Overview

Impacts

Field Crops

For more than 50 years, scientists at the center have evaluated wheat and grain sorghum varieties under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Although the increased yields attributed to these trials have not been quantified, an increase of just 1 bushel per acre equals an estimated $2 million annually.

Tillage research shows that irrigated wheat yields from conventional and conservation tillage production are comparable, but production costs for conservation tillage are lower by as much as $50 per acre. The annual cost savings to produce wheat under conservation tillage exceeds $6 million.

Studies have documented the beneficial use of dairy manure in crop production. That's good news since dairies in Curry and Roosevelt counties produce more than 500,000 tons of dry manure annually. This research helps the dairies comply with their discharge permits.

Corn forage research using water conservation helps support the beef and dairy industry.

Peanut and specialty crops

New Mexico's peanut industry exists largely due to research at the center. Valencia A and Valencia C peanuts, which were developed here, account for 90 percent of the peanuts grown in the state today. New Mexico's peanut production is valued in excess of $18 million annually.

Research contributes to continued improvements in peanut production through investigations of fertility, inoculants, disease resistance and water management practices.

Research at the center is looking at insect populations which impact on crop production.

Vegetable production in Curry and Roosevelt counties generates more than $9 million annually in cash receipts. Studies have focused on green beans, potatoes, black-eyed peas, onions and other specialty crops.