Mission:
The mission of the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) is to develop technology and solutions that increase efficient use of soil and water resources, maximize forage and crop production, and support sustainable agricultural production in healthy ecosystems. The mission is achieved through laboratory and field experimental research and simulation modeling by a multidisciplinary staff of scientists and engineers. The specific goals of the Laboratory are to: 1) develop improved soil, water, and crop management practices for controlling runoff and erosion, protecting water quality, and maintaining cropland and rangeland productivity; 2) develop crop growth models for optimizing the use of fertilizers, water, pesticides, and other inputs, and for forecasting crop production; 3) develop models for assessing the quantity and quality of soil and water resources and predicting the effects of changing management practices and climatic conditions; 4) develop an understanding of the ecosystem processes that control the structure, species composition, and productivity of rangeland vegetation, and 5) resolve uncertainty concerning effects of rising atmospheric CO2 levels on ecosystem processes.