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NMSU highlights Tucumcari Science Center research: wastewater reuse, microtoxin detectors and regional bull test
Summary
New Mexico State University researchers briefed the committee on treated municipal wastewater irrigation at Tucumcari, a real-time microtoxin detector under patent, agrivoltaics pilots, and the long-running regional bull test using GrowSafe feed-efficiency technology that has improved efficiency by about 35%.
New Mexico State University representatives updated the Science, Technology & Telecommunications committee on research and outreach at the Agricultural Experiment Station and its Tucumcari Science Center.
Jay Lillywhite, associate dean for research and director of the Ag Experiment Station, described infrastructure investments, third-party assessments of deferred maintenance and prioritized updates at the state's 12 science centers. He highlighted applied research at Tucumcari, including a patented non-destructive real-time detector for microtoxins such as aflatoxin developed by NMSU researchers (Dr. Jen Bridal and Dr. Gary Eisman), which can identify contamination on a production line and divert affected product without destroying sampled loads.
Researchers described a treated municipal wastewater pipeline completed in 2012 that delivers reuse water across the Ag Experiment Station and supports research irrigation on roughly 85 acres under sprinkler. Dr. Lario (presenting on wastewater research) summarized outcomes: treated wastewater supported the establishment of alfalfa, improved some soil properties due to nutrients and microbes, and—within monitored ranges—nitrogen tended to remain within roughly two feet of the surface in annual grass forages, reducing concerns about deep leaching. Ongoing studies address PFOS and longer-term microbial and nutrient effects; comprehensive datasets remain under analysis and publication.
The presenters also described agrivoltaics trials (tomatoes in Los Lunas, small chili arrays at Leyendecker and Las Cruces and larger arrays under construction with DOE funding) and exploratory trials for alternative high-value crops (saffron, medicinal herbs) at multiple centers.
On livestock research, a longstanding regional bull test program (dating to 1961) uses GrowSafe feed-efficiency technology to measure individual animal intake and performance. The program reported a roughly 35% improvement in feed efficiency and has expanded to test almost 300 animals; cooperating producers have contributed over $300,000 since 2015.
Legislators asked about screening for food-safety and environmental risks when wastewater approaches drinking-water thresholds; researchers said they monitor total nitrogen (noting a 15 ppm drinking-water standard and trial results up to 35 ppm that still showed uptake by forages). They also discussed monitoring of emergent pests (screwworm) and said NMSU focuses on surveillance and public education while constrained by risk and facility controls.
Researchers invited lawmakers to field visits, field days and follow-up briefings and said impact and annual reports are available online for further review.
