NOPP Protocols
Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) Protocols
NOPP, a grant program funded by the State of Wisconsin and administered by DATCP, supports farmer-driven, on-farm research crucial to improving profitability and water quality through improved commercial nitrogen management. Available protocols are designed to support NOPP applicants, as well as anyone interested in investigating nitrogen dynamics and management on their own farm. Protocols and other technical resources developed by the UW–Madison Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences and Division of Extension.
Connect
If you’re applying for a NOPP grant, specific project details for the Nitrogen Response Trial can be discussed with UW–Madison’s NOPP research director Monica Schauer.
Details for Zero-Synthetic N Test Strip, Reduced Nitrogen Rate, or Other Nitrogen Research trials can be discussed with Extension’s nitrogen management outreach specialist Megan Blauwet.
2027 NOPP On-Farm Research Program Information and Project Protocols
Through NOPP, more funding will be awarded to conduct on-farm nitrogen research trials that start in 2027 and continue into 2028. This year, we are adding more approachable project options that investigate nitrogen use efficiency and the ability to test a reduced nitrogen rate. Because we encourage innovative ideas that do not fit within the bounds of the described project options, you can also submit your own research trial ideas.
2027 Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Timeline
Applications will open in October. The Intent to Apply is due December 18, 2026. Final applications are due January 15, 2027.
For more information on NOPP and to apply, visit the DATCP NOPP website.
Looking for examples of the goals, progress, and reach of NOPP as well as some examples of previous projects? Check out the NOPP annual report and project spotlight stories.
Nitrogen Response Trial
Do you want to find the optimum N rate for your field? Are you curious how management decisions affect your nitrogen needs?
Discover the optimum N rate for your field or how management practices impact optimum N rate through a nitrogen response trial.
Projects can include:
- Nitrogen rate trial
- Nitrogen rate + management practice trial
- Nitrogen response (ex: nitrogen application timing) in specialty crops
Zero-Synthetic-Nitrogen Test Strips
How much nitrogen does your soil supply? How efficiently is your crop using applied nitrogen?
What is your baseline? Learn how much nitrogen the soil is supplying, fertilizer use efficiency under your current N management, and opportunities to improve.
Projects can include:
- Zero-nitrogen-applied test strip
- Organic nitrogen only (ex: manure or legume credits) test strip: evaluate N supply from soil + organic sources
- 2 fields per producer, multiple producers encouraged
Reduced Nitrogen Rate Trial
Do you want to test if a reduced nitrogen rate will affect your yields?
Test a reduced nitrogen application rate compared to your current management practices.
Projects include:
- 3 reduced N rate test strips (20% less than current rate)
Other Custom Nitrogen Research
Do you have other nitrogen questions not asked here?
Investigate other innovative strategies to optimize N use and evaluate their performance through on-farm research.
NOPP and Extension’s On-Farm Research teams are here to support applicants to develop effective projects that meet ranking criteria.
High-ranking projects will include:
- A clear objective and scientifically sound research design (ex: replication, data collection)
- A comparison of a “treatment” and “control”
- Quality data that can contribute to statewide nitrogen resources
Questions About On-Farm Nitrogen Research?
Reach out to our on-farm research and NOPP teams at UW–Madison to get help planning, implementing, and evaluating your on-farm management practices.
Zero-Nitrogen, Reduced Nitrogen Rate, or Custom Nitrogen Research Questions
Megan Blauwet
UW–Madison Extension
Nitrogen Management Outreach Specialist
Nitrogen Response Trial Questions
Monica Schauer
UW–Madison
Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Research Director
Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Application Questions
Susan Mockert
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Manager