2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to facilitate coordinated research on soil and crop management for efficient water use, through collaborative efforts with Texas Tech University students and faculty. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Conduct applied and fundamental research on the causes and consequences of wind-induced soil erosion, and the interactions of plants with the soil and aerial environments; to develop wind erosion mitigation strategies and water management strategies that alleviate, delay, or moderate the impact of drought and thermal stress on crop production. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Texas Tech University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for parent CRIS 6208-13000-006-00D, Managing Crop Production in Semi-Arid Climates with Variable Water Sources and Amounts. This agreement provides stipends to support graduate students and summer salaries for selected research faculty, and thereby expands the unit's research capacity. There are currently three graduate students funded under this agreement. One study is evaluating the application of the simulation model Hydrus-3D, which mathematically describes the transport of water in the soil in three dimensions and is being applied to study water movement using a buried drip irrigation system in cotton. Another investigation is determining the effects of crop management systems and soil interactions on fine dust emission potential from agricultural lands. Finally, a field study is underway on a commercial farm in which remote sensing, soil electrical conductivity mapping, soil sampling, and yield monitoring are being used to determine if varying the plant population in a site-specific manner can lead to optimum soil water use by the dryland cotton crop. ADODR is in regular contact with cooperator via e-mail, phone, and face-to-face contacts.