Ph. D. Iowa State University
Associate Professor
Graduate Coordinator,
Certified Professional Soil Scientist, Certified Professional Soil Classifier
Research Emphasis:
Soil Science, Landscape Evolution, Geomorphology
Specific Research
Endeavors
The overall goal of my research is understanding how soils and landscapes
change over space and time, quantifying these changes, and applying that information
to the soil resource decision making process. Students, both graduate and
undergraduate, are an integral part of this mission
Human Impacts on Soil Properties: I am currently investigating land-use
impacts on soil properties at several never cultivated, cultivated, and restored
prairie sites in northern Illinois. I am monitoring soil carbon dynamics at
Nachusa Grasslands as land is taken out of agricultural production and restored
to prairie. I am also investigating land-use impacts on soils at a series
of sites in Kane County, Illinois that are under conventional tillage, no-till,
switchgrass, and never cultivated savanna. Current research is also examining
the impact of humans on soil erosion rates relative to postglacial events
across the glaciated Midwestern United States.
Soil Color - Organic Carbon Relationships: Quantitative soil color
measurements are being examined in order to better predict organic carbon
contents of soils at the hillslope and soil association scales. Results of
this work can be used in precision agriculture systems to predict soil organic
carbon concentrations and adjust pesticide applications, seeding rates, etc.
accordingly, utilizing variable rate technologies.
Landscape Evolution: Ongoing research is examining the genesis, distribution,
and timing of relict periglacial phenomena and their effects on geomorphic
surfaces and soils across the U.S. mid-continent. Results of this work are
allowing for a better understanding of late Quaternary paleoclimate and the
spatial distribution of modern soils on low relief landscapes.
