Research and technology development to address water salinity and wastewater management

The Water Resources and Salinity Management research program at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at El Paso specializes in research and technology development. The program’s work focuses salinity assessment and management, on-farm water conservation, and beneficial use of waters with elevated salinity such as industrial wastewater, gray-water, reclaimed water, and brackish groundwater.

Current research includes developing strategies for potential climate change impacts on water and salinity and developing alternative water supplies for agricultural irrigation. The program also researches the rapid assessment of salinity in agriculture fields and golf courses at a high spatial resolution using proximal, hyperspectral and remote sensing techniques.

Another important program area is evaluation of “sulfur burner” treatment and a novel, nano-structured membrane to improve water quality. Researchers are also working to determine the suitability and efficiency of soil amendments for salinity management at plant root-zones. Specific focus goes to salinity screening of industrial crops and cultivars, and assessment of various sensors for on-farm water use efficiency.

Faculty and staff

Girisha Ganjegunte, Ph.D.

Professor, Water Resources & Salinity Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Research

915-701-3094