The Water Quality & Ecology Research Unit (WQERU) is one of three USDA-ARS research units in Oxford, MS. Nine research scientists are assigned to conduct unit research. Other personnel include 6 support scientists, 5 technicians, and 1 program assistant. WQERU research addresses a number of current and relevant issues. As the name of the unit implies, these include water quality, ecosystem integrity, and watershed management.

Components of the research program include assessments of watershed- and field-scale practices, edge-of-field and within-field management practices that influence soil resources; aquatic ecology and habitat rehabilitation; and water quality. In short, the research program is a comprehensive field to water body assessment that touches every aspect of the watershed. The scientific personnel are a diverse group with good critical mass to conduct research. The unit is unique in that it consists of the largest collection of ecologists in the nationwide USDA-ARS research program dealing with natural resource issues. WQERU research blends this strong biological expertise with natural sciences such as chemistry, soils, and engineering into a unique research team that addresses a wide range of environmental issues facing agriculture. More information about the personnel, research programs, and other activities within the WQERU can be found in the subject headings at the left.