University of Arizona researchers are developing climate-smart technologies, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable farming to address the challenges of farming in arid regions.
Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, more than half of Arizona is currently experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. Yet, the state ranks among the highest in agricultural water usage nationwide due to its extensive crop and food production. This dichotomy isn’t sustainable. To produce more food using less water and meet the needs of growing populations in and outside of our state, Arizona’s agriculture industry needs to reinvent itself with climate-smart, conservation-forward technologies and practices.
Guided by our land-grant mission to use our research expertise and educational resources to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the state, U of A is poised to meet this challenge. As you will learn in this magazine, we are shaping the future of agriculture in many ways: harnessing solar power in growing food, using drones to monitor crops, working with tribal communities to integrate ancestral practices and more.
As the rapidly drying climate continues to threaten food, water and agriculture systems around the globe, the agile, real-world solutions we’re developing here will serve as models for other arid regions and foster an environmentally conscious next generation of practitioners.
View animated video shorts from the magazine illustrating sustainability efforts here and read the full issue below.
- Crops, Canals & Drones: Innovating for Arizona industry
- Indigenous Agriculture: Partnering with and learning from tribal nations
- On the Horizon: An update on U of A commission activities
- Growing Problems: Researching solutions to soil salinity
- Changing Land & Lives: Extension, rangelands and tribal advancement
- Agriculture vs. Climate Change: Developing crops for a hotter, drier world
- Working Smarter for Meat Production: Navigating new challenges and opportunities
- Partnering for Growth: Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture
- Data Discovery: New study unearths vital industry data
- Cultivating Tomorrow: UA Yuma and workforce development
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