Nebraska’s UNL receives $1.7m USDA grant for Ag research

UNL’s new USDA funding focuses on sustainable sugar beet and agroforestry research

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) has received $1.7 million in grants from the USDA to further its research into sustainable agricultural practices. This funding is part of a broader $90 million Conservation Innovation Grant initiative.

One grant, worth $1,116,149, will focus on optimizing nitrogen management for sugar beets in Nebraska and Colorado. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Western Sugar Cooperative, aims to improve sugar beet production by identifying the best nitrogen application techniques.

The research will involve 50 growers and is designed to boost yields while promoting environmental sustainability.

The second grant of $682,335 will support research on alley cropping, which combines tree planting with traditional crop farming. This project will study how alley cropping can enhance soil conservation, water management, and resilience to climate challenges such as drought and wildfires.

UNL will also investigate supportive policies and tax programs for agroforestry practices. The findings from these studies will contribute to USDA's conservation guidance and offer practical solutions for farmers.

These USDA grants highlight UNL’s role in advancing sustainable agriculture and its impact on both local and broader agricultural communities.