Deprecated function: http_build_query(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($numeric_prefix) of type string is deprecated in media_oembed_default_callback() (line 64 of /var/www/quickstart.cals.arizona.edu/profiles/ua_quickstart/modules/contrib/media_oembed/plugins/providers/default.inc).

Additional SAES Centers

Santa Rita Experimental Range

 

Address: 27000 Florida Canyon Rd, Green Valley, AZ 85614
Website: https://cales.arizona.edu/srer

The Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER), founded in 1902, is the oldest research area maintained by the USDA Forest Service and has been a principal site for pioneer range research on the improvement and management of semiarid grasslands in the Southwest. The outdoor laboratory has provided a source for long-term ecological research. Results of this research have direct applicability to over 20 million acres of semiarid rangelands in the United States and to another 20 million acres in northern Mexico. The SRER is generally viewed as a world-class facility because of the long-term historical and biological data bases that have been maintained since its creation. The range has undergone major vegetational changes due to natural plant processes and management practices. The history of research, an environmental description, and a discussion on vegetational changes are provided along with a complete listing of scientific publications relating to SRER.

  • 52,000 acre experimental rangeland and research facility. 

  • Nations first experimental rangeland 

  • Partnership with ranching cooperator to examine principles of grazing ecology and livestock management 

  • Active research related to soil science and hydrology, rangeland and semi-arid ecology, remote sensing, wildlife research and livestock virtual fencing 

  • Research headquarters in Florida Station provide overnight accommodations for up to 25 

  • Classroom and support facilities for research, lectures, teaching and community engagement 

  • Full wet lab space available for visiting researchers with scopes, balance, drying oven and sample refrigerator/freezer 

  • Facilities wide WiFi availability  

Red Rock Agricultural Center

 

Address: 37697 S. Experiment Station Rd., Red Rock, AZ 85245

The Red Rock Agricultural Center (RRAC) is located approximately 35 miles north of the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Arizona. The RRAC is to be sited on 4,673 acres of state land administered by the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences under an institutional lease from the Arizona State Land Department. The center is to be operated by the Campus Agricultural Center with three full-time employees to provide research support and generate farm commodity income for the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences.

The convenience of conducting large-scale field research projects within a half-hour's drive of the main campus is invaluable for research scientists based in Tucson. It provides an excellent site for research in plant breeding, weed control, plant pathology, insect management, fertility & nitrogen management, soil conservation, alternative crops, and other areas of agronomic interest. It will also provide a critical altitude niche for testing new plant materials that will be lost upon disposal of the current Marana property.

Immediate facilities to be built include: 160 acres of flood irrigated fields, 128 acres of pivot irrigated fields, irrigation infrastructure, an electrical distribution system, a domestic and irrigation water supply, septic system, three residences for farm supervisory personnel, a maintenance/office/ shop facility and support buildings.

Future facilities may include a 1500-animal dairy research center to replace current dairy operations at the Campus Agricultural Center.

  • 4,673 acre agriculture research facility 

  • 160 surface irrigated pastures for agronomic research related to crop production, soil nutrient. studies, pest management, plant breeding and pathology investigation.