COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio State University scientist who led the discovery of the biophysical processes behind a native shrub intercropping system that could transform agricultural practices in parts of sub-Saharan Africa has been chosen to lead one of the nation’s premier natural science organizations.
Richard Dick, professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, was elected the 2018 president of the Soil Science Society of America, which includes a three-year commitment on its executive council, starting in January.
Founded in 1936, the society is the professional home for more than 6,300 members and more than 1,000 certified professionals and works to enhance the sustainability of soils, the environment and food production by integrating diverse scientific disciplines and principles in soil science.
Dick is perhaps best known for his 15 years of research in the Sahel region in West Africa. Under his leadership, a team of African, French and U.S. scientists discovered that local shrubs perform hydraulic lift of water from subsoil to surface soil.
The research showed that this phenomenon has profound impacts on soil hydrology, microbiology and biogeochemical processes that dramatically increase crop production and enable rainfed crops such as millet to resist droughts.
Source: Ohio State University.
