The National Science Foundation (NSF) has chosen Melanie Derby, an associate professor at Kansas State University, for a groundbreaking research project. With almost $3 million in grant money, Derby will spearhead efforts to explore the potential of microbial soil treatments as a way to maintain moisture and boost nutrient availability for crops affected by climate change.
The "Supporting Rural Livelihoods in the Water-Stressed Central High Plains: Microbial Innovations for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (MICRA)" project aims to bridge engineering, science, and social science to understand microbial soil treatments, perceptions among irrigaters, and the impacts of climate shifts and droughts on rural communities.
Central to this study is the aim to nurture the next generation of researchers. Derby and her team will guide graduate and undergraduate students, allowing them to spearhead interdisciplinary research projects of their own.
Highlighting the project's significance, Derby mentioned the importance of soil moisture retention in the Central High Plains, especially under drought conditions. The research will delve into whether these microbial soil treatments can serve as a sustainable answer to challenges triggered by hotter climates.
The NSF's EPSCoR supports the project, promoting collaboration between jurisdictions to combine expertise. NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasizes the importance of these initiatives for national security and innovation, particularly in climate change-affected regions.
Photo Credit: National Science Foundation
Categories: Kansas, Education