New Mexico State University (NMSU) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant for a collaborative research project focused on climate change. The project, which involves partnerships with Auburn University and the University of Delaware, aims to develop agricultural practices that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil health, and improve crop resilience to climate extremes such as droughts. The funding for this four-year research collaboration comes from the National Science Foundation's $56 million investment in climate change research.
NMSU's research team, led by Rajan Ghimire, associate professor and cropping systems agronomist, will be at the forefront of this important research. Ghimire explains, "We will develop crop management practices to improve soil health and resilience in New Mexico and investigate how to minimize the environmental footprint of crop production in the southwest." The research team will work closely with farmers to ensure practical and effective solutions that can be implemented on the ground.
The project will focus on two main crops: cotton and peanuts. Cotton and sorghum will be specifically tested in New Mexico. Ghimire's team will experiment with biochar and compost in laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings to measure soil properties and determine their impact on soil carbon storage, soil biology, and nutrient cycling. This research will contribute to a better understanding of how to rejuvenate soil health and reduce the environmental impact of crop production.
Meanwhile, Jinfa Zhang, plant and environmental sciences professor, will conduct experiments in Las Cruces to develop a genetic strategy for improving climate resilience in cotton. Zhang will grow and test 400 different lines of cotton to identify traits that promote drought resistance. This genetic research will ultimately help farmers select the most resilient and productive cotton varieties for future climate challenges.
Shannon Norris-Parish, agricultural and Extension education assistant professor, will focus on educational efforts and work directly with farmers to survey the adaptation measures they currently use to cope with climate change. This collaboration with farmers will ensure that the research findings are practical and applicable to real-world farming operations.
NMSU's involvement in this collaborative research project highlights the university's commitment to addressing critical issues in agriculture. Rolando Flores Galarza, dean of the NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, emphasizes the significance of this research, stating, "This is another example of Agricultural Experiment Station researchers leading research in timely and critical subjects for New Mexico's and the nation's agriculture."
By working together with Auburn University and the University of Delaware, NMSU aims to develop cropping system models that simulate the potential impacts of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events. This knowledge will better prepare New Mexico farmers for future climate challenges.
The $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation will not only support the research efforts but also provide valuable training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. This collaboration will ensure that the next generation of researchers and scientists are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to address climate change.
For more information on the National Science Foundation's collaborative project, please visit their website at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2316278.
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Photo captions: Peanuts, along with cotton, are the focus of a collaborative research by researchers at New Mexico State University and two other universities to develop agricultural practices that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and enhance crop resilience to climate extremes, such as droughts. (NMSU photo)
Image description: A peanut crop in a field.
