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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council is accepting research proposals now until May 15. Successfully funded projects are for the 2023-2024 funding cycle.
NREC’s priority is funding projects that advance the science of products and practices that increase the efficiency of nutrient use while maintaining productivity goals.
Priority will be given to those projects that demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration with researchers from other universities or entities.
It is also important that the substance of projects address helping Illinois agriculture to meet the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.
“With each year, we learn more about how agricultural practices, both today and historically, impact the movement and accessibility of nutrients in our soil,” said Julie Hewitt, NREC’s executive director.
“Utilizing feedback from our stakeholders, the NREC Research Committee thoughtfully evaluates the current landscape of nutrient research and identifies priorities where they feel there is the greatest opportunity to inform and refine nutrient management.”
Researchers are encouraged to include an annual economic cost/benefit analysis in their project proposals or to present a standalone project that incorporates data from other NREC-funded projects.
NREC expects that the results of funded projects will be shared with other scientists by publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
NREC also requires that the results be widely distributed to farmers and crop advisers via meetings, news releases and electronic media in a manner that effectively promotes implementation of management practices reported on in research reports.
NREC is currently funding 31 projects and many of these will be considered for continued funding in 2023-2024.
For specific information on how to prepare and submit proposal and to review past funded projects, visit NREC’s website at www.illinoisnrec.org under “Funded Projects.”