March 17, 2008
Purdue Agriculture funding Indiana-targeted research
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will fund 14 research projects aimed at enhancing Indiana's economic potential through the Mission Oriented Grant program.Purdue Agriculture is providing more than a quarter of a million dollars for integrated, applied research and Extension projects that are strategically important to Indiana. Eight of the 14 grants will fund studies regarding biofuels and hardwood production. The other projects will focus on livestock, aquaculture and specialty crops.
"The findings of these integrated research and Extension projects, we hope, will ultimately help farmers and business owners in Indiana become more profitable," said Sonny Ramaswamy, director of Agricultural Research Programs and associate dean for research.
Almost 50 Purdue Agriculture researchers will participate in this program. Topics include:
* Maximizing continuous corn yield and profitability through nitrogen management.
* Demand for alternative pork cuts in China and import barriers.
* Greenhouse grower and consumer perceptions of sustainably grown ornamental crops.
* Seed orchards of improved white oak to enhance the value and competitiveness of Indiana's hardwood industry.
* Management strategies for regeneration of hardwood tree species in stands with suppressive native and invasive competitors.
* Impact of biomass yield and composition of switchgrass grown for biofuels.
"Not only is this a research program to find answers, but Purdue Extension outreach also will disseminate the results to help the people of Indiana make strategic investments to enhance their market position and revenue," said Purdue Extension director Chuck Hibberd.
The funding total is $262,000, and the maximum award for each grant is $25,000. The grant money can be used toward technicians, graduate student stipends, and equipment and supplies necessary to conduct the research and share it with the public.
"The primary goal is to be responsive to the needs of Indiana agriculture and food and natural resource systems issues and to do this in a land-grant oriented way with solid research and engagement components," said Marshall Martin, associate director of Agriculture Research Programs.
The research will be conducted within the 2008 calendar year, and results will be shared with Indiana stakeholders.
Writer: Elizabeth Fritz, (765) 494-8402, elfritz@purdue.edu
Sources: Sonny Ramaswamy, (765) 494-8362, sonny@purdue.edu
Chuck Hibberd, (764) 494-8489, hibberd@purdue.edu
Marshall Martin, (765) 494-8365, marshallmartin@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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