Drought Resilient Alfalfa Production (D-RAP)

The project focuses on optimizing water management in alfalfa production to address challenges posed by water scarcity in the Southern Great Plains. Alfalfa, a crucial field crop renowned for its adaptability and nutritional value, faces threats from dwindling water supplies due to Ogallala aquifer groundwater depletion. To combat this, we are using precision tools and advanced modeling techniques, leveraging biophysical and remote sensing data. Through assessing water conservation strategies, developing spatial water stress maps, and predicting yield using process-based modeling and machine learning, our project aims to enhance alfalfa production resilience and sustainability. Additionally, we will gather socioeconomic data on precision irrigation techniques’ costs and benefits and disseminate knowledge through web-based decision support tools, outreach events, and collaborative partnerships with alfalfa producers.

Funding Source: https://cris.nifa.usda.gov/cgi-bin/starfinder/0?path=fastlink1.txt&id=anon&pass=&search=R=100624&format=WEBLINK