Project Summary
The Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) provides grants to farmers and their collaborators to conduct on-farm nitrogen research with the goal of optimizing nitrogen management, improving nitrogen use efficiency, and protecting water quality.
In 2027, $1 million in funding is available to support new projects. Explore your specific nitrogen questions and practical strategies to optimize nitrogen on your farm.
NOPP offers a maximum grant award of $40,000 for agricultural producers to design and conduct 2-year on-farm research projects related to nitrogen management.
Project Lead
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.
Eligibility
Agricultural producers and those working directly with producers, including agronomists, county conservationists, nonprofit organizations, and others, are encouraged to apply.
Project Close Date
The Intent to Apply must be submitted by December 18, 2026, for preapproval. Final applications are due to DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov on January 15, 2027. Grant recipients will be announced in spring of 2027.
Why Collaborate?
NOPP supports practical, farmer-driven research that generates locally relevant data and helps improve nitrogen management decisions on farms across Wisconsin.
- Farmers and collaborators get practical information to support nitrogen management decision-making on their farms
- Learn together from results through field days, meetings, and other events
- Data collected through NOPP trials strengthen statewide nitrogen guidelines for nutrient management planning
Additional Details
In addition to Nitrogen Response Trials, this year’s Request for Proposals includes new opportunities to explore nitrogen management using simplified research approaches, including Reduced N Rate, Zero Synthetic N Test Strip, and Custom N Research.
Learn More
Learn more about the program and access application materials on the DATCP NOPP webpage.
Find additional details related to project support and trial design on the UW NOPP webpage.
Contact information can be found on those sites for applicants to ask questions, discuss research plans, and clarify ideas for their applications.
Connect with us
Receive support with developing a research question and study design; using precision ag technologies; collecting, analyzing, and sharing data and results; and more.
Why on-farm research?
Farmer-driven, on-farm research is extremely valuable to inform management decisions, promote practice adoption and support the economic, environmental and social well-being of Wisconsin farmers.
Getting started
These resources will help you get started on your on-farm research journey, covering topics of developing a research question, trial design and logistics, data analysis, and more.