Kansas water institute's new agriculture innovation challenge

By Scout Nelson

In a bold move to redefine sustainable agriculture, the Kansas Water Institute has recently unveiled a unique opportunity for researchers and academics.

Known for pioneering innovative solutions, the institute has introduced a "mini" Request for Proposals (RFP) focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to enhance sustainable food and agriculture production.

This initiative is part of the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) Program, a dynamic platform designed for discovery and learning across various disciplines.

Directed by Susan Metzger, the Kansas Water Institute is set to fund four ambitious projects, each with a budget cap of $25,000. The essence of this funding opportunity lies in its encouragement for research that can be seamlessly integrated into the TAPS program.

Metzger emphasizes the inclusive nature of this initiative, stating that despite the program's agricultural tilt, there's room for contributions from all academic fields.

The KSU-TAPS program stands out with its "citizen-science" approach, blending interactive learning with rigorous interdisciplinary research. It invites Kansas farmers to partake in a farm-management competition, where their real-time decisions are applied to replicated plots on a shared field.

This novel competition framework allows for a hands-on evaluation of production strategies, efficiency, and economic impacts, making it a fertile ground for practical agricultural insights.

Proposals are welcome until May 3, and the submission process has been simplified to an online format, ensuring accessibility for interested faculty from any college or department.

This initiative not only underlines the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges but also opens doors for innovative solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming practices.

The Kansas Water Institute's commitment to this cause marks a significant step towards fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives unite to advance agricultural sustainability.

Photo Credit -kansas-state-university