Agricultural Experiment Station
Cultivating a Sustainable Future in the Heart of California
UC Merced’s Agricultural Experiment Station (AES), established in 2022, advances innovation, fosters sustainability, and builds climate resilience to meet the needs of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.
The Agricultural Experiment Station is a research center at land-grant universities addressing challenges in agriculture, science, and engineering while hosting outreach and demonstrations.
At UC Merced, the AES distinction supports facilities for research and outreach, researchers in focusing on agricultural issues, and
In 2024, four inaugural AES faculty bridge research and practice, and the academic and agriculture and rural communities.
What do Scientists & Researchers at UC Merced’s Agricultural Experiment Station do?
Research
Scientists and researchers at UC Merced’s Agricultural Experiment Station conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research to address pressing agricultural challenges such as drought, soil health, plant stress, water management, and sustainability.
Community
AES serves as the foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, students, farmers, and industry leaders. For example, researchers can use and test emerging technologies at the AES-facilities Experimental Smart Farm and Greenhouse.
Innovation Incubators
AES serves as the foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, students, farmers, and industry leaders. For example, researchers can use and test emerging technologies at the AES-facilities Experimental Smart Farm and Greenhouse.
Greenhouse
Our modern Greenhouse is a hub for controlled-environment agriculture and cutting-edge research on crop genetics, pest management, water efficiency, and climate adaptation. Designed with advanced climate control and monitoring systems, the Greenhouse provides an ideal setting for precision experiments and sustainable innovation.
In addition to its research capabilities, the Greenhouse plays a vital role in supporting the operations of our Smart Farm by serving as a nursery for seedlings. Here, crops are carefully nurtured from their earliest stages, ensuring they are healthy and well-adapted before being transplanted to the farm. This approach enhances plant resilience, optimizes resource use, and accelerates the transition from research to practical application in the field.
Experimental Smart Farm
The Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) at UC Merced is a living laboratory that integrates cutting-edge technology to advance precision agriculture. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors for weather, soil moisture, and plant health, the Smart Farm provides researchers with real-time data to monitor and optimize farming operations.
Our researchers are using this data to develop predictive models for critical agricultural measures such as water use, evapotranspiration (ET), and crop yield. By leveraging machine learning and advanced analytics, these models enable us to simulate different scenarios, improve resource efficiency, and increase sustainability.
With its focus on data-driven farming and innovative solutions, the Smart Farm bridges the gap between research and real-world application, creating a pathway for smarter, more sustainable agricultural practices.