ACES Impact Stories | 2018

Environmental Stewardship

Enabling Value Chains to Create Sustainable Income for Vulnerable People in Crop-Livestock Systems of Burkina Faso and Niger (ENHANCE)

The African Sahel suffers from many challenges including extreme poverty, food insecurity, high fertility rates, and climate uncertainty. Dr. Hurd collaborates with a team of ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) researchers to improve production and management of crop-livestock systems. The goal is to increase animal protein availability to benefit communities throughout the region where protein deficiency is widespread. Dr. Hurd's focus is on student training that will provide enduring food security support.

Brian Hurd, bhurd@nmsu.edu, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business

Valuing the Potential Contribution of Desalination and Water Reuse to the Water Supply Portfolio of Southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico

Enhancing water supplies in Southern New Mexico is vital to the economic security and development of the region. Dr. Hurd and his team of researchers are developing new approaches that model economic, social, and environmental impacts and consequences of possible desalination of underlying brackish groundwaters. Cost-effective and time-appropriate development of brackish aquifers will benefit the state and many of the world's arid and semi-arid regions that struggle with water security.

Brian Hurd, bhurd@nmsu.edu, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business

Students use techniques learned in class to evaluate a long-term invasive plant research project

Vegetation Measurements class students evaluated the effects of herbicide treatment on rangeland health and productivity by applying the techniques and statistical analyses learned in the classroom in a "hands on" field activity. Student teams designed sampling protocols and collected field day during 3 field trips to research plots at the Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center. After evaluating the data they collected, students showed during oral presentations how herbicide treatments not only controlled honey mesquite but increased grass production compared to controls.

Derek Bailey, dwbailey@nmsu.edu, RGSC Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Extracting clues for sustainability from acequia-irrigated landscapes of New Mexico

We have conducted meaningful research in New Mexico about traditional acequia irrigation ditches. In a January 2019 op-ed, the director of the association that promotes acequia agriculture cited work by Fernald and others as an example of useful research to continue. We found that the long-term health of acequia communities can be nurtured by maintaining key features: the water delivery system; the largely agricultural land use; the community water management system; the spiritual or intrinsic value of land, water, crops, and animals; and enough outside economic, legal, and political support to bolster the community water delivery and water management systems.

Sam Fernald, afernald@nmsu.edu, Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Agroecosystem resilience in times of drought and climate variability

Proactive sustainable management solutions emerging from co-production of knowledge by scientists and agricultural producers, to build ecological, economic, and social resilience in response to drought and climate variability. This project includes basic and applied research involving 135 producer households in NM, CO, and OK and is reaching numerous stakeholders in the southwest, central, and southern plains through extension and outreach efforts. Landowners and land managers are contributing data via citizen science and participatory methods and we have generated an enhanced precipitation and well monitoring infrastructure at a regional level.

Amy Ganguli, ganguli@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Windows to the past help researchers predict future climate impacts on desert southwest ecosystems

Southwestern landscapes have transformed dramatically over the last century in response to variations in land use and climate. Using century old ecological records from the NMSU archives and herbarium coupled with contemporary data collection and modeling, researchers from Range Sciences in the College of ACES are documenting changes to the climate sensitive high elevation ecosystems of the Organ Mountains. Changes in plant community composition across elevation and time can be used to predict the direction of future ecosystem changes and thus help land stewards develop appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Laura Prihodko, prihodko@nmsu.edu, College Associate Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Anthropogenic water contaminants

Anthropogenic water contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products) are widely distributed in water bodies around the world and are of serious concern even in trace amounts due to their toxicity to aquatic life and risks to public health. Conventional wastewater treatment processes do not effectively remove these recalcitrant organic contaminants. Dr. Tanner Schaub's Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory developed tools that provide an unprecedented look at the chemistry of water contamination and treatment. The information produced by this technology allows engineering teams to develop new treatment systems that clean up City of Las Cruces municipal wastewater for re-use.

Tanner Schaub, tschaub@nmsu.edu, Director, Center for Animal Health and Food Safety

Cattle AI Management course trains students and producers.

Utilization of artificial insemination (AI) in beef cattle production systems has remained fairly constant (7.2%) over the past 30 years. Many producers would benefit from the use of reproductive technologies with proper training; however there are limited opportunities within the state for producers to gain the proper skills to manage cattle AI. This short course was developed to provide producers and students an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to implement successful AI programs through lecture and hands-on instruction.

Adam Summers, asummers@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Precipitation level during gestation can program female cattle fertility

Drought and the environmental stress associated with it impact cattle production. Reduction of forage availability and increased supplementation costs may decrease producer profitability. Additionally, the stress placed on pregnant cow may impact subsequent progeny performance in a phenomenon known as fetal programming. We found that Brangus heifers born to cows experiencing lower than average precipitation levels during gestation were more likely to remain in the herd and produced more calves than those whose dams experienced higher than average precipitation levels.

Adam Summers, asummers@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Growth promoting implants increase weaning weights without impacting reproduction

Growth promoting implants have been utilized by the beef industry in suckling calves to improve efficiency of gain; However, previous studies suggest mixed results when utilizing implants in female progeny. Due to this, many producers hesitate to utilize growth promotants on heifers as selection for animals retained in the herd has yet to occur. Providing growth promoting implants to heifers at 3 months of age increased weaning weight by 8% (40 lbs) without reducing pregnancy rates. These data suggest providing growth promotant to heifers prior to weaning may improve cattle growth and the amount of product available for producers to market.

Adam Summers, asummers@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Animal and Range Sciences

Everything is Chemical

Chemistry is everywhere, especially in agriculture, but while most agricultural majors require chemistry, students are often poorly prepared and unenthusiastic about this subject. In "Everything is Chemical", we show how plants, animals, and the environment are comprised of atoms and molecules and that the just a few elements are combined or bonded affects their use. By incorporating concepts early, we hope students will be more engaged and less resistant to learning chemistry. The products are being integrated into introductory and upper level courses and will be evaluated using pre- and post-testing. All modules are posted online for free use at ScienceofAgriculture.org.

Laura White, lmwhite@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Equine Science Director, Therapeutic Riding Program, Animal and Range Sciences

Hands-on learning boosts students’ confidence and makes them more ready for the work-force

Traditional style classroom lectures have difficulty teaching and assessing a student's ability to perform a hands-on task or skillset. Equine courses with laboratory sessions allow students to experiment and practice hands-on tasks in a safe and controlled environment. Laboratory sessions also allow instructors to assess student's skillset acquisition throughout the semester. Students appreciate the opportunity to learn real-world skills and are better prepared for the workforce.

Laura White, lmwhite@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Equine Science Director, Therapeutic Riding Program, Animal and Range Sciences

Plant blindness: bringing the importance of plants back into focus through K12 engagement in local public-school districts in southern New Mexico

People's inability to appreciate the aesthetics and unique biological features of plants, and the misguided, human ranking of plants as inferior to animals is known as "plant blindness." NMSU plant researchers are partnering with the Asombro Institute for Science Education to tackle the problem, which is alarmingly prevalent in younger generations, by developing lesson plans utilizing plant museum collections and specimen data to teach about plant biology and biodiversity. The program will reach 1,500 students yearly in two local public K12 school districts (Las Cruces Public Schools and Gadsden Independent Schools).

Sara Fuentes-Soriano, sfuensor@nmsu.edu, College Asst. Professor/Herbarium, Animal and Range Sciences

Increasing the visibility of NMSU Plant Herbaria through their full digitization

New Mexico has five major plant museums, known collectively as herbaria, which contain a combined 300,000 specimens of dried, pressed plants that are invaluable scientific resources used to promote education, research and public engagement. More than 30% (or 120,000) of these specimens are housed in two herbaria at NMSU, but the information they contain is partially available online. The collections are being physically merged, databased and digitized in a modern database for eventual release on the web. This will allow users around the globe to consult the specimen data and images of every single specimens within our collection harnessing its full potential.

Sara Fuentes-Soriano, sfuensor@nmsu.edu, College Asst. Professor/Herbarium, Animal and Range Sciences

Building resilience in fire-adapted forests

The Forest Service spent over $2 billion in 2018 suppressing wildfires - the most expensive year on record. These large and severe wildfires threatened lives, property, wildlife habitat, and watersheds. Today's forest managers are seeking solutions to these problems using silvicultural techniques, including prescribed fire. NMSU's forestry and fire research program is providing managers with a demonstration area with over 10 years of data showing how thinning and burning treatments build forest resilience to insects, disease and wildfire. Evaluations indicated 90% of participants increased knowledge across five subject areas, and 80% indicated they intended to change a current management practice.

Doug Cram, dcram@nmsu.edu, Asst Professor/Extension Forestry & Fire Specialist, Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources

Economic Entomology

My program studies the taxonomy, morphology, and bionomics of insects, especially the Heteroptera (stink bugs, assassin bugs, and relatives). Members of this group have tremendous economic impact as pests of crops, as biocontrol agents, as vectors of human disease, etc.; individual species cause millions of dollars in losses in the US alone.

Scott Bundy, cbundy@nmsu.edu, Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Agronomic and Invasive Weed Management

Overall my program focused on research and teaching about agronomic and invasive weeds. While the research program is still in initial stages, interesting data are being obtained, and results will directly benefit local growers (e.g., testing new herbicides and adjuvants; assessing cover crops for weed management) and invasive weed managers (e.g., integrating conventional and biological control). I continued research on ecology and management of invasive weeds and also management of agronomic weeds, advising four graduate students on these projects. I received a NIFA seed grant ($150K) and an NMSU IMPACT grant ($40K) to expand this research.

Erik Lehnhoff, lehnhoff@nmsu.edu, Asst. Professor/Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Reversing insecticide resistance in bed bugs

Romero laboratory reported for the first time the detection of populations of bed bugs resistant to neonicotinoids and identified metabolic mechanisms of resistance. Bed bugs have resurged globally and have become an important public health problem. Results of neonicotinoid resistance is having a great influence on the way pest management professionals (6,000 pest control companies are registered in the US), select appropriate insecticide, or design control programs, to effectively eliminate infestations. Recently, our lab also identified insecticide synergists that could reverse resistance in field bed bug populations. All these advances reduce the impact of bed bugs in society.

Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Alternative Management Strategies for Controlling Insecticide Resistant Bed Bugs

Development of insecticide resistance in bed bugs urge the development of alternative methods for management of infestations, and a liquid bait is an option. The development of a bait system for bed bugs requires the identification of compounds that elicit feeding behavior (phagostimulants). We identified Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the most effective phagostimulant followed by two mixtures of sodium chloride (NaCl) and low ATP solutions. Identification of phagostimulants for bed bugs contribute towards the development of a bait-based system that reduce insecticide exposure in indoor environments.

Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Integrated Pest Management for Cockroaches

Cockroaches directly affect more people in the US than any other group of arthropods. Infestations of cockroaches in indoor areas can lead to both asthma and allergies, particularly in children. Turkestan cockroach, Blatta lateralis, has become the most important peridomestic species in urban areas of the Southwestern United States. We have identified three botanical essential oils that cause acute toxicity to Turkestan cockroaches. Since these compounds also have repellency properties they can be used by pest management professionals as part of an integrated pest management programs to repel cockroaches in sensitive environments such as hospitals, daycares, and schools.

Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Understanding the fate of pesticides in soil

Action of widely used herbicide, metolachlor varies with environmental conditions, likely due to shifting microbial activity, though it is unknown which organisms degrade metolachlor in the field, nor if they change with environmental conditions. NMSU, in collaboration with University of Florida, Craig Venter Institute and Agricen Sciences, revealed the identity of bacteria that consume metolachlor in normal and flooded soils using isotopic labeling of their DNA. The simple act of flooding the soil resulted in complete turnover of organisms responsible for degradation. Understanding the basis for erratic soil behavior of pesticides can inform future management practices to achieve desired outcomes.

Gerald Sims, gksims@nmsu.edu, Department Head, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Interim Department Head, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Managing nematodes in turfgrass on golf courses

Severe decline of bent grass greens on numerous golf courses in Albuquerque, Artesia, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, and Roswell was determined to be the result of high populations of ring nematodes (Mesocriconema nebraskense). We found that only abamectin products reduced nematode numbers to levels where the turf recovered. Golf course managers and turf consultants have applied this information to restore greens to playable condition.

Steve Thomas, stthomas@nmsu.edu, Distinguished Professor, Nematology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Biological Control of Saltcedar

Highlighting the long-term nature of most biological control efforts, massive defoliation of saltcedar trees by an introduced leaf beetle throughout the state of NM in 2017 is the result of research by NMSU and other western universities and agencies that began in 2001. The NMSU quarantine laboratory was involved in initial evaluations of beetle biology, including host choice and hybridization, followed by field release and monitoring of impact on trees.

Dave Thompson, dathomps@nmsu.edu, Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)

Biological Control of Insect Pests in Key New Mexico Crops

Biological Control has the potential to control many insect pests but is frequently undervalued. Control of insect eggs alone is often 80-90% when populations of predators are not disrupted by frequent insecticide applications. Control of alfalfa weevil with parasitoids and predators will save New Mexico growers over $2Million per year. Our NMSU farm has maintained good control of alfalfa weevil with biological control for 20 years. Replicating this type of control in just alfalfa, sorghum and pecan will save growers $6.5 Million per year in reduced losses and control costs.

Jane Pierce, japierce@nmsu.edu, Extension Entomologist, Extension Plant Sciences
Associate Professor, Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Associate Professor, Research and Extension Entomologist, Agricultural Science Center at Artesia

Research on Rare Chipmunks Helps the U.S. Military Fulfil its Mission

The U.S. Department of Defense has a commitment to conserve natural resources on military lands in ways that are compatible with its primary mission of training forces and testing new weapons. This objective requires information about species at risk that can inform conservation and management plans. The Oscura Mountains chipmunk is listed as threatened by the State of New Mexico and its entire range is contained within White Sands Missile Range. We used remote cameras in a robust study design to determine distribution and key habitat features required by this chipmunk. Our results are being used by WSMR in management plans that will conserve this species and facilitate military readiness.

Jennifer Frey, jfrey@nmsu.edu, College Professor, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Biodiversity in the Face of Climate Change

Dr. Boykin's work has recently been included in the EPA's Enviroatlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas). These 26 biodiversity metrics provide users across the United States to discover, analyze and download biodiversity data related to ecosystem services in concert with other ecosystem services such as water supply, carbon storage, energy potential and crop productivity. The biodiversity metrics include total vertebrate richness, harvestable species richness, threatened and endangered species richness and number of bird species vulnerable to range loss due to climate change by 2050. Each dataset has a corresponding fact sheet to describe the importance of the metric.

Ken Boykin, kboykin@nmsu.edu, Research Associate Professor, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Wildlife Population Research

In 2013, a report commissioned by the NM Dept. of Game and Fish calculated that hunters, anglers and trappers directly spent >$613 million and that multiplier effects result in 7,900 jobs collectively contributing $453 million to the State's economy resulting in $106 million in state revenue. I have two projects germane to the hunters of New Mexico estimating the density and abundance of black bears and mountain lions in the state. This information will assist the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in setting harvest levels for both species. A third project explores the impact that the energy sector can have on golden eagles throughout the continental U.S. Golden eagles are a protected species and we are amassing information on their movements, relatedness among populations, and on mortality factors which is being used to lessen impacts to golden eagle populations while at the same time trying to determine best management practices to ensure renewable energy development, in particular wind farms. Finally, our work out at White Sands National Monument will result in a citizen science app that visitors can use to enhance their experience at the monument. Over 500,000 visitors annually support ~400 jobs and infuse $29 million into the local economy as a consequence of the monument.

Gary Roemer, groemer@nmsu.edu, Professor, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Conservation Efforts help Burrowing Owls Move Away from Urban Environments

Working collaboratively with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Global Owl Project (2017 to present) to evaluate and improve translocation efforts in the southwest for burrowing owls, a species of strong conservation concern in the United States that often come in conflict with development in urban areas. This research will improve our ability to successfully move these birds away from development. In addition to ongoing efforts to fine tune release efforts, recent research in southern New Mexico (Griffin et al. 2017) has resulted in recommendations for the placement of translocation sites. This research has national and international significance as translocation efforts for burrowing owls are occurring across the nation and internationally. For example, I was recently invited to co-host a workshop in Aruba in an effort to conserve and manage their endangered endemic subspecies of burrowing owl (only 200 individuals remaining). My participation in this workshop is in part due to my expertise with these owls in urban environments and translocation efforts.

Martha Desmond, mdesmond@nmsu.edu, Professor, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Algae cultivation

Algae is one of the fastest growing organism on this planet and could solve energy (biofuel) and nutritional needs for humans. Algae cultivation has yet to be improved by increasing algae biomass and lipid production and minimizing undesired invading organisms like algal predators and competitors. Dr. Wiebke Boeing from the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University and her students investigated optimal environmental parameters for a marine microalga (Nannochloropsis salina) and discovered several methods by which algae cultivation can be improved: (1) Growing algae under brackish conditions (22 ppt salinity) and upon reaching maximum algae density, increasing salinity to marine conditions (34 ppt). (2) Algae growth responded most sensitively to pH with an optimum around 8. (3) Providing algae with plenty nitrogen that included NaNO3. These results were published in four papers in the prestigious journals Biomass & Bioenergy and Journal of Applied Phycology with graduate and undergraduate students being first authors. With an average citation rate of >40 citations per year for all four papers combined our research in garnering a lot of attention from the international scientific community.

Wiebke J. Boeing, wboeing@nmsu.edu, Professor, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

Rio Grande silvery minnow

Developed matrix population models and conducted an extensive simulation study to explore the roles of demographic parameters (e.g. age-specific fecundity and survival) in driving the population dynamics of the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus), an endangered species endemic to the Rio Grande basin, USA. Developed a multi-state capture-recapture model to investigate demographic differences (e.g. survival, reproductive states) between obligate (Orconectes australis and Cambarus hamulatus) and facultative (Cambarus tenebrosus) cave crayfish species.

Fitsum Gebreselassie, fgebrese@nmsu.edu, Asst. Professor/Quantitative Ecologist, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology

HRTM 430 – Hospitality Facilities Management

According to the Environmental Information Association building operations in the United States use 72% of electricity, produce 39% of CO2 emissions and consume 13.9% of potable water. The majority of students in HRTM 430 Hospitality Facilities Management can devise strategies to sustainably operate a business. Establishing partnerships to reduce water consumption, changing sourcing programs to better benefit society and evaluating green initiatives to eliminate extended return on investment projects are some of these strategies. These skills will better prepare the students to make valuable contributions to the day to day operations of the businesses the work for.

Daren Bloomquist, dbloomqu@nmsu.edu, College Assistant Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)

The Sustainability Project

The NMSU chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality has taken on the "Sustainability Project" started by Dr. Betsy Stringam. On a monthly basis the NSMH students go to local hotels and pick up discarded amenity items, such as, shampoo, soap, and lotion. They take these items to the homeless shelter in Las Cruces.

Julie Correa, jzumwalt@nmsu.edu, College Assistant Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)

Hospitality Sustainability Project

Dr. Betsy Stringam founded the Hotel Sustainability Project wherein students connect with local hotels, and community organizations, to encourage sustainable practices. A large portion of the project is collecting items such as toiletries and lost and found items from local hotels to donate to community organizations. This project builds student leadership skills and prepares students to become a part of, and to give back to, the community.

Betsy Stringam, betsys@nmsu.edu, Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)

Developing Guar as a Stress Tolerant, Water Efficient, Low Input, Soil Building, Economically Viable, and Industrial Crop for the Southern High Plains for Sustainable Bioeconomy

With new uses of guar gum, including fracking, the demand for gum has exponentially increased. United States imports $1 billion worth of gum annually. Since the growing environment in New Mexico is very similar to where guar is currently grown (Thar desert of India and Pakistan), we are trying to develop guar as an alternative crop for rainfed and limited irrigation conditions. A 25% of guar produced locally, will assure steady supply and stabilize guar gum market. In addition to sustaining Ogallala aquifer for longer, guar crop produces raw materials for oil and natural gas, food, dairy and bioenergy industries.

Sangamesh Angadi, angadis@nmsu.edu, Crop Physiologist/Professor Agricultural Science Center at Clovis
Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Genetic Improvement of Chile Pepper (Capsicum) Germplasm for New Mexico

In New Mexico, processing of chile pepper is nearly a $500 million industry. Chile wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici and Verticillium dahliae can destroy up to 100% of a field. Resistant cultivars is arguably the best way to manage disease. Molecular markers linked to resistance genes can obviate the need for testing to identify resistant individuals from early generations, leading to an effective breeding procedure. The increase in efficiency can shorten the breeding cycle and save literally thousands of dollars.

Paul Bosland, pbosland@nmsu.edu, Emeritus Faculty, Plant and Environmental Sciences

Breeding for disease resistance class

The Breeding for Disease Resistance course introduced students to the theories and concepts of breeding for disease resistance. The students had to develop and create a disease screen that would differentiate susceptible from resistant individuals. Students gained an appreciation for the amount of time, effort, and planning that goes into breeding for disease resistance. Furthermore, students gained real-world experience by culturing the pathogen and the host plant. Among the many positive results student course evaluations results was revealed was that all rated the instructor as excellent compared with other instructors at NMSU.

Paul Bosland, pbosland@nmsu.edu, Emeritus Faculty, Plant and Environmental Sciences

Training the next generation of land managers

NMSU students enrolled in Soil, Environmental, and Range Science will be New Mexico's future land managers and will decide how to allocate limited natural resources and manage competing interests. Understanding the soil resources that strongly control the success or failure of a land management decision (e.g., vegetation regeneration following a fire) is necessary for improved land management. In 2018, 6 undergraduate students and 3 graduate students participated in experiential learning that instructed students in the concepts of soil mapping and classification they will require to understand and use soil resources for managing New Mexico's natural resources.

Colby Brungard, cbrung@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

New soil information to improve land management

Spatially explicit soil information (i.e., soil maps) are foundational for understanding and forecasting hydrological and ecological dynamics necessary for land use planning and management in NM. However; large areas of arid lands lack adequate soil information for effective land management. NMSU researchers were members of an interdisciplinary team that used advanced machine learning methods to predict six soil properties (organic C, total N, bulk density, pH, sand, and clay) at seven standardized depths, and two soil classification levels at 100 m spatial resolution across the continental USA. Soil property predictions may support improved forecasts of water and plant dynamics.

Colby Brungard, cbrung@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Improving forest planting guidelines

Seed transfer guidelines for Pinus ponderosa in the southwestern US have been, until recently, based solely on geographic regions. This creates a serious risk for outplanted seedlings to be maladapted to the planting environment. The John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center (NMSU) in collaboration with the US Forest Service have developed new seed transfer guidelines that incorporates genetics, morphology, physiology, and climate to accurately define placement of seedlings to maximize survival and growth while limiting issues with insects and diseases. These new seed zones will be used by both public and private organizations involved in reforestation and restoration programs.

Owen Burney, oburney@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Superintendent, Mora/John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center

Quantifying groundwater resilience through conjunctive use for irrigated agriculture in a constrained aquifer system

Drought is persisting at Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID) and along the Rio Grande. Irrigated agriculture uses surface and groundwater to meet crop requirements. Both drinking water and food production sustainability are required for our industries and population. NMSU researchers collaborating with EBID discovered conjunctive use controls over spatial and temporal water variability, developed groundwater-surface water ratio of application (GSRA) as a metric for system resilience, and found storage was more correlated with surface water than groundwater use. Resilience can now be determined for managed and natural systems, and GSRA is a novel planning metric to support water sustainability.

Kenneth C. Carroll, kccarr@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Water Resource Mgmnt, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Community collaborative rain hail and snow network

The Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow or CoCoRaHS network provides much needed climate information for New Mexico. Through the combined work of the NM Climate Center, the National Weather Service, and a group of 400+ volunteer citizen scientists we have provided opportunities to demonstrate our appreciation of the diverse climate in the state, educate in the science of climate, and provide information to the US Drought Monitor on a weekly basis that have implications for disaster declarations and drought payments to ranchers. In 2018 over $15M was paid out to the Livestock Forage Program for due to drought.

David DuBois, dwdubois@nmsu.edu, State Climatologist/College Associate Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Understanding rangeland wind erosion in a changing environment

Wind erosion is a significant source of soil and nutrient loss in rangelands and often poses a serious hazard to nearby communities. Researchers at New Mexico State University with ARS collaborators have recently produced a synthesis of potential impacts of climate change on erosion from rangelands to identify critical research and management needs. Concurrent efforts are being made to produce regional and national assessments of wind erosion and dust emission. This work not only informs current decision support for agencies and land managers but provides a baseline to simulate response of wind erosion to potential climate and landscape change scenarios.

Brandon Edwards, bedwar4@nmsu.edu, Research Asst. Professor, Jornada Experimental Range

For the good of the farm; understanding soil and water testing

While "The Devil is in the details" is an aphorism, it speaks to the challenges found in agriculture. Salinity and sodium prevent farmers from reaching intended production goals even with sufficient nutrients. Testing soil, water, and manure are three means to determine challenges that best target management practices to combat these serious issues. Calcium from gypsum is an important tool that addresses soil sodium issues. At $600/ton gypsum requirements need to be planned. Salinity can only be mitigated through crop tolerance and water management. Interpretations through NMSU spreadsheets arrive at the correct rate to effect change and improve crop health.

Robert Flynn, rflynn@nmsu.edu, Interim Superintendent/Extension Agronomist, Extension Plant Sciences
Interim Superintendent/Extension Agronomist, Agricultural Science Center at Artesia

Rescuing economically troubled golf courses in New Mexico

With just over 100 golf courses in New Mexico that support a $1+ billion green industry and 20-50 employees per golf course, efforts to provide economic stability for troubled golf courses were continued in 2018. I provided leadership to improve course conditions, increase play, increase student support and stabilize personnel all in an effort to keep the courses open. In 2018, the Fox Run Golf Course in Gallup reopened and continues to support the local economy.

Ryan Goss, ryangoss@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

An applied research project contributes to monitoring, management and livelihoods of local communities in the rangelands and woodlands of the Sahel region, West Africa

New Mexico State University scientists are participating in a NASA-funded collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to support operational application of satellite data for food security, economic development and risk management in West Africa. As part of this applied research, NMSU scientists have developed applications for forage and woody resource monitoring that are being implemented by West African collaborators, providing new tools for long-term natural resource management and sustainability.

Niall Hanan, nhanan@nmsu.edu, Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Simulation modelling contributes to successful proposal

My project maintained and modified computer simulation model SoilWater. Create code and scripts to collect data for the model and to analyze output data of the model. Ran the model for several projects including DUST project, MODOKI project, PET calculation and PDSI calculation, and Sporobolus and Lehman's Lovegrass establishment project, and used the model results to contribute to the success of the LTER 7 proposal submitted to the NSF in 2018.

Haitao Huang, haitao@nmsu.edu, College Assistant Professor, Jornada Experimental Range

Role of salinity in filtering plant species pools

There is a scarcity of scientific data to show how invasive plant species can exploit high salinity in the environment. We reported on the halophyte salt accumulation traits of the indigenous Lepidium alyssoides (mesa pepperwort), which is known to become invasive on salinized Chihuahuan Desert shrublands. We also reported on the high salt tolerance of additional invasive species of this taxon. These published findings have improved the scientific database and may ultimately lead to more cost-effective weed management, i.e., development of predictive and preventative measures to combat invasive plant encroachment upon salinized landscapes.

Geno Picchioni, gpicchio@nmsu.edu, Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Biocrust contribute

New Mexico's land faces extensive soil degradation and resource loss. How biological soil crusts (biocrust) contribute to soil stability and health in NM is unclear. Yet, these living soil aggregates are integral ecosystem components often dominating dryland landscapes. We found that biocrust contribute significantly to soil stability. Land managed for increased biocrust cover can decrease sediment yield substantially. Furthermore, biocrust community type is associated with different functionalities. If these differences are overlooked in erosion models, soil loss cannot be accurately estimated.

Nicole Pietrasiak, npietras@nmsu.edu, Asst. Professor/Soil Micro, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Tools for automatic data collection

I worked on developing tools for automatic quality-assurance/quality-control of data collected in the field, data visualization, and data publication. An automated process becomes increasingly important as the number of monitoring stations and volume of data increases. This automatic system can reduce significantly the amount of time a scientist needs to spend curating and publishing data. I interconnected this system with our Knowledge, learning, and analysis system (KLAS) to allow users to perform experiments with the data collected. KLAS can learn from users' behavior using machine learning to serve as a guide during the experimentation process by making recommendations.

Geovany Ramirez Garcia, georam@nmsu.edu, Research Assistant Professor, Jornada Experimental Range

Alfalfa breeding and genetics research

NMSU plant breeding research uses conventional and molecular approaches to improve alfalfa drought resilience so that farmers can conserve irrigation water resources while meeting the feed demands of the region's dairy livestock industry. Estimated NM hay sales of the NuMex Bill Melton drought resilient alfalfa cultivar generated approximately $500,000 in 2018. Novel molecular breeding strategies are being applied to 260 experimental populations to evaluate their potential to accelerate development of drought-resilient alfalfa varieties with high nutritive value. Collaborative agreements between NMSU and two private industry sponsors are in place to facilitate marketing of improved future alfalfa varieties.

Ian Ray, iaray@nmsu.edu, Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

Brackish groundwater and RO concentrate can be used to grow halophytes

Our strategy towards developing new irrigation scheduling protocols for safe and low cost reuse of RO concentrate for growing food and fodder crops can be a key for sustaining agriculture in fresh water scarce areas where only low quality (brackish) surface or groundwater is available (for example southern New Mexico). Selected halophytes, Atriplex, Triticale, and Switch grass, can grow well in RO concentrate and can be used as a salt substitute in animal fodder. These can also be grown along desert margins to control desert expansion.

Manoj Shukla, shuklamk@nmsu.edu, Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences
ACES Global Initiatives Program Coordinator, Dean's Office

Drought workshop

I organized a drought workshop in Ogden, Utah to bring together U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) authors from the National Drought Mitigation Center and state and federal agency decision makers. Our major goal was to help agency personnel learn how USDM maps are made so that they have the knowledge to better respond to their stakeholders. Quoting one agency participant - whose reaction nicely captures this goal: "This meeting prepared me to explain the process in a very contentious public meeting. Because of the understanding I gained at the workshop I was able to defuse misunderstandings."

Caitriana Steele, caiti@nmsu.edu, College Asst. Professor, Jornada Experimental Range

Using water resources

My research has focused on how to get the greatest benefit from a limited water source because water is definitely a limitation resource here. I have participated in research that focuses on partial root zone drying of pecan trees to determine what can be done to cause pecan trees to maximize their yield with reduced water. In addition, I have participated in research the uses brackish water to meet some of the crop water needs and help to stretch water supplies. I have also continued to look at technologies such as canal automation to conserve water supplies and provide water for expanding needs.

Blair Stringam, blairs@nmsu.edu, College Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

New Mexico soil agricultural and environmental quality

Chemistry research lab analyzes plants, water and soils from all over the state for many agricultural and environmental projects. Results show that while soils may have higher than recommended levels of arsenic, toxic metals, and salts, the plants are not absorbing the contaminants and the produce is safe for human and animal consumption. We are helping to design and implement effective management strategies to improve profitability through better crop choice, alternate water sources, and sustainable practices like composting.

April Ulery, aulery@nmsu.edu, Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences

New global dust emission model to assess dust cycle responses to land cover and climate change

Wind erosion and dust impact agricultural production, air quality, human health, water cycle, biogeochemical cycles and climate. Land use, land cover change and climate change potentially increase erosion rates and fine dust emissions. New Mexico State University and Cardiff University researchers have developed a dynamic global dust emission model to predict impacts of the dust cycle on Earth systems and responses to climatic change. The model enables the first global assessments of dust source erodibility dynamics and dust cycle sensitivity to land cover changes.

Nicholas Webb, nwebb@nmsu.edu, Research Asst. Professor, Jornada Experimental Range