Enhancing Ecosystem Services From Agricultural Lands: Management, Quantification, And Developing Decision Support Tools

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as part of its Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, are seeking applications proposing research on the ecosystem services provided by agricultural lands. Ecosystem services are the goods and services derived from natural and managed ecosystems upon which human welfare depends. Because of the global intensification of land use, these services are in decline, especially in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystem services are essential in maintaining both human welfare as well as ecological integrity, yet these services can be affected by natural changes and management actions. In addition, agricultural lands are experiencing significant land use changes as demonstrated by the rapid conversion of these lands from traditional farming use, to alternate farming practices, to urban development, and to non-agricultural use.

http://es.epa.gov:80/ncer/rfa/2009/2009_star_ecosystem_services.html
Solicitation Opening Date: February 25, 2009
Solicitation Closing Date: May 26, 2009, 4:00 pm Eastern Time