The West Central Water Resources Field Laboratory near Brule, Nebraska allows University of Nebraska— Lincoln researchers, faculty, staff and students to conduct research, demonstrations and teach water conservation methods in cropping systems and livestock systems of western Nebraska. The laboratory offers the opportunity to look for methods to use water more efficiently while being profitable.
Since the purchase of the 1,280 acre farm for the laboratory in 2007, the university continues the research of many long-term projects while adding additional projects to address specific research questions.
The location of the lab is in an area of the state where there are lower amounts of precipitation. This allows for research and demonstration on land with soils that are similar to those covering a large area of southwest and south central Nebraska and near the Upper and Middle Republican Natural Resource Districts where farmers already face limits on water use.
Research Focus
Nutrient management research
Seed company trials examining drought tolerant corn varieties
Wheat trials and skip row trials
Irrigation practices and cropping production with a focus on conserving water
Integrated pest management in field crops
Herbicide application and testing