(AP) — Federal grants are now available for projects to help improve Nebraska’s soil health.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says public and private groups can apply for the funding. Officials say a total of $150,000 is available, and the maximum award for any one project is $75,000. Applications are due by the close of business on May 16.

The Conservation Innovation Grants are designed to help speed the development of new technology and practices.

Grant proposals will need to focus on at least one of several soil health topics. Possible topics include the effect that cover crops have on soil erosion and soil moisture, grazing management, and the impacts of no-till compared with conventional tillage systems.