Leveraging big data to preserve the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer: A blueprint for the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research

Authors: Nelson, Amanda; QUINTANA ASHWELL, NICOLAS - Mississippi State University; Delhom, Christopher; GHOLSON, DREW - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Land
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2022
Publication Date: 10/29/2022
Citation: Nelson, A.M., Quintana Ashwell, N.E., Delhom, C.D., Gholson, D.M. 2022. Leveraging big data to preserve the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer: A blueprint for the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research. Land. 11(11):1925. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111925.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111925

Interpretive Summary: To address the challenge of a depleting Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer (MRVAA) groundwater supply will require reducing groundwater withdrawal for irrigation, increasing aquifer recharge, and protecting water quality for sustainable water use. The National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR) conducting research aimed at improving irrigation methods and scheduling, employing alternative water sources, and improving crop management and field practices to increase water use efficiency across the region. Utilizing big data methods is key for NCAAR success. Its scientists use big data for research in the form of various soil, weather, and water monitoring and management devices to collect agronomic or hydrologic data. They also produce, process, and analyze big data which are converted to scientific publications and farm management recommendations. Similarly, decision tools that would help producers leverage the data generated from their operations will be developed and made available to them. This article outlines some of the many ways big data is intertwined with NCAAR’s mission.

Technical Abstract: The challenge of a depleting Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer (MRVAA) requires reducing groundwater withdrawal for irrigation, increasing aquifer recharge and protecting water quality for sustainable water use. To meet the challenge, the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR) is oriented towards producing scientific work aimed at improving irrigation methods and scheduling, employing alternative water sources, and improving crop management and field practices to increase water use efficiency across the region. Big data is key for NCAAR success. Its scientists use big data for research in the form of various soil, weather, geospatial, and water monitoring and management devices to collect agronomic or hydrogeologic data. They also produce, process, and analyze big data which are converted to scientific publications and farm management recommendations via technology transfer. Similarly, decision tools that would help producers leverage the wealth of data they generate from their operations will also be developed and made available to them.