Together We're Making a Difference
The center's mission is heavily influenced by input we receive from our stakeholder groups. The University of Arizona will not drive the mission; rather, we will develop it from deep consultative input from our stakeholder groups.
Dr. Shane C. Burgess, University of Arizona
Working together is the key to successful ventures. The global desert agriculture industry benefits from University efforts that are focused on solving their pressing issues. The University benefits from new resources made available by private funding of their efforts. The environment and world populations benefit from more efficient, sustainable and productive agricultural production in the 40% of the world where food is produced in arid lands.
Improve Plant Nutrition
Fertilizer management research plays an important role in helping the agriculture industry reconcile economic sustainability with environmental stewardship.
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Research Partners
One Health
One Health is an approach to wellness that recognizes the linkage and interdependency of the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment. At YCEDA, the goal of the One Health laboratory is to aid the community in balancing and optimizing community health through the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).
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Research Partners
Increasing Irrigation Efficiency
YCEDA is working to develop software tools to optimize sprinkler irrigation, improve irrigation scheduling, and help manage root zone soil salt content. Up-to-date documentation of crop water requirements and seasonal changes in salt content based on data collected in our irrigation efficiency research studies provide essential guidance for consumers and producers.
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Research Partners
Soil Health
We are working with crop producers, technology companies (equipment, chemicals, and biologicals), researchers, government, and nonprofit foundations to better assess and enhance desert ag soil health.
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Research Partners
Plant Disease Management
Farmers need management options for plant diseases, especially Fusarium wilt and downy mildew of lettuce. YCEDA conducts yearly field trials and projects that support this objective.
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Research Partners
Ag Technologies
AgTech can improve productivity, sustainability, profitability, and safety of food production. YCEDA is currently focusing on facilitating research, development, and widespread use of technologies like IoT enabled equipment and sensors, robotics, big data and analytic, and smart-farm equipment.
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Research Partners
Food Safety
Food safety is a top priority for the desert Ag industry. YCEDA supports food safety research, development of new tools for reducing risk, and Ag industry outreach.
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Research Partners