News
Conferences highlight Mississippi's role in producing innovative, high-value water research
For most of the year, a crop field is a peaceful oasis where growth quietly proceeds. But behind every mute plant is an ongoing conversation between farmers and scientists working together to nurture Mississippi's largest industry.
For the Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, many of those conversations take place at conferences, where growers and researchers have ample opportunities to talk about their favorite topic: agriculture.
"Conferences are a great way to get our research into the hands of people it can benefit and also get valuable feedback from growers on what their critical issues are," said Dave Spencer, MSU assistant research and Extension professor. "At the same time, we're building collaborations with universities, agencies and industry partners to expand the institute's research capacity."
Mississippi State students also benefit from conference participation. In addition to supporting research projects and writing papers, WRRI graduate assistants are often conference presenters.
"One of our most important focus areas is developing students' expertise," Spencer said. "We always have to be future-minded, and conferences are ideal forums for students to develop their communication and presentation skills and network with industry professionals."
And given that water touches virtually every aspect of agriculture, WRRI showcases Mississippi-led innovation in irrigation, runoff water quality and nutrient management research while boosting its profile as a regional hub for water resource management.
In February, WRRI presenters were busy during the American Society of Agronomy, or ASA, Southern Branch Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, where they discussed their research on soybeans, rice and corn along with a study on fertilizer levels in surface runoff.
Also in February, Spencer presented his research on irrigation best management practices at the Cotton and Rice Conservation Systems Conference in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
"Rice is a heavy user of water, so we do a lot of research involving water use and more sustainable irrigation practices," Spencer said. "Farmers are the best conservationists and understand that preserving natural resources is critical for their livelihoods and for future generations."
Last November, WRRI shared its surface runoff research with an international audience in Salt Lake City, Utah, at CANVAS—the annual conference of ASA, the Crop Science Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America.
Also last fall, WRRI staffers stayed on their home turf during the Mississippi Water and Energy Conference hosted by Mississippi State and MSU's Office of Research and Economic Development.
"It's a beneficial conference in terms of bringing together Mississippi's water science community to talk about issues impacting the future of our water resources," Spencer said. "We have a fantastic team at WRRI, and we continue to expand our research and Extension portfolio to support Mississippi growers and water users. Conference participation is a way to share the great work being done here with the rest of the world."
View More News