Central Plains Experimental Range Study for Long-Term Agroecosystem Research in Nunn, Colorado
The Central Plains Experimental Range (CPER) is a site with the The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network, which consists of 18 sites across the continental United States (US) sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, universities and non-governmental organizations. LTAR scientists seek to determine ways to ensure sustainability and enhance food production (and quality) and ecosystem services at broad regional scales. They are conducting common experiments across the LTAR network to compare traditional production strategies (“business as usual or BAU) with aspirational strategies, which include novel technologies and collaborations with farmers and ranchers. Within- and cross-site network success towards achieving the desired outcomes of enhancing quality food production and reducing environmental impact requires that LTAR scientists and collaborators have well-timed access to various data. We are striving to create opportunities to package and share long-term legacy observations from each site, with new data and metadata in useable, well documented and consistent formats for them.