John J. Sloan

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station

Assistant Professor

Ph.D. Soil Chemistry, Oklahoma State University
M.S. Soil Science, Texas A&M University
B.S. Agricultural Science, University of Illinois

Environmental Soil Science

Primary Research Emphasis:

Rapid population growth in and around urban and metropolitan centers puts great demands on soil and water resources. Although there is little or no agricultural production in metropolitan areas, urban residents spend a significant amount of time and resources maintaining verdant plant growth in their yards, roadsides, parks and recreational areas. The use of water and agrochemical per unit of urban land can be much higher than for equivalent areas of agricultural land.

Also, urban populations generate various types and quantities of waste materials. Research takes an integrated approach to seeking solutions for urban environmental problems. Beneficial soil amendments and growing mediums are developed from urban and agricultural waste byproducts. Best management practices are determined for using newly developed products in residential homes and commercial greenhouses and nurseries. The effect of soil amendments and other landscape management practices on soil chemical processes, water use, and water quality are investigated.

Experience:

Assistant Professor of Environmental Soil and Plant Science; Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Dallas, Texas; February, 1998 to present. Soil Scientist; USDA-Agricultural Research Service; University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota; September, 1994 - January, 1998. Senior Research Specialist; Department of Agronomy; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; February, 1989 - August, 1994. Graduate Research Assistant; Soil and Crop Science Department; Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; January, 1987 - January, 1989. Soil and Crops Technical Advisor; United States Peace Corps; Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica; August, 1983 - September, 1986.

Honors and Awards:

Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Associate Editor, Journal of Environmental Quality; May, 1999 to present, Sigma Xi, Gamma Sigma Delta, Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarship, Washburn Bank Scholarship.