The mission of the Cropping Systems Research Laboratory is to develop fundamental, long-range research programs in Plant Stress and Germplasm Development, Wind Erosion and Water Conservation, Cotton Production and Processing, and Livestock Issues. The overall mission is subdivided among four multidisciplinary research units. All major crops and soil types, and significant animal production exist within a 50-mile radius of the Laboratory. This diversity of cropping systems, soil types, and livestock industries allows Laboratory scientists the opportunity to relay their fundamental information directly to their applied counterparts in State Agricultural Experiment Stations, private industry, commodity organizations, and other user groups.