Quite a fellow; CASNR's Thompson honored by two leading scientific societies
A nationally-recognized soil chemist and Texas Tech administrator has been selected as a fellow by both the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. Fellow is regarded as the highest recognition bestowed by the societies on its members.
Thomas Thompson, professor and chairman of Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, will be presented the honors in November at the organization's annual international meetings in Long Beach, Calif.
"Tom is a productive, talented and well-recognized academic leader and scientist," said John Burns, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Thompson is known for his research in sustainable agriculture practices, especially improving the efficiency of irrigation and nutrient management for crops. In general, sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals: environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.
The Abilene native is the first recipient of Tech's J.A. Love Endowed Chair for Sustainable Agriculture. He was named professor and chair of the Tech department in 2006, and leads a diverse mix of research programs important to Texas agriculture.
In addition, Thompson oversees instruction for the department's 185 undergraduate and graduate students, whose majors include environmental crop and soil sciences, as well as horticulture and turfgrass sciences.
Thompson joined Texas Tech after a 15-year stint at the University of Arizona, where he was a professor and extension specialist with the soil, water and environmental science department. His research program addressed soil-plant relationships in agricultural and non-agricultural systems.
Thompson holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Abilene Christian University and a master's degree in soil chemistry and fertility from Texas A&M University. His doctorate in soil chemistry is from Iowa State University.
The Soil Science Society of America and American Society of Agronomy are international scientific societies that foster the transfer of knowledge and practices related to soil. Based in Madison, WI, the two groups have more than 6,000 members.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Thomas Thompson, professor and chairman, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or thomas.thompson@ttu.edu
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