SatRAP project overview

Providing an interconnected approach to research

The program's three aims address key objectives necessary to strengthen agricultural production, food security, and trade while preserving important natural resources. To address the challenges of transitioning to climate-smart systems, the SatRAP team is applying an integrated approach composed of research, classroom and producer-led education, and extension programs across our three aims, as well as the use of satellite-based evapotranspiration (ET) modeling, data visualization, and remote-access tools to encourage innovative approaches to irrigation planning and scheduling decisions by producers.

 

Project goals

This five-year program is has multiple goals, focused on developing best-management practices and socio-economic support systems to enable a successful transition from irrigated farm systems to economically sustainable and climate-smart production systems

• Apply an integrated approach composed of research, classroom and producer-led education, and extension programs across our three aims.
• Encourage innovative approaches to irrigation planning and scheduling decisions by producers.
• Elucidate policy and socio-economic challenges and evaluate alternate solutions.
• Quantify water demand and use patterns using Open ET, ground sensors, and producer data.
• Assess regional aquifer stability using Q-Stable water balances.
• Design college-level convergence courses, high school experiential learning curriculum, and peer learning networks for producers.
• Develop workforce for irrigation and water management careers.