Beginnings
The La Union Soil and Water Conservation District began the Mesilla Valley Precision Farming Pilot Project at their November 11, 1997 meeting. The board asked the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), District Conservationist, John Allen, and Soil Conservationist, David Christenson, to explore opportunities to apply the latest technologies to agriculture in the Mesilla Valley. Subsequent prioritization of resource concerns by the district ranked water conservation as the number one concern. Rudy Garcia, NRCS Soil Conservationist and Water Quality Specialist, had already developed the Holistic Irrigation Technology program (HIT), to a significant degree. The potential combination of technologies offered a special opportunity.
Purpose
The initial stage of this project applies proven best management practices in conjunction with support from new technologies like geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Internet, and field sample data analysis to irrigated farms in the Mesilla Valley. The new technologies map soil properties, monitor crop conditions, match crop and irrigation systems to soil properties and water quality, and identify areas of probable concern as soon as possible. The project teaches the proper interpretation of field sample data, use of irrigation guides, and best management practices that conserve water, reduce leaching of nutrients into the ground water, and reduce applications of agricultural chemicals. The end result is a win-win situation! Growers increase their net profit margins and protect the environment as good stewards of the land.
Today
Current project work on the MVPFPP has expanded into new and multi-use technologies taking us into 2003. Two current Precision Farming Projects funded by BOR represent a Remote Controlled Irrigation Gate and a Portable Flow Measurement-Stream & Irrigation Flume. The Gate is the first of several to be installed at the Mike McNamee Pecan Farms south of Las Cruces, but has tested positive in the lab. The Portable Flume has been successfully tested at the New Mexico State University Chili Farm Project, and will continue developement with various tests being preformed in stream run off and other water flow areas that require data collection. During the spring of 2003 we will begin new partnerships in relation to aerial imagery studies and AgDSS projects.
