Current ND WRRI initiatives
Water Management and Flow
Understanding the flow and management of water is a valuable focus area and NDSU features key experts associated with this directive.
Research and expertise
Ongoing expertise includes water irrigation and hydrology.
From a technological standpoint, this work involves assessing sensors for irrigation scheduling and using remote sensing to estimate evapotranspiration related to irrigation. Other researchers are directly involved in developing smart irrigation, studying cold region hydrology, and exploring the interconnection between food, water, and energy production. Ongoing research also explores the use of water-quality and hydrological modeling to manage large-scale systems for the sustainable use of soil and water resources.
Clean Water and Environmental Threats
Access to clean water and the understanding of environmental threats are closely aligned with the DOI mission of maintaining the United States’ essential natural resources.
Research and expertise
Researchers at NDSU are actively engaged in water quality studies, tracking the spread of harmful algal blooms/cyanobacteria, and contributing expertise related to with water law. Concurrently, NDSU faculty are working to restore wetlands impacted by pollutants, including assessing the extent of wetland restoration required to meet standards for clean water and mitigate potential threats.
Others are investigating microbial-based strategies to restore water quality in areas affected by energy-related activities. Faculty are also addressing groundwater quality improvement through the mitigation of fertilizer run-off from agricultural soils.
Wildlife and Natural Resources
Water directly impacts the viability of wildlife and other natural resources in North Dakota and areas under federal jurisdiction.
Research and expertise
Researchers at NDSU have explored the history of flooding and the effects of drought-flow viability on tree growth and dendrochronology. Oil and energy production are key natural resources in North Dakota. Consequently, NDSU faculty have expertise in the Williston Basin formations, which are used for oil field brine disposal, carbon sequestration, and remediation of brine spills. Regarding wildlife, NDSU faculty serve as experts on key ecological questions, such as supporting of fish and wildlife across aquatic ecosystems and understanding the impacts of non-native species on native species.