Characterizing interactions between weather and crop physiology to improve understanding of plant growth and watershed hydrology.
WMSRU employees install neutron probe access tubes, which are used to measure soil water content in nearly 100 individual plots throughout the growing season.
We investigate plant hydraulic functioning of root systems and water use of crop plants. See research under Louise Comas for details.
Vision:
Inspire resilient agricultural systems under increasing water scarcity.
Mission:
We work in areas where rainfall is scarce, from snow-fed mountain source waters to irrigated and dryland cropping systems. We develop strategies to deal with changing climate, forest fire, competition for water, and the challenges of water scarcity. Our research makes advances in plant trait networks, ecophysiology, remote sensing, micrometeorology, plant to watershed modeling, precision farming, irrigation management, and real-time decision support to bring economic value to stakeholders.
Research Projects
Research Scientists
Barnard, David (Dave) - Hydroecologist
Comas, Louise - Plant Physiologist
DeJonge, Kendall - Agricultural Engineer
Mankin, Kyle - Research Leader, Hydrologist
Mikha, Maysoon - Soil Scientist
Gleason, Sean - Plant Physiologist
Green, Timothy - Agricultural Engineer
Zhang, Huihui - Agricultural Engineer
Support Staff
Brackett, Chris - UAV Specialist
Erskine, Rob - Hydrologist
Hardy, Cody - Akron Farm Manager, Agricultural Science Technician
Hawk, Sienna - Secretary
Lighthart, Nathan - Biological Science Aid
Michaud, Joseph - Plant Physiologist
Pieper, Susan - Agricultural Science Technician
Pokoski, Tyler - Agricultural Science Technician
Steward, Ross - Engineering Aid
Wells, Ryan - Engineering Technician
Yemoto, Kevin - Engineering Technician
Retired Scientists
McMaster, Greg - Agronomist
Trout, Thomas - Agricultural Engineer & Cooperator
