First of Its Kind – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
First of Its Kind - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences NC State CALS
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A Web-Based Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) to Enhance Sustainable Agriculture
The development of a web-based Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) is set to revolutionize nutrient management in agriculture. This tool, released by a collaboration of over 100 soil science and agronomic professionals, aims to provide farmers with data-driven recommendations for applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. By utilizing data from across the U.S., FRST has the potential to save farmers millions of dollars annually while also reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture
The FRST project is a collaboration between nearly 50 universities, four divisions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), several not-for-profit organizations, and one private sector partner. Experts from North Carolina State University, including Luke Gatiboni, an associate professor and extension soil fertility specialist, and Deanna Osmond, a soil science professor and extension specialist, have played a crucial role in the development of this decision aid.
Improving Soil Testing and Nutrient Management
The FRST tool represents a significant advancement in soil testing for phosphorus and potassium. It provides an unbiased, science-based interpretation of soil test values, allowing farmers to make informed decisions. Previously, soil fertility faculty in each state worked independently, making it difficult for farmers who operate across state lines to compare or assimilate multistate guidelines. FRST aims to harmonize soil testing across state boundaries and improve the accuracy of nutrient recommendations through independent, scientifically developed best practices.
Key Features of FRST
- Data-Driven: FRST utilizes a dynamic database of soil test correlation data that is constantly updated to improve testing confidence.
- Crop Specific: The database currently covers 21 major commodity crops.
- Geographically Diverse: FRST includes published and unpublished trial data from 40 states and Puerto Rico.
- Unbiased: Blended data removes political and institutional bias in soil test interpretation.
- Scientifically Sound: Data represents a minimum dataset that provides reliable outcomes.
Promoting Collaboration and Innovation
FRST provides a U.S. map showing the location of phosphorus and potassium trials represented in the database. This feature enables users to identify areas where additional research data is needed, fostering collaboration and innovation in soil fertility research. The database was constructed from both historical and current research data and has plans for expansion to include other crops, cropping systems, and nutrients such as sulfur.
Transforming Nutrient Management for Sustainable Agriculture
The FRST project has accomplished two important objectives in advancing phosphorus and potassium management for crop production. Firstly, it has developed a national database to archive soil test correlation and calibration research, ensuring that valuable information is not lost as scientists retire. Secondly, it provides a user-friendly tool that allows individuals to review relevant research results for their specific crop, soils, and geographic area, enabling them to check their soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations. Hosted in a neutral space with common access, FRST paves the way for future advancements in nutrient management, contributing to the SDGs.
Funding and Further Information
The FRST project has received funding from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, including the Conservation Innovation Grants, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and corporate partner OCP North America. For more information about FRST and how it can transform nutrient management on your farm or in your organization, visit https://soiltestfrst.org and click on “Tool.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the development of a web-based Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) that helps farmers make decisions on applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. This tool aims to improve nutrient management, reduce excess nutrient losses to the environment, and enhance crop yield. These objectives align with SDG 2, which focuses on achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The tool also contributes to SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production practices in the agricultural sector. Additionally, by reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment, the tool supports SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore ecosystems on land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
The development and implementation of the FRST tool contribute to Target 2.4 by promoting sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices. By providing science-based nutrient management recommendations, the tool helps farmers increase productivity and production while minimizing environmental impacts. It also supports Target 12.4 by promoting the environmentally sound management of fertilizers, reducing excess nutrient losses, and minimizing their adverse impacts on the environment. Furthermore, the tool aids in achieving Target 15.1 by improving nutrient management practices, which contribute to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Soil test phosphorus and potassium values: The FRST tool provides an interpretation of soil test phosphorus and potassium values, which can be used to assess nutrient levels in the soil and guide fertilizer application decisions. This indicator relates to Target 2.4 as it helps farmers make informed decisions to increase productivity and production.
- Reduction in excess nutrient losses: By providing accurate nutrient recommendations, the FRST tool can help reduce excess nutrient losses to the environment. Monitoring and measuring the reduction in nutrient losses can serve as an indicator for Target 12.4, which focuses on minimizing adverse impacts on the environment.
- Expansion of the database: The FRST project aims to expand its database to include other crops, cropping systems, and nutrients such as sulfur. The expansion of the database can be an indicator of progress towards Target 15.1, as it demonstrates efforts to improve nutrient management practices and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. | – Soil test phosphorus and potassium values – Reduction in excess nutrient losses |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | – Reduction in excess nutrient losses |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Expansion of the database |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cals.ncsu.edu
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