Montana State University announced on March 27 that its College of Agriculture has received continued funding from the Montana Fertilizer Advisory Committee, supporting research projects focused on soil health, fertilizer use, and agricultural productivity.
The annual grants provided by the committee are intended to advance knowledge in areas such as soil acidity, water efficiency, and crop management. The funding is sourced through an assessment on commercial fertilizers and supports both research and educational efforts. The committee consists of agricultural producers as well as representatives from the College of Agriculture and MSU Extension.
Darrin Boss, associate director of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture, said: “We are excited to see the committee’s hard work in determining funding for these important agricultural producer and industry related grants. This funding stream, from grassroots support, directly impacts the producers and fertilizer industry. The committee is made up of producers (users of fertilizer) and industry representatives, so it represents the current and future needs of both entities. The current grant awards will be for this year’s planting season and should show impact on the industry within the next few years. The Montana fertilizer assessment monies fund research that is designated through Extension and outreach papers and activities throughout the state of Montana.”
For 2026, MFAC funding totals $483,630—an increase from approximately $441,000 in 2025—and will benefit more than 50 faculty members and graduate students across several departments at MSU’s College of Agriculture. Projects funded include studies on foliar application techniques for soybeans in eastern Montana; optimizing nitrogen inputs to reduce emissions in barley production; sulfur fertilizer rates; biofertilizer management against root rot disease; boron management for wheat production; nitrogen leaching analysis; longevity of lime applications; among others.
Montana State University leads statewide research with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. As a land-grant institution based in Bozeman, MSU focuses on addressing key challenges through education, outreach programs aimed at enhancing communities’ lives as well as environmental stewardship according to its official website.
The university enrolls about 17,165 students with an even split between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. It ranks among the top five percent globally per Center for World University Rankings while leading higher education within Montana according to its official website.
More information about MFAC can be found at ag.montana.edu/mfac.