Research
Welcome to the Southern University Ag Center's Office of Research. With a mission to "Link Citizens of Louisiana with Opportunities for Success”, we aim to transform lives through innovative research and education. Our research unit has achieved great success over the past decades. We have expanded the breadth and depth of our research portfolio and strengthened our strategic partnerships to improve the conditions of citizens and communities.
Our faculty members are consistently being recognized for their accomplishments, publishing in leading journals and earning prestigious awards for their groundbreaking efforts.
While we are proud of our accomplishments, we remain focused on the future and on strengthening our research and its impact on our state, nation and the world.
Aquaculture
Louisiana has one of the most diverse aquaculture industries in the United States, producing crawfish, catfish, alligators, oysters, tilapia, baitfish, and crabs. We are developing an Aquaculture Research Program, and our prime goal is the production of aquatic species and the development of practical methods to facilitate sustainable aquaculture.
Food & Food Safety
Food safety involves the safe handling of food from the time it is grown, packaged, distributed, and prepared to prevent foodborne illnesses. Food safety is the responsibility of those who handle and prepare food commercially for delivery to consumers, and of consumers who prepare and eat food in their homes.
Soil Health & Crop Production
Understanding the soil’s biological, chemical and physical properties are key factors in determining the health of your soil. Soil physical properties, such as color or shape, can be visible indicators of the soil's health. Chemical composition, such as nutrient levels, needs to be determined by a laboratory analysis before, during, and after crop production activities. Make it a yearly habit of testing your soil with your local state soil lab.
Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Comprised of plant management system and animal management system. The goals are to strengthen the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Louisiana’s agriculture, while being good stewards of the environment and resources. Currently, a significant portion of the public prefers to buy organically grown vegetables and fruits, and meat, eggs, cheese, milk that come from pastured animals.
SUN Beef
Southern University Natural (SUN) Beef is an “all-natural, hormone-free beef product that arose from a beef cow-calf research project conducted at the Southern University Ag Center's Beef Research Institute. SUN Beef provides the campus and local community with farm-fresh, locally produced, high-quality beef that is all Natural, with no hormones, and no growth implants. It is some of the highest quality, best-tasting beef anywhere around.
Urban Forestry Management
Conducts research in areas such as forestry, climate change, Geographic Information System, wetlands, nanotechnology, (GIS), bioenergy and alternative sources. It conducts research in urban forest structure and function; the environmental benefits of urban forests; carbon sequestration and the urban forest effects on air quality; and urban forest effects on UV exposure in relation to proper vegetation design.
Viticulture & Enology
The Viticulture and Enology research program is advancing grape and wine production to serve the unique needs of Louisiana growers, entrepreneurs, and communities. We conduct regionally relevant research on berry quality traits, pests, and diseases, and provide technical support for new vineyard establishment and varietal selection for expanding the industry in Louisiana.
