As directed by State Statutes [Sec. 94.64 (8m)], the program funds applied soil fertility, soil management or plant nutrition research as these topics relate to the usage of fertilizers or their impacts on surface or groundwater in Wisconsin. The program usually has approximately $105,000 for new projects annually, typically funding 3-5 new proposals with annual budgets ranging from $10,000-45,000. Proposals with annual funding requests in excess of $50,000 are unlikely to be funded. The funding for this program comes from fertilizer sales tonnage fees (currently $0.17/ton) and, as such, is not indexed to inflation. This results in annual decreasing program funding capacity.

Request for Proposals and WFRC Award Policies

• All proposals will be submitted via Qualtrics at https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezLxq8hOirGc6gK
• Please use the simplified UW budget template (0% indirect costs)
• PIs will submit proposals directly to the program coordinator. Proposals should not be entered into RAMP due to its inability to handle internally funded programs.  If approved for funding by the council, successful proposals will then be input into the RAMP system.
• WFRC Award Policy 2025

Annual and Final Report Materials

• Annual and Final Report Cover Page
• Project Budget Modification Request Form
• Project No Cost Extension Requests

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Deadlines & Dates

• • • All new proposals must be submitted via the Qualtrics systems by October 27, 2025 November 7, 2025 due to multiple NIFA October due dates.
    • Submission of Progress Reports/ Continuing Project proposals to WFRC coordinator January 9, 2026

2026 Fertilizer Research Council meeting date

• •  January 20, 2026, King Hall, UW Madison campus, 10am-4pm.  The meeting may be held in person or remotely.