|
|
Irrigation and water is the theme for the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Education & Research Foundation’s 2005-2006 granting year. The organization has issued a call for proposals for nursery and landscape research and proposed research projects must address one of three issues:
- Evapotranspiration (ET) data for landscape plants by Texas regions
- Efficient delivery systems for landscape irrigation
- Recycling and reuse of water in horticulture production facilities.
The TNLA E&R Foundation notes that these aren’t the only topics that the organization funds, but that applicants who want to address another issue must be able to make a case for their topic’s importance to the industry.
TNLA Communications Director Marilyn Good says this is the second year the organization has focused on irrigation topics for grant proposals and stresses the importance of the issue for the state. “At any given time, some part of the state of Texas is in drought, so this is a continuing issue,” she explains. “In a more long-range view, the Texas Water Development Board has projected that by the year 2050, growth in the state’s population will outdo our capacity to produce water. Knowing that, the board strategized with many other entities to find ways to address the future shortfall.”
|
|
Good says there are a number of programs going on around the state that are focusing on increasing capacity, water reuse, desalination and reduced water use. Now that the state has gotten almost as much benefit as possible from the implementation of low-flow showerheads and toilets, it’s time to move to the next step. “By and large, people are overwatering their yards and the nursery and landscape industry in Texas has made it its goal to reduce excess water use and then take the next step to create and maintain resource-efficient landscapes.”
As such, ET data and “smart” technology in the irrigation field is of primary interest to the state and to the TNLA E&R Foundation as they process grant proposals. Proposals sponsored by several departments, colleges or interdisciplinary groups are encouraged. It is expected that funding per proposal will not exceed $5,000, although proposals with several sponsors may ask for up to $10,000.
The Foundation’s primary support goes toward applied research that aim to answer specific problems because these types of projects can afford immediate applicable results and require resources that the Foundation is able to provide. However, basic research projects that add to the industry’s body of knowledge do receive consideration, particularly where funds are highly leveraged and the research addresses specific industry needs.
Proposals must be submitted to the Foundation by Feb. 24. For grant applications and further information, call 800/880-0343 or visit www.tnlaonline.org.