concerns to be ironed out, drone technology and uses in agriculture are on the rise. Current State talks with Bruno Basso, a professor who studies crop modeling and land use sustainability at MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station. He’s been using a drone in his research.
Video: How drones could limit fertilizer flow into Lake Erie
September 8, 2014 - PBS News Hour
Farmer Jeff Sandborn thinks this drone could help solve the tainted water problem that left Toledo, Ohio without access to safe drinking water for three days earlier this summer. That’s because experts believe the toxic algal bloom in Lake Erie that turned tap water noxious was caused by the fertilizer runoff from farms like Sandborn’s throughout the Great Lakes Basin.
Video: Great Lakes Now Connect: Food Supply
July 30, 2014 - Detroit Public TV
As the summer’s harvest floods into farmers markets around the Great Lakes basin, this special will take an in-depth look at the linkage between agricultural production and the Great Lakes. Hosted by Christy McDonald, the program will feature some of the best in-depth reporting on Great Lakes issues produced by Detroit Public Television and by public television stations and journalists around the basin.
Unmanned Aerial Systems for Field Scouting and Spraying
December 3, 2013 - CSA News
Officially known as unmanned aerial systems, or UAS, these small remote-controlled flying devices that are more widely known for their military use are making their way into farm fields across the U.S., as growers, CCAs, and researchers seek out faster and cheaper ways to scout crops and map fields from the air or apply chemicals.
MSU Lands First Drone
September 9, 2013 - MSU Today
Farmers can now get a birds-eye view of their fields – in full HD – thanks to Michigan State University landing its first drone.
How Do You Feed 9 Billion People?
June 8, 2013 - MSU Today
An international team of scientists has developed crop models to better forecast food production to feed a growing population – projected to reach 9 billion by mid-century – in the face of climate change.
Using Science to Address Farm Pollution
June 2, 2013 - MSU Today
Half of the nitrogen-based fertilizer used on U.S. crops seeps into the environment, prompting an interdisciplinary team of Michigan State University scientists to investigate ways to curb pollution.