A scientific article developed from the master's thesis of a Texas Tech University Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics' graduate student was recently recognized as the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics "Outstanding Journal Article of 2019."

The standout student, Chandra Dhakal, graduated with his master's degree from Tech in 2016, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in agricultural economics at the University of Georgia.

"The JAAE is one of the top publication outlets in the field of agricultural and applied economics," said Kelly Lange, Dhakal's co-advisor and an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. "To receive this award for an article produced from a master's thesis is significant, as it highlights the high quality research being conducted by AAEC's graduate students and faculty."

The article is titled, "Dynamic Optimization of Nitrogen in Plateau Cotton Yield Functions with Nitrogen Carryover Considerations." It implements a dynamic programming decision model, incorporating an intertemporal nitrogen carryover function to evaluate optimal nitrogen fertilizer application and profitability impacts in Texas High Plains cotton production.

Phil Johnson, chair of Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, noted that in addition to Dhakal, the JAAE article was co-authored by AAEC faculty members Lange, Professor Eduardo Segarra, and Texas A&M AgriLife Entomologist Megha Parajulee.

CONTACT: Phil Johnson, Professor, Chairman and Charles Thompson Chair, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University at (806) 834- 0474 or phil.johnson@ttu.edu

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