This research, titled Optimizing Nutrient Use and Reducing Loss in Crop Production Systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, is being performed by University of Maryland Associate Professor Dr. Gurpal Toor. It is being funded for two years at $249,000.
The project seeks to optimize nitrogen and phosphorus use and reduce the nutrient losses in crop production systems. This will help devise a strategy to reduce nutrient runoff to receiving waters with best management practices that keep the nutrients in the plant root zone.
Currently, there is a lack of research on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in crop production systems. Optimizing nutrient use in Maryland’s agricultural lands is needed to reduce the cost of farming and ensure a healthy Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Following the research findings, the researchers in collaboration with the Hughes Center, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and UMD Extension will enter into a period of outreach and education, targeting farmers, commodity and environmental groups, state and federal agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.