Objectives of RFP
This RFP is a call for proposals aimed at providing information to improve the precision, accuracy and economics of fertilizer and agricultural lime use in Missouri. Collaborative proposals that will lead to improvements in the University of Missouri's fertilizer and lime recommendations are especially encouraged. Proposals should be carried out within Missouri to provide maximum benefit to fine tuning soil test recommendation. Laboratory testing facilities located within state should be utilized whenever available to evaluate sampled materials. Proposals should explain how projected outcomes will contribute to environmental quality and economic benefit to producers. The deadline for receipt of proposals is December 7, 2007, for progress reports is December 14, 2007, with grants starting February 29, 2008. Notice of the date of the Advisory Board meeting will appear on this site. Funded proposals in the past have included such topics as: refining soil test recommendations for corn, soybean, and wheat; estimating the need for agricultural lime; P&K fixation by Missouri soils; no-till lime management and soil pH effects on herbicide carryover; and soil-specific phosphorus rates.; P and B fertilization of fescue; K fertilization of alfalfa and cotton; N applications to corn and sorghum. All of the currently funded projects, both ongoing and completed can be reviewed at http://aes.missouri.edu/pfcs/research The Missouri Fertilizer Law and Ag Liming Materials Law and Rules were revised in 1999 to provide for an annual permit fee to sell commercial fertilizer and ag liming materials in Missouri. Permit fees collected in excess of the administrative costs of distributor registration were defined and designated in the rules to fund fertilizer and ag liming materials research related proposals. This is the ninth RFP. This year it is anticipated funding will be available of up to $141,000.00 for new proposals.

Eligibility
University of Missouri, CAFNR faculty, Lincoln University extension and University of Missouri extension personnel proposals. No investigator may be PI on more than two submitted proposals per year.

Duration
Grants will be awarded for up to three years, with the possibility for further multi-year extensions. Funding for subsequent years on multi-year projects will be contingent on having an approved progress report and funding being available.

Proposal Format
Proposals must follow the format shown below:

1. Title
2. Investigator(s)
3. Objectives, including relevance of project to Missouri fertilizer/lime use
4. Procedures
5. Current status/importance of research area
6. Timetable for proposed research
7. Strategy for application/transfer of knowledge
8. Proposed budget by years and by category: salaries/operating/equipment/other

Proposals are limited to three pages in 12 pt. font, exclusive of budget and 2-3 page resumes of each investigator attached to each proposal. Please make submission as both a PDF file and a word processor document.

Progress Report Format
State accomplishments for first year
State objectives for year two
Provide proposed budget for year two

Failure to submit progress reports in a timely manner will negatively impact future proposal reviews and requested funding.

Proposal Review Process
Proposals and progress reports will be reviewed for technical soundness by an ad hoc committee appointed by the Director of the MOAES. External reviewers will be included to evaluate scientific merit. The review process evaluation criteria will be as follows: