Researchers from North Dakota State University (NDSU) have teamed up with institutions including South Dakota State University and Sitting Bull College. Their combined efforts have secured a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Their target is to create microbial fertilizers designed for crop nutrient management, paving the way for the establishment of the Center for Climate-Conscious Agricultural Technologies.
Febina Mathew, an associate professor at NDSU's Department of Plant Pathology, plays a central role in this ambitious project. She explains that these microbial fertilizers are unique strains of bacteria sourced from corn roots. These bacteria have an impressive capability, from phosphorous solubilization to nitrogen and carbon dioxide fixation.
The team's research will dive deep into understanding how various soil factors influence the functioning and establishment of these microbial groupings. One major goal is to strategize how these microbes can be effectively utilized in corn cultivation, a staple crop in the Dakotas.
This project has some clear aims:
• Assessing the performance and stability of microbial groups across various conditions like labs, greenhouses, and fields.
• Deploying sensors to measure soil factors and understand their impact on microbial establishment.
• Weighing the cost-effectiveness of microbial fertilizers against traditional chemical ones.
• Gauging the willingness and preferences of farmers, especially in rural and Native American communities, to transition to microbial fertilizers.
Mathew, a 2023 Faculty Fellow for Broadening Participation, will oversee workforce development in the project, aiming to nurture early and mid-career faculty research capabilities and inspire STEM students, particularly from Native American backgrounds, to pursue advanced degrees at participating colleges.
This exciting venture has collaborators from multiple corners, from educational institutions to an industrial partner named Poet based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Jack Rasmussen, chair of the Department of Plant Pathology, highlighted the research's importance in rural and Native American communities, emphasizing its economic benefits and environmental well-being.
The initiative is sponsored by the NSF's EPSCoR program, aiming to support research in U.S. states lacking financial backing. The Center for Climate Conscious Agricultural Technologies is funded through NSF Award #2316502. The research's potential to drive innovation and economic stability in affected regions is emphasized.
Photo Credit: North Dakota State University
Categories: North Dakota, Crops