Environment
The environment within Kansas – our soils, climate, air quality and biodiversity – is the foundation of our state’s economy and our citizens’ quality of life. K-State Research and Extension is committed to science-based inquiry and public engagement about our environment in order to better help Kansas residents use and protect their resources.
Our specialists and researchers are involved in a variety of projects, including investigations on soil health, cropping systems, fertilizer research, livestock and cropland best management practices and rangeland studies. We are also at work in our urban and rural communities to promote environmental sustainability.
Resources
Below are helpful resources relating to natural resources. If you have specific questions, please reach out to one of our specialists or contact your local extension office.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and updates. Visit our website to learn more about the important work we're doing across Kansas.
KCARE works with university researchers to develop and deliver knowledge that helps Kansans balance the use of our state’s natural resources with the protection of those resources.
The Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management website contains tools and information for land managers and Kansas ranchers conducting prescribed burns in the Kansas Flint Hills. This resource also supports the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, which was developed to balance the need for prescribed fire in the Flint Hills with the need for clean air in communities. For information on training, regulations, policies, modeling tools and more, visit here.
Prescribed burning is an ecological process that rejuvenates native prairies.
Find additional resources and links to assist landowners, ranchers and wildlife enthusiasts in caring for the land they manage here.
The Great Plains Fire Science Exchange (GPFSE) exists to assist land managers and the fire community to make sound decisions based on the best possible information. Through this information sharing process, GPFSE hope to strengthen collaboration within the fire community in the region in addition to having information available for policy makers.
K-State Research & Extension weather stations are at the root of the Kansas Mesonet , providing real-time weather data for the public, ag producers and emergency responders. These stations were established in 1986 at Extension research centers and experiment facilities around the state and currently operate through the Department of Agronomy at K-State University.
Our website provides helpful decision-making tools including inversion monitoring, growing degree days, animal comfort and precipitation resources. Our archived weather data is available for download, providing historical context regarding current weather events and insight into Kansas climate figures.
- Kansas Mesonet: real-time weather data and information
- Departure from normal precipitation: past 30 days
- Current statewide soil temperature
Contact Us:
Chip Redmond
christopherredmond@ksu.edu
785-477-6204
The mission of the Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) is to promote economic and environmental sustainability through environmental education and services to industry, institutions and communities.
For more than 30 years PPI has provided pollution prevention and compliance assistance to Kansas industries, small businesses, institutions and communities. PPI services are free and confidential. It hosts the Kansas pollution prevention program, which connects Kansas business and industry with Kansas engineering and environmental science students to eliminate waste and pollutants at the source.
The other major program PPI hosts is the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, or SBEAP. It offers free, confidential technical assistance through a hotline, onsite visits, trainings and online resources. SBEAP helps small business that need assistance with air quality permitting, hazardous waste, stormwater, storage tanks or other compliance issues. PPI also offers free pollution prevention resources such as webinars, workshops, trainings and videos.
- Connect with Us: PPI - YouTube channel
- Map of KSU Pollution Prevention Institute Technical Assistances Offered in Kansas, 2000-2023.
- Industrial Environmental Sustainability Course (CE690)PPI offers a course in industrial sustainability for credit or professional development. The course is typically offered in January and May and covers topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and replacement and reduction of hazardous chemicals.
Contact Us:
Nancy J. Larson, R.S.
Director, Pollution Prevention Institute
800-578-8898 (Hotline)
sbeap@ksu.edu
Kansas State University receives a set amount of money per ton of fertilizer sold or distributed for use in Kansas, for use in fertilizer-related research. The Fertilizer Research Fund supports studies on fertilizer application, storage, environmental effects, efficiency and safety.
Learn more about the Fertilizer Research Fund.
Stay up to date on the latest news, events and activities by following us on social media or checking out our calendar of events. Be sure to listen to the latest episode of Agriculture Today for ag news and updates.
Programs and Events
We offer a variety of learning opportunities and programs throughout the year. For more information on upcoming classes and events in your area, please contact your local extension office.
Natural Resources Training Opportunities
The Natural Resources Team offers regular training events (both virtual and in-person) on many topics related to water and other natural resources. Previous trainings are archived on this website, with recordings, presentation slides and other materials available for download.
Great Plains Fire Summit
A biannual meeting covering research and management of wildland fire in the Great Plains. Prescribed burning presentations, workshops and field events are included. For more information, contact KCARE.
Trail Talk Tuesday Webinars
K-State Research and Extension is partnering with the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Trails Council to bring a series of webinars focused on preserving and building public trails in Kansas. These events are for local trail advocates who want to create access to community trails.