Author Bio

Dr. Yichao Rui is a soil scientist and agroecologist at Purdue University, where she leads the Purdue Agroecology Lab. His research focuses on soil health, plant–soil–microbe interactions, and sustainable cropping systems, with an emphasis on improving soil carbon, nutrient cycling, and agroecosystem resilience. Dr. Rui integrates field experiments, laboratory analyses, and data-driven approaches to address challenges in agricultural sustainability. He is passionate about bridging fundamental science with practical solutions for farmers. Presentation: Indiana Organic Network: Updates on the Statewide Soil Health Census: This presentation shares progress and insights from the Indiana Organic Network’s Statewide Soil Health Census, a project documenting soil health conditions and management practices on organic farms across Indiana. By combining soil measurements with farmer-reported management practices, this work explores how management decisions interact with inherent soil and environmental factors to influence soil health. Results are intended to support farmers, educators, and stakeholders in making informed decisions to strengthen soil resilience and long-term agricultural sustainability.