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1
USDA-Agricultural Research Service,
Soil-Plant-Nutrient Research Unit, Fort Collins,
Colorado
Research Emphasis
Mission
Employees
Location of Research Sites and Cooperators (red
dots)
To develop and evaluate new knowledge required to
efficiently manage soil, fertilizer and plant
nutrients (emphasis on nitrogen) to achieve
optimum crop yields, maximize farm profitability,
maintain environmental quality, and sustain
long-term productivity.
Scientists Ronald Follett, RL Jorge
Delgado Ardell Halvorson William Hunter Gordon
Hutchinson Arvin Mosier Support Staff Charles
Andre Edward Buenger Sue Crookall Robin
Montenieri Patti Norris Elizabeth
Pruessner Curtis Reule Mary Smith Stace
Wilkins Temporary Staff Bradley Floyd Karl
Mauch Anita Kear Bill Morgan Cathy Cannon
(CSU) David Jensen (CSU) Gabe Smith (CSU)
USDA-ARS Research Laboratory 2150 Centre Ave,
Bldg. D, Fort Collins, CO
Selected Research Impacts
Unit Scientists Participated in development,
refinement, and testing of NLEAP (Nitrogen
Leaching and Economic Analysis Program) that is
having worldwide impact. Developed best
management practices (BMPs) for irrigated
cropping systems to reduce NO3-N leaching,
increase N use efficiency, reduce soil erosion,
and protect water quality. Determined that
controlled release N fertilizers can increase N
use efficiency and reduces N losses to the
environment. Determined N and P fertilizer needs
to optimize crop yields in irrigated and dryland
cropping systems in the Great Plains. Determined
management (crop rotation, tillage, and
fertility) impacts on soil C sequestration in
irrigated, dryland, and biofuel cropping
systems. Determined conservation reserve program
(CRP) management impacts on soil C
sequestration. Determined BMPs for converting CRP
grassland back to cropland. Estimated global
trace gas budgets and participated in educating
scientists and the public on climate change.
Determined the impacts of elevated carbon
dioxide on rangeland productivity and
biogeochemistry. Improved methodologies for
measuring greenhouse gas fluxes. Developed
improved bacterial inoculants for soybeans that
are being used commercially to improve crop yield
with a multi-million dollar annual
impact. Developed bioremediation technology to
remove nitrate from groundwater. Published
numerous books and book chapters on managing
carbon, nitrogen, and crop nutrients in
agricultural systems. Participated in development
of better N management practices in numerous
foreign countries to mitigate groundwater
pollution problems, minimize greenhouse gas
emissions, and improve N use efficiency. Organize
d and participated in regional, national and
international scientific meetings on nutrient
management and global climate change.
Cooperators
SPNR Unit Customers
Soil Management Soil and Water Quality
Nitrogen and Nutrient Management Dryland and
Irrigated Agriculture Cropping and Tillage
systems
Global Change Management of Trace Gases
Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Methane Soil
Carbon Sequestration
USDA-ARS Scientists at Other Locations USDA-NRCS C
olorado State University - many departments CSU
Agricultural Research Centers Farmers Farm
Organizations Fertilizer Industry Fluid
Fertilizer Foundation, Potash and Phosphate
Institute, The Fertilizer Institute Cooperative
Extension Service Soil Conservation
Districts Land Grant and Other Universities
Colorado School of Mines National Center For
Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Research Institutes
in foreign countries - India, Japan, Thailand,
China, Germany, Sweden, Indonesia, Australia,
Mexico, Chile
Scientific Community (National and
International) Farmers, Ranchers, General
Public Colorado Certified Potato Growers
Assoc. Colorado Farm Bureau Colorado Seed
Industry Assoc. Politicians, Policy Makers, and
Congress USDA-NRCS, Soil Conservation
Districts Educational and Research
Institutions Fertilizer Industry Cooperative
Extensions Service State Agricultural Experiment
Stations Agribusiness and Private Industry USDOE
USAID IAEA USEPA National
Science Foundation Press/Media/Agricultural
Journalists Commodity Groups, Farm
Organizations Professional Societies Conservation
Organizations Numerous other public and private
interests
Research Capabilities
More Information

• USDA-ARS-SPNR
• Building D, Suite 100
• 2150 Centre Ave
• Fort Collins, CO 80526
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• e-mail ronald.follett_at_ars.usda.gov
• Web Site http//spnr.ars.usda.gov

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