USDA grants, boost Husker research on sugar beet nitrogen management, agroforestry

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Receives Federal Grants to Advance Environmental Sustainability

Introduction

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been awarded two federal grants totaling $1.7 million to further its efforts in environmental sustainability. These grants will focus on two key areas: nitrogen management for sugar beet production and alley cropping, an agroforestry practice that involves planting trees or shrubs alongside crops.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 2: Zero Hunger
2. Goal 13: Climate Action
3. Goal 15: Life on Land

Nitrogen Management for Sugar Beet Production

The first grant, amounting to $1,116,149, will support research conducted by Husker to develop environmentally sustainable nitrogen management practices for sugar beet production in Nebraska and Colorado. This research aims to increase sugar yield while promoting environmental sustainability. The project will collaborate with the Western Sugar Cooperative and involve 50 growers to assess best practices for nitrogen management. The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to support on-farm research trials.

Alley Cropping as a Sustainable Land Use Strategy

The second grant, totaling $682,335, will be used to study alley cropping as a sustainable land use strategy in the Midwest. Alley cropping involves combining trees or shrubs with crops to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Researchers will analyze the resilience of alley cropping in the face of climate-related events such as drought and wildfires. Additionally, the project will investigate policy and tax programs that support agroforestry and alley cropping in the U.S. Midwest.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will collaborate with the Western Sugar Cooperative for the sugar beet project. The research team, led by Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture, will work with Nebraska sugar producers to assess best practices for nitrogen management. The project builds upon previous studies conducted by Maharjan and reported in Agronomy Journal. The university’s partnership with the sugar beet sector will ensure the practical application of research findings.

Benefits and Impact

The research on nitrogen management for sugar beet production will help optimize nutrient input and improve sugar yield. By encouraging sugar beet producers to use soil tests for nutrient optimization, the project aims to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Under the USDA grant, producers will receive incentive payments to offset the risks associated with implementing innovative approaches.

The study on alley cropping will demonstrate the benefits of combining agronomic and forestry practices. This approach can improve soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and water management. The project will also explore policy and tax programs that can incentivize agroforestry and alley cropping in the U.S. Midwest.

Conclusion

The grants received by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will contribute to the advancement of environmental sustainability in agriculture. By focusing on nitrogen management for sugar beet production and alley cropping, these projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). The university’s collaboration with partners and its commitment to voluntary conservation efforts will ensure the practical application of research findings and the promotion of sustainable production practices.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.

2. 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.
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses two issues: nitrogen management for sugar beet production and alley cropping. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

This SDG is addressed through the focus on sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.

Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.

This target is relevant to the article as it emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices and the improvement of land and soil quality.

Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target by assessing the proportion of agricultural land that is managed sustainably and productively.

SDG 15: Life on Land

This SDG is connected to the article through the discussion of alley cropping and its benefits for soil conservation and nutrient cycling.

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.

This target is relevant as it emphasizes the need for the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests and mountains.

Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target by assessing the proportion of land covered by forests.

Source: thefencepost.com