The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service held a dedication last week for the opening of a newly-renovated Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory in Temple, Texas.
The new building will help scientists continue their mission of developing solutions for more efficient use of soil and water resources, enhancing forage and crop production, and supporting sustainable agricultural production by utilizing modern technology. The new lab will focus on several research projects, including enhancing decision support tools for crop and forage production and watershed management. Other projects include developing improved soil, water, and crop management techniques and developing sustainable crop, forage, and biofuel production systems. The scientists also want to increase rangeland productivity and quality and mitigate global climate change effects on agriculture.
ARS Laboratory Research Leader Dr. Douglas Smith says they’re excited to have the facility ready to meet the research needs to support agricultural producers and decision-makers in the years ahead.”