Who We Are
The LTAR Network is a growing group of researchers focused on finding solutions that maintain or increase agricultural productivity, environmental quality, and people well-being in spite of pressures such as climate change. Read more
Our Research Approach
The LTAR network combines strategic research projects with common measurements on multiple agroecosystems (croplands, rangelands, and pasturelands) and develops new technologies to address local and national challenges and opportunities.
Read more
Data Access
LTAR scientists are responsible for managing a rich legacy of data spanning over seventy years for many sites. Collectively, it is estimated LTAR manages [200+ terabytes] of data.
Read more
The 18 LTAR Network Sites
The 18 LTAR Network Sites collaborate in coordinated strategic research that leverages a rich legacy of research and data collection. Read more
(Click dots to open LTAR site video)
Follow @USLTAR
ARS is developing a new agriculture monitoring system with remote sensing maps to reduce negative impacts on the Chesapeake Bay -- keeping the watershed vibrant as it contributions billions of dollars to local economies and the commercial fishing industry. https://t.co/NuBEur4V26 pic.twitter.com/boiM7YM4ZB
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) June 16, 2025
Five foundational tools for managing metadata from the USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network: https://t.co/r0OtJ8oPff pic.twitter.com/B1xBjCgx5A
— US LTAR (@USLTAR) June 10, 2025
In this video, watch how ARS researchers in Boise, ID, are studying prescribed fires in western juniper type landscapes to better understand how this land management tool affects the hydrology, habitat, and the area's ecosystem. https://t.co/HtWS0YRPBO pic.twitter.com/RX33jCGnET
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) June 2, 2025
ARS is conducting research on a grain called Kernza®! This perennial crop offers potential benefits to farmers and consumers. https://t.co/wZN7WyMV0u pic.twitter.com/qhEqvUZnUJ
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) May 16, 2025
Rangeland Analysis Platform, RAP, is an AI-driven web platform that generates multi-year datasets on vegetation cover and production. 24K active users from the Ag Industry, rely on this free tool to improve rangeland management strategies and reduce economic and natural resource… pic.twitter.com/TPJuc5MSqD
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) April 30, 2025
Moving ideas out of the lab & into the marketplace.💡USDA scientists work w/ companies to create new uses for agricultural products to expand markets for farmers—like developing biodegradable plastic forks from corn or laundry products made from starch. Learn more⬇️#USDAScience pic.twitter.com/4oHhtMwLfH
— USDA Science (@USDAScience) March 21, 2025
Discover how ARS researchers are championing "manuresheds" to support farmers and combat nutrient pollution by harnessing the productive uses of manure. At ARS, we work to promote sustainability in agriculture. https://t.co/AwywxJ8GZX #AgWeek pic.twitter.com/0eIEOmxeqM
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) March 20, 2025
Happy National Agriculture Day! Today we celebrate the hardworking individuals who feed, clothe & fuel our nation. Let's honor the farmers, ranchers & all those in the Ag industry who make it possible for us to enjoy safe, nutritious food, and sustainable products. #AgDay25 pic.twitter.com/rS4IPDSl2k
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) March 18, 2025
Research is showing that switching from conventional tilling to planting cover crops and practicing no-till farming methods can significantly improve soil's carbon balance -- with minimal impact on soil's water balance. https://t.co/hAg5sVjK15 pic.twitter.com/rsssI44ePx
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) March 9, 2025
Check out ARS Ecologist Dr. Steven Mirsky exhibiting his revolutionary modular scalable intelligence platform! This innovative technology is set to transform how we approach agricultural challenges. Stop by our booth & learn more about this development. https://t.co/igpSC3N1R3… pic.twitter.com/TfsAKTtH0g
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) February 27, 2025
In case you missed it -- check out in 'Scientific Discoveries' this exciting approach ARS scientists in St. Paul, MN are taking to discover where water quality problems are originating along agricultural watersheds. https://t.co/O99lHsA2vk pic.twitter.com/qOBY2Nf4yu
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) January 3, 2025
Happy New Year from all of us at the Agricultural Research Service!🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/dGC1n1Z2gH
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) January 1, 2025
Sowing Success! A team of scientists is refining a sophisticated model that predicts the best crops to plant in optimal locations for successful transitions to no-till systems. See how our research is facilitating this important shift in farming practices. https://t.co/bJyCn6z9pU pic.twitter.com/acAEprEXxN
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) December 19, 2024
ARS Pacific West scientists shine in NASA-led study revealing that rainfall timing impacts the world's vegetation just as much as the quantity of rain! USDA & university researchers teamed with @NASA and analyzed 20 years of data from diverse landscapes. https://t.co/btpJxGh3Wo
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) December 19, 2024
The work of ARS scientists is pivotal in enhancing soil health and supporting environmental sustainability. In this video, learn how their contributions are increasing soil health and benefiting our environment. https://t.co/57HgjeFKcR #WorldSoilDay pic.twitter.com/yQGyWuBgxe
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) December 5, 2024
How healthy is your soil? An ARS scientist from Raleigh, NC, developed a solution to speed up the process of determining soil health, saving time and manpower, providing crucial data that growers need to make determinations about the needs of their crops. https://t.co/aQcvSqKtn3 pic.twitter.com/LMJ0nQD8gn
— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS) December 5, 2024
In 2022, 300,954 farms used no-till practices on 105,208,515 acres, up from 279,370 farms and 104,452,339 acres in 2017. Farmers planted cover crops to 17,985,831 acres, up from 15,390,674 in 2017. https://t.co/MjxCqvXagL #WorldSoilDay #AgCensus pic.twitter.com/6eksCngd1N
— National Agricultural Statistics Service (@usda_nass) December 5, 2024
ABOUT LTAR
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network consists of 18 Federal and university agricultural research sites with an average of over 50 years of history. The goal of this research network is to ensure sustained crop and livestock production and ecosystem services from agroecosystems, and to forecast and verify the effects of environmental trends, public policies, and emerging technologies.