Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Task 1 - Researchers analyzed and reported on the economic the economics of a potentially-beneficial pest-management program for controlling giant cane (Arundo donax). The primary benefit of controlling/reducing Arundo is capturing some of the water it currently consumes. Economic modeling tools such as VIDRA, City H2O Economics, RGIDECON were all developed and/or improved upon during this period to help irrigation districts better evaluate and analyze needed repairs and priorities based on their cost verses their benefit. In addition, seepage loss, soil permeability, and surface water-groundwater interaction were studied. Task 3 - Development of the Rio Grande Coordinated Water Resources Database, GIS and hydrologic model continued to provide readily available real-time and historical water resource information to water managers and the public. Workshops were held on the coordinated water resources database and numerical model development for the Rio Grande flood control planning. Task 4 - Long-term water use and crop responses were studied and determined for most vegetable crops in Rio Grande Valley. Conventional tillage was also compared with other tillage and non-tillage methods, cropping systems, burning, etc. Irrigation methods were evaluated and researchers determined some of the most efficient irrigation systems for the crops. Crops in these studies included: sugarcane, cotton, sorghum, vegetable crops, citrus, melons, and a few specialty crops. Field days, workshops and demonstrations were held to convey this information to farmers. Task 5 - Salt tolerance and minimum water requirements of annual flower plants was evaluated and a list of recommended plant types tolerant of saline water was compiled for public distribution through journals, stakeholder/regional meetings, presentations and fact sheets. Task 6 - Transpiration responses were investigated in response to biological control of Arundo using greenhouse experiments that determine plant responses to insect damage at different levels of water availability. Results demonstrated the likelihood and magnitude by which biological control reduces water losses from Arundo. Task 7 - Changes in soil salinity levels due to irrigation with treated urban wastewater having elevated salinity were evaluated in greenhouse experiments. Other salinity studies were conducted for onion cultivars and pecan rootstocks tolerance. Task 8 - Cooperation was strengthened between the RGBI project and Sul Ross State University's Sustainable Agriculture Water Conservation program. The Paso del Norte database continued to be expanded by enhancing spatial query functions to meet users' needs, and incorporating new data, especially water quality data, collected by regional water stakeholders in collaboration with New Mexico State University and Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Flood control planning model was expanded with emphasis on surface water and groundwater interaction. Task 9 - Project management and communication measures continued through a project newsletter and emails, news articles, and various other avenues to inform the public about the project results. PARTICIPANTS: This joint project's efforts continued between Texas Water Resources Institute, part of Texas AgriLife Research and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University; New Mexico Water Task Force, part of the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service and New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station at New Mexico State University; and Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Other collaborators included USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Water Development Board, Lower Rio Grande Development Council, irrigation districts, and regional water planning groups. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences continued to be Rio Grande Basin citizens in Texas and New Mexico as well as Mexico - homeowners, agricultural producers, decision makers, municipalities, irrigation district managers, and all other water users. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results reports and information for the public were disseminated through technical reports, abstracts and papers, presentations at meetings, posters, news articles, workshops, trainings, and other events and publications. Irrigation district studies and economic models were shared with irrigation district managers to assist in their decision-making process when determining what improvements or changes need to be made within their systems. Water databases that were developed help water managers and the public access real-time and historical data to assist with their irrigation and other water decisions. On-farm irrigation system management research has been applied in many (more progressive) farmers' fields to more efficiently irrigate their crops while still maintaining yields, which also conserves water while maximizing profits. These studies have also helped farmers with their overall management of their farms. Field days, workshops and demonstrations were conducted for the public to see these tillage methods, irrigation systems, and other technologies in person and implemented on a farm plot. Salinity tolerance research assisted both homeowners and larger irrigators in decisions regarding plant selection and irrigation amounts to sustain their landscape/lawn while using saline water. Fact sheets and other reports provided the public with additional information about salinity management. Cooperation with other universities has led to the compilation and sharing of additional data for models and databases that might not have been as easily accessible without these relationships. The more data available to plug into these programs, the better the output for the public and decision makers. During this project time period, three annual Progress and Accomplishment Reports were published summarizing results and continuing efforts through the project. More information on the project and to locate these reports visit riogrande.tamu.edu.
Publications
- Abudu, S., Cui, C., King, J.P., Moreno, J., & Bawazir, A.S. (2010). Modeling of daily pan evaporation using partial least squares regression. Science China, Technological Sciences, 54(1), 1-12.
- Cabrera, R.I. (2010, July-September). Evaluating rootzone stresses and the role of the root system on rose crop productivity and water use efficiency: Setting up the experiment. International Cut Flower Growers Association Bulletin, 9-13.
- Crosby, K.M., Butcher, J., Yoo, K.S., & Leskovar, D.I. (2010). 'TAM Ben Villalon': A new multiple-virus-resistant, mild, green chile pepper. HortScience, 45(11), 1756-1758.
- Hill, J. (2010). The factors affecting Equisetum hyemale invasiveness on Elephant Butte Irrigation District Canals, and possible strategies for its control. Master's thesis, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University.
- Jasby, D., Leidner, A.J., Xiao, Y., Gondikas, A., & Wiesner, M.R. (2010). Advanced technologies for tapping unconventional Texas waters. In R.C. Griffin (Ed.), Water Policy in Texas: Responding to the Rise of Scarcity (Chapter 10) Washington, DC: Resources for the Future.
- Jifon, J.L., Niu, G., Crosby, K.M., & Leskovar, D.I. (2010). Hydraulic conductance characteristics of rootstocks for watermelon grafting. HortScience, 45(4), 516-517.
- Lacewell, R.D., Dubois, M., Michelsen, A.M., Rister, E.M., & Sturdivant, A.W. (2010). Transboundary water crises: Learning from our neighbors in the Rio Grande (Bravo) and Jordan River watersheds. Journal of Transboundary Water Resources, 1, 95-123.
- Liu, Y., Sheng, Z., Kyger, N., & Reyes, F. (2009, August). Irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture statuses in an irrigated pecan orchard [Abstract]. Presentation at the New Mexico Water Research Symposium, Socorro (Proceedings, C-24).
- Moore, G. W. (2009, November). Fundamentals of riparian function: What's the matter with plant invaders like Arundo donax Presentation at the "Land, Water, People" Joint Conference sponsored by the River Systems Institute, the Texas Riparian Association, and the Texas Water Resources Institute, San Marcos, TX.
- Miyamoto, S. (2010, July). Salt leaching in irrigated pecan orchards of the Southwest. Pecan South, 45(5), 28-36.
- Sheng, Z., & Liu, Y. (2010, April). Managed underground storage of recoverable water system: A tool for sustainable development of regional water resources. Proceedings of 2010 Ground Water Summit and 2010 Ground Water Protection Council Spring Meeting. Westerville, OH: National Ground Water Association.
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Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Task 1 - A master's thesis and technical reports on Arundo donax estimate significant annual water savings. Economists began investigating and analyzing algae for biofuel. Task 3 - The coordinated water resources database and geographic information systems (GIS) Web site were publicized through invited presentations at regional conferences. Development continues on the water resources database, GIS and hydrologic model. Continued analysis of legislation reveals unintended consequences that are now recognized by lawmakers. Task 4 - Researchers began studying regulated deficit irrigation and wider plant spacing to determine the effect on productivity. Additional plastic mulch research continued in artichokes. Research on short-day onion deficit irrigation and plant population study was conducted. Numerous citrus studies were conducted evaluating irrigation, water stress, pest management, water use and water savings. Task 5 - Salt tolerance of wildflowers, zinnia and bedding plants was being evaluated. Various rainwater harvesting studies continue to test performance, discharge rates, distribution uniformity and solar powered pumping systems. Task 6 - Arundo donax research continues and additional studies looking at their vigor in sandy soils. Task 7 - Relative salt tolerance of 20 chile pepper cultivars were researched to be confirmed. A drought tolerance of specialty chile peppers study was repeated. Salt tolerance of pecan rootstock accessions were evaluated. Salinity and specific ion effects on ion establishment were studied in relation to concentrate disposal. Soil suitability and usability were assessed for developing parks and sports fields. Studies continue to evaluate the use of treated urban wastewater for irrigating bioenergy crops. Task 8 - Tools were enhanced for conjunctive management of regional surface water and groundwater. The Regional Evapotranspiration (ET) Estimation Model, or REEM, continues to be used to assess evapotranspiration, crop coefficients, economic productivity and depletion. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborations continue with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, New Mexico State University, Texas Water Resources Institute, New Mexico State University Water Task Force, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Water Development Board, Lower Rio Grande Development Council, irrigation districts and regional water planning groups. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience includes Rio Grande Basin citizens - homeowners, agricultural producers and all other water users. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Additional information continues to be publicized regarding Arundo donax, how it works, how much water it uses and how it can be controlled. Additional studies continue as there is still a lot to learn. Several articles have been written in area newspapers talking about the Arundo infestation. The coordinated water resources database and related databases are becoming more user-friendly. Additional features as well as information has been added to enhance the database. This website has been publicized through invited presentations at regional conferences to inform the public that these resources are available. Deficit irrigation, plastic mulch, irrigation, water stress, water use and other evaluations continue to produce results that are being published in scholarly journals, news articles and other media. These items are then picked up by farmers and used in trainings to demonstrate more efficient technologies that can be used on-farms to save and/or better apply their irrigation water. Salinity studies continue to help farmers, citizens and the city officials by providing more information about tolerant varieties of plants for landscaping and turf for sports fields and parks that will be better tolerant to both salinity as well as drought. An annual accomplishment report was once again published with the most recent results. This and additional current project information (as well as past information) can be found on the project website at riogrande.tamu.edu.
Publications
- Miyamoto, S. (2009). Suitability of concentrate for irrigation. In Membrane treatment of impaired irrigation return and other flows for creating sources of high quality water (Chapter 4). Final report to the American Water Works Association and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
- Cabrera, R.I. (2009, October). Use of saline and poor quality irrigation waters on the production and management of ornamental plants. Kaynote presentation in Spanish at the XII Congreso Nacional y V Internacional de Horticultura Ornamental, Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico.
- Becker, T.C., Rister, M.E., Lacewell, R.D., Moore, J., Brown, L., Brown, Y., Hogan, R., & Sturdivant, A.W. (2009, December). Algae production as an input for biofuels. Poster presented at the 21st Annual Texas Plant Protection Association Conference, College Station.
- MIchelsen, A., Chavez, M., Lacewell, R., Gilley, J., & Sheng, Z. (2009, December). Evaluation of irrigation efficiency strategies for Far West Texas: Feasibility, water savings and cost considerations (TWRI Report No. TR-360). College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
- Yow, S.R., Rister, M.E., Lacwell, R.D., Sturdivant, A.W., Rogers, C.S., & Boyer, C.N. (2010). Unintended consequences of state legislation on the adoption of water treatment technology in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Manuscript submitted for publication.
- Jifon, J.L., Lester, G., Crosby, K., & Leskovar, D. (2009). Improving the quality attributes of melons through modified mineral nutrition. Acta Horticulturae, 841, 499-502.
- Leskovar, D.I., Agehara, S., & Crosby, K. (2009). Effect of ABA rates and application frequency on growth of bell pepper and watermelon transplants. HortScience, 44, 1020-1021.
- Nelson, S., & Enciso, J. (2009). Compost use for citrus water conservation and sustaining yield. Citrus Center Newsletter, 27(3), 3.
- Niu, G., Rodriguez, D., Leskovar, D., Crosby, K., & Jifon, J. (2009). Drought tolerance of specialty chile peppers. HortScience, 44, 1021-1022.
- Watts, D.A., Moore, G.W., & Goolsby, J.A. (2010). Ecophysiological responses of giant reed (Arundo donax) to herbivory. Manuscript submitted for publication.
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Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Task 1: A beneficial pest management program was studied to control giant reed. Economic models continue to analyze life-cycle and rehabilitation costs of facilities. Water consumption of pecan trees was monitored and irrigation scheduling within the El Paso Improvement District could save 5,000 acre-feet of water per irrigation season. Task 3: The coordinated water resources database and geographic information systems (GIS) Web site for the Paso del Norte watershed has been updated to provide both historic and present-day data on water quality and flow. Economists completed evaluating implications of Senate Bill 3, with an amendment on the cost of irrigation water purchased by municipalities. Total potential irrigation efficiency water savings are estimated to be 32,587 acre-feet during drought and 76,926 acre-feet during full water supply conditions in Far West Texas. Task 4: Researchers concluded through on-farm water conservation demonstration sites that alternative irrigation practices, such as narrow border flood, microjet spray and drip irrigation, saved water when compared to traditional flood irrigation. The third year of a study comparing crop water use under green versus burned sugarcane harvest suggests that the residue that remains on the surface has little impact on sugarcane water requirements and use. Researchers investigated the physiological basis for drought tolerance of grafted vegetable (muskmelon) plants. Results from an artichoke experiment showed that plastic mulch increased yields by 11 percent and water-use efficiency by 36 percent, as compared to bare soil. Task 5: Salt tolerance of landscape plants was studied to evaluate relative salinity tolerance of 10 selected bedding plants. Drought tolerance and irrigation levels of landscape plants were also evaluated. The effectiveness of first-flush devices in deterring contaminated water from mixing with bypass water is being tested at various flow rates. Task 6: Arundo donax variations of leaf area and transpiration were measured, but a more regional study is needed to determine larger-scale water-use patterns. A stem galling wasp and armored scale were examined in terms of each efficacy in reducing leaf scale rates of photosynthesis and transpiration to biologically control Arundo donax. Based on the results of this study, if insect populations are maintained at high enough density and given sufficient time to affect crucial physiological properties, the biological control of Arundo will likely weaken establishment stands of this highly invasive species and save water resources. Task 7: Salt and drought tolerance of chili peppers were evaluated and Early Jalapeno was found to be more tolerant to drought stress than other cultivars. Results indicate that the disposal of nanofiltration concentrates into the irrigation water stream of the El Paso Valley can aggravate salinity effects on onions. An urban wastewater for irrigating bioenergy crops study began and expected results from this project may help utilize 54,000 acre-feet per year of treated wastewater to irrigate agricultural crops. Task 8: RiverWare model is used for management of surface water and groundwater. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Task 1: VIDRA modeling technology aids in an interaction process whereby irrigation district managers can understand likely financial outcomes of changes in water-delivery rates to agricultural, municipal and industrial users. Data gathered from RGIDECON analyses of rehabilitation projects for irrigation districts with leaking canals and pipelines and inefficient pumping facilities are estimated to save 61,275 acre-feet of water per year. Task 3: Researching Senate Bill 3 has brought attention to the impact of legislation and actions of lawmakers. Results of the analysis have been recognized by members of the Texas House of Representatives. Drought Watch on the Rio Grande publication reaches an audience of more than 800,000 in the United States and over 2.2 million in the El Paso-Las Cruces-Juarez Rio Grande border region. Task 4: The total citrus industry in the Lower Rio Grande Valley consists of 27,500 acres; if growers implemented these alternative irrigation practices, there could be an annual water savings of 23,100 to 44,275 acre-feet. Significant reductions in sugarcane water use are possible using efficient application methods that improve uniformity of distribution and optimum scheduling, including amount and timing of water application. Substantial water savings have been facilitated in vegetable and citrus production in the Lower Rio Grande Valley using soil moisture monitoring, various cultural practices on crop water use, and irrigation recommendations. The ultimate goal of grafting is to develop cost-effective and science-based sustainable technologies that farmers can use to manage drought and economically important soil-borne diseases of the target crops. New irrigation and nitrogen guidelines for artichoke production in the Wintergarden of Texas were developed. Task 5: The potential water savings may reach 19,528 million gallons per year, assuming 50 percent of landscapes in El Paso are irrigated with recycled water. Task 7: Several chili pepper cultivars were found to be more salt tolerant than others; this indicates that recycled water may be used for irrigating chili peppers and freshwater can be saved for more sensitive crops. Soil salinization in urban green spaces is being studied in El Paso. This study is expected to establish soil assessment and handling guidelines for construction of sports fields and irrigated urban landscapes. Such guidelines will help improve water-use efficiency and wise use of fiscal resources. Task 8: Federal agencies, irrigation districts, and water utilities can use the RiverWare models and tools to develop guidelines and optimize water operations, planning and management.
Publications
- Enciso, J.M., Sauls, J.W., Wiedenfeld, R.P., & Nelson, S.D. (2008). Impacts of irrigation on citrus in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (Publication B-6205, English, and B-6205S, Spanish). College Station: Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
- Miyamoto, S., Martinez, I., & Niu, G. (2008). Effects of salinity and specific ions on seedling emergence and growth of onions (TWRI Report No. TR-319). El Paso: Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, and College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
- Niu, G., & Rodriguez, D.S. (2008). Responses of growth and ion uptake of four rose rootstocks to chloride or sulfate dominated salinity. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science, 133(5), 633-669.
- Cabrera, R.I. & Solis-Perez, A.R. (2008, November-December). Optimizing rose crop fertilization and irrigation over hourly, daily and seasonal time scales: Rootstocks and ion uptake over a flowering cycle. International Cut Flower Growers Association Bulletin, 23-27.
- Chun, C., Lee, J.M., Leskovar, D.I., Halmer, P., Wang, C., & Lee, C. (2008). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Seed Enhancement and Seedling Production Technology. Acta Horticulturae, 771.
- Sheng, Z., Herrera, E., & Di Giovanni, G. (2008, October). Water conservation in the Rio Grande Basin through efficient reclaimed water use (Report No. 04-FG-40-2184). Submitted to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
- Watts, D., Zhaurova, K., & Moore, G. (2009). Water use dynamics of Arundo donax from leaf to stand. Invasive Plant Science and Management. Manuscript in review.
- Wiedenfeld, B., & Enciso, J.M. (2008). Sugarcane responses to irrigation and nitrogen in semiarid South Texas. Agronomy Journal, 100, 665-671.
- Yow, S.R. (2008, November). Unintended consequences of water legislation. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 90(5), 1366.
- Crosby, K.M., Jifon, J.L., & Leskovar, D.I. (2008). Genetic improvement of early root vigor in melon (Cucumis melo L.) to enhance stand establishment. Acta Horticulturae, 782, 273-278.
- Piccinni, G., Ko, J., Marek, T., & Leskovar D.I. (2009). Determination of growth-stage crop coefficients (Kc) of onion and spinach for evapotranspiration-based irrigation management. HortScience. Manuscript submitted for publication.
- Rister, M.E., Rogers, C.S., Lacewell, R.D., Robinson, J.R., Ellis, J.R., & Sturdivant, A.W. (2008). Economic methodology for South Texas irrigation projects: RGIDECON (TWRI Report No. TR-203, revised). College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
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