Fertilizer Research Fund

Creating a state fertilizer research fund

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has established a "Fertilizer Tonnage Fee" which collects a set amount of money per ton of fertilizer sold or distributed for use in Kansas. Of this amount, $0.04/ton is transferred to Kansas State University for fertilizer-related research. The fund was established to conduct research on manufactured and natural fertilizers. Projects supported by the fund generally address one or more of the following issues:

  • efficient methods of application (including various forms of plant nutrients and rates, timing, and methods of application)
  • storage and handling (including environmental and human health risks associated with storage and handling and measures to decrease those risks)
  • fertilizers' effect upon environmental quality, with special attention to protecting air quality and the quality of both surface and ground water resources of the state
  • use efficiency, including impacts on crop production, economics, and profitability
  • safety, including risks associated with applicator exposure and measures to reduce risk, onsite or offsite human health impacts, and safe handling procedures

 

 

Soil Test Interpretations and Fertilizer Recommendations in Kansas

 

An excellent primer for learning more about the fund is this recent interview on Agriculture Today. It features KCARE Director Susan Metzger and Professor Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz, who discuss the history of the fund as well as how it is leveraged for important research. Discussion about the Fertilizer Research Fund begins at 00:12:05.



Current and past research projects



Nitrogen uptake in wheat
Kansas State University is refining nitrogen (N) fertilization guidelines for winter wheat to match modern cultivars and improve efficiency. Current recommendations, developed decades ago, often suggest higher N rates than neighboring states. In partnership with the Kansas Wheat Commission, researchers are conducting field trials across Kansas to evaluate yield and protein response to varying N rates, sources, and timing. Additional analysis will examine plant N balance to better understand how different varieties use nitrogen. Findings will inform updated recommendations that support sustainable wheat production and environmental stewardship.
Sustainable phosphorus management with enhanced soil health
This project helps Kansas farmers use phosphorus (P) more efficiently to grow healthy crops, protect water quality, and reduce costs. Researchers are comparing the traditional “build and maintain” approach with a “sufficiency” strategy that applies P only when crops need it, combined with cover crops to improve soil health. Conducted at the Kansas Agricultural Watershed Field Lab, this five-year study will deliver science-based recommendations to reduce P runoff, support soil microbes, improve structure, and boost farm profits with a long-term goal of advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Genetic Effects on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat

The research team began this project with the idea that improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) simultaneously increases profits for farmers while reducing the environmental impact of food production. The goal of this research was to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer inputs in winter wheat production systems by enhancing the understanding of the variability of NUE across winter wheat varieties. This research worked to determine the NUE of 30 different hard-red winter wheat varieties, to characterize nitrogen uptake and utilization parameters related to NUE in hard-red winter wheat varieties, and to determine the relationship between yield gains and NUE in hard-red winter wheat.

Want to learn more about our fertilizer research projects?

We're happy to help! If you are interested in past or present research supported by the Kansas Fertilizer Research Fund, contact KCARE.