We study soil organic matter and C–N–P dynamics, nutrient organic and inorganic pools, biogeochemical fluxes, and the soil microbiome. The goal is to optimize plant nutrition, improve water and nutrient use efficiency, and enhance soil, water, and air quality. Findings are translated into actionable management strategies that support productive and environmentally sound farming systems in semi-arid environments.

Current projects

• Wheat solid-stem nutrient management for improved sawfly resistance and optimized yields. This is a Colorado Wheat Royalty Foundation grant entitled “Strong Stems, Solid Yields: Improving Nutrient Management Recommendations to Improve Sawfly Resistance and Optimize Wheat Yields” with support from the USDA-ARS Fort Collins.
• Soil organic matter mineralization in semi-arid systems and drivers of organic nitrogen availability: Linking soil health indicators and management (cover crops, manure, tillage history) to predict and manage organic N supply under variable water availability.