Funding Year: 2026
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Enhancing plasma technology for food safety and sustainability via high-frequency power supply, advanced plasma reactor, and large-scale plasma-activated water system
Cold plasma has shown promise in safely reducing bacteria, cleaning surfaces, treating water, and even boosting plant health. To build on this potential, the research team is investing in new…
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Expanded instrumentation for monitoring permanent pasture water quality and soil health
To better understand how different farming practices affect soil and water quality, UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Farm is installing new monitoring equipment in two pasture areas. The equipment will collect detailed data…
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Evaluating nitrogen availability from solid-liquid-separated and composted manure: phase two
This study builds on previous Dairy Innovation Hub-supported research that revealed current nutrient management guidelines may significantly underestimate how much nitrogen is available to crops from processed manure. The first…
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Improving the growth of alfalfa with plasma activated water: a potential eco-friendly pesticide
Alfalfa is a crucial crop for Wisconsin’s dairy farms, but insect pests like the alfalfa weevil can cause serious damage, leading to lower yields and higher feed costs. To help…
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Impact of biochar on composting dairy manure and soil health: a comparative study
Healthy soil is essential for productive farming, but many fields face challenges like nutrient loss, poor structure, and declining microbial activity. This project explores how combining biochar, a carbon-rich material…
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Increasing nutritional density of alfalfa through the application of locally-sourced effective microorganisms
This project investigates whether adding locally-sourced effective microorganisms (LEM) to alfalfa can enhance its nutritional value as dairy feed. Previous studies have shown that LEMs can increase essential nutrients in…
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Lab to land: testing the efficacy of plant essential oils for the management of aphanomyces root rot of alfalfa in the field
Alfalfa is a vital crop for Wisconsin’s dairy farms, providing high-quality feed for cows in the form of hay and silage. However, a soilborne disease called Aphanomyces root rot poses…
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Feasibility assessment for establishing a choice and sensory evaluation lab (CSEL) at UW–River Falls
This project explores the feasibility of establishing a Choice and Sensory Evaluation Lab (CSEL) at UW–River Falls to support research, teaching, and industry collaboration. The lab would help Wisconsin’s dairy…
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Further development of Dairy Forage Fractionation (DFF) equipment
Wisconsin dairy farms rely on high-quality feed to keep their animals healthy and productive, but current methods for improving forage digestibility are often too expensive or impractical. This project aims…
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Management and housing practices related to bulk tank milk butterfat and protein concentration in WI dairy herds
Over the years, U.S. dairy farmers have significantly improved milk production and enhanced milkfat and protein levels, key components for high-quality dairy products like cheese. In Wisconsin, where dairy is…
