Evaluation of Agricultural Sunflower Plants as Drought Tolerant Option For New Mexico Growers
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Geotechnology and Engineering Dept.
The progressive drought in New Mexico has led farmers to consider crops that use less water yet maintain potential profit margins. Sunflower, a crop traditionally grown from Kansas to North Dakota, has recently been shown to be profitable in West Texas. The majority of sunflower is grown under dryland conditions due to its drought tolerance and deep root system. Sunflower was investigated as a new crop alternative for NM growers. Two organic, non-GMO seed varieties selected for the NM climate were planted at seven different farms across the state. Results from five of the farms were evaluated for biomass yield, oil yield, and oil characteristics. Results show promise for sunflower as a viable alternative for NM farmers to rotate into their crops.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). New Mexico Small Business Administration (NMSBA) Program
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 1504206
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--2015-0637; 562522
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Mathematical modeling of basic design criteria for a sunflower oil expeller
Sunflower production, harvesting, drying and storage