$1.7M awarded to Nebraska for conservation projects

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been awarded $1.7 million in federal grants to further its work in environmental sustainability, focusing on nitrogen management for sugar beet production and the practice of alley cropping. These funds are part of $90 million in Conservation Innovation Grants distributed by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

A $1.1 million grant will support research aimed at improving nitrogen management in sugar beet production in Nebraska and Colorado. The project, in partnership with the Western Sugar Cooperative, involves working with 50 growers to optimize nitrogen use, enhance sugar yields, and promote environmental sustainability.

Soil testing and careful nitrogen application will be key components of this initiative.

Additionally, a $682,000 grant will fund research on alley cropping, an agroforestry practice that combines trees or shrubs with crops. This study will explore the benefits of alley cropping, including soil conservation and water management, as well as its resilience to climate-related events like droughts and wildfires.

Rob Lawson, NRCS state conservationist for Nebraska, praised the university’s history of innovation in agronomy and sustainability, noting that these grants will benefit Nebraska producers and contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote voluntary conservation practices across the state.

Photo Credit: usda-nrcs