Peer-reviewed publications by Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M University System scientists
Fossil water: A diminishing resource on the Southern High Plains:
This study by Ed Rhodes, TWRI research specialist, and fellow Texas A&M researchers, models groundwater levels in the Southern High Plains through 2100. They used recent (2013-2023) and predicted land use, precipitation, and population data. The study projected increases in farmland coverage and populations. They found that, due to these changes, water shortages are expected in the southern portion of the region in the coming decades. These findings highlight the need for adaptive soil and water management, such as the restoration of perennial grasslands.
Modeling the Field-Scale Effects of Regenerative Agricultural Practices in a Semi-Arid Cotton Production System:
This study, coauthored by Lucas Gregory, Ph.D., TWRI associate director, evaluated the use of regenerative agriculture practices to mitigate water scarcity and soil degradation in semi-arid environments. Using the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model, the researchers simulated 8 combinations of tillage, winter-wheat cover, and watering regimes from 2000-2023. They found that overall, the combination of no till, winter-wheat cover crops, and strategic water management improved root-zone storage, reduced runoff, and stabilized cotton yield.
Cover crop biomass estimation using UAV-based multispectral feature fusion and machine learning:
Cover crops can help conserve water by improving soil water storage and infiltration. Aboveground biomass is an indicator of these benefits. In this study, Texas A&M AgriLife researchers estimate the aboveground biomass of cover crops in two water-limited regions of Texas. They use unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery with machine learning (ML) models. The researchers found that the use of UAV with ML is effective for estimating aboveground biomass. The study highlights the potential for UAV-ML to be used for cover crop monitoring.
Recent research from other Texas universities
Improved community resilience through multi-stakeholder collaboration: Identifying and mitigating impacts of municipal water infrastructure degradation in an urban watershed:
This study, from University of Texas at Austin researchers, investigates the processes and sources of water quality degradation in Boggy Creek, one of the most degraded watersheds in Austin. They observed elevated levels of anthropogenic indicators, such as E. Coli, in upstream sections. During drought conditions, they noticed unexpectedly high discharge, which was found to be 100% from municipal supply leaks. With help from the city’s watershed protection department, they identified and repaired a leak in a private wastewater line near the sampling site. This repair led to a significant decrease in E. coli concentrations, showing the effectiveness of this collaborative approach.
Global managed aquifer recharge potential as a solution to water scarcity
Spreading-based managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a hydrological management method where surface water is spread over the ground to infiltrate into the aquifer. This study, from University of Texas at Austin researchers, presents an initial broad-scale assessment of where the use of spreading-based MAR appears most promising across agricultural lands, where irrigation is already being used. They found that MAR could offset 4-6% of unsustainable irrigation, with hotspots, such as Europe, reaching more than 50% offset.
AI-driven deep learning framework for long-term monitoring of playa wetland hydrological landscape in west Texas:
Playas are shallow surface-water features that periodically store precipitation. They are important habitats for wildlife and contribute to the groundwater recharge of the Ogallala Aquifer. In this study, Texas Tech researchers present an AI-driven framework for outlining playa boundaries across west Texas. They observed a decline in playa numbers and flooding extent from 1995 to 2025, especially in far west Texas. This framework allows for consistent long-term monitoring of playa dynamics and provides timely water and ecosystem decision support, according to the study.
Establishment of Native Vegetation Following Dredging of Torpedograss (Panicum repens) Above a Run-of-River Dam in a Central Texas Spring Run:
In this study, University of Texas at San Antonio researchers evaluated the success of replanting native plants above a run-of-river dam after torpedograss, a highly invasive grass, was removed using dredging. They observed that five years after planting, there was no torpedograss in the restored area, showing the success of dredging in preventing resprouting.
