COMMUNITY-ENGAGED AND EMPIRICALLY GROUNDED APPROACHES TO ISOTOPIC VARIABILITY AND AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

Climate warming and variability are reshaping precipitation patterns, with topography influencing regional climate responses and affecting water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. Stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) in precipitation offer insights into water cycle dynamics, but linking isotopic variability to meteorological processes remains challenging. At the same time, climate-driven agricultural challenges—such as aridification, drought vulnerability, and yield instability—reinforce reliance on industrial practices that degrade ecosystems. Regenerative agriculture (RA) is emerging as a regional alternative to address environmental degradation and improve grower economic stability. However, the transition to RA requires understanding the systemic barriers and drivers of change. This dissertation combines citizen science and community engagement to investigate (1) the meteorological processes driving daily precipitation isotope variability and (2) the transformation toward RA, including its challenges, opportunities, and support needs.