The Wisconsin Nitrogen Science Summit and Roundtable Series are intended to discuss the state of knowledge regarding nitrogen presence and pathways in Wisconsin’s environment – soil, surface water, groundwater, air – what we know, what we don’t know, and related uncertainties. We expect approximately 300 participants, representing many Wisconsin stakeholders across agricultural sectors, agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and academics.
As part of Wisconsin’s strategy to manage agricultural nutrients and water quality, University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is hosting a Nitrogen Science Summit on March 28, 2014, as a kickoff to a year-long series of round-table discussion about nitrogen. CALS will host the summit and series in partnership with Wisconsin’s conservation agencies, including University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and others in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
OBJECTIVES FOR THE SUMMIT AND SERIES
* Identify and discuss areas of scientific consensus regarding Nitrogen presence and pathways in Wisconsin’s environment – soil, surface water, groundwater, air – what we know, what we don’t know, and related uncertainties.
* Identify and discuss implications for Nitrogen management in Wisconsin (including trade-offs with different forms of N):
- Crop production and relation to Nitrogen in Wisconsin’s environment
- Livestock production and relation to Nitrogen in Wisconsin’s environment
- Interactions with contributions from non-agricultural sources of Nitrogen
* Identify the needs and potential for new tools “to better manage N in an efficient and cost-effective manner.”
* Provide information for stakeholders to help shape policy and management options for N in Wisconsin.
The summit and roundtable series are also contributing to CALS 125th anniversary celebrations by recognizing CALS and UW long-standing roles in this area of applied research.