Soil and Crop Sciences Extension

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 led to the official establishment of the Cooperative Extension Service at Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College, and the other land-grant colleges, but extension outreach had already been going on for over ten years.

In 1903, Dr. Seaman Knapp, a special agent with the USDA, built community farming plots on the Walter Porter Farm near Terrell Texas. Knapp’s intent was to demonstrate the USDA’s newly recommended methods of selection, fertilizing and cultivating crops. His program was such a success, thirty-three agents were the following year to help Texas farmers deal with their specific issues. These demonstrations set the foundation for Cooperative Extension.

On Sept. 8, 1907, Tom Marks of Jacksboro, Texas, formed an agriculture club that was the forerunner of Extension 4-H. A special county agent, Marks encountered resistance from farmers when he tried to convince them to adopt new, intensive farming methods. Instead of fighting the men, Marks turned to the youth of Jack County and formed the Jack County Boys’ Corn Club.

One hundred eleven boys were each given a gallon of new varieties of corn seeds. The boys cultivated their crops under the supervision of Marks, and the following year their corn was displayed at the first County Fair in Texas. Ninety-one boys and thirty older men entered exhibits in the fair. The success of the boys’ crops convinced some of the older farmers to use the new seed and employ the new farming techniques.

Soon Pig Clubs, Beef Clubs and, in 1912, a girls’ Tomato Club formed. Marks travelled across the state promoting the idea of agriculture clubs, until state and federal officials finally took notice and the Agriculture Extension Service was formed.

Today AgriLife Extension provides research-based education opportunities in a multitude of areas from farming and ranching, to estate planning. In Soil and Crop Sciences, Extension programs include subjects such as growing olives, soil testing, new technologies in weed management, and, of course, 4-H.

Program Areas

AgriLife Extension provides research-based education opportunities in a multitude of areas from farming and ranching, to estate planning. In Soil and Crop Sciences, Extension programs include subjects such as growing olives, soil testing, new technologies in weed management, and, of course, 4-H.

Bioenergy

The Bioenergy Extension program led by our department aims to bridge the gap between research advancements and practical applications in the field of renewable energy. Through workshops, outreach events, and educational resources, we equip communities and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable bioenergy solutions in their local contexts.

Corn and Sorghum

The Corn Sorghum Extension program led by our department focuses on disseminating the latest research and best practices in corn and sorghum production. Through workshops, field demonstrations, and tailored resources, we aim to empower growers with the knowledge and strategies needed to optimize yields and enhance the economic viability of corn and sorghum farming in our region.

Cotton

The Cotton Sorghum Extension program spearheaded by our department is dedicated to providing growers with cutting-edge information and resources for successful cotton and sorghum production. Through workshops, field trials, and targeted outreach, we aim to bolster the sustainability and profitability of cotton and sorghum farming in our region, ensuring growers are equipped with the latest techniques and insights.

Crop Physiology

Our Crop Physiology Extension program is committed to delivering valuable insights and practical knowledge to farmers and agricultural professionals. Through workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations, we aim to enhance understanding of crop physiology principles, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions for optimizing crop yields and quality.

Environmental Physics

Our Environmental Physics Extension program is dedicated to translating complex scientific principles into practical solutions for environmental challenges. Through workshops, seminars, and field studies, we empower communities and professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to address issues related to soil health, water conservation, and sustainable land management.

Farm Service

The Farm Service Extension program provides essential support and resources to local farmers, helping them navigate regulatory compliance, optimize operational practices, and adapt to evolving agricultural technologies. Through workshops, consultations, and tailored guidance, we work hand-in-hand with farmers to foster a resilient and thriving agricultural community.

Forages

Our Forages Extension program is dedicated to equipping farmers and livestock producers with the knowledge and resources needed to optimize forage production for livestock nutrition. Through field demonstrations, workshops, and educational materials, we empower stakeholders to make informed decisions about forage species selection, management practices, and sustainable utilization, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity and profitability of livestock operations.

Landscape Process and Mineralogy

The Landscape Process and Mineralogy Extension program focuses on providing valuable insights into soil behavior and land management practices. Through workshops, soil analysis, and field assessments, we equip landowners and professionals with the knowledge to make informed decisions for sustainable land use and environmental conservation.

Peanut

Our Peanut Extension program is dedicated to providing growers with the latest research and best practices in peanut cultivation. Through workshops, field trials, and tailored resources, we aim to empower peanut growers with the knowledge and strategies needed to optimize yields and quality, ensuring a thriving peanut industry in our region.

Plant Breeding

Our Plant Breeding Extension program plays a crucial role in advancing agricultural practices by disseminating cutting-edge breeding techniques to farmers and industry professionals. Through workshops, field trials, and access to diverse germplasm resources, we empower stakeholders to make informed decisions for developing resilient and high-yielding crop varieties suited to regional growing conditions.

Plant Genomics and Biotechnology

The Plant Genomics and Biotechnology Extension program is at the forefront of disseminating groundbreaking genetic research and biotechnological advancements to the agricultural community. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, we equip professionals and researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to harness genetic potential for crop improvement, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Rice

Our Rice Extension program is dedicated to providing rice growers with the latest research and best practices for successful rice production. Through workshops, field trials, and tailored resources, we empower rice farmers with the knowledge and strategies needed to optimize yields and quality, ensuring a thriving rice industry in our region.

Soil Chemistry and Fertility

The Soil Chemistry and Fertility Extension program is committed to delivering practical insights and resources for optimal soil health and nutrient management. Through workshops, soil analysis, and personalized consultations, we empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance soil fertility, ultimately boosting crop yields and sustainability.

Soil Microbiology

Our Soil Microbiology Extension program is dedicated to unraveling the intricate microbial processes beneath the soil surface. Through workshops, field demonstrations, and hands-on training, we equip farmers, agronomists, and researchers with the knowledge to harness the power of soil microbes for improved nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall soil health, leading to more sustainable and productive agricultural systems.

Turfgrass

Our Turfgrass Extension program is committed to providing expertise and resources for the effective management of turf in various settings, from sports fields to residential lawns. Through workshops, seminars, and tailored guidance, we equip turfgrass professionals, landscapers, and homeowners with the knowledge and strategies needed to cultivate healthy, visually appealing, and resilient turf areas.

Water

Our Water Extension program focuses on disseminating critical knowledge and resources for sustainable water management in agriculture and beyond. Through workshops, consultations, and research-based insights, we empower stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding water conservation, quality, and efficient usage, ensuring a more resilient and environmentally responsible water future for our communities.

Weed Science

Weed science extension involves the dissemination of knowledge and research findings related to the management and control of weeds in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Extension specialists in weed science work closely with farmers and other stakeholders, providing practical solutions and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact of weeds on crop production and environmental conservation.

Wheat and Small Grains

Our Wheat and Small Grains Extension program is dedicated to providing growers with the latest research and best practices in wheat and small grain production. Through workshops, field trials, and tailored resources, we aim to empower growers with the knowledge and strategies needed to optimize yields and quality, contributing to a thriving small grains industry in our region.

man in maroon shirt standing by a variety of plants that are sitting on a table

Find an Extension Expert

Our Extension faculty are at the forefront of helping landowner communities understand the latest science-based natural resource management techniques and practices that will impact them directly.

Extension Faculty

Extension Program Specialists

Outreach Efforts and Flagship Programs

Soil Survey and Land Resource Workshop

“The 60^th annual Soil Survey and Land Resource Workshop was held February 8^th and 9^th, 2023, at the Best Western Premier, 1920 Austin’s Colony Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77802. The workshop featured updates from the Cooperative Soil Survey Group at the state, regional and national levels. The program also featured special sessions on “Applications of Soil Survey”, “Climate Smart Projects in Texas”, and “Soil Cycles” along with the perennial favorite student research poster and oral presentation competitions.

The Soil Survey and Land Resource Workshop is an annual conference for Texas soil scientists to share updates on research and policy, to discuss past and future priorities, and to communicate with relevant state and federal agencies. The workshop is organized each year by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) Texas state office, with cooperation from the Professional Soil Scientists Association of Texas (PSSAT).

Additional News: The PSSAT annual meeting will be held the night of February 7th, prior to the workshop. Location will be announced soon!
2023 SSLRW Program (PDF)

Registration for the workshop is now open – Register now.

For direct questions, please contact Dr. Jake Mowrer jake.mowrer@ag.tamu.edu

* The block of rooms reserved for the conference will held until January 24, 2023. Please register with the Best Western Premier prior to this date to ensure the best rate of $98/night. Register online https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44623.html?groupId=L25CS6R9 or via phone (979) 731- 5300. You must tell the front desk agents you are part of the workshop to get the group rate.

2022 Program
The 2022 workshop was held virtually February 9 – 10, 2022.
2022 SSLR Workshop program (PDF)
2022 Graduate research posters

2021 Program
The 2021 workshop was held virtually February 4-5, 2021.
2021 SSLR Workshop program (PDF)
View 2021 presentations

2020 Program
The 2020 workshop was held February 6-7, 2020 at Rudder Tower on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station.
View the 2020 program and presentations

Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop

The Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop was created in the late 1970s in response to the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. It is intended to draw coal mining and reclamation stakeholders together to discuss advantages and disadantages of reclamation process.
The workshop is held annually in early October. In addition to industry speakers, there is a research poster competition for graduate and undergraduate students, and commercial displays. The workshop also provides scholarships for students in related fields of study.

The Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop is led by Jake Mowrer, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Associate Professor in Soil Nutrient & Water Resource Management

Lone Star Healthy Streams Program

The goal of the Lone Star Healthy Streams (LSHS) program is the protection of Texas waterways from bacterial contamination originating from livestock operations and feral hogs that may pose a serious health risk to Texas citizens. To achieve this important goal, the program’s objective is the education of Texas farmers, ranchers, and landowners about proper grazing, feral hog management, and riparian area protection to reduce the levels of bacterial contamination in streams and rivers.

While some water pollution is often easy to detect, bacteria pollution is not. A water body choked with algae, a muddy river loaded with sediment, or a lake covered with an oily sheen all exhibit clearly noticeable impairments. Bacteria in water, on the other hand, are not at all noticeable to the naked eye. Did you know that bacteria is the number one cause of water pollution in Texas and that more than half of the water bodies evaluated in the state are impaired because of excess bacteria levels?

Bacteria in water can pose a significant health risk to humans. While not all bacteria are harmful to human health, some can be pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease. Waterborne diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and salmonella can all result from elevated bacteria levels. There have actually been documented cases of illness due to E. coli in Texas water bodies. Furthermore, high levels of bacteria can indicate that water quality is impaired and that the water is probably unsuitable for drinking and other domestic uses.

Sources of bacteria across the landscape are numerous and it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part in helping minimize bacteria and other pollutants from entering our valuable waterways. The agricultural industry can play an important role in helping improve water quality across the state. Simple changes in how livestock and feral hogs are managed can result in significant impacts and can help reduce the amount of bacteria entering Texas streams and rivers, thus protecting the well-being of all Texans.

The framework for the LSHS program is five resource manuals that focus on bacterial runoff management for beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and feral hogs. As part of this educational program, current best management practices (BMPs) and novel BMPs are being evaluated to provide important information to citizens regarding BMP effectiveness relative to implementation costs and load reduction. Through enhanced education regarding riparian protection and vegetation management on grazing lands, LSHS will further protect Texas waterways from sediment, nutrient, and pesticide runoff with the concomitant loss of water and topsoil. It is important to note that the BMPs outlined in this website and in the manuals are not mandatory at this time and participation in the LSHS program is voluntary.
Funding for this project is provided through a Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information or to bring Lone Star Healthy Streams to your area, contact:

Leanne Wiley
Extension Program Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Cell: 979.318.2617 Office: 979.862.8072
E-mail: leanne.wiley@ag.tamu.edu

Larry Redmon
Professor and Forage Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Office: 979.845.4826
Email: l-redmon@tamu.edu

Learn more about the Lone Star Healthy Streams program

Extension News

On AgriLife Today, the online archive for Texas A&M AgriLife and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we provide news relating new and innovative research, academic programs, student experience, and Extension programming and outreach. We share news to improve lives, environments, scientific rigor and the Texas Economy. Read more department news on AgriLife Today.

AgriLife Research kicks off climate-smart project

Texas A&M AgriLife Research recently kicked off the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative, a five-year large-scale pilot project to work with Texas’ commodity producers to adopt climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices, assess benefits, and develop models for voluntary, market-based climate solutions.

Former student cultivates key role in Texas cotton production

A passion for science and a drive to educate on the value of agriculture to Texas took Ben McKnight, Ph.D., from a student to a faculty member of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.

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