Optimum utilization and renewal of public and private lands in New Mexico is an integral part of developing sustainable resources in water and energy and contributing to regional economic development. NMSU has carried out extensive research on alternatives to pesticides, management of hazardous materials, arid land agriculture, and stewardship of arid rangelands, which have resulted in improved practices in farming and rangeland restoration in the greater Southwest region. As part of the Institute for Sustainability of Water, Energy, and Land, NMSU will carry out interdisciplinary research on ecosystem management, restoration, and protection, with particular emphasis on the following:
- Research and technology development to support sound ecosystem management
- Development of drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and pest-resistant crops to reduce the use of irrigation water and environmentally damaging pesticides
- Biological control of weeds to improve water conservation
- Disposal of hazardous materials, including radioactive waste
- Impacts of climate change and carbon sequestration on the environment
- Rangeland resource management and restoration of disturbed lands
- Research focused on the conservation, protection and restoration of native plant and animal communities.
- Director: Mark Peterson