K-State’s Department of Agronomy has officially begun moving operations into the new L. Eldon Gideon Agronomy Research and Innovation Complex after its opening on Aug. 20. The new research center is located on K-State’s Agronomy North Farm.
The transition begins a new era of efficient agricultural research and contributes to K-State’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, which aims to enhance the College of Agriculture’s facilities and technology.
According to the Agriculture Innovation Initiative’s information page, the L. Eldon Gideon Agronomy Research and Innovation Complex is one of three new facilities — part of the $210 million initiative.
Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, interim department head for agronomy, said the investment in the new facility has further strengthened efforts to improve agricultural research in Kansas.
“One of our main economic engines in the state is agriculture, and through investments like this, the university is demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing agricultural research, innovation and its impact across Kansas,” Ruiz Diaz said.
According to the L. Eldon Gideon Agronomy and Innovation Complex information page, research projects planned for the complex include breeding new crop varieties, extending water supply, studying soil health and co-creating technology for sustainability.
“Agronomy is a discipline that is by nature very diverse, touching on different aspects of soils, water, plants and genetics,” Ruiz Diaz said. “We have one section of the building that is supporting all research related to soils, weed science, water quality and range science, and the north building focuses primarily on plant science, breeding and genetics.”
The new facility is replacing older, smaller buildings previously used for agricultural research that are no longer deemed adequate for modern research. Additionally, the innovation complex features classrooms and conference centers that will support education and extension.
“There are other things I’m excited about, like recruiting new faculty and bringing talented scientists to K-State,” Ruiz Diaz said. “Having state-of-the-art facilities is a major part of attracting the best people and giving them the resources they need to be successful. We’re thinking about the next generation of scientists that will come and contribute to agriculture research in Kansas.”
In addition to attracting new scientists to K-State, Ruiz Diaz said he anticipates the new facility will lead to higher student recruitment within the College of Agriculture.
“A unique and strong recruitment tool for students is having new classroom spaces very close to campus, where they will be able to go out and see plots with crops growing right outside the building.”
The Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, another facility contributing to K-State’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, is set to open Sept. 18.
“It’s an exciting time for agronomy and the agricultural industry in the state,” Ruiz Diaz said. “It is pretty amazing to have these kinds of facilities and this kind of investment to support the agriculture industry in Kansas.”
