Quinoa, like other cultivated crops, relies on optimal levels of essential macronutrient application, particularly nitrogen (n), phosphorus (p),and potassium (k)to promote optimal growth and…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Lincoln University $599,723 on December 15, 2025, under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216) to optimize macronutrient management practices in quinoa production.

The project evaluates nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application levels and timing to improve quinoa grain yield and seed quality, integrating manual and high-throughput aerial phenotyping methods to measure plant traits. The research identifies the most effective phenotyping approaches and assesses the economics of optimum nutrient management practices. Deliverables include dissemination of findings to small-scale farmers, extension agents, students, and the scientific community through workshops, training sessions, newspapers, and peer-reviewed publications. The project incorporates education and training initiatives targeting underrepresented minority students in agricultural sciences through hands-on practical learning.

Lincoln University collaborates with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to implement the integrated research, education, and extension effort. Performance occurs in Jefferson City, Missouri, with a period of performance running through December 14, 2028. The assistance type is a project grant.

Quinoa, like other cultivated crops, relies on optimal levels of essential macronutrient application, particularly nitrogen (n), phosphorus (p),and potassium (k)to promote optimal growth and maximize grain yield and nutritional quality. However, there is limited or no information on appropriate crop management practices for quinoa production in the US. Therefore, the main goal of this project is to identify optimum macronutrient management practices in quinoa to improve grain yield and seed quality by integrating manual and high-throughput aerial phenotyping (htap) methods. The specific objectives of this project are: 1) evaluate the effects of various levels and timing of NPK applications on the productivity of quinoa, 2) identify the most effective htap methods to measure potential traits in quinoa, 3) evaluate the economics of optimum nutrient management practices by integrating manual and htap, and 4) disseminate the expected outcomes to small-scale farmersextension agents, students, and the scientific community, using workshops, training, and publishing in newspapers and peer-reviewed journals. 5) train the next generation of professionals to increase retention and the involvement of underrepresented minority students in agricultural sciences by providing hands-on practical learning initiatives. Lincoln university (LU) and north carolina agricultural and technical state university (NC a & t) will collaborate to implement this study. Our project is collaborative, integrated (research, education, and extension)and multidisciplinary approaches. The primary focus of this project is research to address the CBG program priority by using innovative and cutting-edge technologies.