Project Number: 5440-12130-010-02
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Mar 01, 2005
End Date: Feb 28, 2010

Objective:
The specific objectives for the funds being allocated to the SCA are to 1) cover the cost of field operations, harvesting, and compensate producers/cooperators for yield losses associated with research activities, 2) support graduate student stipends of individuals who are co-supervised by University and ARS scientists, and 3) provide supplies, repairs, and maintenance at field site and associated research fields.

Approach:
A series of on-farm studies will be conducted in cooperation with producers, agencies (federal, state and local), agricultural consultants, agribusiness interests, and University colleagues to address issues related to understanding and management of spatial variability in fields. Spatial variability in soil properties influences microbial processes, nutrient availability (spatial and temporal), plant growth, and management practices that are required for sustainability and environmental protection. Manure complicates management practices because of nutrient and pathogen issues need to be addressed. A team approach will be used to evaluate critical processes in soil, water, and air and then develop management options. Management tools and decision aids for producers and land managers will be developed to address specific problems (i.e., fate of manure borne pathogens, nutrient utilization, fertilizer recommendations, crop stress detection). Research will involve close interaction with stakeholders to properly focus of the research to address critical issues and develop products and technologies that provide timely solutions and options. Federal employees (ARS) will provide some of the labor depending on the nature of the study. Projects are jointly planned with University scientists, CRADA partners, and producers.The funds will be periodically added to the Specific Cooperative Agreement depending on the scope of activities to be covered. Initial funds will be used to cover the stipend for two graduate students for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 academic years and to cover the costs associated with field activities.