Texas A&M AgriLife Computer Modeling Researchers Receive USDA Recognition

Key Highlights :

1. The CEAP team was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary's recognition for their work in predictive computer modeling that has shown potential for natural resources conservation interventions that are already being implemented at the national level.

2. The team's work began in 2003 and their most recent report on nearly two decades of predictive findings revealed a host of potential benefits to producers and natural resources.

3. The team is using their findings to develop and enhance conservation strategies related to USDA's efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

     The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Blackland Research and Extension Center at Temple has recently been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for contributions to farm production and conservation. Two computer modeling and big data researchers from the center, Luca Doro, Ph.D., and Theresa Pitts, were part of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) modeling team that received the award. The award was presented by Robert Bonnie, USDA undersecretary of farm production and conservation, for field contributions from October 2020-March 2022.

     The CEAP team has been making great impacts in predictive computer modeling that can benefit a limitless array of applications in agriculture, life sciences and natural resources management and conservation. The team began in 2003, combining more than 19,000 farmer surveys with natural resource data from existing sources like the National Resources Inventory into a comprehensive database for predictive analysis across whole production systems.

     The team’s March 2022 report revealed a host of potential benefits to producers and natural resources, including significant gains for soil health and soil carbon storage, while also identifying areas in need of additional and targeted nutrient management strategies. The team was also able to identify the difficulty of controlling subsurface nitrogen and soluble phosphorus pathways – emphasizing the need for advanced technology solutions like tillage efficiency and a systems approach to conservation.

     The findings from the team’s report are being used to develop and enhance conservation strategies related to the USDA’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis. The USDA-NRCS has also developed a comprehensive nutrient loss action plan that is refocusing and strengthening efforts across the agency. This includes the Source, Method, Rate, Assessment and Timing (SMART) Nutrient Management campaign, which is designed to support and strengthen nutrient management and result in water quality improvements across the U.S., save farmers money and increase resilience to climate events.

     The recognition of the Texas A&M AgriLife computer modeling researchers is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, and is a significant achievement in farm production and conservation. The team’s contributions have already had a positive impact on the natural resources of the United States, and will continue to do so in the future.

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