By Josh Kamps, UW Extension Crops and Soils Educator
In early 2023 on behalf of LASA, an on-farm research grant application was proposed for funding through Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The grant program, Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, or NOPP, was created under 2021 Wisconsin Act 223 to provide the necessary financial tools for farmers to study commercial N application on their farms.
LASA was awarded a research project grant along with 19 other applicants from across the state totaling $1.6 million. The project is designed to answer the following question; “What is the optimal N application rate for corn grain production when planting into a green cereal rye cover crops?”
In other words, what is the best or most favorable application rate of N for corn grain production with no-till and cover crops? The project is scheduled to begin during the fall of 2023 and continue over two growing seasons.
The project is being replicated on four farms across Lafayette County. In addition to the collaboration of local farmers, the project has the support of a research technician, data consultant, agronomic consultant and a team leader. Other supporting partners include Farmers for Sustainable Food, The Nature Conservancy, UW-Division of Extension, UW-Nutrient and Pest Management Program and Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Along with collecting on-farm data, field day opportunities and program updates will be shared during the project. If on-farm research is of interest to you, contact a LASA member farmer or local Extension educator to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
