University of Illinois researchers develop dynamic framework to monitor tillage practices from space

April 28, 2026 | Jessica Till

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a satellite- and machine learning–based framework that maps tillage practices across large regions over time, providing more detailed and timely insights for sustainable agriculture and policy than traditional survey methods.

Read the full story here.

About the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC): The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center was founded in 2021 to lead global efforts in harmonizing sustainable food production with thriving ecosystems. The Center strives to revolutionize agricultural systems through research, collaboration, and engagement, bridging science and practice for agricultural productivity and ecosystem sustainability. Centered in the heart of Midwest on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under the umbrella of both the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Institute of Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment (iSEE), ASC is positioned at the critical intersection of academia, industry, policy, and on-the-ground practice. ASC is creating a diverse and dynamic hub for driving change and is committed to transforming its research into practical and scalable solutions, fortifying our ecosystems, bolstering farm profitability, and empowering agricultural systems to proactively mitigate and adapt to the realities of climate change.

Media Contact: Jessica Till (jtill@illinois.edu)