NUOnet, a Data Network Initiative Led by the USDA Agricultural Research Service

Authors: Eve, Marlen; Delgado, Jorge; Weyers, Sharon; Dell, Curtis; Harmel, Daren

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2016
Publication Date: 10/7/2016
Citation: Eve, M.D., Delgado, J.A., Weyers, S.L., Dell, C.J., Harmel, R.D. 2016. NUOnet, a Data Network Initiative Led by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. CSANews 61:26-26. doi:10.2134/csa2016-61-10-11.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The USDA Agricultural Research Service is launching a new effort to gather and use big data to solve agricultural issues that face our nation. The Nutrient Use and Outcome network (NUOnet) is a part of this effort. NUOnet invites members of the Tri-Societies to contribute to the NUOnet vision of “Efficient use of nutrients to optimize production and product quality of food for animals and humans, fuel and fiber in a sustainable manner that contributes to ecosystem services.” Why NUOnet? Best nutrient management practices are needed to maintain profitability, sustain higher yields, decrease environmental impacts, optimize nutritional quality, and provide ecosystem services. NUOnet participants recognize that collation of information about nutrient inputs, cycling, and sources into a common public database is necessary to optimize the nation’s nutrient management practices. When completed the NUOnet database will support identification and development of best nutrient management practices to increase nutrient use efficiency and reduce off-site nutrient loss, and build the research and data connections needed to understand and improve crop quality and nutritional value for animal and human health. What can NUOnet accomplish? NUOnet is a database currently in development and a network of researchers united in a multilevel collaborative effort. NUOnet will establish baselines and monitoring capacity for nutrient use efficiencies and processes that contribute to nutrient losses, with local, regional and national assessments of off-site nutrient loss impacts. NUOnet will incorporate information related to new technologies and improved understanding of soil chemistry and soil biology. NUOnet will contribute to improved nutrient cycling with the use of agricultural amendments (e.g., as manure, other agricultural byproducts, and fertilizers) through better macro- and micro-nutrient management and development of best practices for cover crops and crop rotations. NUOnet will improve connections between nutrient management and animal and human nutrition and health. NUOnet will help develop cost-benefit curves for improved nutrient management scenarios. These aspects provide the strong foundation that will support more accomplishments. The NUOnet database is in development and we are reaching out to all of the members of the Tri-Societies to invite them to contribute to this effort and help realize the vision of NUOnet. We look forward to your involvement! Please stay tuned for information about future NUOnet meetings at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA annual meetings during 2016 and 2017 and for information on the development of a NUOnet website where interested individuals could contact members of the NUOnet steering committee. For additional information about NUOnet, please contact: Marlen Eve, National Program Leader, Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems, at [e-mail]; Jorge A. Delgado, Acting Research Leader, Soil Management and Sugar Beet Research Unit at [e-mail]; Sharon L. Weyers, Soil Scientist, at [e-mail]; Curtis Dell, Soil Scientist, at [e-mail]; or Daren Harmel, Agricultural Engineer, at [e-mail].