agricultural science center at farmington...nmsu agricultural science center at farmington, nm, 2019...

Agricultural Science Center at Farmington

2019 Annual Progress Report

BE BOLD. Shape the Future. New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Agricultural Experiment Station

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

NMSU Agricultural Science Center – Farmington Annual Report 2019

Fifty–third Annual Progress Report 2019

Published

March 2020

New Mexico State University

Agricultural Science Center – Farmington

PO Box 1018, Farmington, NM 87499-1018

Citation for this document:

Lombard, K.A., Djaman, K., Allen, S.C., West, M.M. Fifty-third Annual Progress Report: 2019 Cropping Season. Las Cruces, NM. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. March 2020.

Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes please contact farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

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Notice to Users of this Report

This report has been prepared as an update of research activities occurring at the Agricultural Science Center – Farmington. This is not a peer reviewed Agricultural Experiment Station Report of research results. In many instances, data in this report represents only one of several years of research results that will constitute the final formal report. None of the data or information herein is authorized for release or publication without the written approval of the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station. Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of the products named nor criticism of similar ones not named by New Mexico State University.

Conversion Table for English and Metric (SI) Units

The following conversion table is provided as an aid for those who may wish to convert data appearing in this report from English (U.S.) units to Metric (SI) units, or vice versa. Note that calculations are approximations only.

To convert To convert English

to Metric, multiply by English (U.S.) units Metric (SI) units

Metric to English, multiply by

2.540 inches (in) centimeters (cm) 0.394 0.305 feet (ft) meters (m) 3.281 1.609 miles (miles) kilometers (km) 0.621 0.093 square feet (ft2) square meters (m2) 10.764 2.590 square miles (mile2) square kilometers (km2) 0.386 0.405 acres (ac) hectares (ha) 2.471 28.350 ounces (oz) grams (g) 0.035 29.574 fluid ounces (fl oz) milliliters (mL) 0.034 3.785 gallons (gal) liters (L) 0.264 0.454 pounds (lbs) kilograms (kg) 2.205

907.185 ton (2000 lbs) (t) kilograms (kg) 0.001 0.907 ton (2000 lbs) (t) metric tonnes (t) or Megagrams (Mg) 1.102 1.000 parts per million (ppm) ppm (mg/kg) 1.000 1.121 pounds/acre (lbs/ac) kilograms/hectare (kg/ha) 0.892 2.240 tons/acre (t/ac) Megagrams/hectare (Mg/ha) 0.446 16.018 pounds per cubic feet (lbs/ft3) kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) 0.062 0.070 cubic feet/acre (ft3/ac) cubic meters/hectare (m3/ha) 14.291 73.078 ounces/acre (oz/ac) milliliters/hectare (mL/ha) 0.014 62.710 bushels/acre (corn: 56# bu) kilograms/hectare (kg/ha) 0.016 67.190 bushels/acre (wheat: 60# bu) kilograms/hectare (kg/ha) 0.015 125.535 Cwt/acre (100 wt) kilograms/hectare (kg/ha) 0.008 0.042 Langleys (Ly) Megajoules (MJ)/m2 23.900

(°F - 32) ÷ 1.8 Fahrenheit (°F) Celsius (°C) (°C x 1.8) + 32

For additional English-Metric conversions for agricultural applications, see: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c6-80.html and https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/files/publications/journals-sitable-coversions.pdf.

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Table of Contents

Notice to Users of this Report .....................................................................................................................................ii

Conversion Table for English and Metric (SI) Units...................................................................................................ii

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 1

Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Valley Irrigation, New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington Pivot Upgrade Project.......................................................................................................................... 2

NMSU Agricultural Science Center – Farmington Weather Conditions ..................................................................... 3

2019 Weather Conditions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Northwestern New Mexico Adaptive Crop Research.................................................................................................. 7

2019 Alfalfa Variety Trial results from 2018-planted alfalfa ............................................................................................................... 7

2019 Corn Performance Trials for Early Season, Full Season and Forage Corn ............................................................................ 9

Effect of plant density and planting date on maize crop growth, yield and yield components, and resource use efficiency 12

2019 Chip Potato Variety Trial ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

2019 Table Potato Variety Trial.............................................................................................................................................................. 19

Field evaluation of Solanum jamesii – a native USA wild potato ........................................................................................................ 22

Winter Malted Barley Trial ...................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Heading date and grain yield of eighteen winter wheat cultivars...................................................................................................... 25

2019 Update on Hybrid Poplars at ASC Farmington......................................................................................................................... 28

Northwest New Mexico Hemp Project ................................................................................................................................................ 30

New Mexico State University Hops (Humulus lupulus) Project.......................................................................................................... 37

Cherry Variety Trial Planted 2014.......................................................................................................................................................... 39

Viticulture Project ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

Gold King Mine Long-term Monitoring Project........................................................................................................ 42

Engaging Navajo Elementary Schools in Randomized Controlled Trial of Yéego Healthy Eating and Gardening 44

Outreach .................................................................................................................................................................... 46

Outreach Report: Judging for National Corn and Wheat Yield Contests ...................................................................................... 46

Dissemination............................................................................................................................................................ 47

Proposals and Grants ................................................................................................................................................. 50

Financial Summary for Grants and Contracts awarded 2019 and Submitted 2019. ..................................................................... 50

Stories from the Popular Press................................................................................................................................... 52

Drought advisory rescinded by Farmington council as wet weather alleviate concerns .............................................................. 52

Officials:...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52

Collaborators.............................................................................................................................................................. 54

Appendix I – Advisory Board, Employees and Students ........................................................................................... 55

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Executive Summary The mission of the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is to

conduct research, demonstration, and educational programs that will best fill the needs of the Agricultural community of San Juan County and the Navajo Nation in particular, and the State of New Mexico, Four Corners Region, and Nation in general. Projects reported here are in response to requests for technical assistance. We are further challenged to conduct these activities under the general auspices of the Agricultural, Consumer Sciences, and Environmental Sciences Four Pillars: Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, Environmental Stewardship, and Foundational Education and Training https://aces.nmsu.edu/about/pillars.html. You will find report briefs related specifically to daily weather collection, examining agronomic and horticultural crop adaptability to the Four Corners Region, diabetes risk reduction through the act of gardening and healthy eating, and farmland monitoring from the aftermath of the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill. Hemp became legal to grow in New Mexico in 2019 and the ASC Farmington has begun to put some research to better understanding this crop under Northwest, NM growing conditions.

Operational and salary support of the work reported herein was funded in-part through the Hatch Act of 1887, which established funding to “conduct agricultural research programs at State Agricultural Experiment Stations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. insular areas” and the Morrill Act of 1862, “an Act donating Public Lands to the several States and Territories which may provide Colleges for the Benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts” (land-grant system). Funding from the New Mexico Legislature is helping to make capital improvements to the facility. Additional funding resources were obtained through competitive grants to federal and state agencies including the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, United States Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Environment Department. Public/Private partnerships that supported projects in 2019 included the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Potatoes USA, Valley Irrigation Corporation, Wilbur Ellis, and Navajo Mesa Farms. The Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI), along with Valley Irrigation (Lincoln, NB) has been very helpful in making possible the replacement of 4 center pivots in 2019.

Projects reported herein are also multi-institutional and cross disciplinary and include, among others, researchers from Colorado State University (wheat and potato), Diné College, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington (gardening and health), University of Minnesota (winter malted barley), U.S. Potato Genebank, NAPI, and the multiple public and private crop breeders from around the U.S. We are thankful to have partnered with collaborators including NMSU San Juan County Cooperative Extension Service (https://sanjuanextension.nmsu.edu/) and Soil and Water Conservation District (https://sanjuanswcd.com/). Outreach and dissemination activities associated with the projects are found in the Outreach section of this report.

I would like to acknowledge the NMSU-ASC Farmington staff, NAPI, undergraduate and graduate students, and all other collaborators and funding mechanisms for helping make the efforts reported herein happen in 2019. Thank you!

If you need help in interpreting the contents of this report OR have a question/research idea that we can help you to try to solve, please call us at 505-960-7757 or visit us between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Mondays-Fridays. No appointment is necessary. We will be hosting our Bi-Annual Field Day Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Please join us for this event. Please check our website for any updates at https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/ .

Sincerely,

Kevin A. Lombard Superintendent, New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Farmington

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Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Valley Irrigation, New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington Pivot Upgrade Project The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Agricultural Science Center at Farmington (ASCF) uniquely has six center pivots. Each pivot is approximately 20 acres in size, enabling research under a more appropriate scale relevant to center pivot agriculture. The Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) has over 600 center pivots. Prior to 2018, at the onset of the pivot replacement project, the pivots and controllers at ASCF consisted of several different brands, in various stages of age and functionality (some over 30 years old) and not representative of new technologies (variable rate with controllers that can now be operated via smart phones). The pivot project has been facilitated and in direct partnership with NAPI and Valley Irrigation (Lincoln, Nebraska). During the winter and spring of 2019, pivot spans were delivered to the science center, old units removed, pivot points (concrete pads and plumbing) retrofitted, and controllers replaced (Figure 1). Pivot number 5 was upgraded to the newest Valley X-tec drive system and ICon 5 Control box which allows the pivot to rotate at speeds faster than existing technologies (Figure 2). The partnership is allowing NMSU ASCF to research/demonstrate newer technologies and is allowing NAPI and center pivot farms to examine proof of concepts on a smaller scale before scaling up. The partnership is also facilitating professional development opportunities for NMSU ASCF and NAPI staff and pivot techs.

Figure 1. Moving pivot spans. Plumbing and electrical retrofits to accommodate the newer systems.NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 2. Work conducted under Pivot #5 with Valley Irrigation engineers, Navajo AgriculturalProducts Industry, and NMSU-ASC Farmington staff. NMSU Agricultural Science Centerat Farmington, NM, 2019

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NMSU Agricultural Science Center – Farmington Weather Conditions

2019 Weather Conditions Authors: K. Djaman, M.M. West and J. Joe1

IMPACT Weather data has been collected at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Agricultural Science Center at Farmington (ASCF) Weather Station 1 (WS-1) since 1969 for the National Weather Service (NWS) and at Weather Station 2 (WS-2) since 1985 for the New Mexico Climate Center (NMCC). The data from these two weather stations are disseminated for private and public end-users. A private end-user calculates irrigation scheduling for the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. The evaporation rates from WS-1 are used to estimate golf course pond and Lake Farmington annual evaporation losses. The evaporation rates are used as a tool in municipal water demand planning. The City of Farmington incorporates rainfall events from ASCF weather stations in conjunction with other sites to monitor flood events for the city’s storm water program in order to monitor the need for controlling sediment and pollutant runoff. Additionally, the weather data from both weather stations are used in agricultural production and research.

SUMMARY Weather Data The 2019 total precipitation received at ASCF was 8.09 inches. The mean maximum air temperature January through December was 65.4 °F and mean minimum was 38.4 °F. The total monthly mean wind speed, as reported to the NWS, was 494 miles/day at 10 inches (0.25 meters) above the evaporation pan. This total is for 10 months. February and March had low wind anemometer failure. Wind data collection resumed April 2019 post new anemometer installation. The seven month (April 1 through October 31) evaporation total was 63.23 inches with a mean of 0.296 inches. Corn Growing Degree Days (GDD) mean from May 1 through first fall frost on October 11 was 477 and a total 2861 heat units (Table 1).

The 51-year average precipitation received at ASCF from 1969 through 2019 was 7.99 inches. The monthly mean air temperature maximum was 66.5 °F and minimum was 39.0 °F. The monthly mean extreme air temperature maximum was 78.4 °F and minimum was 25.9 °F. The average number of Frost-free days (≤ 32 °F) was 162 days and the average number of Freeze-free days (≤ 28 °F) was 184 (Table 2).

Weather Station Overview National Weather Service (NWS) established an official weather station (WS-1) at ASCF, in January 1969 (Figure 3). Weather station equipment is enclosed with a five-foot high chain link fence with the exception of the NWS digital rain gauge and soil thermometer. Daily air temperature is transmitted from a pole-mounted Nimbus PL digital beehive style thermometer. On December 22, 2019, the Nimbus data logger was relocated outdoors within the WS-1 site and is now solar powered. Soil maximum and minimum temperatures are collected from a soil sensor probe buried 4 inches below bare ground surface. Daily wind speeds recorded from the high wind Nimbus 3-cup anemometers mounted 79 inches (2 meters) above ground level and low wind Nimbus 3-cup anemometer 6 inches (0.15 meters) for January 2019, and at 10 inches (0.25 meters) from April 1 through December 31, 2019 above evaporation pan rim. The wind speeds are reported in miles per day. A new Nimbus 3-cup anemometer for low wind was installed on April 1, 2019. The evaporation rate is measured via a hook gauge positioned in a Class-A pan. Measurements are taken from April 1st through October 31st. Precipitation is collected in an eight-inch diameter cylinder rain gauge. Weather data is collected daily at 8:00 a.m.

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington.

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New Mexico Climate Center weather station (WS-2) was established in 1985. It is located approximately 383 yards (350 meters) due south of the WS-1 (Figure 3). It is enclosed in a five-foot high chain link fence surrounded by turf. The weather equipment is mounted on a tripod within the fenced area and over turf. The WS-2 records hourly air and soil temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. The solar radiation is recorded as a Megajoule per square meter unit that is converted into a Langley unit for this report. The data collection is fully automated and is directly transmitted to a computer network system within ASCF main office. The data is then transmitted through an Internet provider to New Mexico Climate Center (NMCC) located on the NMSU Main Campus in Las Cruces, NM. The data is available for download from the NMCC website at https://weather.nmsu.edu.

Figure 3. Satellite view showing weather stations in relation to main office building at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019 (Google Earth, 2015)

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Table 1. Mean monthly climatological data January through December 2019. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Table 2. Fifty-one year average monthly weather conditions. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Northwestern New Mexico Adaptive Crop Research

2019 Alfalfa Variety Trial results from 2018-planted alfalfa Authors: K. Djaman, S.C. Allen, M.M. West, D. Begay, F.J. Thomas, N. Begay and J. Joe1

IMPACT Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a major hay crop in New Mexico and in San Juan County. It is important to know which varieties have the best long-term yields and pest tolerance under local conditions. This information is helpful for local alfalfa growers who wish to maximize yields in light of varying seed costs and production inputs.

SUMMARY The 2018-Planted Alfalfa Variety Trial is part of a statewide testing program to help determine which entries will perform best in the area they are tested. This trial was coordinated through the Plant and Environmental Sciences Department at NMSU’s main campus in Las Cruces2. The trial consists of 16 varieties (Table 3) from public varieties and private seed companies. The 2019 mean seasonal total yield for this trial was 8.80 tons per acre. (Table 3) The numerically highest total yielding entry of 9.51 tons per acre was Ranger, a public entry. Other entries performed similarly well for the season, including FSG 423ST, SW3407, 6422Q and Lahontan, among others. This is the first of a planned four-year study of this trial, so higher yields and greater varietal yield differences are expected in coming years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS The trial was established on August 28, 2018 and consists of 16 varieties arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Two additional varieties (SS120 and Zia) served as a north-end border, along with Lahontan as a trial-wide border. Individual plots were six 8-inch rows by 16 foot long rows (64 ft2). Planting rate was 20 pounds per acre. The planter was a Kincaid 6-row cone seeder equipped with discs that closed the seed trench directly after the seeds were dropped in the small furrow opening at a depth of about 0.25 inches. The plot area was not fertilized in 2019, and did not receive insecticides; however, Pursuit herbicide was applied once at 6 oz/acre on April 25 to control for weeds. Irrigation method was solid-set sprinkler lines. Irrigation frequency was 1 to 3 times per week during irrigation season (early April through early September), with an estimated irrigation amount of 42.0 inches. Total precipitation during this period was 2.5 inches. Plots were cut three times during the 2019 growing season: June 17-18, July 24, and September 3-5. A planned fourth cut in October was not carried out due to early frost damage of plants. Plots were cut with an Almaco forage harvester and whole-plot green weight was recorded. At cutting, samples were hand-collected from select plots and dried to determine dry matter percent.

RESULTS Yield results for the 2019 growing season of the 2018-Planted Alfalfa Variety Trial are presented in Table 3. Yields for each cut along with the seasonal total yields are shown for each entry as dry tons per acre. The 2019 mean seasonal total yield for this trial was 8.80 tons per acre (Table 3). The numerically highest total yielding entry of 9.51 tons per acre was Ranger, a public entry. Other entries performed similarly well for the season, including FSG 423ST, SW3407, 6422Q and Lahontan, among others. Average yields of cuts 1, 2 and 3 were 3.54, 2.95 and 2.32 tons per acre, respectively. This is the first of a planned four-year study of this trial, so higher yields and greater varietal yield differences are expected in coming years after fuller root establishment.

1New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington

Data presented herein is from the larger report: Lauriault, L., I. Ray, C. Pierce, K. Djaman, R. Flynn, M. Marsalis, S. Allen, C. Havlik, G. Martinez, and M. West. 2019. The 2019 New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report. Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 11 pp.

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Table 3. 2018 - Planted Alfalfa Variety Trial results for the 2019 growing season†. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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2019 Corn Performance Trials for Early Season, Full Season and Forage Corn Authors: K. Djaman, S.C. Allen, M.M. West, D. Begay, J. Joe, N. Begay and F.J. Thomas1

IMPACT The 2019 Corn Performance Tests are part of a statewide entry-fee testing program2. Performance tests for grain corn and forage corn are essential in order to provide local growers, Extension faculty and seed industry personnel with accurate, up-to-date information on varietal health and performance under local conditions. Given that corn and corn products are a key commodity in northern New Mexico, information from performance testing is helpful for growers who wish to increase yields and make the most of production and harvest costs.

SUMMARY Three separate corn trials were conducted at ASC Farmington in 2019. The Early Season Corn trial had 4 entries, the Full Season Corn trial had 9 entries, and the Forage Corn trial had 8 entries. All trials were planted under the same center pivot on May 17, and replicated 4 times in a randomized block design. Year-end test results for these three trials are shown in Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS All three trials followed the same plot design and management protocols. Plot dimension was 20 feet by 10 feet with 4 rows per plot and 30 inch row spacing. Seeding rate was 36,590 seeds per acre. Early and Full Season trial harvested areas were 2 rows 20 feet long; both trials were planted on May 17 and harvested on November 6. Forage corn was planted on May 17 and harvested on September 12-13. Nitrogen was applied pre- and post-plant at a total rate of 308 lbs/acre. In addition, P was applied in May at 78 lbs/acre (11-52-0), K was applied at 51 lbs/acre (0-0-60), and Zinc was applied at 2.16 lbs/acre (Zinc sulfate 36%). Atrazine 4L, non-ionic surfactant and Accent Q were applied at recommended rates on June 16. Total seasonal precipitation was 3.3 inches and total irrigation was approx. 32.5 inches. Forage corn was hand-harvested by cutting the plants with a machete from 10 feet of 1 row within the plot on September 12-13. The plants were counted and weighed and a single plant was run through a leaf shredder and sacked for determination of moisture content. Samples were sent to the University of Wisconsin Soil and Forage Analysis Laboratory for chemical analysis.

RESULTS The Early Season Corn trial (Table 4) grain yield ranged from 286.4 to 223.2 bushels per acre, with a trial mean of 261.3 bushels per acre. Average plant height was 96 inches, and average ear height was 37 inches. Average 50% silking date was approximately August 7, and average plant population was 33,487 plants per acre. The Full Season Corn trial (Table 5) grain yield ranged from 255.9 to 212.6 bushels per acre, with a trial mean of 235.0 bushels per acre. Average plant height was 96 inches, and average ear height was 38 inches. Average 50% silking date was approximately August 7, and average plant population was 33,396 plants per acre. The Forage Corn trial, green weight ranged from 36.6 to 28.4 tons per acre, and dry weight ranged from 11.9 to 9.3 tons per acres. Milk per acre ranged from 35,463 to 27,539 pounds per acre. Additional physiological and forage quality parameters are shown in Table 6. These results help to identify promising corn varieties for the semi-arid conditions of northern New Mexico.

1New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington.

For more information, see: Marsalis, M.A., R.P. Flynn, L.M. Lauriault, A. Mesbah and K. Djaman. 2020. New Mexico 2019 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests. Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 42 pp.

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Table 4. Early Season Corn Trial yield and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Table 5. Full Season Corn Trial yield and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Table 6. Forage Corn Trial yield and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Effect of plant density and planting date on maize crop growth, yield and yield components, and resource use efficiency Authors: K. Djaman, D. Begay, D. Sefako Djaman and S. Allen1

IMPACT Corn planting date and plant density evaluation is very important under changing climate conditions. It provides local growers, extension workers and seed industry personnel with accurate, up-to-date information on planting window and optimum plant population under local conditions for avoiding crop failure and improving resource use efficiency. Given that corn and corn products are an important commodity in northern New Mexico, information from corn planting window and optimum plant population is helpful for growers to increase corn yields, improve water productivity, and obtain the maximum economic returns from their corn production.

SUMMARY Weather conditions in the Four Corners region of the U.S. are variable and influence crop growing periods across the region with late spring frosts and early fall frosts. Thus, the frost free and the killing frost free periods are variable and can significantly impact cropping seasons. With the development of new maize hybrids, field maize grain yield, evapotranspiration, and crop water productivity can be substantially impacted by planting density and planting date. Thus, it is critical that the optimum plant density and planting date for maximum economic returns be researched and determined for local conditions. Field experiments were conducted at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington (ASCF) in 2019 to evaluate six plant densities (54700, 64600, 74600, 88000, 101700 and 120100 plants per hectare (pph) under seven planting dates (weekly from April 23 to June 5) for determination of their effects on crop yield and growth parameters. Plots were sprinkler irrigated and water and crop management was similar across all planting dates, and the irrigation scheduling was based on actual evapotranspiration. The results showed that crop height and leaf area index varied with both plant density and planting date. Grain yield also varied with plant density and planting date. The highest grain yield (16.8 Mg/ha) was observed under the plant density of 101,700 plants/ha and the first planting tended to provide the best grain yield while the late planting improved seasonal crop water use efficiency. The number of kernels per cob and the 1000 kernel weight decreased with plant density while they were not impacted by the planting date.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Sequential weekly corn planting was performed at the ASCF in 2019. Six plant densities (54700, 64600, 74600, 88000, 101700, and 120100 plants/ha) were evaluated under seven planting dates (April 23, May 1, May 7, May 14, May 22, May 30 and June 5). Hybrid corn DKC53-45RIB was the testing hybrid with a relative maturity of 103 days, growing degree units at mid-pollination of 1265 ⁰C and black layer at 2530 ⁰C. After chisel ripping, the plots were harrowed. The experiment was set up under split-split plot design with three replications. An experimental unit size was 9.14 m over 6.10 m. A John Deere 7200 two-row planter with 76-cm row spacing was used for sowing. Plots were solid set sprinkler irrigated and the irrigation scheduling was based on corn actual evapotranspiration estimated by the two-step FAO approach (ETa = kc ETo). Dry fertilizer was applied before planting at a rate of 56 kg/ha of the mix of monoammomium phosphate (11-52-0), potassium chloride (0-0-60) and urea (46-0-0). Nitrogen was timely applied throughout maize vegetative and reproductive phases by fertigation and the total applied rate of nitrogen was 140 kg N/ha in the form of liquid urea (ammonium nitrate, 32-0-0). Plots were kept weed-free by glyphosate herbicide application at the recommended rate. Plant height and leaf area index were measured weekly throughout the growing season. At crop maturity, three central corn rows of each experimental unit were combine harvested and the grain weight and grain moisture content were measured. Plot yield was reported in Mg/ha after grain moisture adjustment to a standard grain moisture content of 14%. Plant height, leaf area index and grain yield were analyzed by the analysis of variance in CoStat (ANOVA) and the means were paired compared using the Fisher’s protected least significant difference (LSD) at 5% significance to identify potential significance between the planting dates and the plant densities.

1New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington.

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RESULTS Maize emergence varied with planting date as the effect of soil and air temperature on the seed metabolism. Maize planted on April 23, May 1, May 7, May 14, May 22, May 30 and June 5 emerged on May 6, May 16, May 23, May 29, June 3, June 07 and June 11, respectively. The preliminary results showed that the early planted maize plants (April 23, May 1, May 7) were subject to cold temperature damage due to temperature drop during the period of May 18-22 with a snowfall on May 20 as shown in Figure 4. However, maize plants survived as their growing point was underground and it was not impacted by the freezing air temperatures. Maize seasonal actual evapotranspiration varied with planting date and was 689, 673, 672, 670, 660, 653 and 641 mm for the April 23, May 1, May 7, May 14, May 22, May 30, and June 5 plantings, respectively. Plant leaf area index increased with plant density (Table 7) while plant height did not show significant dependence to the plant density. (Table 8) Maize plant growth period decreased with increasing plant density for the same planting date, plant senescence started and decreased with the highest density toward the lower densities (Figure 5) and the maize ear length and yield component decreased with increasing plant population (Figure 6); number of kernel rows and number of kernels by row and yield and the 1000 kernel weight decreased as plant population increased. Grain yield varied with planting date and plant density and ranged from 10.9 to 16.8 tons/ha (Table 8). Overall, grain yield showed strong quadratic correlation with plant density and it increased from 54700 pph to about 102,000 pph and decreased at 120,100 pph (Figure 7). The first three plantings obtained the best yield performance while the very last planting (June 5) obtained the lowest grain yield. Maize water use efficiency increased with plant population and varied significantly across different planting dates (Table 9).

CONCLUSIONS The preliminary results of this study showed:

• Increasing plant density or delaying planting date significantly affected maize maximum leaf area index but did not significantly affect plant height.

• Irrigation water use decreased with delaying planting. • Maize ear length and yield components decreased with increasing plant density. • Grain yield showed strong quadratic correlation with plant density at different planting dates. Overall

the maximum grain yield was obtained at 101,700 pph and the early planting registered the best grain yield.

This study should continue for several growing seasons for decision making and modeling maize optimum planting window for maximum grain yield and improving maize water use efficiency in the Four Corners region.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 4. Snowfall on May 20th (a) and damage to young maize seedlings (b) and (c). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Table 7. Trend in maximum leaf area index as a function of planting dates and plant densities(plants per hectare). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Plant densities

Planting dates

(pph) 23-Apr 1-May 7-May 14-May 22-May 30-May 5-Jun 54,700 251.4 260.5 266.5 265.6 259.3 296.6 298.8 64,600 255.3 254.3 265.3 265.7 259.0 298.1 297.3 74,600 250.2 254.8 266.0 265.0 244.5 297.3 287.9 88,000 247.4 257.5 268.3 261.0 270.9 298.8 300.0 101,700 257.1 258.8 268.3 269.3 270.5 298.1 296.6 120,100 251.8 244.3 264.1 265.0 265.0 297.5 298.1

54700 pph 64600 pph 74600 pph

88000 pph 101700 pph 120100 pph

Figure 5. Differences in plant maturity and appearance of maize plants under different density treatments. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

54700 pph 64600 pph 74600 pph 88000 pph 101700 pph 120100 pph

Figure 6. Decrease in maize ear length and yield components with increasing plant population. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Figure 7. Relationship between maize plant population and grain yield (Megagrams per hectare) under different planting dates. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Table 9. Maize water use efficiency (kg/m3) as a function of planting dates and plant densities. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Plant densities

(pph)

Planting dates (2019)

23-Apr 1-May 7-May 14-May 22-May 30-May 5-Jun

54,700 1.88 1.8 2.1 1.76 1.81 1.71 1.71 64,600 1.91 2 2.04 2.16 1.97 2.07 1.95 74,600 2.18 2.09 2.16 2.23 2.17 2.25 2.13 88,000 2.42 2.39 2.44 2.28 2.19 2.38 2.18 101,700 2.4 2.47 2.42 2.24 2.34 2.38 2.11 120,100 2.37 2.35 2.18 2.16 2.27 2.53 2.02


Table 8. Trend in maize grain yield (tons/ha) as a function of planting dates and plant densities. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Plant Planting dates (2019) densities (pph) 23-Apr 1-May 7-May 14-May 22-May 30-May 5-Jun 54,700 12.93 12.23 12.89 14.06 11.63 11.84 10.89 64,600 13.14 13.63 13.68 14.48 13.01 13.48 12.48 74,600 14.96 14.21 14.53 14.92 14.35 14.69 13.60 88,000 16.65 16.22 16.37 15.27 14.49 15.55 13.93 101,700 16.49 16.78 16.29 14.99 15.47 16.77 13.45 120,100 16.25 15.98 14.62 14.49 14.96 16.54 12.87

y = -0.0000000016x2 + 0.0003194971x - 0.5259452636 R² = 0.6311934123

y Apr23= -2E-09x2 + 0.0003x - 1.0675 R² = 0.9208

yMay01 = -2E-09x2 + 0.0004x - 2.6058 R² = 0.9603

yMay7 = -2E-09x2 + 0.0004x - 3.3501 R² = 0.9055

yMay14 = -8E-10x2 + 0.0002x + 8.0861 R² = 0.9687

yMay22 = -1E-09x2 + 0.0003x - 0.517 R² = 0.9672

yMay30 = -1E-09x2 + 0.0003x - 1.609 R² = 0.9912

y Jn05= -2E-09x2 + 0.0004x - 2.6182 R² = 0.9401

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

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40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000

Gra

in y

ield

(Mg/

ha)

Plant population density (pph)

23-Apr 1-May 7-May 14-May 22-May 30-May 5-Jun Poly. (Average) Poly. (23-Apr) Poly. (1-May) Poly. (7-May) Poly. (14-May) Poly. (22-May) Poly. (30-May) Poly. (5-Jun)

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2019 Chip Potato Variety Trial Authors: C. Higgins1, K. Djaman2, (PI), K.A. Lombard2, S.C. Allen2, M.M. West2, J. Ward2, J. Joe2,

F.J. Thomas2, D. Begay2 and N. Begay2

Sponsored by Potatoes USA growers and processors. Financial Support: Potatoes USA provided grant of $22,845. IMPACT Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) and Navajo Mesa Farms (NMF) are large-acreage potato producers in the Four Corners region. Chip potato varietal research is necessary to find better storage varieties other than the checks of Lamoka and Snowden. The chip potato research data, such as yield, maturity date, specific gravity, chip color, sugars and more is entered into the Potatoes USA database for use by all growers, processors and breeders. https://potatoesusa.mediusag.com

SUMMARY Specific gravity is always good at Farmington compared to lower elevation producing areas. Thus this area is a valuable supply source for processing plants in Texas, Arizona and California. High specific gravity or high-solids indicates the chips will not absorb too much oil during frying. The varieties MSW075-4 and Lamoka exceeded the other varieties in marketable yield at 546 and 541 cwt/a, respectively. The remaining 14 varieties ranged from 495 to 354 cwt/a. (Table 10) Average number of tubers per plant was 8.25. (Table 11) Sucrose and glucose sugars levels (Table 12) are stable for this time of the year. Monthly sugars, fry defects, and chip color will be monitored throughout the post-harvest nine month storage season.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Planting methods Sixteen entries were planted within four replications on April 16, 2019. Seed potatoes were cut into 2.5 ounce average size and planted at eleven inch spacing in NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington north bench plot #8. Vine kill was August 31, 2019. Potatoes were harvested on September 16, 2019 and processed September 30, 2019 at NMF laboratory. Plot irrigation was scheduled according to site evapotranspiration rate. The irrigation was applied via a sprinkler line source system.

Fertilization Fertilizer was applied according to soil test results. Wilbur-Ellis provided fertilizer which was applied at 180 pounds per acre Nitrogen (N), 120 pounds per acre Phosphorus (P2O5), and 300 pounds per acre Potassium (K2O).

Pesticides During the 2019 growing season, Chip Potato Trial pesticide applications were scheduled and posted with NMSU 24 hours in advance. Wilbur-Ellis provided chemicals and application services. All pests were monitored by field scouting, yellow sticky traps, and pheromone traps. https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/insect-trap-data.html#anchor_205230

RESULTS Sixteen varieties were harvested from each of the four replications. Marketable yield for the Chip Potato Variety trial ranged from 546 to 354 cwt/acre. Variety MSW075-4 was the top performer at 546 cwt/a followed by a check variety Lamoka at 541 cwt/a. The remaining 14 varieties ranged from 497 to 354 cwt/a in marketable yield. Specific Gravity ranged from 1.103 to 1.085 percent with a sixteen variety average of 1.093 percent. (Table 10)

1 Higgins Farm (Farmington, NM). 2 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM.

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The highest tuber yielding plant was MSV030-4, Petoskey with 12.1 tubers per plant and the highest number of tubers per stem at 6.4 tubers. The average number of tubers per plant was 8.25. The average tuber weight was 4.2 ounces. The average number of tubers per stem was 3.4. (Table 11)

The chip processing results in Table 12 show total defects (external and internal defects) as percent of 200 grams. The sixteen variety total defects percent average was 1.2 %. Variety AOR093404 had the greatest percent of defects in both external and internal at 5.0% and 6.0%, respectively. The trial sucrose levels ranged from 1.158 to 0.286 mg/g. MSX540-4 variety had the highest level of sucrose 1.158 mg/g but one of the 8 varieties with glucose levels of 0.000 mg/g. Variety AOR09034-3 had the highest glucose level of 0.054 mg/g.

Table 10. Chip potato variety trial yield and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Table 11. Chip potato variety trial tuber data. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Selection Selection Name Tubers/plant Tuber Weight Tuber/stem (no.) (oz.) (no.)

MSV030-4 Petoskey 12.1 3.4 6.4 CO10073-7W 10.9 3.5 4.6 AOR09034-3 10.6 5.3 4.5 CO02321-4W Winterset 10 3.7 4.2 MSW075-4 8.9 4.3 2.9 NY162 8.9 4 3.8 Nicolet Nicolet 8.8 3.6 2.1 MSZ219-14 8.6 4.4 3.6 CO10076-4W 7.9 4.1 3.4 Waneta Waneta 7.5 5 3.2 NY152 Lady Liberty 7.3 3.9 3.1 Lamoka Lamoka 6.9 5.1 2.9 Snowden Snowden 6.9 3.9 2.9 ND7519-1 6.2 4 2.6 MSZ219-13 5.8 4.4 2.5 MSX540-4 Macinac 4.7 4.6 1.8 Average 8.25 4.2 3.4

Table 12. Chip potato variety trial processing data. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Selection Undersirable

Color External Defects

Internal Defects

Total Defects* Sucrose Glucose Chip Comments

(%) (%) (%) (%) (mg/g) (mg/g) (color) MSW075-4 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.503 0.000 1.0 Lamoka 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.754 0.000 1.0 IBS, GC, few pear shape NY162 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.681 0.000 1.0 CO10073-7W 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.490 0.003 1.0 Snowden 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.305 0.006 1.0 Few common scab MSV030-4 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.360 0.000 1.0 CO02321-4W 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.352 0.000 1.0 Few common scab MSZ219-14 0.0% 4.0% 0.0% 4.0% 0.430 0.011 1.0 Waneta 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.286 0.010 1.0 MSX540-4 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.158 0.000 1.0 AOR09034-3 0.0% 1.0% 5.0% 6.0% 0.516 0.054 1.0 IBS, BC, CRACKS Nicolet 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.393 0.021 1.0 NY152 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 2.0% 0.663 0.000 1.0 MSZ219-13 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.655 0.000 1.0 Few pear shape CO10076-4W 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.320 0.010 1.0 ND7519-1 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.560 0.008 1.0 Average 0.0% 0.6% 0.5% 1.2% 0.527 0.008

* Percent of 200 grams

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2019 Table Potato Variety Trial Authors: C. Higgins1, K. Djaman (PI)2, K.A. Lombard2, S.C. Allen2, M.M. West2, J. Ward2, J. Joe2,

F.J. Thomas2, D. Begay2 and N. Begay2

Sponsored by Potatoes USA growers and processors. Financial Support: Potatoes USA provided grant of $22,845.

IMPACT Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) and Navajo Mesa Farms (NMF) are large-acreage potato producers in the Four Corners region. Table potato variety research is necessary to find better storage varieties. Ciklaman is a nationally grown check variety for red potatoes and Satina is the check grown for yellow varieties. The table potato research data, such as total yield, “A” yield, specific gravity, and other component results are entered into the Potatoes USA database for use by all growers, processors and breeders. https://potatoesusa.mediusag.com

SUMMARY There were two entries at the highest total 603 cwt/a in the table potato trial, Golden Globe and Tacoma. Tacoma had the highest “A” marketable yield at 494 cwt/a followed by Golden Globe at 474 cwt/a. Both entries had zero percent culls. The trial average for total yield was 541 cwt/a and the market yield “A” average was 364 cwt/a. (Table 13) The trial specific gravity ranged from 1.066 to 1.099 with a trial average of 1.083. (Table 14)

MATERIALS AND METHODS Planting methodsTwenty-four table entries plus one fingerling entry were planted within three replications on April 17. Seed potatoes were cut into 2.5 ounce average size and planted at eleven inch spacing in NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington (ASCF) north bench plot #10. Vine kill was August 31, 2019. Potatoes were harvested on September 17, 2019. The plot irrigation was scheduled according to site evapotranspiration rate. The irrigation was applied via a sprinkler line source system.

Fertilization Fertilizer was applied according to soil test results. Wilbur-Ellis provided fertilizer which was applied at 180 pounds per acre Nitrogen (N), 120 pounds per acre Phosphorus (P2O5), and 300 pounds per acre Potassium (K2O).

Pesticides During the 2019 growing season, pesticide applications were scheduled and posted with NMSU 24 hours in advance. Wilbur-Ellis provided chemicals and application services. All pests were monitored by field scouting, yellow sticky traps, and pheromone traps. https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/insect-trap-data.html#anchor_205230

RESULTS Trial entries Golden Globe and Tacoma performed at the highest total yield of 603 cwt/a. The total yield ranged from 603 to 467 cwt/a. The trial average was 541 cwt/a. The entry with highest marketable yield “A” was Satina (check for yellow varieties) at 520 cwt/a. The “A” trial average was 364 cwt/a. The total yield for the entry Rose Gold fingerling was 525 cwt/a. (Table 13) The 24 entry trial resulted in 8 entries with internal defects ranging from 0.0% to 3% of the total number harvested for each entry. (Table 14)

1 Higgins Farm (Farmington, NM). 2 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM.

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Table 13. Table potato variety trial yield and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Variety Total "A" < 2" 2 to 3.5" > 3.5" > 2.5" < 3.5" Culls Yield " A" 6 to 10 oz.

(cwt/a)* cwt/a* (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Abalone 513 312 39% 61% 0% 24% 1% AC10376-1W/Y 497 339 31% 68% 1% 27% 0% Alegria 545 460 13% 84% 1% 55% 2% Allora 524 421 20% 80% 0% 40% 2% Cascada 522 354 32% 68% 0% 24% 0% Ciklaman 503 244 42% 49% 0% 12% 10% CO09128-3W/Y 554 98 82% 18% 0% 3% 0% CO10064-1W/Y 530 267 47% 50% 0% 19% 3% CO10087-4RU 519 349 30% 67% 0% 15% 0% CO10098-5W/Y 586 254 55% 43% 0% 22% 2% Golden Globe 603 474 21% 79% 1% 43% 0% MN13142 535 262 50% 49% 0% 6% 1% Modoc 508 373 26% 73% 1% 38% 1% Mondack Gold 520 459 11% 88% 0% 64% 1% NDTX12248Y-1R 505 444 6% 88% 6% 62% 0% Paroli 559 365 32% 65% 0% 26% 2% Revielle Russet 570 471 16% 83% 0% 38% 1% Satina 587 520 8% 89% 3% 64% 1% Soraya 580 466 19% 80% 0% 34% 0% Tacoma 603 494 17% 82% 1% 44% 0% Tessa 490 385 19% 78% 0% 40% 2% Tokio 588 435 24% 74% 1% 37% 1% US Blue 568 115 70% 20% 0% 1% 10% Wendy 467 373 19% 80% 0% 39% 1% Average 541 364 30% 67% 1% 32% 2% Rose Gold Fingerling 525

*cwt/a = 100 weight/acre

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Table 14. Table potato variety trial specific gravity and other components. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Internal Specific Tuber Skin Flesh Comments Defects Gravity Shape Color Color

(%) 0% 1.084 oval shiny white white bruise 0% 1.075 oval yellow yellow 0% 1.084 oval yellow yellow 2% 1.066 oval yellow yellow bruise 0% 1.079 round yellow yellow good baby potato 1% 1.091 round red white good baby potato few misshapen 0% 1.095 round yellow yellow 70% heat sprouts 3% 1.099 round yellow yellow bruise, attached stolens 2% 1.093 oblong russet white few misshapen 0% 1.099 round yellow yellow 65% heat sprouts 0% 1.068 round-oval gold yellow few bruise 0% 1.094 oblong russet white few bruise 0% 1.075 round red white 0% 1.089 oblong pink yellow 1% 1.073 round red yellow 1% 1.069 oval yellow yellow misshapen,IBS 0% 1.084 oblong russet white few misshapen 0% 1.098 oval yellow yellow powdery scab 3% 1.068 oval yellow yellow IBS, few pear shape 0% 1.072 oval yellow yellow powdery scab 0% 1.093 oval yellow yellow 0% 1.095 oval yellow yellow 0% 1.078 oval purple purple few misshapen 2% 1.075 oval yellow yellow IBS 1% 1.083

fingerling yellow yellow

*Specific Gravity is the ratio of potato weight in water to the potato weight in air.

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Field evaluation of Solanum jamesii – a native USA wild potato Authors: J. Bamberg1, K.A. Lombard2, A. del Rio1, C. Fernandez1, L. Louderback3, B. Pavlik4 and D. Kinder5

Objectives • Conduct a Solanum jamesii, grow-out in the Four Corners Region in the soil and climate in which S. jamesii

evolved. • Subject field grown and greenhouse grown tubers to freeze tests to determine cold tolerance compared

to other Solanum species.

One of the two potato relatives native to the USA is Solanum jamesii (jam), originating in the Four Corners states and western Texas. The US Potato Genebank has collected and studied over 200 populations since 1958. The species is of interest for research and breeding by virtue of its resistance traits for pests, such as extreme late blight (Phytophthora infestans), nematodes and insects. Furthermore, the tubers have long dormancy, freezing tolerance and are exceptionally nutritious, containing high levels of antioxidants that inhibit prostate cancer. Although considered a wild species, it is often associated with ancient native habitation sites, suggesting its natural history may have been influenced by cultivation and transport by humans for over 10,000 years. We grew 130 populations from across the natural range in a cultivated field at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center research farm at Farmington during the 2016, 2017 and 2019 seasons. Plants growing in the wild often occupy shady habitats in mulch or among rocks and are usually small and without flowers. Plants at Farmington’s irrigated, open field plots in a sandy loam soil, however, exhibited robust growth and flowering, and attracted abundant bumble bee pollinators that encouraged fruit set. This demonstrates that sexual reproduction under ancient human cultivation may have been much more prevalent than previously assumed. Contrary to expectations, little difference in shoot morphology was observed among populations. In contrast to other studies, all populations tuberized readily but with no marked differences in tuber size that could be associated with origin from human habitation sites. All tubers subjected to freezing tests were extremely hardy but with some indication that populations from wild sites are slightly more freeze hardy. (Figure 8) This survey of S. jamesii growing in the Farmington field made it possible to make observations and collect tuber samples for analysis that were relevant to the climate and soil to which this species is naturally adapted, and allowed us to detect subtle effects that can now be tested with more focused studies. The ASC Farmington is also engaged in conventional table and chip cultivar trials of S. tuberosum and perhaps ideal breeding traits from S. jamesii could be introduced into S. tuberosum. Or perhaps the S. jamesii, could become a reintroduced component of a culturally appropriate dietary source or, southwestern/Native food-ways-branded food.

1 USDA/Agricultural Research Service, US Potato Genebank, Sturgeon Bay, WI. E-mail: [email protected] 2 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 3 Natural History Museum of Utah, Anthropology Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. 4 Department of Conservation, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. 5 Ohio Northern University, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Ada, OH.

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mailto:[email protected]


Figure 8. Freeze tolerance test: Nearly 100% of tubers of S. jamesii generated in the greenhouse andNM field survived and sprouted when cooled to as low as 10.4 °F (-12 °C). S. jamesii tubers were highly significantly more cold tolerant than any other Solanum species tested. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Winter Malted Barley Trial Authors: K.A. Lombard, K. Djaman and F.J. Thomas1

The ASC Farmington is the only New Mexico participant in the National Winter Malted Barley Trial. This multi-state trial consists of cultivars from public and private barley breeders; two-row and six-row barley varieties, and is administered through the University of Minnesota. Planting occurs in the late summer/early fall, before irrigation water is turned off (Figure 9). The crop overwinters provided there is ample winter soil moisture, and heads up/is harvested by July. Evaluations include winter survival, lodging, disease, and yield. New Mexico has 67 breweries that produced 116,023 barrels in 2017, with an economic impact that grew to $333 million. Production of craft distillates also continues to see market growth in New Mexico. The objectives of these trials are to support growing interest by craft brewers and distilleries to obtain locally-sourced malted barley and to evaluate small grain options for Northwest New Mexico growers that might fit into a diversified crop rotation.

Figure 9. Planting in early October; Examples of 2-row and 6-row malted barley cultivars. NMSU ASC Farmington, NM, 2019

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM.

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Heading date and grain yield of eighteen winter wheat cultivars Authors: K. Djaman1, S. Haley2, D. Begay1 and S. Allen1

IMPACT The winter wheat performance tests are essential in order to provide local growers, extension workers and seed industry personnel with accurate, up-to-date information on wheat varietal health and performance under local conditions. In 2019, 360,000 acres of winter wheat were seeded in New Mexico (NASS, 2019)3. Given that wheat and products are an important commodity in northern New Mexico, information from performance testing is helpful for growers who wish to increase yields and make the most of production and harvest costs.

SUMMARY Eighteen winter wheat cultivars were evaluated for their heading date and grain yield under sprinkler irrigation at the Farmington Agricultural Experimental Station during the 2018-2019 winter wheat growing season. The 18 cultivars were organized in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that Langin was the earliest cultivar with heading on Julian day 129 while Whistler was the latest cultivar with heading on Julian day 139. Average grain yield varied from 6,522 kg/ha obtained by Whistler to 10,559 kg/ha obtained by CO13D1479. The top yielding cultivars were CO13D1479, Snowmass 2.0, Monarch, and Byrd, all of which yielded more than 10,000 kg/ha.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen winter wheat cultivars were evaluated for their heading date and grain yield under sprinkler irrigation. The 18 cultivars were organized in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Wheat was planted on September 26, 2018 and harvested on July 9-10, 2019. The planting rate was 1.2 million seeds per acre and the experimental unit plot size was 5 ft over 20 ft (100 ft2). The plot was sprinkler irrigated from planting to October 18, 2018 and from April 20, 2019 to late June 2019 through a center pivot, and the irrigation scheduling was based on wheat actual evapotranspiration. Herbicide (Pursuit) was applied at the recommended rate in late April 2019 to control a combination of mustard and Canadian thistle, and some manual weeding was occasionally practiced to keep the plots weed free. (Figure 10) shows the aerial view of the winter wheat plots. Plots were combine harvested on July 9-10, 2019 when the moisture content of the grain was lower than 10%, and plot weights were adjusted to a standard moisture content of 14%; yield was determined in kg/ha and in bushels/acre. Yield data was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using CoStat software and the means were separated using Fisher’s protected least significance difference (LSD) test at the 95% level of probability.

Figure 10. Aerial view of 2018-planted winter wheat plots at Farmington (NM) Agricultural Experiment Station on May 9, 2019. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM., 2 Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University (Ft. Collins, CO).

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RESULTS Average heading date of each wheat cultivar is presented in Figure 11. The heading date varied with wheat cultivar and ranged from 129 to 139 Julian day. Langin was the earliest cultivar while Whistler was the latest cultivar. During the heading period and grain filling for some wheat cultivars, there was a late spring snowfall on May 20, 2019 which resulted in significant lodging damage to the wheat stand, as shown in Figure 12. Winter wheat grain yield varied with cultivar and ranged from 6,522 kg/ha (97 bushels/acre) to 10,559 kg/ha (157 bushels/acre) (Figure 13 ; Figure 14). The latest cultivar Whistler obtained the lowest grain yield, and the highest grain yield was obtained by the cultivar CO13D1479. The top wheat cultivars yielding more than 10,000 kg/ha (>150 bushels/acre) were CO13D1479, Snowmass 2.0, Byrd, and Monarch, making them good candidates for adoption in the Four Corners region; however, best management practices are recommended for optimal production sustainability and yield potential.

Figure 11. Heading dates of winter wheat cultivars evaluated during the 2018-2019 season. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 12. Lodging caused by a snowfall on May 20, 2019 during wheat flowering stage. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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0

1500

3000

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7500

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Aver

y

Byrd

Lang

in

Dena

li

Canv

as

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Braw

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CL

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cent

AX

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D034

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D147

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CO15

D098

R

Grai

n yi

eld

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Figure 13. Final grain yield of 18 winter wheat cultivars evaluated during the 2018-2019 season. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 14. Wheat grain yield ranking as a function of cultivar (bushels/acre). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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2019 Update on Hybrid Poplars at ASC Farmington Authors: S.C. Allen1, K.A. Lombard1, M.K. O’Neill1 and R. Heyduck2

IMPACT ASC Farmington has about 10 acres of mature hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) which have been studied for well over a decade (first trial installed in 2002 and later trials in 2003, 2005 and 2007). These fast-growing, shade-producing trees are quite noticeable to anyone visiting the station, and were planted as a series of research trials to investigate their potential as a windbreak/alternative crop for landowners in our semiarid area. This 2019 update takes a brief look at the trees’ performance as well as plans and considerations for the future.

SUMMARY Several trials have been conducted at ASC-Farmington to determine the most appropriate poplar varieties and best management practices for the area. (Figure 15). This includes data on tree survival, growth (diameter, height, wood volume, biomass), health, insect resistance, response to different fertilization types, and response to different irrigation amounts. Identification of potential markets, as well as long-term economic feasibility and environmental applications/benefits, were also considered. Three of these trials are described below (Trials 1, 2 and 3). (In addition, three additional ASC-Farmington trials are described in detail in other publications: these include a close-spacing trial for production of woody biomass installed in 2003; a multi-locational trial for testing of varietal performance in different locations installed in 2005 in association with GreenWood Resources Corp. and Washington State University; and a phytoremediation study at a nearby decommissioned oil refinery, first planted in 2010). Overall, given the range of poplar taxa tested, the DxN taxon (P. × canadensis crosses) generally produced the greatest biomass in both low- and high-population density trials. Through breeding and selection, a number of other crosses also appear well suited to the region, especially the P. × canadensis crosses. Other poplar crosses to consider in this and other locations with similar climatic and edaphic conditions include Rio Grande cottonwood (P. deltoides ssp. wislizeni) and Fremont cottonwood (P. fremontii), among others.

Trial 1: In 2002, a provenance trial was installed consisting of 10 different varieties/clones (crosses of Populus deltoides, P. maximowiczii, P. nigra, and P. trichocarpa) recommended by growers in the Pacific Northwest. This trial, planted at 10 ft x 10 ft spacing under drip irrigation, found that clone OP-367 (a P. deltoides × P. nigra cross) remained the tallest clone after 16 seasons (2002-2017), reaching a mean height of 83.8 feet (25.5 m), with remaining clone heights ranging from 71.0 feet (21.7 m) (clone 49-177) to 53.5 feet (16.3 m) (Eridano). OP-367 also had the largest mean diameter at breast height (DBH) at 13.4 inches (34.1 cm). The remaining 7 clones ranged in diameter from 11.1 inches (28.2 cm) (311-93) to 7.6 inches (19.4 cm) (Eridano). Maximum wood volume was obtained by OP-367 at 13,135 ft3/acre (919 m3/ha) and total aboveground biomass for OP 367 was 247 tons/acre (554 Mg/ha). At the end of 16 seasons, OP-367, 58-280, and 311-93 still maintained 90% or higher survival, with mean survival for the entire trial population at 81.5%.

Trial 2: In 2005, a second trial was installed to examine effects of fertilization on OP-367 using biosolids, a byproduct of municipal sewage treatment plants that has shown promise as a fertilizer on calcareous soils. Biosolids were applied to plots at 10 or 20 tons/acre, while Sprint Fe-chelate fertilizer (or ‘control’ with no fertilizer) was applied to remaining plots, in a 12 ft x 12 ft spacing under drip irrigation. Currently, almost all of the trees remain healthy and have exhibited little treatment differences in their mature stage. However, average

Figure 15. East-facing aerial photograph of ASC-Farmington showing several hybrid poplar trials. Left side of photo shows 2005-planted ‘biosolids’ trial and 2002-planted close-spacing trial below it. Center of photo shows 2007-planted ‘differential water applications’ trial and 2002-planted provenance trial below it. Right side of photo shows 2005-planted GreenWood Resources (GWR) multi-locational trial.

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height in 2017 for biosolids-treated trees (86.3 ft, or 26.3 m) at 20 tons/acre treatment was significantly higher than Sprint-treated or non-treated (control) trees (average of 79.8 ft, or 24.4 m). While possibly a treatment difference, this is more likely due to block/plot differences, as such significance had not been noted in mature trees in previous years. Interestingly, four trees in the study were measured at over 100 ft (30 m) tall (three in a control plot and one in 10-ton/acre treatment plot, being the tallest tree at 108.6 ft, or 33.1 m). Overall, average height for all study trees in 2017 was 81.9 ft (25.0 m), average DBH was 10.9 inches (27.7 cm), average wood volume was 6,183 ft3/acre (433 m3/ha), and average biomass was 103.8 tons/acre (232.7 Mg/ha), reflecting modest growth from the previous year. A general lack of treatment effects in the mature trees is understandable given conditions of natural soil turnover since 2005, under-watering, and vigorous growth of OP-367 under varied conditions. Overall, the use of biosolids may have helped in addressing chlorosis issues in young trees, though tree placement and resource competition are likely the major factors influencing later growth. Still, the use of composted biosolids on Populus sites represents a useful land application worthy of additional study.

Trial 3: In 2007, four clones of P. deltoides × P. nigra crosses from ongoing trials were planted on 6.8 acres in a 12 x 12 foot grid spacing, and drip irrigated from 2007 to 2012 at four target levels (70, 80, 120 and 130%) of reference poplar evapotranspiration (ET), later revised to 80, 100, 120 and 140% of ET in 2013. (Figure 16) For early 2019, entry 544 led for height at 75.2 ft (22.9 m), surpassing entry 433 at 71.4 ft (21.7 m). Both clones had highest average DBH (10.2 inches, or 25.9 cm), wood volume (4,863 ft3/acre, or 340 m3/ha), and biomass (90 tons/acre, or 201 Mg/ha). While the 120-140% irrigation treatments generally produced the most biomass, the 80% level seemed to result in highest survival. Of note, many of the trees (particularly low-performing ones) appeared to be weakened by dry winter conditions and physiological stress, and tended to be susceptible to fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) and ‘wetwood’ (Corynebacterium), a bacterial infection that appears as a wet, sappy area, accompanied by branch dieback and tree decline. Interestingly, clone 544 showed the most resilience to stresses and drought based on its >99% survival rate and overall vigor.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS The hybrid poplars are being considered for various applications and uses. Most stands will remain for now and will continue to provide shade, windbreak, firewood, wildlife habitat and aesthetic value, as well as opportunity for possible agroforestry, thinning and coppicing studies. Studies on biochar generation and wooden pallets have also been recently conducted. (Figure 17). Other considerations include uses such as wood products (plywood, poles, engineered lumber products, specialty products), fiber (excelsior for cooling pads, soil conservation blankets), and pulp (paper, biofuel). The carbon sequestration potential of Populus is of interest, given the potential role of trees in climate change mitigation cited by the United Nations Forum on Forests. These findings will be instructive for those interested in long-term growth of Populus in semi-arid areas, as well as those looking at potential environmental and economic benefits/drawbacks of poplars in such a setting. For more information, please see: https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/research/horticulture/BL805/welcome.html

Figure 16. 2007-planted hybrid poplar trial showing early Fall differences in leaf color and senescence among four clones of Populus deltoides × P. nigra after eight seasons. White pipes along road are the ‘risers’ (manifolds) for the drip irrigation system for different plots.

Figure 17. Truckload of hybrid poplar poles harvested at ASC-Farmington in 2018, for research on their suitability for wooden pallet manufacture at a regional facility.

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Alcalde.

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https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/research/horticulture/BL805/welcome.html


Northwest New Mexico Hemp Project Authors: K. Lombard1, L. Haskie2, A. Earnhart2, R. Yazzie2, R. Pablo2, V. Cowboy2, D. John2 and F.J. Thomas1

SUMMARY Hemp (Cannabis sativa) became legal to grow in New Mexico in 2019, provided THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive compound) is at or below 0.3%. The most active interest in U.S. hemp production is currently in CBD extraction (cannabidiol; a medicinal compound with one FDA approval Epidiolex, anti-epileptic medication and many other proclaimed health, food, fiber and industrial uses). Navajo Agricultural Products Industry-New Mexico State University Memorandum of Understanding – Hemp Pilot Project 2019 (year 1) was completed fall 2019. The research/policy team comprised members from NAPI and NMSU and the regulatory process navigated among the Navajo Nation government, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and NMSU. The study included three CBD hemp genetics (cultivars ‘Cherry Wine’, Sweetened’, and ‘Wife’) on a very small scale (200 ft2/18.5 m2). The timeline and additional inputs are listed in Table 15. Necessary approvals and licenses for the pilot project were obtained under authorization of Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CJN-24-19, the New Mexico Hemp Cultivation Rule (New Mexico Department of Agriculture; http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/hemp-program/), and NMSU 11.50 – Hemp Research, Extension, and Outreach Activities guidelines (https://arp.nmsu.edu/11-50/). Hemp sampling, in support of state THC harvest requirements, was conducted by the research team and by the NMDA. All cultivars were compliant for THC (at or below 0.3%) and issued NMDA harvest certificates. Plants were removed from the field, weighed, air dried, and re-weighed before sending to the lab for additional post-harvest testing.

Lessons Learned: • The work is laying the foundation for developing hemp research and development guidelines and policy

in our region to include the Navajo Nation. • Growers are cautioned to allow for research and development to catch up to grower enthusiasm.

Growers are encouraged to consider the risks and benefits carefully when cultivating this new crop and further efforts are needed to identify best management practices, markets, and education.

• Horticulturally: growers are advised to obtain seed or transplants from a reputable seed vendor or nurseryman. Seed or transplants should be from certified sources; ask the vendor for a Laboratory Cannabinoid Profile Certificate of Analysis for the THC level of the genetics the vendor is selling.

RESULTS Permitting and approval took approximately 1 year from concept to planting. This was largely due to navigating a new regulatory system at multiple institutional and governmental levels. The late planting date (July 15, 2019), was 21 days after the summer solstice (June 21), when days become shorter. Plants in the Cannabaceae family are generally photoperiod sensitive. In hemp (and its close relative, hops), flower initiation will begin as day length shortens (after the Summer Solstice). (Figure 18) Our greenhouse-grown transplants, although nearly 2 feet tall at planting, began to flower almost immediately after planting. Furthermore, the transplants were root bound and experienced “transplant shock” at planting time due to heat stress. Although plants recovered, transplant shock along with shorter photoperiod at our late planting date likely contributed to under yielding plants. (Figure 22) Growers are encouraged to navigate the permitting process early and plant seed or transplants after the last danger of frost but before the summer solstice.

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2 Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (Farmington, NM).

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https://arp.nmsu.edu/11-50

http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/hemp-program


• THC levels were below regulatory limits (0.3% THC) when sampled by the NMDA. A Harvest Certificate was then issued. Growers should monitor THC levels regularly (e.g. 7-10 day increments) through a certified hemp testing lab once flower initiation begins. The grower’s responsibility is to test before the scheduled official NMDA inspection date to avoid risking whole field/crop destruction for non-compliance plants that may test above 0.3% THC. (Figure 19). Hemp is processed by randomly selecting plants from each cultivar and sampling leaves, stems, and flowers, homogenizing, and then sending to the lab. (Figure 20) Purpose is to test plants before harvesting can proceed. Certificate of harvest issued by approved lab. If THC <0.3%, farmer can harvest. If THC >0.3%, must destroy crop. Growers are encouraged to consult the NMDA Hemp Website for additional information. http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/hemp-program

• Optimizing drying/curing hemp should be considered especially for flower production to avoid issues with mold. We utilized our best available option, a storage shed with drying occurring at ambient temperature. (Figure 21) At harvest and after drying 7-10 days, THC levels ranged from 0.48-0.72%, (Figure 23) and CBD ranged from 14.6 - 19.3% after a 68 -70% moisture loss. (Figure 24) Growers are encouraged to monitor their plant chemistry and moisture content during the drying/curing process to avoid over or under drying (which could lead to mold issues) or over drying (which can lead to concentrating the cannabinoid profile and reducing overall quality. New Rules issued by the New Mexico Environment Department outline other post-harvest testing procedures now required by producers and processors. Growers are encouraged to visit the NMED program website: https://www.env.nm.gov/hempprogram.

• Overall, the first year was successful in terms of beginning to better understand hemp agronomics within the context of a newly established regulatory system. While there is much enthusiasm for hemp, growers should understand the volatility of hemp markets and much more research is needed to help inform growers if hemp is the right crop for them.

Observational Notes from Growers and Policy Makers through Listening Sessions in New Mexico and Southern Colorado pertaining to the 2019 Growing Season:

• Research has not caught up with grower enthusiasm. Research efforts should be rapidly scaled up to give growers the most informed information that will allow growers to decide if hemp is right for them in a rotational-based cropping system.

• The volatility of hemp is a huge risk that growers need to consider. Market-based research is highly needed and growers should consider cooperating in order to reduce market volatilely.

• “Read the rules. 2018 Farm Bill will change the way the crop is regulated.” States had to submit rules to the USDA. Sovereign First Nation plans may differ from U.S. Federal and State plans.

• “You have to educate yourself in everything you do with hemp; 25,000 different products doesn’t mean there are 25,000 different markets.”

• “Look at other markets like food value. Hemp is considered a "super food" complete protein source. Keto diet. Keep in mind that Canada has a 20-year head start on hemp as a food source.”

• “What are other viable markets? Which of the uses of hemp are scalable?” • “Hemp is not a replacement crop; hemp is a rotational crop.” • “The Gold Rush is over. Everyone relax and come back to Earth. It’s just another crop.” • Manufacturers of hemp harvesting, processing, and drying equipment: “Price of CBD is crashing; We

are trying to target a farm revenue of $3-5,000 per acre through mechanization; whether through planting, cultivating, harvesting, etc…”

• “The markets are going to develop, it’s just a matter of time. Have to realize that hemp is not new to the rest of the world.”

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http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/hemp-program

https://www.env.nm.gov/hempprogram/

https://0.48-0.72


• “Buy certified seed. Certified by CO; certified by European Union, (which is 0.2% THC limit). Avoid the open market. Who is going to pay for 1$ a seed for feminized seed?”

• “Must have at least 13 inches of water.” “Plant nutritionally, not going to get much benefit [antidotal] if you under fertilize.”

• “Growing hemp is easy but everything else is hard.” • “Farmers need to start testing [for THC] immediately.” “Conduct a soil test; test for heavy metals” • “Plant only 10% of what you want to plant: if you want to plant 10 acres, only plant 1 acre; if you want

to plant 100 acres, only plant 10 acres.” • “Hemp volunteering as a weed; showing up under power lines; birds spreading.” • “If you have a volunteer plant from hemp. Get rid of it.” • “There was a challenging year in the state, and quite frankly across the country, because there were a lot

of people who jumped into it and basically oversupplied”

Table 15. Timeline and activities of hemp pilot project. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2019

Activity Dates Begin conceptualizing project Secure New Mexico background check Navigate Navajo Nation approval process University process approved Obtain approximately 3.5-month old greenhouse plants of three female cultivars (‘Cherry Wine’, ‘Sweetened’, and ‘Wife’) from Rich Global (Las Cruces, NM) Planting date THC/CBD Testing Weeding Harvest, weigh, hang for drying; 79 days total from planting to harvest. Separate dried flowers from leaves and stems

• About 40 gal per plant (14.7 inches) total water applied by pivot or hose pipe irrigation directly to plants.

• Of this, 13.7 gal per plant total fertigation applied by hose pipe (24%N, 8%P, 16%K) + microelements boron (.02 percent), copper (.07 percent), iron (.15 percent), manganese (.05 percent), molybdenum (.0005 percent) and zinc (.06 percent).

Summer 2018 February, 2019 March – June 5, 2019 July 09, 2019 July 11, 2019

July 15, 2019 July 20, Sept 04, Sept 27 (NMDA), and Nov 13, 2019 Hand weeding throughout the growing season. Oct 03, 2019

Oct 11, 2019 for ‘Sweetened’; Oct 14, 2019 for ‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Wife’

• July 15 – Oct 01, 2019 (38 application times total).

• Aug 2, Aug 8, Aug, 15, Aug 16, and Aug 23, 2019

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Figure 18. Hemp planting, irrigation, and plant flower. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 19. NMDA Harvest permit inspection September 27, 2019. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 20. Hemp plants harvested on October 3, 2019. Whole plant weighed and taken to storage shed for drying. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Figure 21. Drying hemp plants at ambient temperature within a shed for 7-19 days. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 22. Hemp yields after harvest and drying. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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NMDA Harvest Analysis Sept 27, 2019

Post-harvest Analysis after 68-70% mass reduction after air drying for 7-10 days

November 13, 2019 Cultivar ‘Cherry Wine’

Cultivar ‘Sweetened’

Cultivar ‘Wife’

Figure 23. NMDA Harvest Analysis, 9/27/2019. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Figure 24. Hemp cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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New Mexico State University Hops (Humulus lupulus) Project Authors: K.A. Lombard1, F.J. Thomas1, C. Brewer2 and H.T. Rheay2

IMPACT Some agricultural producers in New Mexico and Southwest Colorado view hops (Humulus lupulus) as a potential specialty crop for local craft brewing and medicinal herb markets (Figure 25). The photo period (day-length) in Farmington is at the southern edge of what is considered the ideal latitude for growing traditional standard hop varieties commonly grown in the Pacific Northwest. (Figure 25) Humulus lupulus var. neomexicanus, including neomexicanus hops researched by Todd Bates (Embudo, NM) has a native range that includes New Mexico and has a unique chemical profile (Figure 26). For instance, Xanthohumol, a compound with anti-cancer properties, appears to be higher in neomexicanus hops than the industry standard ‘Cascade’. Like malted barley, some NM craft brewers are seeking locally-sourced hops and unique flavors that may be used to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. New Mexico has 67 breweries that produced 116,023 barrels in 2017, with an economic impact that grew to $333 million. Hops are an intensive crop in up-front costs and labor and require specialized trellising, harvesting, and curing processes. (Figure 27) Growers are advised to carefully consider the markets before deciding if hops are the right crop for cultivation for them as part of a diversified farm economy.

Figure 25. Map of important US hop production zones and major classes of hops compounds. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2 New Mexico State University Chemical & Materials Engineering, Las Cruces, NM.

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Figure 26. GC-MS Chromatographs of Essential Oil Profiles of NM Grown Hops. Essential oil profile of cv neomexicanus hops (Neo 1 and Multihead) differs from standard ‘Cascade’ hops. Why is this important? Can neomexicanus hops grown in NM be considered a value-added hops with distinguishable difference from standard industry hops? NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 27. Hops production. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Cherry Variety Trial Planted 2014 Authors: K.A. Lombard and F.J. Thomas1

SUMMARY Cherries have a long-standing history of production in the Four Corners area with recent renewed interest. Six grafted cultivars were planted March 26, 2014 as bare-root, 3-year old tree seedlings. Cherry trees are among the first fruit trees to break dormancy at our location and have been prone to spring frost damage resulting in flower death almost every year since planting. The 2019 growing season was “fruitful” for many tree crops, including cherry at ASC- Farmington, resulting in a harvestable yield. Qualitatively, yields were high and quality was good (Figure 28). These plots will be monitored for adaptability in the next few growing seasons. Growers are still cautioned about understanding the risk associated with fruit trees and spring frost damage. At this time, cherry trees are only recommended as part of a diversified farm with the understanding that in some years, there will be no fruit production due to flower kill during late spring frost events that are common in the Four Corners growing region. Site selection also plays a role and growers are advised to understand their farm dynamics linking slope and temperature before planting cherries or any fruit tree crop.

Figure 28. Average yield per tree. Tree and cherry cluster photographs. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019


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Viticulture Project Authors: K.A. Lombard1, W.G. Giese2 and F.J. Thomas1

Grape trials at the ASC-Farmington historically date back to its inception in the late 60’s when Jack Jordan was a participant in the Four Corners Grape Trial. (Figure 29) The semi-arid climate and wide diurnal temperature fluctuation (hot days and cool nights) at the time of late summer berry ripening, is ideal for producing high sugar content, the highest of any fruit crop measured in Farmington. Some growers consider grapes as part of a diversified farm economy to include fresh markets (table grapes) and for value added (e.g., jams, jellies, wine, and distillates and agritourism like wineries and tasting rooms). The challenges of growing grape vines in Northwest New Mexico are mainly related to a high elevation that exceeds 1,700 m (5,500 ft) and begins to “push-the-envelope” of cold winter temperature tolerance for many grape varieties. Killing spring frosts (that kill flowers and leaves after budbreak) can also be common in Farmington (Figure 30). On the other hand, low humidity found in Northwest New Mexico, equates to low fungal disease pressure which essentially means grapes can be grown without need for fungicide applications in most years. Several trials are currently being evaluated in Farmington to include 1) non-grafted Vitis vinifera and interspecific hybrid wine and table grape cultivars planted in 2007, 2) a rootstock trial planted in 2009 (2 scions, ‘Refosco’ and ‘Gewurztraminer’, grafted onto 9 different rootstocks; (Figure 31), and 3) miscellaneous trials including grapes from the original 1968 Jack Jordan planting. A new trial awarded to Los Lunas, Alcalde and Farmington ASCs will enable a multi-site trial of 15 table grapes cultivars beginning in 2020. Growers interested in grapes should be advised about selecting sites that best fit the grape variety to the farm landscape. San Juan County has a tremendous amount of variability in terms of soils that range from slightly acidic to alkaline, and temperatures that vary depending on elevation or distance from low-lying riverbeds (consider frost pockets). Before considering grapes, growers are encouraged to know what their soil conditions are (soil test) and their site temperatures (monitored with a min/max thermometer). Planting grapes is a considerable investment.

Figure 29. Dr. Jack Jordon, NMSU-ASC Farmington Horticulturist, taking grape data with Leonard Betsuie in 1972. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2019

Figure 30. Some of the challenges of growing grapes in Northwest NM include late spring frost and weather events like snow. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas, NM.

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Figure 31. 2009-planted rootstock trial of scions 'Refosco' and ‘Gewurztraminer’ grafted on 9 different rootstocks. ‘Refosco’ grape pictured upper left. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Gold King Mine Long-term Monitoring Project Authors: K.A. Lombard1, A. Ulery2, D.C. Weindorf3, G. Jha2, B. Francis1, B. Hunter2, M. Whiting2, A. Mathews4

and S. Fullen2

Funds provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Mexico Environment Department, and the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute.

IMPACT San Juan County, NM Agriculture relies on irrigation water from three rivers. Fruitland, Hogback, and Shiprock Chapters of the Navajo Nation, alone, irrigate over 500 farms and ranches. After the Gold King Mine Spill of 2015, crop production ceased entirely for all Shiprock farms. Our Gold King Mine long-term monitoring research and outreach is reassuring farmers that the water is safe for irrigation, giving farmers the confidence to renew farming activities.

SUMMARY Since 2015, irrigation ditch water and sediments, field soils, and crops (alfalfa, pasture grass, corn, melons, and other vegetables) have been monitored annually for nine heavy metals, including arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). (Figure 32) The sampling range extends from the New Mexico/Colorado border to Shiprock on the Navajo Nation. (Figure 33, Figure 34, and Figure 35) The data suggests that in general, the risk is low and that irrigation water and soil are healthy concerning nine heavy metals being monitored. Arsenic can show up in fields and is a natural component to many New Mexico soils. Higher soil arsenic concentrations in the field do not appear to be related with higher leaf tissue arsenic concentrations. Lead is below regulatory limits in soil (<400 parts per million). Further testing is being conducted on lead and its plant uptake risk in crops grown in the study area. Comprehensive reports are forthcoming.

Figure 32. Sampling time line 2015 through 2019. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2019

Figure 33. Analytical techniques being used for monitoring heavy metals, including X-ray fluorescence. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2019

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Figure 34. Alfalfa field (A) and vegetable field (V) scanned at 75 points per field using Portable X-rayfluorescence (PXRF). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2019

Figure 35. Portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) images of Alfalfa (A) and vegetable field (v) shown in Figure 33. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

If farmers are interested in learning more about their soil health regarding Heavy Metals, they are encouraged to bring a Ziploc bag of soil to the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington every Thursday from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm (except holidays).

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2 New Mexico State University Plant and Environmental Sciences (Las Cruces, NM), 3 Texas Tech University Plant and Soil Sciences (Lubbock, TX), 4 NMSU Human Nutrition & Dietetic Sciences (Las Cruces, NM).

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Engaging Navajo Elementary Schools in Randomized Controlled Trial of Yéego Healthy Eating and Gardening Authors: Kevin Lombard1, Shirley A.A. Beresford2, India Ornelas2, Mark Bauer3, Geraldine Garrity3, Sonia

Bishop2, Desiree Deschenie1, Emily Brown2, Brandon Francis1, Linda Garcia3, Amber Begay3, Felix Nez3, Filiberto Vecenti3, Jenna Cope4, Lydia Kim4 and Eileen Rillamas-Sun2

IMPACT Our outreach research on the Navajo Nation is increasing the number of community and backyard gardens, and shows the potential for modest increases of healthy foods in the diet. The prevalence of diabetes among the American Indian and Alaska Native populations (15.9%) is more than double the rates of the non-Hispanic/Caucasian population (7.6%; National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014).

SUMMARY The long-term goal of this work is to improve the healthy eating choices of members of the Navajo Nation and reduce the risk of obesity and risk of obesity-related cancers. In this project, we are collaborating with six elementary schools in Northern and Central Agencies. Two schools began intervention activities fall 2019. Remaining four schools will receive the intervention beginning fall 2020 (Figure 36). The intervention integrates an enhanced school garden plot; a curriculum for elementary school children on gardening and healthy eating; and family engagement in the curriculum. The curriculum seeks to fit within existing curriculum standards within participating school systems. (Figure 37) Specific aims are to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables through a curriculum focused on increasing knowledge and self-efficacy to grow and prepare healthy foods, as well as increase availability through a school garden. It is our intent that the garden and nutrition-based behaviors learned and practiced at school will influence families at home, thus increasing the impact of this intervention across generations of the Navajo community.

Many school garden projects exist; few are rigorously evaluated for efficacy or sustainability. This multi institutional, multi-disciplinary work is supported by the Navajo Division of Health, Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board. Funding and salary support is provided by the National Cancer Institute’s U-54 Partnership for the Advancement of Cancer Research (PACR), a partnership between the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and New Mexico State University. Collaborators include Central Consolidated, Chinle, and Community schools. Faculty and staff are from New Mexico State University-ASC Farmington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington, Diné College, and Indian Health Services (Shiprock) across Horticulture, Nutrition Education, Epidemiology, Behavior Change, and Education disciplines. In addition, four undergraduate students were trained on this project.

• Taylor Billie (BS in Public Health, University of Arizona, 2019) • Morgan Farley (BS in Public Health, University of Arizona, 2019) • Amber-Rose Waters Begay (AS in Public Health, BA, Psychology, Diné College, 2019) • Dorothea Paul-Wheeler (BS Public Health, Diné College)

1 New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM. 2 Diné College (Shiprock and Tsaile campus/Land Grant Office). 3 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/University of Washington School of Public Health (Seattle, WA). 4 Indian Health Services, Shiprock, NM.

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Figure 36. Overall design of the project: The small-randomized controlled design of the curriculum and school garden intervention are being implemented in elementary schools in Shiprock and Tsaile areas. “R” = randomization point after school recruitment. “T” = pre-, mid-, and post-assessment measures for nutrition and garden-based behaviors. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Figure 37. Yéego Garden instructor B. Francis (left) integrating the project concepts into student classroom learning; preparation of raised grow beds (center); students and teachers preparing for outdoor gardening experience (right). NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

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Outreach Author: M.M. West1

During 2019, faculty and staff supported on and off-site programming for a combined 272 participants, welcomed 372 on-site visitors, 2393 visits to the ASC Farmington website (https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/) and 3204 Facebook visitors at (https://www.facebook.com/NMSUFarmingtonASC/) (Figure 38).

Figure 38. Outreach and Social Media. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Outreach Report: Judging for National Corn and Wheat Yield Contests Author: S.C. Allen1

For many years now, staff at ASC Farmington have assisted NAPI by serving as judges (monitors) for the National Corn Yield Contest (and more recently, the National Wheat Yield Contest). Both contests are nationwide competitions among private growers to see who can produce the highest yields in different farming categories. And for many years, NAPI has performed well in the corn category, competing well with growers in the Corn Belt and other more fertile regions of the country.

Our current NMSU judging team consists of Sam Allen, Jonah Joe, Joe Ward, and Dallen Begay. Wheat judging usually occurs in August, and the corn judging usually in October/November. We coordinate the harvest times with the respective NAPI crop managers and with representatives of the corn breeders (Pioneer and Monsanto), who usually wish to be present for the contest harvests. The contest rules require that a team of impartial judges (e.g., NMSU) be on hand to supervise the field measurements, harvest procedures and yield measurements, which are officially submitted to the contest coordinators. (Figure 39).

NAPI has usually performed well in corn yield for the state of New Mexico, and they are fairly competitive with some other parts of the country. With a winning yield, NAPI staff are invited to a national awards ceremony. In 2019, NAPI placed first in the state in corn in the Irrigated Strip/No-Till Category at 311 bushels/acre, making 3 years in a row to place first in this category. NAPI has also participated in the national wheat contest in 2018 and 2019, and it is anticipated that they will be competitive in this category as well. NMSU is honored to serve NAPI in this unique and important capacity, and we look forward to more collaboration in 2020 and beyond.

Figure 39. Corn being loaded for delivery to the weigh station and official calculation of yield. NMSUAgricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019


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https://www.facebook.com/NMSUFarmingtonASC/


Dissemination

Figure 40. Faculty and staff dissemination. NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Farmington, NM, 2019

Peer Reviewed articles Darapuneni, M.K., L.M. Lauriault, S. Dodla, O.J. Idowu, K. Grover, G. Martinez, K. Djaman, and S. Angadi. 2019.

Temporal variations in plant and soil characteristics following strip-till manure application. Soil & Tillage Research, 194: 104350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2019.104350.

Djaman, K., Lombard, K.A. (2019). Tuber Yield, Water Productivity and Post-Harvest Quality of Sprinkler-Irrigated Chip Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under a Semiarid Climate. Journal of Agriculture and Horticulture Research, Date Submitted: July 8, 2019, Date Accepted: July 19, 2019.

Djaman K., C. Higgins, M.K. O’Neill, S. Begay, K. Koudahe and S.C. Allen. 2019. Population Dynamics of Six Major Insect Pests During Multiple Crop Growing Seasons in Northwestern New Mexico. Insects 2019, 10, 369; doi:10.3390/insects10110369.

Djaman K., K. Koudahe, M. Darapuneni. 2019. Preplant Irrigation Effectiveness and Crop Yield and Water Productivity: A Review. Journal of Agriculture and Horticulture Research 2(2) DOI: doi.org/10.33140/JAHR.02.02.02.

Djaman K., V. Mel, A. Boye, L. Diop, B. Manneh, R. El-Namaky, K. Koudahe, K. Futakuchi. 2019. Rice Genotype and Fertilizer Management for Improving Rice Productivity under Saline Soil Conditions. Paddy and Water Environment DOI: 10.1007/s10333-019-00763-w.

Irmak, S., M.S. Kukal, A.T. Mohammed, K. Djaman. 2019. Disk-tilI vs no-till maize evapotranspiration, microclimate, grain yield, production functions and water productivity. Agricultural Water Management 216: 177-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2019.02.006.

Mel V.C., V.B. Bado, S. Ndiaye, K. Djaman, D.A.B. Nati, B. Manneh, K. Futakuchi (2019): Predicting rice yield under salinity stress using K/Na ratio variable in plant tissue, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 50(11): 1321–1329. DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2019.1614605.

Rudnick D.R., S. Irmak, C. West, I. Kisekka, T.H. Marek, J.P. Schneekloth, D.M. McCallister, V. Sharma, K. Djaman, J. Aguilar, J.L. Chávez, M.E. Schipanski, D.H. Rogers, A. Schlegel. 2019. Deficit irrigation management of maize in the High Plains aquifer region: a review. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12723.

Extension Circular, Research Reports and Trade MagazinesLauriault, L.M., Ray, I., Pierce, C., Djaman, K., Flynn, R. P., Marsalis, M. A., Allen, S., Martinez, G., Havlik, C., West,

M. (2019). The 2019 New Mexico Alfalfa Variety Test Report (pp. 11). Las Cruces, NM: Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University.

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https://doi.org/10.33140/JAHR.02.02.02

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali_Mohammed94

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali_Mohammed94

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330912000_Disk-tilI_vs_no-till_maize_evapotranspiration_microclimate_grain_yield_production_functions_and_water_productivity?_sg=4ZlSjV9N1aJkJI2664p-cuz0j2S9DVduZAdax_ffZaueekaZ6-DKl--OxqWKxOO_7zisEU63__NEHR5pvQjM9zW0AgYbUt-rnLSHicGz.F7-eoijcno_Z6Tr75jyYuLN08BHwY-v1fTs1-P1EwtcWjtDTOQiBh_x6pOWwJ9n2ObK2UQ-zXX6dNZt0vseJZA

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330912000_Disk-tilI_vs_no-till_maize_evapotranspiration_microclimate_grain_yield_production_functions_and_water_productivity?_sg=4ZlSjV9N1aJkJI2664p-cuz0j2S9DVduZAdax_ffZaueekaZ6-DKl--OxqWKxOO_7zisEU63__NEHR5pvQjM9zW0AgYbUt-rnLSHicGz.F7-eoijcno_Z6Tr75jyYuLN08BHwY-v1fTs1-P1EwtcWjtDTOQiBh_x6pOWwJ9n2ObK2UQ-zXX6dNZt0vseJZA

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2019.02.006

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2019.104350


Lombard K.A., K. Djaman, S.C. Allen, M.M. West. 2019. Fifty-second Annual Progress Report: 2018 Cropping Season. Las Cruces, NM: NMSU Agricultural Science Center – Farmington. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University. February 2019.

Marsalis M.A., R.P. Flynn, L.M. Lauriault, A. Mesbah, K. Djaman. 2019. New Mexico 2018 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests. Agricultural Experiment Station/Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University.

Pearson, B. J., Lombard, K. A., Colonna, A., Kjelgren, R. (2019). 7 Myths, Realities, Successes, and Challenges for Florida Hops. Florida: Growing Produce. https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/7-myths-realities-successes-and-challenges-for-florida-hops/

Abstract, Poster and/or Oral PresentationsDjaman K. 2019. Forage yield of different fall dormancy rating alfalfa cultivars during the 2001 2018 period at

Farmington Agricultural Science Center; Hay & Forage Growers Workshop. December 4, 2019, McGee Park, Farmington, NM.

Djaman K. 2019. NMSU’s ASC Farmington Field tour with eight potato producers from Australia, August 12, 2019.

Djaman, K., Lombard, K.A., NMSU, Farmington Ag. Science Center, "Table and chip potato variety trial field day", (August 9, 2019).

Djaman K. 2019. Presentation of research plots to the Navajo Prep Science students (30 students), April 17, 2019.

Djaman K. 2019. Water, Irrigation management, soil moisture sensors and Rain Harvesting. “Its All about Gardening” Shiprock, NM, April 11, 2019.

Djaman K. 2019. Weather data management in Agriculture and irrigation systems design and management under changing climate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Terrascope visit with students (30); March 28, 2019.

Francis, B. (Presenter), Lombard, K.A., Beresford, S. A.A., Ornelas, I., Bishop, S., Deschenie, D., American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Meeting, American Society for Horticultural Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, "Engaging School and Family in Navajo Gardening for Health", (July 25, 2019).

Jha, G. (Presenter), Ulery, A.L., Lombard, K.A., SSSA Annual Meetings, SSSA, San Antonio, TX, "Outreach through Visual and Spatial Representations of the Nature and Extent of Impact on Agricultural System in Navajo Nation after the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill". (November 13, 2019).

Jha, G. (Presenter), Ulery, A.L., Lombard, K.A., Weindorf, D., SSSA Annual Meetings, SSSA, San Antonio, TX, "Geospatial Analysis and Bioavailability of Exceeded Metal(loid)s Contaminants in Agricultural Fields across Animas Watershed Exposed to Metal Contaminants from Abandoned Mine Sites". (November 11, 2019).

Jha, G. (Presenter), Ulery, A.L., Lombard, K.A., Weindorf, D., Francis, B., 4th Annual Conference on Environmental Conditions of the Animas and San Juan Watersheds Past, Present and Future. Water Resources Research Institute, Water Resources Research Institute, Farmington, NM, "Sampling of Irrigation Ditch Sediment and Agricultural Crops to Characterize the Nature and Extent of Impact from the Gold King Mine Spill", (June 20, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Joe, J., NAPI 2019 Customer Appreciation, NAPI, Farmington, "Exhibit of the research at the NMSU Ag Science Center at Farmington", (November 3, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Beresford, S. A.A., Ornelas, I. J., Bauer, M., Garrity, G., Deschenie, D., Francis, B., Bishop, S., Brown, E., Nez, F., Etsitty, A., Garcia, L., Rillamas-Sun, E., Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board 2019 Conference, Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board, Window Rock, Navajo Nation, "Engaging Navajo Elementary Schools in Randomized Controlled Trial of Yéego! Health Eating & Gardening: Three phases of development", (October 16, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Hoptoberfest, New Mexico Hops Coalition, Santa Fe, NM, "Hops Research at NMSU ASC Farmington", (October 12, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Nenahnezad Harvest Festival, Nenahnezad Chapter House, Navajo Nation, Nenahnezad Chapter House, Navajo Nation, "Alternative Gardening-Hoop Houses", (September 13, 2019).

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337780826_Forage_Yield_of_Different_Fall_Dormancy_Rating_Alfalfa_Cultivars_during_the_2001_2018_period_at_Farmington_Agricultural_Science_Center?_sg=mi_bGKvQDdjG43Iky7Pm-nZXJ9jRo4_YMu_ec3whQehY4ehIiluBEg2wEBM5PsxoSxlyOoBjKHaLPzFI59Yv16sX3U8gjAVQ4s5A1Ndv.-rw0oPukSBNmANKFYjNLSwVgnVRv1hKrfYAI63kiJs7ue5Ysl5fVruJGd4lq4dfxYpnmMlWfBdRX4m27q6QMYw

https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/7-myths-realities-successes


Lombard, K.A., Museum EdVenture: Wine Making in the Four Corners, Farmington Museum, Area vineyards including the NMSU-ASC Farmington Experimental Vineyard, "NMSU-ASC Farmington Experimental Vineyard Tour and Demonstration", (August 24, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Francis, B. Northwest New Mexico Local Food Summit, NMSU CES San Juan County, Farmington, "Exhibit of the research at the NMSU Ag Science Center at Farmington", (August 8, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Bamburg, J., Del Rio, A., Fernandez, C., Louderback, L., Pavlik, B., Kinder, D., American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Meeting, American Society for Horticultural Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, "Field Evaluation of Solanum jamesii: a Native USA Wild Potato", (July 25, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Haskie, L., 24th Council of the Navajo Nation Special Session Hearings, 24th Council of the Navajo Nation, Navajo Nation Council Chambers, Window Rock, Navajo Nation, "NMSU Hemp Pilot Project testimony", (June 5, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Haskie, L., Naabik’iyati’ Committee (NABI Committee) Hearings, Naabik’iyati’ Committee (NABI Committee), Navajo Nation Council Chambers, Window Rock, Navajo Nation, "NMSU Hemp Pilot Project testimony", (May 28, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Haskie, L., Navajo Nation Resources and Development Committee (RDC) Hearings, Navajo Nation Resources and Development Committee (RDC), Mariano Lake Chapter House, Navajo Nation, "NMSU Hemp Pilot Project testimony", (May 22, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Haskie, L., Upper Fruitland Chapter House, Upper Fruitland Chapter House, Navajo Nation, Upper Fruitland Chapter House, Navajo Nation, "NMSU Hemp Pilot Project testimony". (April 21, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., 2019 Dine' Food Sovereignty Conference, Dine College, Tsaile. AZ, "Yéego Gardening!: Results from a Pilot Community Garden Intervention to Promote Health on the Navajo Nation", (March 27, 2019).

Lombard, K. A., NM Organic Conference, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Albuquerque, NM, "Hops and Hops Harvester Demonstration", (February 23, 2019).

Lombard, K.A., Thomas, F.J., Agri-Brew Roundtable, New Mexico Hops Coalition, Albuquerque, NM, "Hops and Hops Harvester Demonstration", (February 22, 2019).

Rheay, H. (Presenter), Lombard, K.A., Brewer, C.E., American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Meeting, American Society for Horticultural Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, "Phytochemical Characterization of Native Hops (Humulus lupulus neomexicanus)", (July 25, 2019).

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Proposals and Grants

Financial Summary for Grants and Contracts awarded 2019 and Submitted 2019.

Active in 2019 O'Connell, M.A. (Other), Garzon, R. (Co-Principal), Scott, M. A. T. (Co-Principal), Palacios, R. (Co-Principal), Gard,

C. (Co-Principal), Moralez, E.A. (Co-Principal), Unguez, G. A. (Co-Principal), De La Rosa, I.A. (Co-Principal), Lombard, K.A. (Co-Principal), Shuster, M. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, "1/2 Partnership for the Advancement of Cancer Research: NMSU & Fred Hutch", Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Health & Human Services/National Cancer Institute/NIH(DHHS), Sponsoring Organization Is: Other, Research Credit: $968,041.60, PI Total Award: $2,420,104.00, Current Status: Funded. (September 18, 2018 - August 31, 2023)

Lombard, K.A. (Principal), Ulery, A.L. (Co-Principal). Sponsored Research, "Sediment and Agricultural Sampling", Sponsoring Organization: NM Environment Department. Total Award: $236,386.00, Current Status: Funded. (November 30, 2016 - September 30, 2020).

Lombard, K.A. (Principal) and Ulery, A.L. (Co-Principal). "Monitoring of Potential Heavy Metals on Farmlands Adjacent to the Animas and San Juan Rivers", Sponsoring Organization: USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service. Total Award: $75,000.00, Current Status: Funded. (August 19, 2016 - December 31, 2019).

"Potato Gift Award," Potatoes USA, $20,000.00, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: 2017, Effective End Date: Open.

Awarded in 2019 Djaman, K. (Principal), Lombard, K.A. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, "Potato USA Award to NMSU-ASC

Farmington", Sponsoring Organization: Potatoes USA, Sponsoring Organization Is: Other, Research Credit: $6,853.50, PI Total Award: $22,845.00, Current Status: Funded. (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019). Item applies to Promotion and Tenure criteria: Extension, Outreach, Scholarship and Creative Activity.

Djaman, K. (Principal), Lombard, K.A. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, "Potatoes USA SNAC Trial", Sponsoring Organization: Potatoes USA, Sponsoring Organization Is: Other, Research Credit: $6,853.50, PI Total Award: $22,845.00, Current Status: Funded. (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020).

W. Giese, K.A. Lombard, and S. Yao. "Field Evaluation and Marketability of 15 Table Grape Varieties for New Mexico," New Mexico Department of Agriculture, $52,818.00, Description: New Mexico State University will evaluate table grape production and varietal options to enhance sustainability of small farmers, home owners and community gardens by evaluating and comparing the vineyard performance, berry composition/quality and consumer acceptance of 15 table grape varieties. Effective Start Date: September 30, 2019, Effective End Date: September 29, 2022.

Hopkins, B, and K.A. Lombard. "Northwest New Mexico New Farmer Network: Connecting Beginning Farmers to Land and Resources," New Mexico Department of Agriculture, $158,870.39, Description: The Northwest New Mexico (NWNM) New Farmer Network will be a collaborative effort between the San Juan County Extension Office, Tribal Extension, the Agricultural Science Center (ASC) at Farmington, and the Farmington Food Hub at San Juan College to address both the aging farmer crisis in our region and the increasing demand for local specialty crop products at regional markets. The project will be administered by San Juan County-based NMSU staff Dr. Kevin Lombard and Bonnie Hopkins, and most of the general tasks will be completed by the TBD Program Coordinator. Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: September 30, 2019, Effective End Date: September 29, 2022.

"Potato Gift Award," Navajo Mesa Farm, $5,200.00, Description: Navajo Mesa Potato Farm Foundation deposit into the NMSU Foundation for the support of potato research and infrastructure enhancement, Status: Funded, Effective Start Date: April 2019, Effective End Date: October 2019

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https://5,200.00

https://158,870.39

https://52,818.00

https://22,845.00

https://6,853.50

https://22,845.00

https://6,853.50

https://20,000.00

https://75,000.00

https://236,386.00

https://2,420,104.00

https://968,041.60


Not Funded in 2019 Djaman, K. (Co-Principal), Lombard, K.A. (Principal), Sponsored Research, "Exploiting fall-planted barley to increase

agricultural productivity and improve resource use efficiency in sustainable cropping systems", Sponsoring Organization: University of Minnesota, Sponsoring Organization Is: Other, Research Credit: $56,044.00, PI Total Award: $140,110.00, Current Status: Not Funded. (June 1, 2019 - May 31, 2024).

Djaman, K. (Principal), Lombard, K.A. (Co-Principal), Sponsored Research, "Pre-Proposal: Deficit irrigation strategies for improving crop water use efficiency under semiarid", Sponsoring Organization: New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, Sponsoring Organization Is: Local, Research Credit: $137,562.00, PI Total Award: $458,540.00, Current Status: Not Funded. (March 1, 2019 - February 28, 2021).

Lombard, K.A. (Principal), Sponsored Research, "Pre-Proposal: South x Southwest: A Hops (Humulus lupulus) Research and Extension Planning Project for Non-Traditional Hops Growing Regions", Sponsoring Organization: USDA/NIFA/Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Sponsoring Organization Is: Federal, Research Credit: $49,921.00, PI Total Award: $49,921.00, Current Status: Not Funded. (August 1, 2019 - January 31, 2020).

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https://49,921.00

https://49,921.00

https://458,540.00

https://137,562.00

https://140,110.00

https://56,044.00


Stories from the Popular Press

Drought advisory rescinded by Farmington council as wet weather alleviate concerns Michael Easterling, Farmington Daily Times, Published 6:28 p.m. MT March 27, 2019

City saw more than an inch of moisture in early MarchStory Highlights

• The Stage 1 advisory asked residents to voluntarily conserve water. • Farmington public works director David Sypher says Farmington Lake is 96.6 percent full. • Far northwest New Mexico remains the driest location in the country.

FARMINGTON - The region's long, slow climb out of an extended drought took another step forward with a wet end to winter, prompting the Farmington City Council on Tuesday to rescind its Stage 1 water shortage advisory. Councilors voted unanimously to end the advisory after a presentation by Public Works Director David Sypher showed that conditions that led to implementation of the advisory in May had eased considerably since last fall. The Stage 1 advisory asked residents to voluntarily conserve water, so the council's move to rescind it was largely a procedural move and carries little practical effect. The city also enacted mandatory Stage 2 drought restrictions last summer, but those restrictions were lifted in October. Sypher said in his presentation that Farmington Lake is 96.6 percent full, leaving it in better condition than it was at this time a year ago, when very little snow fell over the winter. "We've done a great job," he said. "We were able to keep the lake filled."

'Tremendous snowpack' Sypher also cited the depth of the snowpack in the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river basins, which was listed at 161 percent of normal on Wednesday. That level is 297 percent of the snowpack's depth on the same date a year ago. "There is a tremendous snowpack right now," he said. Other indicators cited by Sypher were just as encouraging. Recent precipitation has been slightly above normal, and the 90-day forecast shows a reasonable chance that trend will continue, he said. Additionally, according to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, San Juan County is experiencing a very moist period, and Sypher said that has helped bring up the moisture content in local soil. "I think it's well justified to remove the Stage 1 (advisory)," he said. The council acted on his recommendation without discussion.

Officials: Winter storms help, but drought not over yet. Though weather conditions in San Juan County have grown drier and warmer in the last 10 days, the period before that was unlike anything local residents had seen in quite some time. According to the daily weather data posted on the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center website, Farmington received 1.27 inches of precipitation between March 3 and March 13, capped by the 0.98 inches of moisture that fell March 12-13. Agricultural research scientist Margaret West said the total for the month is 1.29 inches. The city also saw 0.99 inches of precipitation in February and 0.56 inches in January, giving it 2.84 inches for the year to date - a total that is more than half of the 4.97 inches that fell at the NMSU site over the entirety of last year. "That's significantly different already," West said. The situation has improved a great deal in the Four Corners over the last three weeks, according to Andrew Church, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. He noted that while the U.S. Drought Monitor lists much of San Juan County along with much of surrounding McKinley, Rio Arriba and Sandoval counties – as being in extreme drought, that is a change from much of the last year, when most of eastern San Juan County, including the Farmington area, was listed as being in exceptional drought, the driest classification. Fears that an above-average snowpack in the San Juan Mountains would be lost this spring if temperatures grew too warm have not materialized, leaving river flows around normal. (Photo: Mike Easterling/The Daily Times)

Soil moisture is key Far northwest New Mexico remains the driest location in the country, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

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But Church said the long-term forecast calls for slightly above-average precipitation for the area, possibly into June. And with temperatures expected to remain at normal to perhaps below-normal levels during that time, the moisture the area has accumulated should stick around for a while, he said. "We are seeing soil moisture in the western one-third of San Juan County above 50 percent," he said. "That's something we haven't seen in the last couple of years." Things aren't quite as good in the Farmington area, he said, where the soil moisture content ranges from 37 to 39 percent. But it's much better than it was around October, he said, when that figure was hovering at less than 10 percent. Church said any soil moisture content of more than 40 percent is considered relatively moist for the Colorado plateau. Normal or less-than-normal temperatures have prevailed for the Four Corners for most of March, he said, and that means that an early melt to the snowpack, which some observers feared, has not developed. "We've been able to hang on to the snowpack, which is good news as we come into April," he said, adding that the snowpack at elevations higher than 10,000 feet should survive into late May or early June.

Water delivery: Is a pipeline the best option to get water from Lake Nighthorse? The temperature outlook for the rest of spring is much the same, he said, and that represents a departure from recent history, as well. "We haven't seen an outlook like that for quite some time," he said. "Over the last 15 years, just about every season has been above average, temperature wise." Variations in local precipitation are nothing new, West noted, explaining that since NMSU began keeping records for Farmington in 1969, the annual moisture totals have ranged from a high of 14.65 inches in 1986 to a low of 3.57 inches in 1976. The university's recent and long-term local data can be found by visit https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu and selecting the "Projects and results" tab.

Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610.

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https://www.daily-times.com/story/news/2019/03/06/commission-considers-options-delivering-water-lake-nighthorse/3084892002/



Collaborators

Government Agencies, Institutions and Industry Collaborations and Sponsorships

Basin Cooperative, Durango, CO

Colorado State University Soil and Crop Sciences, Fort Collins, CO

Diné College, Tsaile, AZ

Dream Diné Charter School, Shiprock, NM

Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO Higgins Farms, Inc., Farmington, NM

National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health

Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, Farmington, NM

Navajo Mesa Farms, Farmington, NM

Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ Navajo Technical University, Crownpoint, NM

New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico Environment Department, Santa Fe, NM

New Mexico State University, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University, College of Engineering, Las Cruces, NM New Mexico State University San Juan County Cooperative Extension Service, Aztec, NM

Ohio Northern University, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Ada, OH

Potatoes USA, Denver, CO

San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District, Aztec, NM

Texas Tech University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Lubbock, TX United States Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture

University of Minnesota Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, St. Paul, MN

University of Washington School of Public Health/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA

USDA Agricultural Research Service, US Potato Genebank, Sturgeon Bay, WI USDA NRCS, New Mexico, San Juan County Soil and Water Conservation District 1

Valley Irrigation (Valmont Industries), Valley, NE

Wilbur-Ellis, Farmington, NM

Thank you for your support and collaboration.

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Appendix I – Advisory Board, Employees and Students

ASC Farmington Advisory Board Participants

Mr. Bart Wilsey

Mr. Karl Garling

Ms. Vicki Lake

Dr. Carol Cloer, Cloer Hay Farm

Dr. Don Hyder, San Juan College - retired

Mr. Jim Dumont

Mr. Elbert Hamblin

Ms. Melissa May, NRCS

Ms. Shelly Hathorn, SJC Extension

Ms. Bonnie Hopkins-Byers, SJC Extension

Navajo Agricultural Products Industry Reps. (3)

Navajo Nation Representative (1)

Mr. Thomas Montoya

Mr. Lewis Montoya

Mr. Robert Lake

ASC Farmington Staff Kevin A. Lombard, Ph.D. Horticulture Plant and Environmental Sciences ASC Farmington, Superintendent

Koffi Djaman, Ph.D. Plant and Environmental Sciences Agricultural Engineering

Samuel C. Allen, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Associate

Margaret M. West, M.A. Research Scientist, Associate

Dallen Begay Farm/Ranch Manager

N. Sue Stone – Retired 4/2019 Associate Administrative Assistant

Nathan Begay Farm/Ranch Laborer

Joe Ward Research Technician

Jonah Joe Research Technician

F. Jason Thomas Research Technician

Brandon Francis Education Resources Coordinator

2019 Graduate and Undergraduate Students

Gaurav Jha, Ph.D. candidate NMSU Plant and Environmental Sciences

Alyce Mathews, M.S. candidate NMSU Family and Consumer Sciences

Hanah Rheay, M.S. candidate NMSU Plant and Environmental Sciences

Brittany Fisher, M.A. NMSU Anthropology

Michael R. Whiting, M.S. candidate NMSU Plant and Environmental Sciences

D. Sefako Djaman NMSU ASC Farmington Intern

Kwabena “Kobby” Sarpong, M.S. NMSU Industrial Engineering

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agricultural science center at farmington...nmsu agricultural science center at farmington, nm, 2019...

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