The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest freshwater aquifers in the world, supports 30% of U.S. crop and animal production, increases agricultural production by more than $12 billion annually, and impacts global food supplies. However, much of the Ogallala is rapidly declining and climate change will only compound this challenge.

We are collaborating with partners across Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, to develop practices, strategies and partnerships that optimize use of groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer Region to sustain food production systems, rural communities and ecosystem services. Our research group will focus on the impact of soil management practices on ecosystem resilience and water use efficiency.