|
Vision: Agricultural Solutions through Innovative Science
Click here for ASRU Mission Statement
NPARL's Agricultural Systems Research Unit (ASRU) involves 8 scientists, 1 post-doctoral research associate, 10 technicians and support scientists that represent a very broad range of disciplines focused on the long-term goal (10-12 yrs) of developing crop production methods and strategies for economical, sustainable farming enterprises in the Northern Great Plains. Most of the ASRU scientists are relatively new to their positions (only one was at NPARL prior to 2000) and much of this work is just beginning. The primary thrust is necessarily on the establishment and initial assessments of these selected integrated crop production systems.
|
|
The ASRU is organized into three overlapping, flexible research teams focusing on 1) the Ecology; soil, water, and crop, 2) Management; and, 3) the Environmental impacts related to specific long-term dryland and irrigated crop rotations. The focus of this research is on: 1) improved management of pests, water and nutrients to increase net profitability, and 2) assessing the impacts of integrated cultural practices and cropping rotations on soil and water quality conservation and pest ecology. We are using pre-selected, diverse integrated crop production systems (ICPS) that are potentially acceptable rotations to growers (as per our Focus Group of growers throughout the MonDak area) using ecologically based cultural operations, management and crop rotations.
These biologically dynamic cropping systems are expected to evolve over the life of the program as a result of research findings and grower input. We recognize that research must demonstrate the distinct socio-economic and ecological benefits of the intensive ICPS before farmers are likely to adopt any new management approaches. Most of the hypothesis presented on the Research page cover both dryland and irrigated systems. This research covers a range of common soil types and agronomic practices tested under both plot and field conditions.
During the cropping season, ASRU scientists technicians hold weekly meetings to coordinate field data collection activities and keep others apprised of their activities and progress (otherwise similar meetings are monthly). Progress is reviewed by examining the results in formal and informal quarterly reviews. In addition, we strive to accommodate our partners in expanding cooperative research and to provide more synergistic opportunities. Additional grant funds that become available to ASRU scientists and partners provide opportunities to expand our efforts in the search for appropriate technologies and strategies. Experiments and hypotheses may be modified to accommodate new technologies, criticisms, and unexpected results. Specific studies may be adjusted based on feedback from our focus group, cooperating farmers, action agencies, peer reviews, university partners and industry. This approach provides flexibility in our efforts to identify and research appropriate technologies for crop production, water conservation, reducing energy expenditures, and improving water quality.
ASRU Mission Statement: The mission of the ASRU is to develop diversified irrigated and dryland cropping systems that enhance soil and water quality, conserve natural resources, and reduce dependence on agrochemicals in the Upper Missouri River Basin and the nation; to develop and transfer innovative technologies that improve the economic and environmental viability of traditional and non-traditional agricultural enterprises; and to provide leadership for interdisciplinary teams and collaborative partnerships.
|
Printable Version
E-mail this page
