The specific objectives of the IMCANS base grant program are to:

1. Quantify the differences in soil carbon sequestration potential for corn production, soy production, and grassland within the Clear Creek Amana Observatory under different agricultural management practices (e.g. tillage, fertilization, and rotation practices);
2. Compare remote sensed CO2 (from satellite and LIDAR) to in situ samples from tall tower and aircraft;
3. Through 12C/13C isotope ratio measurements in Eastern Iowa, resolve the relative effects of soil respiration, land cover (C3 or C4 plants), and crop rotation on soil and canopy carbon isotope ratios; furthermore, demonstrate the use of isotope ratios for resolving carbon fluxes (both soil erosion and atmospheric fluxes) at larger scales;
4. Determine the sensitivity of regional scale carbon observation networks (NOAA and NASA) to the range of fluxes and isotopic ratio determined for different land management practices;
5. Conduct a pilot study on integrated environmental performance assessment of agricultural scenarios considering carbon management, soil management, and water quality as a whole;
6. Involve undergraduate students in research, including offsite internships with NASA; train students in scientifically rigor, but also in breadth and societal relevance; and
7. Conduct faculty-led and student-led outreach using the theme Advanced Environmental Technology in Iowa, targeting community college classrooms, energy expos, and the Iowa State Fair.