ADAPTING TO CHALLENGES TO IMPROVE THE RESILIENCE OF FARMING IN SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO

A. Test the performance and adaptation of existing and alternative crops to determine potential for yield improvements through cultivar development and breeding for arid climates.Objectives are:1) Identify improved cultivars of existing crops that align with local markets, technology, and equipment to improve yields and management practices. Yield improvements should be quantifiable to demonstrate change in practice.2) Identify and test the suitability for new or emerging crops that may prove more efficient, adaptable or provide economic premiums. This objective will focus specifically on heat and water stress adaptations to prepare for continued challenging climate conditions.B. Develop management strategies to improve water conservation and use efficiency among an array of cropping systems.Objectives are:1) Determine the consumptive use rates for industrial hemp under a CBD production management scenario to maximize water use through an understanding of crop physiology across two locations and soil types.2) Evaluate the suitability of no-tillage cropping in both irrigated and dryland systems to demonstrate potential for water use savings and improvement of soil organic matter across the Colorado Plateau in the long-term.3) Promote native plant establishment through area collaborations using emerging technologies adapted toward native species and the ecosystem services they provide.C. Continue to evaluate the agronomic and economic feasibility of cover crops in arid agroecosystems to improve soil health parameters.Objectives are:1) Evaluate the effects of cover crops in arid climates for their effect on soil water content, soil erosion, soil fertility, weed control and soil health. These parameters will be integral in determinations of improved soil organic matter and long-term change in water-use efficiency.2) Work with local economist to determine the economic impacts of cover crop use in Southwest Colorado such as percent change in returns on commodities or net gain in water use.D. Disseminate the project results to the public via publications, meetings, workshops, field days, and the media (newspapers, radio and TV stations, and the Internet).Objectives are:1) 20% of content within workshops and field days will be directed at the next generation of producers and stakeholders with targeted content towards topics of relevance to future climate scenarios and challenging market trends.2) Future content in public workshops will be consciously developed for a lay audience with backgrounds limited in science to provide greater understanding of the mission of the AES research centers, CSU and student learning.