Employee Directory

Dana Porter provides program leadership for the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Extension unit and engineering leadership for her integrated applied research and extension program in agricultural water management and agricultural irrigation. Her research program develops, adapts and evaluates technologies and practices that support water conservation and mitigate impacts of limited (and declining) water quantity and quality, while supporting sustainability and profitability of agricultural production systems. Limited and declining well capacities in the Ogallala Aquifer, increasing salinity issues, increasing regulatory and related constraints, recent and recurring droughts, and other challenges, as well as new and promising technologies, offer a great variety of opportunities to serve the agricultural and research communities. Her research program is built upon interdisciplinary, multi-agency collaboration and leveraging of resources and complementary programs. Research products include advanced integrated irrigation scheduling and control technologies and improved irrigation strategies for crop production under water-limited conditions.

Dr. Porter’s extension program provides irrigation and water management technical support and extension education for traditional and emerging audiences. She promotes water conservation and efficient water use through maximizing impact of applied research programs and educational resources. Her approach includes 1) promoting appropriate application of technologies, management tools and practices; and 2) improving quality and value of agricultural research by advancing understanding and adoption of technologies, BMPs and related crop water management concepts. Her extension activities include providing information and tools to support irrigation scheduling, water conservation, and water resources management; subject matter support for county-based extension programs through technical support;,educational resources and presentations for county-based programs and events, and professional development opportunities for county agents; and technical support for irrigation, engineering, environmental and agribusiness professionals, which includes addressing a wide range of subject matter inquiries and offering relevant continuing education options.

Research Areas
Agricultural water management; agricultural irrigation; salinity management; agricultural waste management; water quality

Research Areas
Agricultural water management; agricultural irrigation; salinity management; agricultural waste management; water quality