The five-year Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Enhancement project, which focuses on implementing regenerative agricultural management practices, has been awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This project evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of Texas' major crop-producing regions, including corn, sorghum, cotton, and wheat. Supported by Texas commodity groups, the study aims to enhance sustainability and soil health through improved carbon management practices.

This study examines soil moisture dynamics within conservation cropping systems in semi-arid environments. Ground-truth data will be integrated with remote sensing and weather data, then applied to biogeochemical models to assess water sustainability under future climate scenarios.

This study assesses the biological, chemical, and physical properties of soil health and their impact on Texas cotton agroecosystems.

Optimizing cover crop production through management strategies (termination dates, planting rates, grazing, etc.) in order to understand biomass production and soil health benefits of regenerative agroecosystems across Texas.

The decomposition of cover crops plays a critical role in soil health and crop productivity. Our research explores carbon and nitrogen cycling dynamics to optimize nutrient availability and improve cotton yields in semi-arid regions.

In collaboration with the Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, we aim to:
1. Identify the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of wind erosion that impact human health.
2. Develop and implement sustainable agronomic practices to reduce on-farm soil loss and mitigate wind erosion.

This project aims to transform traditional row crop farms in the High Plains of Texas into sustainable perennial forage systems. By doing so, it seeks to improve soil health, conserve water, capture carbon, and enhance economic sustainability. The project will develop best management practices, evaluate environmental and economic impacts, and provide resources and training to support this agricultural transition, ultimately contributing to climate resilience and sustainable food production.