Mission:
The mission of the Conservation and Production Research Laboratory is to provide technology for sustainable production systems in an unpredictable, harsh semi-arid climate that optimizes the use of water, soil, and nutrient resources. This is achieved through research activities of a multidisciplinary staff organized into two research units. The Soil and Water Management Research Unit evaluates and develops technology to improve crop productivity and water use efficiency in irrigated and dryland agricultural cropping systems through advanced irrigation technologies, improved irrigation management, and crop residue management to conserve water and enhance the environment in the Ogallala Aquifer region. The Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit conducts research to monitor the quantities and sources of gaseous emissions from beef cattle and dairy feeding operations, determine nutritional, physical, chemical and management factors controlling those emissions, and evaluate methods to decrease emissions.