January 31, 2008--Studies look at boosting ag productivity (Pueblo Chieftain )
A daylong science class for farmers Wednesday revealed how ongoing studies could make irrigation more profitable in the Arkansas Valley, while identifying needs for future research. At the same time, there was discussion about how to better provide the information to help farmers irrigate more efficiently. Researchers from Colorado State University and other agencies gave a series of technical presentations to a group of about 20 irrigators and government field workers. While the information is scientific, it does play in to many of the political issues surrounding Arkansas Valley water, said Abdel Berrada, of the CSU Arkansas Valley Research Center. “The research is aimed to help the farmers to better manage water and nutrients, but the interest is more in science than politics,” Berrada said. “Eventually people are going to have to move toward more efficient use, because of the possibility of leases or future droughts.”
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