Selected Research Projects of Dr. Ramchand Oad

• Improving Performance of Middle Rio Grande Irrigation System in New Mexico (2001-present)

The field research is sponsored by the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, to investigate options for the agriculture sector to be a more efficient user of water supplies from the Rio Grande. Reduced water diversions from the river, it is envisaged, will improve river ecology for fish and wildlife some of which have been listed as endangered species.

• Assessment of Salinity Problem in the Lower Arkansas River Valley (1998-present)

The field research is sponsored by the Agriculture Experiment Station, for the purpose of investigating the salinity problem associated with irrigated agriculture in Eastern Colorado (Lower Arkansas River). I work as a member of a team that includes two Ph.D. and one M.S. students.

• Impact of Cropping Practices on Water Quality in the Lower Arkansas River Valley (2000-present)

Primary purpose of this field research is to evaluate the impact of cropping practices on water quality, especially the nitrate content of groundwater in irrigated fields. The research will be conducted on selected farms in Eastern Colorado.

• Consumptive Use and Return Flows in Urban Landscape Irrigation (1990-95).

The Colorado State Engineer's Office, the City of Colorado Springs and the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute sponsored the research. Its purpose was to evaluate the magnitude of return flows from irrigation of urban landscapes. Several cities with rapidly expanding populations (including Denver and Colorado Springs) claimed credits for the return flows. Four graduate students worked on the project as a part of their M.S degree programs.

• Irrigation Enterprise Management Practice Study for the Western United States (1996-99).

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Environmental Protection Agency sponsored the project. Its purpose was to investigate and document the working procedures of private enterprises that deliver irrigation water to the farmers, including irrigation ditch companies and irrigation districts. The information could be used to more effectively engage these farmers' organizations in better management of water and other environmental resources.

• Environmental Impact of Irrigation Practices on Water Quality (1991-94).

The field research was sponsored by the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District and was conducted in the Weld County. The purpose was to monitor water use, fertilization and other cropping practices of selected farmers and access their environmental impact on water quality. One Ph.D. and one M.S. students worked on the project.

• Water Quality Monitoring and Management in Surface Irrigation Canals.

Sponsored research by the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute, 1990-91.

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) -- Applied to irrigation water management and crop production. Sponsored research by the USDA/Agricultural Research Service.

• Decision Support Expert Systems (1989-92)

The purpose of the research was to develop computer aided decision support systems that can be used to make crop choices, application of inputs, and manage irrigations .