Sustainable intensification of corn silage-livestock systems under tile drainage
This project aims to help Wisconsin dairy farmers boost forage production and protect water quality by testing a “stacked” system of practices in tiled corn‑silage fields. Researchers will evaluate how planting a forage‑quality cover crop after silage harvest and adding manure‑derived biochar to soils can reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses through tile drains—nutrients that not only represent lost fertility but also threaten nearby lakes and streams. By measuring crop yields, soil health improvements, and nutrient movement, the team will determine whether these practices offer a profitable, low‑risk path to higher‑quality feed and more resilient cropping systems. In partnership with Discovery Farms and UW–Extension, results will be shared directly with dairy producers, creating practical guidance that supports better forage quality, smarter manure use, and long‑term sustainability for Wisconsin’s dairy industry. This project is jointly funded by UW–Madison and UW–Platteville.
Principal Investigator: Mallika Nocco
Mallika Nocco is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Agrohydrology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads research on soil‑water relations, drainage, and conservation practices. She holds a BS in Cultural Studies/Philosophy, an MS in Soil Science, and a PhD in Environment & Resources, and brings extensive experience in hydrology, climate impacts on agriculture, and farmer‑focused extension programming. Her work blends field research, lab analysis, and outreach—including nationally recognized science communication—to support resilient cropping systems and improved water stewardship across dairy‑connected landscapes.
nocco@wisc.edu
https://bse.wisc.edu/staff/nocco-mallika/
Co-Principal Investigator: Joseph Sanford
Joseph Sanford is an Assistant Professor in the School of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and an Affiliate Professor in Biological Systems Engineering at UW–Madison. He holds a BS, MS, and PhD in Biological Systems Engineering from UW–Madison and specializes in agricultural water quality, manure processing, and the use of biochar and other amendments to reduce nutrient losses. His research, laboratory capabilities, and industry partnerships support advancements in nutrient recovery and conservation practices that benefit dairy‑integrated farming systems across Wisconsin.
sanfordj@uwplatt.edu
(608) 342-1459
https://www.uwplatt.edu/profile/sanfordj
Graduate student: Daniel Maraldo
Maraldo is a PhD student in geography whose research focuses on earth systems, climate impacts, and geospatial analysis. He brings significant field experience—from Arctic expeditions to soil and wetland surveys—and advanced technical skills in drone‑based mapping, hydrologic monitoring, and environmental data processing. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University with honors.
maraldo@wisc.edu
(847) 363-3348