Research at ESF
Conduct impactful agricultural research with world-class infrastructure
Research at ESF
The Experimental Smart Farm welcomes researchers from UC Merced, other UC campuses, and partner institutions to conduct agricultural and environmental research at our facility.
We support a wide range of research activities, from short-term sensor deployments to multi-year crop studies. Our team works with researchers to ensure they have the infrastructure and support needed for successful projects.
Whether you're studying precision irrigation, remote sensing, soil science, or agricultural AI, ESF provides a real-world testbed for your research. We are particularly excited about emerging fields like agrivoltaics, which leverages solar energy production to expand crop type options in the Central Valley through strategic shading.
What ESF Provides
Comprehensive support for your research project, from controlled environment facilities to field-scale plots with full instrumentation.
Infrastructure
Instrumented research plots, sensor networks, power, and connectivity
Data Pipelines
Automated data collection, storage, and processing systems
Field Support
Site preparation, planting assistance, and ongoing maintenance
Equipment
Access to drones, sensors, and specialized agricultural equipment
Technical Staff
Engineering and data science support for research projects
Collaboration
Connection with other ESF researchers and VISTA faculty
Infrastructure & Connectivity
ESF is equipped with robust connectivity and sensor infrastructure to support data-intensive research.
High-Speed Connectivity
Full WiFi coverage across the farm with a 10 Gbps microwave backhaul link to UC Merced campus, enabling real-time data transfer and remote monitoring.
HOBOnet Sensor Network
LI-COR HOBOnet base station with compatible soil moisture sensors deployed across research plots, providing continuous environmental monitoring.
Coming Soon: LoRa Network
In DevelopmentWe're building a vendor-agnostic LoRa network to support long-range, low-power IoT sensors across the farm, enabling researchers to deploy their own compatible devices.
Requirements & Guidelines
To ensure safety and successful collaboration, we ask all researchers to adhere to the following guidelines:
- PPE requirements: closed-toe shoes, long pants, sun protection
- Safety training completion before field access
- Advance scheduling for plot access and equipment use
- Data sharing agreement for ESF-generated data
- Acknowledgment of ESF/VISTA in publications
- Compliance with UC Merced research policies
Start Your Research at ESF
Submit a research proposal to begin the process. Our team will review your application and work with you to plan your project.
Submit Research ProposalCurrent Research Projects
Showcasing active investigations and innovation at ESF
Agrivoltaics
Researching the use of solar arrays in farm field settings to see the viability of planting more sensitive crops under the panels to expand crop type options due to shading.
Groundwater Recharge
Studying the effects of recharge in different soil types and testing the impact of drilling into hardpan layers within recharge basins.