The Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) is designed to encourage agricultural producers to develop innovative approaches to optimize the application of commercial nitrogen for a duration of at least two growing seasons.

NOPP is a grant program funded by the State of Wisconsin, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and supported by the University of Wisconsin– Madison Department of Soil Science and Division of Extension. These grants aim to refine and enhance the understanding of methods that optimize commercial nitrogen applied to agricultural fields, helping to protect vital soil and water resources. 

NOPP was designed to support farmer-driven, on-farm research critical to improving profitability and water quality through improved on-farm nitrogen management. An idea stemming from the Water Quality and Climate Change Tasks forces, NOPP was signed into being in March 2022.

Learn more about the program here.