USDA-NRCS: 2019 Soil Science Collaborative Research Proposals Grant

• NRCS Agency priorities,

• Soil and Plant Science Division priorities (SPSD),

• Regional-level National Cooperative Soil Survey conference committees, and

• National-level National Cooperative Soil Survey conference committees.

The objectives of the research are to:

• Promote research collaboration between NRCS SPSD and university cooperators on significant national and regional issues.

  • Proposals exhibiting substantial collaboration between the applicant, multiple National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) cooperators (i.e., multi-state projects), and NRCS soil scientists (National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) research soil scientists, soil survey regional and Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) Soil Survey Office (SSO) soil scientists, State soil scientists, and/or resource soil scientists) will receive preference during the evaluation and selection process. Applicants seeking collaborative opportunities are encouraged to contact the National Soil Survey Center, respective Soil Survey regional director, and State soil scientist (contact information is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/contactus/).

• Provide technology transfer and training for NRCS staff.

  • Each proposal should include a technology transfer component that documents how research results can be incorporated into Soil Survey field or office (databases, interpretations, etc.) functions. In addition, the plan should document how research findings will be shared with the NCSS (e.g., publications, webinars (required), onsite training, and/or other mechanisms).

• Assist in training of students in soil science and related fields.

  • Proposals that include a strong educational component (undergraduate and graduate student involvement) are encouraged as are proposals from early career scientists and faculty.

    The total funding available for this opportunity is $1,920,000. Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Central Time on June 3, 2019, and must be submitted to Grants.gov and via email to David.Hoover@usda.gov and Pam.Thomas@usda.gov.

Applications are due June 3, 2019, 5 p.m. Central Time.