Research Units in the Office of Arid Lands Studies

The Office of Arid Lands Studies (OALS) is dedicated to the development of scientific and technical skills necessary to ensure deeper understanding and responsible use of fragile arid lands resources around the globe.

Arizona Remote Sensing Center (ARSC)

Since 1971, ARSC has used remote sensing technology to solve agricultural and natural resource problems in arid areas. ARSC research has proceeded along three parallel lines:

1. developing a better understanding of data produced by satellite and aircraft sensing systems;
2. investigating the problems of using conventional remote sensing techniques in arid lands, and
3. developing and applying innovative techniques to solve the practical problems of managing agriculture and natural resources in arid lands.

ARSC has evaluated remote sensing systems and has applied expert systems to image analysis and the development of integrated remote sensing data analysis work stations. New agricultural and natural resource assessment methods combining inexpensive images from aircraft with satellite data have also been developed.

Projects have been conducted by ARSC throughout the American Southwest, Mexico, western and southern Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and China. Highlights of these activities during the last three years include the development of a computer workstation for monitoring global food security (FAO); participation in the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS) for Africa (USAID); development of a system for monitoring rangeland conditions in Saudi Arabia using satellite and aerial video data (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia); and development of an environmental monitoring system for the government of Malawi (USAID).

The Office of Arid Lands Studies publishes the Arid Lands Newsletter. The OALS web site, offers general information on OALS current programs and publications. These web sites, and others, are produced by the Arid Lands Information Center, the fifth functional unit of OALS.

For more information, contact Office of Arid Lands Studies University of Arizona 1955 E. Sixth St. Tucson, AZ 85719-5224 phone: (520) 621-1955 FAX: (520) 621-3816

Southwestern Center for Natural Products Research and Commercialization (SCNPRC)

Formally established in 1996, the center focuses on the research and develpment of natural products for commercial applications, in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. The Center focuses on use of renewable natural resources and promotion of agricultural diversification in semi-arid lands regionally, nationally, and internationally (especially Latin America).

Bioresources Research Facility (BRF)

The BRF was a driving force for the formation of the SCNPRC. BRF is a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to developing new, arid-adapted plant species as crops for the U.S. Southwest and other arid agricultural regions. BRF is also a facility with field plots for crop testing, a shop for fabricating prototype harvesting equipment for new crops, laboratories for chemical analysis and bioconversion, intermediate and pilot-scale biomass processing equipment, greenhouses, a library, offices, and small group conference facilities.

Using a unique approach to the problems of arid land agriculture, BRF researchers have screened hundreds of native plant species for specialty chemicals or fibers. Through this process, numerous low-water-using plants that produce chemical feedstock for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, along with potential industrial chemicals, animal feed, fuel and other commodities have been identified. The BRF research team is involved in every stage of new crop development, from plant selection through genetic and agronomic improvement to harvesting and transporting of crops for processing. Processing capabilities at BRF include solvent extraction, product recovery and both chemical and biological compound modification. At the same time, alternative plant production systems are being developed that will help conserve our precious natural resources.

BRF’s integrated approach to new crop development allows its researchers to monitor the net energy and economics of the systems they design while stressing the economic advantages of multiproduct or multiuse crops. Water use is monitored closely in BRF’s studies, and crops that require little or no irrigation or that tolerate saline irrigation receive the highest research priority. All crops developed at BRF are intended for use in a wide range of lands, from those currently in production of other crops, to marginal, currently nonproductive arid areas.

For more information, contact Bioresources Research Facility (BRF) 250 E. Valencia Tucson, AZ 85706 (520) 741-1691

Desert Research Unit (DRU)

DRU conducts policy studies, environmental impact assessments, mine reclamation studies, and research on water conservation, wastewater treatment and reuse, and economically viable arid lands plants.

DRU has performed environmental impact assessments for the Tucson Airport Authority to assist them in producing a comprehensive master plan for new construction and improvements and for the Arizona Public Service Company to evaluate the effects of salt drift on the productivity of agricultural crops. Since the 1970s DRU has specialized in developing techniques for mine reclamation using an interdisciplinary approach. Reclamation assistance has been provided to mining operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

In recent years, DRU has responded to the need for information on critically short water supplies, particularly in Arizona. Two research projects, in conjunction with the city of Tucson, have focused on the centuries-old practice called water harvesting. One project demonstrated the use of rainfall-capturing techniques for crop production on abandoned farmland in Arizona’s Avra Valley. Another project, Casa del Agua, conducted with the University’s College of Architecture, involved designing, retrofitting, and monitoring an urban residence that uses recycled graywater, rooftop runoff, and other water-saving techniques. Desert House, a similar project in cooperation with the College of Architecture, was developed for the city of Phoenix.

Other research has focused on the use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, and on arid lands plants with potential commercial value. These have included tepary bean for food products, jojoba for oil, guayule for rubber, Russian thistle for solid fuel, and other species for liquid fuels and resins.

Spotlight: Casa del Agua

Twelve years ago, UA scientists decided to create a real-life demonstration of the dozens of ways the average homeowner could reduce water use without giving up the amenities and comforts we’ve come to expect from our homes, and actually save money doing it. Researchers, led by the Office of Arid Lands Studies, retrofitted a house in Tucson with water-saving devices, and have operated it as Casa del Agua since 1985. Municipal water use in the house was reduced by 50 percent through such techniques as rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, desert-adapted landscaping with drip irrigation, and low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets.

Casa del Agua is sponsored by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Tucson Active Management Area, and Tucson Water. It is operated by the Office of Arid Lands Studies, The University of Arizona.

For more information, contact Casa del Agua 4366 N. Stanley Place Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 887-1185

Economic Development Research Program (EDRP)

With funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the EDRP assists the economic development and diversification of Arizona’s economy by linking The University of Arizona resources with other public and private economic development efforts. Specifically, EDRP conducts applied and basic research studies, provides technical and management assistance services, offers counseling and referral services, and sponsors workshops and seminars for its clients in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of Arizona.

Clients may include state governments, community organizations, or trade associations and, in some cases, business and industry and individuals. When selecting clients and projects, preference is given to those with those with potential to substantially enhance regional employment and income levels. Many projects, especially short-term projects, are conducted on a “no fee” basis by program staff and consultants. Other projects are conducted on a fixed or variable price cost-sharing basis.

Document part of 1997 The Agricultural Experiment Station Today
Located at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/general/azlp46-1/research_units.html
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