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ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Soil and Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #175218
Title: AN UPDATE AND STATUS OF THE ARS-UNIVERSITY OGALLALA AQUIFER INITIATIVE

Author
item CLARK, RAY - 6209-05-05
item Upchurch, Dan
item Howell, Terry

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/10/2004
Publication Date: 12/10/2004
Citation: Clark, R.N., Uphurch, D.R., Howell, T.A. 2004. An update and status of the ARS-University Ogallala Aquifer initiative. In: Rainwater, K.A., Zobeck, T.M. editors. 2004 High Plains Groundwater Resources: Challenges and Opportunities, December 7-9, 2004, Lubbock, Texas. p. 225-233.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The United States Congress passed legislation in 2003 authorizing the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to initiate research on methods to conserve the water in the Ogallala Aquifer. This research is known as the ARS-University Ogallala Aquifer Initiative because it involves two ARS laboratories and four iniversities. ARS implemented this research by selecting the ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland and the ARS Cropping Systems Laboratory, Lubbock to lead this activity and to include Kansas State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and West Texas A&M University. Shortyly after approval was granted, a small group of researchers met to develop a first list of research priorities. This list was used to develop research projects for the first round of funding. Project plans were developed and funding was provided to six of the seven research priorities initially established. Sixty-three projects were provided funds to be used over a two year time period at a cost of $1,315,000. In 2004, $1,100,000 was allociated to 52 projects. Again, projects were funded for two years to provide continuation for completion of the projects. This initiative is dynamic and we must keep adjusting priorities to meet the goal of providing scientifically sound data and knowledge to water planners and policymakers.