NRCS Invests $3 Million in Partnerships to Enhance Soil Surveys through Research
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing $3 million in partnerships to enhance soil surveys through research. Institutions of higher education within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network are encouraged to apply by July 8, 2024.
Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for achieving the goals of soil surveys, such as supporting community planning, protecting the environment, enhancing recreational opportunities, conserving natural resources, and addressing pollution. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby emphasized the importance of these efforts in a recent statement.
Proposals must involve close cooperation with soil survey personnel such as National Soil Survey Center research staff or regional offices. Research should have a national or broad regional impact by filling gaps in soil survey databases, introducing new methods for data collection and analysis, or addressing emerging issues in research priority areas.
The funding period for approved projects could start as early as October 2024 and last up to three years. Each proposal must have a budget between $50,000 and $500,000. The research priorities for fiscal year 2024 were determined through discussions with the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Research Priorities Committee, NRCS, and the Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD). More detailed information can be found in the notice of funding for interested parties.
