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Nicole Durfee
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 Educational Background: 

BA in Psychology, University of MO-Kansas City

BS in Environmental Science, Oregon State University

MS in Water Resources Science, Oregon State University

PhD in Water Resources Science, Oregon State University

 

Skills and Expertise:

hydrology, geographic information systems and spatial analysis, remote sensing/small unpiloted aerial systems applications

 

Focus of the hydrology program:

The overarching objective of the hydrology program is to address key issues associated with water conservation in dryland systems, particularly soil water storage, to ensure sustainability of dryland agriculture in the region. Through this research, we seek to gain a better understanding of the impacts of different cropping systems and management practices on plant water use, soil evaporation, and overall water use efficiency. Projects include studying the hydrologic impacts of residue management, cover cropping, and weed management approaches. A key part of this research is the use of remote sensing (e.g., small unpiloted aerial vehicles) alongside in situ measurements to improve our understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of the soil water balance in dryland agriculture.  

 

Current Research Projects:

Research is funded under USDA-ARS NP 212 and NP 216.

  • Resilient Dryland Farming Appropriation
  • Evaluation of seasonal soil moisture and evapotranspiration characteristics in dryland agriculture across a precipitation gradient

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