A wellspring of innovation: NMSU researchers test new water conservation practices

A wellspring of innovation: NMSU researchers test new water conservation practices
DATE: 05/29/2019
WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Sangu Angadi, 575-985-2292, angadis@nmsu.edu
When Sangu Angadi was traveling to his science center office in Clovis, New Mexico, one spring day, he was engulfed in the dust of a prairie windstorm. As a crop scientist, Angadi had a pretty good idea of the source of the dust – fallow fields that had dried to powder over the winter months. What he learned later would spur him into seeking new solutions to this decades-long, and worsening challenge.

Soon after returning to New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Clovis, Angadi heard on a news broadcast that some people had been killed in a West Texas traffic accident caused by the low visibility conditions in the same storm. As he weighed the conditions that led to the deadly storm, an idea came to mind that promised numerous benefits, and the possibility of perhaps saving lives in the future.

The dust storm consequences added a heightened level of urgency to Angadi’s work in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences to study new ways to use water more efficiently. Such research is especially important in the Great Plains where heavy use of ancient water trapped in the Ogallala Aquifer had depleted the underground water level much faster than it was being recharged by rain and melting snow.

Angadi, a professor of crop stress physiology, had an idea that was simple yet innovative: why not create special, non-irrigated “circular buffer strips” within the irrigated fields in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas? With center-pivot irrigation systems widely used in the area’s farmlands, such buffer strips could provide protective conditions to shield young plants from wind and conserve water. Reduced water availability in recent years had caused many farmers to irrigate only two-thirds of their fields, with a third left fallow. Those fallow areas seemed like an ideal opportunity for the buffer strips project.

A field trial was established by Angadi and his fellow researchers at the Clovis Science Center in August 2016. The field includes five buffer strips among the pivot’s crop circle. Each 30-foot-wide buffer strip alternates with a 60-foot-wide crop strip. Six native perennial grasses – two cool season and four warm season – were planted and sensors were installed.

Angadi knew that reintroduction of perennial grasses to the Great Plains fields would bring many benefits, such as improved productivity, biodiversity, soil quality and organic matter content and better water infiltration and water holding capacity. The grasses helped reduce wind speed, evaporation, wind and soil erosion, sandblasting and runoff, and improved rain and snow capture in the climate conditions, or “microclimate,” closely surrounding the crop.

A very practical benefit of the buffer strips is increased access to the fields by heavy equipment for maintenance of the irrigation pivot itself and fewer well pressure problems.

Angadi has observed an improved water cycle, biodiversity, increased productivity, carbon sequestration and reduction in withdrawal from the Ogallala aquifer.

“Producers, researchers and private companies are excited with the concept,” Angadi said. “One farmer has planted circular grass buffers in three circles and many more are thinking of trying this method.”

Angadi said the technique creates good habitat for wildlife and the project offers a unique ability to train graduate and undergraduate students in multidisciplinary studies. The project is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Foundational Grant.

Also at the Clovis Science Center, researcher Rajan Ghimire is looking at innovative ways to improve agricultural production, with a focus on the soil health of the area. Ghimire, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, leads a team that is evaluating cover crops, conservation tillage systems and crop residue management practices intended to minimize soil organic carbon loss and improve nutrient cycling, soil health and water conservation in the area’s dryland and limited-irrigation cropping systems.

Regarding the alteration of tillage practices, Ghimire said, “Research on conventional tillage, strip-tillage and no-tillage comparison in dryland situations shows the many benefits of reducing tillage. Specifically, no-tillage in dryland corn-sorghum rotations has increased soil water storage, reduced soil erosion and maintained comparable crop yields.”

Ghimire and his team also are studying how cover crops, crop rotation and diversification and the input of biomass carbon can increase efficiency of water use. The researchers’ ultimate focus is to meet global food production needs while minimizing the impact on the environment and ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability of global agriculture. They hope to improve overall soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farmland and improve water use and conservation efficiency.

Funding for Ghimire’s work comes from USDA-NIFA as well as the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

In an area of New Mexico where a history of high crop production is being threatened by a declining source of water, these and other College of ACES researchers are using innovation, dedication and know-how to help move from concern to confidence in the economic viability of agriculture in the region.
- 30 -

N.M.'s new panel to regulate horse racing

N.M.'s new panel to regulate horse racing

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed a new panel of regulators to oversee the state's horseracing industry.

She made the announcement April 25 as a legal battle simmers over a final decision regarding New Mexico's sixth and final license for a racetrack and casino.

The Democratic governor said she expects the new commission to be fair and equitable.

The panel includes former commissioners Beverly Bourguet and David "Hossie" Sanchez as well as current and former horse owners and breeders John Buffington, Freda McSwane and Billy G. Smith.

The previous commission repeatedly put off a vote on the racino license after concerns were raised about a feasibility study that examined the economics behind proposals submitted by the five applicants. That prompted a challenge that's still pending in district court.

New Mexico Land Office Weighs Changes To Agricultural Leases

New Mexico Land Office Weighs Changes To Agricultural Leases - Associated Press

The State Land Office is considering changes to rules that govern agricultural leases.

The agency has scheduled a Friday hearing in Santa Fe to take public comments on the proposed amendments, which would modify the requirements for applications to renew an agricultural lease.

Rather than requiring applicants to provide an antiquated appraisement form to capture the value of the land, the agency would look to existing formulas to determine value and rental fees.

The changes also would allow applicants to seek a re-evaluation of the carrying capacity for grazing land.

Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says she's been looking for ways to streamline the agency's processes.

She says agriculture accounts for the agency's largest geographical business operation, with about 12,750 square miles of state trust land used for grazing.

USDA Reminder.

USDA Reminds Producers of Approaching Marketing Assistance Loan Deadlines

05/24/2019 03:30 PM EDT

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds producers of the May 31, 2019, deadline to apply for crop year 2018 marketing assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybeans and minor oilseeds.

APHIS Amends Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) Regulated Areas in La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties in Arizona

APHIS Amends Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) Regulated Areas in La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties in Arizona
To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials
Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the Karnal bunt regulated areas in La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties in Arizona.
Following a review of the 2018 survey of regulated areas, APHIS will reduce the regulated area by 21,048 field acres in accordance with the criteria listed in 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 301.89-3(f). Therefore, restrictions are no longer required on the interstate movement of Karnal bunt regulated articles from these areas. Specifically, APHIS is removing 3,268 field acres from La Paz County, 16,349 field acres from Maricopa County, and 1,431 field acres from Pinal County from the list of regulated areas. The acres removed in La Paz County are part of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation that is home to the Chemehuevi, Mohave, Hopi, and Navajo Tribes.

In addition, APHIS is adding 301 field acres in the Paloma area of Maricopa County and 331 field acres in the Maricopa area of Pinal County to the list of regulated areas. APHIS is adding these fields because they are located on land that was reclaimed for agricultural use and is within the boundary of the Karnal bunt quarantine, not because APHIS has detected Karnal bunt in these fields.
APHIS is taking this regulatory action to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt from Arizona. Karnal bunt is a pest that affects wheat quality. APHIS regulates this plant disease because many trading partners require that U.S. wheat be certified as grown in areas free of Karnal bunt.
APHIS will follow this emergency action with the publication of an interim rule in the Federal Register. More information on Karnal bunt is available at the following website:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/kb

For additional information about the Karnal bunt program, please call National Policy Manager Lynn Evans-Goldner at 301-851-2286.

Osama A. El-Lissy
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Attachment: Federal Order

FEDERAL ORDER

Domestic Quarantine for
Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica)

DA-2019-08
May 20, 2019

This Federal Order amends the Karnal bunt regulated areas in Arizona. Specifically, it reduces the overall regulated area in La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties.
This Federal Order is issued pursuant to the authority provided by the Plant Protection Act of June 20, 2000, Section 412(a), 7 U.S.C. 7712(a). The Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the movement in interstate commerce of any plant, plant part, or article, if the Secretary determines the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of a plant pest within the United States.
Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(b) allows the designation of less than an entire state as a Karnal bunt regulated area only when the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined, as in this case, that the designation is adequate to prevent the interstate spread of Karnal bunt. In addition, 7 CFR § 301.89-3(a) requires that the state enforce an intrastate Karnal bunt quarantine that is equivalent to federal Karnal bunt regulations. The Arizona State Plant Regulatory Official has confirmed the establishment of an intrastate quarantine area for Karnal bunt that mirrors the federal regulatory requirements as specified in 7 CFR § 301.89.
Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(d) provides for the temporary designation of new regulated areas pending publication of a rule to add the new areas to the list shown in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(g). Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(d) further requires the federal and/or state regulatory personnel responsible for the Karnal bunt program in the affected state to give written notification to the owner or person in possession of a newly quarantined area.
This Federal Order updates the regulated areas in Arizona designated in the Code of Federal
Regulations located at 7 CFR § 301.89-3(g), and updates and replaces Federal Order (DA-2011-69) issued December 6, 2011, Federal Order (DA-2013-51) issued November 22, 2013, Federal Order (DA-2016-57) issued October 3, 2016, Federal Order (DA-2017-08) issued April 11, 2017, and Federal Order (DA-2018-09) issued April 5, 2018. This Federal Order does not negate the removal of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale harvested for silage from the list of regulated articles listed at § 301.89-2 as presented in Federal Order (DA-2017-08)
Following a review of all available information, APHIS determined that 21,048 field acres qualify for deregulation in accordance with the criteria listed in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(f). Accordingly, APHIS no longer requires restrictions on the interstate movement of Karnal bunt regulated articles from these areas. Specifically, APHIS is removing 3,268 field acres from La Paz County, 16,349 field acres from Maricopa County, and 1,431 field acres from Pinal County from the list of regulated areas. The field acres removed in La Paz County are part of the Colorado River Indian Tribe Reservation that is home to the Chemehuevi, Mohave, Hopi, and Navajo Tribes.
In addition, APHIS is adding 301 field acres in the Paloma area of Maricopa County and 331 field acres in the Maricopa area of Pinal County to the list of regulated areas. APHIS is adding these fields because they are located on land that was reclaimed for agricultural use and is within the boundary of the Karnal bunt quarantine, not because AHPIS has detected Karnal bunt in these fields.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, La Paz County, as follows:
La Paz County. Beginning at the northeast corner of sec. 36, T. 8 N., R. 21 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 1, T. 7 N., R. 21 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 7, T. 7 N., R. 20 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 19, T. 7 N., R. 20 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 19, T. 7 N., R. 20 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 36, T. 7 N., R. 21 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 36, T. 7 N., R. 21 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 2, T. 6 N., R. 21 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 5, T. 6 N., R. 21 W.; then north to the southeast corner of sec. 31, T. 7 N., R. 21 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 31, T. 7 N., R. 21 W.; then north from that point to the Colorado River; then northeast along the Colorado River to the northern boundary of sec. 32 T. 8 N., R. 21 W.; then east to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (1), as follows:
(1) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 4, T. 1 S., R. 1 E.; then west to the northeast corner of sec. 7, T. 1 S., R. 1 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 7, T. 1 S., R. 1 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 9, T. 1 S., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 9, T. 1 S., R. 2 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 5, T.1 S., R.2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 5, T.1 S., R. 2 W.; then east to the southwest corner of sec. 33, T. 1 N., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 21, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 22, T.1 N, R.2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 14, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 14, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 14, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then east to the southeast corner of sec. 16, T.1 N., R.1 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 15, T.1 N., R.1 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 15, T.1 N., R.1 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec.35, T.2 N., R.1 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 35, T.2 N., R.1 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 25, T. 2 N., R.1 W.; then east to the southwest corner of sec. 20, T.2 N., R. 1 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 20, T. 2 N., R.1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R.1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 21, T.2 N. R. 1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 27, T.2 N., R.1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 27, T.2 N. R. 1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 35, T. 2 N., R. 1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 14, T. 1 N., R. 1 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 15, T. 1 N., R. 1 E.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (5), as follows:
(5) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 16, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 16, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; south to the southeast corner of sec. 20, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 24, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 24, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 14, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 14, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 10, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 27, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 26, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 24, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 20,T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 20, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 28, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 28, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 34, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 10, T. 2 S.,R. 6 E.; then west to the southeast corner of sec. 9, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (6), as follows:
(6) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 32, T. 2 N., R. 1 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 34, T. 2 N., R. 2 W.; then north to the southeast corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R. 2 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R. 2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 34, T. 3 N., R. 2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 32, T. 3 N., R. 1 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 32, T. 3 N., R. 1 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 5, T. 2 N., R. 1 W.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Pinal County, paragraph (3), as follows:
(3) Beginning at the intersection of the Maricopa/Pinal County line and the northeast corner of sec. 4, T. 3 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 28, T. 3 S., R. 6 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 28, T. 3 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 32, T. 3 S., R. 6 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 35, T. 3 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 26, T. 3 S., R. 5 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 22, T. 3 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 3, T. 3 S., R. 5 E.; then east along the Maricopa/Pinal County line to the point of beginning.
We appreciate the cooperative relationship with the state regulatory officials, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, and the wheat industry in our effort to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt.
For more information on the Karnal Bunt Program, please call National Policy Manager Lynn Evans-Goldner at 301-851-2286.