Agricultural Systems Research Unit

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

ASRU Research Leader, Dr. Laj Ahuja.

Directions (external link to MapQuest.com)

(970) 492-7300
USDA-ARS-NPA-NRRC, GREAT PLAINS SYSTEMS RES. UNIT
2150 CENTRE AVENUE, BUILDING D, SUITE 200
Fort Collins CO 80526

Agricultural Systems Research Unit and Accomplishment's ASRU develops and implements state-of-the-art simulation models RZWQM, GPFARM, decision support systems (GPFARM Information System), and other products aimed at improving our understanding of how agricultural systems work and how we can best manage them. We are concerned with sustaining integrated agricultural production systems while minimizing destructive impacts on the environment and maintaining economic viability.    Unit Vision   Provide leadership in systems research for developing sustainable and adaptive integrated agricultural systems.   Unit Mission   Enhance economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural production systems by:   Synthesizing and quantifying biological, chemical and physical processes at the whole-system level. Conducting cooperative field research to fill knowledge gaps.  Developing computer models of agricultural systems to support field research and analysis of major issues, emphasizing water quality and water conservation, production, precision farming, and climate change.  Providing farm-level computerized decision support technology and information system packages to farmers, ranchers, agricultural consultants and action agencies for evaluating sustainability of alternative farming/ranching options.  Creating an Object Modeling System with a library of science and related tools to assemble customized modular models.  Collaborating nationally and internationally to evaluate and improve knowledge and products.