Major Focus:
Scientists at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at El Paso develop new, innovative technologies and methods to improve water-use efficiency, increase water supplies and protect water quality. Center scientists have received recognized and awards for their research in waterborne pathogen detection, soil and water salinity management, reclaimed water use, desalination concentrate alternatives, ground-surface water management, and evaluation of the economic impacts of technology and policy changes.
Mission:
The mission of the AgriLife Center at El Paso is to lead and conduct innovative water, natural resources and environmental research to serve the needs of Far West Texas, the state and beyond. Among the most important needs for agricultural and urban residents in this and other water-short regions are provisions of adequate, reliable, safe and economic water supplies. Economic growth, increasing demand, competition for existing water supplies, water quality and environmental issues, and drought underscore the need for finding and implementing effective solutions. Research at the El Paso Center is addressing these critical needs.
Research Programs:
Scientists at the El Paso Center are leading internationally recognized research in:
- Waterborne pathogen detection and control
- Water and soil salinity management
- Hydrogeology and district delivery efficiency
- Water value, pricing and irrigation efficiency
- Reclaimed water use and bioremediation
- Agricultural economics and water policy
- Urban landscape water conservation
- Integrated river basin management and analysis
These programs are being conducted in partnership and with the support of local, state and federal agencies, stakeholders, other universities, and public and private organizations.
Resident Director:
Dr. Ari M. Michelsen
1380 A&M Circle
El Paso, TX 79927
Phone: (915) 859-9111
Fax: (915) 859-1078
E-mail: a-michelsen@tamu.edu
Personnel:
30 FTE (27 Research, 3 Extension and TEEX) 20 graduate and undergraduate students
Established:
Since 1887, Texas AgriLife Research has been an integral part of the Texas A&M System. AgriLife Research is the state’s only agency dedicated to research and technology development in food, agriculture and natural resources. There are 13 AgriLife Research and Extension Centers serving the specific research needs of each region and for agricultural and urban citizens across the state. The El Paso center was established in 1942 and expanded in 1976.
Facilities:
The El Paso Center has facilities at two locations, 44 acres and in east El Paso and 190 acres in Socorro. Facilities include 11 buildings with 65,000 square feet of space including laboratories with extensive analytic equipment, 200 seat auditorium, classrooms, offices, video conference room and five greenhouses. The El Paso Center location also houses the International On-site Wastewater Treatment Training Center, an urban water conservation landscape garden and an award-winning cactus garden.
