The Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (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. Read below to hear what Wisconsin farmers are investigating with their NOPP funding!
Alits
The Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Project (NOPP) is underway! Logan Dwyer, Joe Ailts, Andy Bensend, & his farm manager Josh Schloneger are NOPP grant recipients who will explore organic and inorganic nitrogen soil testing to reduce nitrogen applications.
When asked why he chose to apply for funding to perform on-farm trials, crop consultant Joe Ailts says “Updates to the way we assess and manage nitrogen in corn are long overdue. The NOPP grant has provided the framework, funding, and motivation to determine if and how emerging nitrogen measures can be used to “do nitrogen better”. Producer Andy Bensend adds, “How often do we get to build on our business efficiency while also providing a real way to help our industry be more environmentally sound?”
Cranberry Creek
Nicole Hansen with Cranberry Creek is a Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) grant recipient investigating nitrogen application timing in Wisconsin cranberry marshes. Nicole is working closely with Extension on her NOPP project.
When asked about the implications of on-farm research for cranberries, Allison Jonjak, Cranberry Outreach Specialist with the Division of Extension (pictured here) had this to say: “University research on nitrogen fertilizer timing in cranberries is difficult because application logistics are hard to replicate in a lab, and nitrogen timing is very reliant on a grower’s logistics capabilities. The provision of funds for field-scale, on-marsh research using cranberry growers’ actual application equipment is the first opportunity we have had to research nitrogen application timing in a way that will help growers become even better stewards of their businesses, vines, land, and water.”
Albright
Dave Albright is a Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) grant recipient exploring variable nitrogen application on his farm using the Augmenta System. Dave is working closely with Extension on his NOPP project.
When asked about his inspiration for applying for an NOPP grant, Dave says “I felt like farming in the Green Lake Watershed I want to be able to use the least amount of nitrogen and other fertilizer while still getting a good crop. This study is one way to figure out what those parameters might be.”
Extension Educator Natasha Paris says, “I am excited to work with Dave, and I think this project is interesting because it explores a new technology in the world of nitrogen optimization in an on-farm context.”
