Feed, Fuel, and Fiber: Security Under a Changing Climate Food

The Texas High Plains is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the U.S. The economic value of annual total cropproduction in the area is over $1.3 billion. The area has a semi-arid climate with annual precipitation ranging from 380 to 580mm, averaging about 480 mm. For field crop production, drought is the most common factor limiting yield and water useefficiency (WUE). In addition, other biotic (e.g., diseases, insects and weeds) and abiotic (e.g., cold, heat, nutrient deficiency,etc.) stresses also affect crop production and WUE. The overall goal of this project is to increase crop yield and maximize wateruse efficiency (WUE) under water-limited conditions in the Texas High Plains. The objective is to enhance the understanding ofcrop-climate-soil interaction and optimize crop water use and WUE through the identification of new and improvedcultivars/species, and best management practices. Field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments will be planned to achieve theobjectuive and address major issues related to improvement of crop water use, WUE and stress resistance.

Food, Feed, Fuel, and Fiber: Security Under a Changing Climate Grant