|
|
|
Display category headings
Research Project:
Sustaining Rural Economies Through New Water Management Technologies
Location:
Soil and Water Management Research
Project Number: 6209-13000-011-00
Project Type:
Appropriated
Start Date: Apr 30, 2004
End Date: Apr 30, 2007
Objective:
The mission of the Ogallala Aquifer Initiative is to ensure the sustainability of agricultural industries and rural communities, through innovative scientific research focused on irrigation and precipitation management and integrated crop/livestock systems, considering socioeconomic impacts and an assessment of all available water resources, providing scientifically sound information for public policy decisions. 1) To investigate management of water, both irrigation and precipitation, within existing cropping systems and to conceptualize new cropping systems. A broad examination of the many issues in water management is needed to effectively provide options for producers and water managers. 2) To develop and evaluate integrated crop and livestock systems that reduce dependence on underground water resources while optimizing productivity, product quality, and profitability. A broad ranging, multidisciplinary attack is essential to developing new or improved management systems and must be tested across a range of ecosystems. 3) To investigate designs, performance, and management of equipment and systems used for irrigation. This is an engineering focus to study the issues associated with irrigation equipment currently used and to reach beyond current concepts and identify future irrigation approaches. 4) To provide estimates of economic impacts of various water management activities and strategies. This program supports and contributes to all other efforts in the overall program. The scope of economic studies must span the micro- or farm level, to the macro- or regional scale. 5) To provide a common assessment of the groundwater resources in the Ogallala Aquifer and the interrelationships with climate. This includes understanding the status of the aquifer and potential rates of decline, as well as, investigating climatic variables specifically targeting prediction capacity. 6) To enhance the knowledge base of producers, water professionals, and policy makers about soil water, crop water use, precipitation management, and irrigation principles; and to develop an information program for youth about the Ogallala Aquifer and its importance and use. 7) To develop and evaluate water saving technologies for the confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) and industries that process agricultural commodities. This element contains evaluation of environmental and health risks of reusing water from other activities.
Approach:
In partnership with the ARS Laboratories in Bushland and Lubbock, TX, Kansas State University, Texas A&M; University, Texas Tech University, and West Texas A&M; University, a strategic plan has been developed to protect the economic integrity of West Texas and Western Kansas through new and enhanced water management strategies; enhanced integrated crop, forage, and livestock production systems; and enterprises for existing natural resources and associated agricultural products, while conserving water and natural resources. This partnership seeks solutions to these complex challenges through multidisciplinary team and partnerships with industry, producers, other institutions, and agencies.
|
|
| Related National Programs |
|
|
|
|
Email this page
