1 CHAIR’S MESSAGE: Reflections and Renewal

This is a milestone year in Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS). In 2005 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spillman Agronomy Farm and the 100th year of crop breeding at Washington State University (see p. 3). And what perfect timing to move into a state of the art laboratory building, a first step to ensure another century of success for our crop molecular genetics and breeding programs. Our CSS teach- ing laboratory courses will also move into the new building. These programs provide experience and training in an amaz- ing breadth and depth of the discipline, from organic and perennial wheat breeding to the molecular transgenics of improved disease resistance, end use, and plant bioproducts. The completion date for Phase I of the Coincidentally, our turf science field laboratory, established Plant Biosciences complex is June, 2005. in the early 1980’s (see p. 4), will also be moving this year. The new turf research facility will be directly adjacent to the new 18-hole WSU golf course, which will provide expanded An excellent example of interdepartmental collaboration is turf management learning opportunities for our students. the current hybridization of introductory crop science and horticulture courses at the 100 and 200 levels, led by Teresa Our research and extension (R&E) centers throughout Koenig, Kathleen Willemson, and Larry Hiller. Four courses the state are also undergoing significant change. Dr. Bob in the two departments were reconfigured and condensed Stevens agreed to serve as interim director of the Irrigated into two new shared plant science courses. Peggy Chevalier Agriculture Research and Extension Center at Prosser, join- played a key advising role in this process. This gain in ing two other recently-assigned director colleagues, Debra efficiency allowed Kim Kidwell to follow her passion for Inglis at Mt. Vernon and Jon Newkirk at Puyallup. The fac- working with undergraduates in a new course for her, ulty and staff operating out of these centers address the key Human Development (HD) 205, Interpersonal Communi- agricultural and environmental issues of each region (see cations (see p. 10). Over one hundred students enroll in p. 5). In addition, they play an increasing role in teaching this course each semester, and it has received very positive and graduate training. In 2004, seven CSS graduate students student feedback. were advised by CSS R&E and adjunct faculty. Telecommuni- cation technologies such as internet video conferencing and Brady Carter resigned from his position in the wheat qual- course offerings have allowed us to more closely link our ity program to begin working with Decagon Devices in Pull- degree programs to the R&E centers. man. To fill the void, Byung Kee Baik, former cereal chemist with the Department of Food Science and the Impact Cen- An external review of CSS was conducted in 2004, led by ter, has been hired into a CSS tenure-track position in cereal Dr. Dwayne Westfall (Soil Science, Colorado State Uni- chemistry with an emphasis on end use quality. Dr. Baik, versity) and Dr. Bikram Gill (Crop Genetics, Kansas State with two degrees in agronomy and a Ph.D. in cereal chem- University). Our staff worked hard to collect and summarize istry, will oversee the wheat quality evaluation for the state the data that identified the following trends: breeding programs in collaboration with the USDA wheat • increased reliance on external grant funding and quality program. He will also conduct research in cereal and private contributions to support high quality programs legume end use quality as well as teach undergraduate while state support for core faculty and staff declines crop physiology and graduate cereal chemistry. • decreased enrollment of students interested in Hans Kok joined us this past fall as the new WSU/UI soil traditional agriculture programs, but increased conservation cropping systems Extension specialist. Dr. Kok interest in turf management and organic agriculture is a former graduate of WSU and brings with him experience • good balance between domestic and international, as an Extension specialist at Kansas State University and a male and female graduate students no-till specialist with Monsanto. • a decline in number of core teaching faculty We were saddened by the passing of Jim Maguire, a great friend and long-time CSS colleague in seed science and tech- Departmental mission and benchmarks for success have nology. Jim was a positive spirit in our department for many been defined and refined. These plans include: years and he will be greatly missed. See In Memoriam (p. 6). • stabilization of core areas of crop and soil sciences Dave Bezdicek retired after 31 years of service to WSU as a • integration and collaboration with other departments researcher and teacher in soil microbiology. Dave intends to and colleges across campus continue his involvement with several bluegrass bands in • increased research experience for our students the area. Peggy Chevalier also retired from the department after 26 years of teaching and research in crop physiology. • greater emphasis on internationalism She plans to spend more time hiking and sightseeing. Both Future emphasis will be placed on biointensive agriculture of these colleagues were cornerstones in CSS, representing and molecular genetics of plant bioproducts. Plans to col- their respective disciplines and impacting the lives of count- laborate on a cross-college Agricultural and Food Systems less students. Most recently, Judi Wutzke, CSS administra- degree program featuring a new Organic Agriculture major tive manager, retired in December 2004 after 26 years of were led by Cathy Perillo and Peggy Chevalier. Similarly, service. She and her husband have relocated closer to her soils faculty Markus Flury, Alan Busacca, and I continue roots in the Clearwater Valley. discussions with Geology, Environmental Science, and As we say goodbye to old friends and greet new colleagues Natural Resource Sciences on forming a School of in this milestone year, we look forward to another 100 years Environmental and Earth Sciences. of educating and mentoring future crop and soils profession- als, researching new discoveries, and transferring knowledge Front cover (left to right): to benefit agriculture and society. Bob Allan, Bob Nilan, Cal Konzak, Orville Vogel by Bill Pan, Chair, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences 2 COVER STORY: Milestones in Crop Research and Development

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is celebrating football team was the Farmers. The first game was played on two important anniversaries this year: the 100-year November 10, 1894, with the Farmers beating the University anniversary of the first wheat variety developed at of Idaho’s team 10 to 0. It seems that in football the names WSU and the 50-year anniversary of the inception have changed but the results have not! Spillman and his of Spillman Research Farm. Both achievements will be wife loved the Palouse and WSU so much that when they highlighted in this year’s Spillman Farm tour on July 7. passed way in the 1930’s they had their ashes spread over the campus. The first wheat variety released from WSU was Hybrid 60, a hard white winter club wheat. It was one of the first, if Spillman Research Farm was developed in 1955 by Dr. Or- not the first, wheat variety released in the country that was ville Vogel, the third wheat breeder at WSU. This farmland the result of a planned hybridization. Many other varieties located two miles south of Pullman was purchased through followed this first release and by 1911 WSU varieties were a novel combination of state and wheat grower money. grown on over 500,000 acres. Today over 90 percent of the Many of the highest producing wheats in the Pacific wheat grown in the state was developed in the Department Northwest today were developed at Spillman Farm. of Crop and Soil Sciences. Please join us this year in celebrating the achievements All of the early wheat releases came from a program initiated and dedication of William Jasper Spillman, Orville Vogel, by Dr. William Jasper Spillman, WSU’s first wheat breeder. and many others who did so much for Washington State Spillman was hired in 1894 and, besides being the first agriculture. wheat breeder, he was also the first football coach. In 1894 WSU was called Washington Agricultural College and its by Stephen Jones, Winter Wheat Breeder, WSU-Pullman

Spillman Farm’s First 50

Seeing the cover photo of Orville Vogel, Cal Konzak, Bob Nilan, and myself by the Spillman Farm sign nearly 50 years Spillman Farm has served as the field research laboratory ago brought back many memories. Orville has since passed for dozens of past and present graduate students. It also away and the three of us who are still around certainly look has been the main worksite for many CSS undergraduate different then we did all those years ago (particularly our students earning their way through WSU. Those of you hairstyles!). It is quite remarkable that we each spent most, that worked on the crews of Carl Muir and John Pritchett if not all, of our careers at WSU. Our combined careers rep- learned firsthand about good work ethic. resent more than 150 years of working to help the farmers of Washington State. The importance of Spillman Farm will not diminish as time passes. Multimillion dollar structures on campus Each one of us, I believe, has had successful and personally will not replace its vital role in crop improvement. I rewarding careers. Variety development was a major accom- spoke at the Spillman Farm Field Day in July of 1996, plishment, notably Gaines, Madsen, and Alpowa wheats, the year I retired. I said then the farm was operating on and Steptoe barley. These breeding programs also made ma- a shoestring. Well, it is still being held together by the jor contributions in germplasm enhancement, design of plot same shoestring. It is urgent that after 50 years this facil- equipment, mutation genetics, novel breeding methods, and ity receive the support it deserves. genetic control of complex traits of wheat and barley. by Bob Allan, retired USDA/ARS Wheat Geneticist I began working on Spillman Farm immediately after I arrived in September of 1957. The fellow I replaced left all of his breeding material unharvested in the field. Luckily, that year we had great weather well into December. I spent days acquainting myself with the germplasm, harvesting, and making plant selections. That fall Orville, Joe Craddock, and I hand-planted several thousand rows of wheat, which be- The Spillman came part of Joe’s Ph.D. research on bunt disease resistance. Agronomy Farm fund has Spillman Farm was the catalyst for our research program, as been established to secure the it still is today. It totally fits the requirements of a functional future of cereal and pulse crop plant breeding center. With ideal soil and precipitation it research and development by your allows for classification of breeding material for maximum tax deductible charitable gift. yield potential as well as resistance to foliar and soilborne diseases and insects. Its proximity to campus allows wheat, Please contact Patrick Kramer barley, and cool season legume breeders to visit their plots (509)335-2243 [email protected] frequently and trace crop development from emergence to or Deb Marsh (509)335-2915 harvest. Close monitoring of breeding material allows for [email protected] evaluating important traits, including the rate of disease development, speed of emergence, coldhardiness, lodging for more information. resistance, and maturity. The enclosed gift envelope may also be used.

3 New Turfgrass Field Plots at Pullman

This fall, the Turfgrass Research Area on the Pullman campus moved to a new location just north of the previous site. It is located at the intersection of North Fairway and Terre View, on what was formally the Plant Pathology site. The former turf plot area will soon accommodate traffic flowing from the north of Pullman and the Pullman-Moscow airport. Since the new site was suitable for farming, but not turf plots, extensive earth-moving and land preparation was required. The new site is not flat but has a uniform slope that will be suitable for replicated research. As at the previ- ous location, there will be 18 individual (80 feet x 80 feet) research plots with independent irrigation capability. A sand-based green was constructed according to United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications, so that research con- ditions are uniform with those on golf courses constructed using the same specifications. In addition, an insulated and heated office and workshop and a non-insulated storage Planned layout of the new turf science research facility. building were constructed on the site.

This fall we were able to initiate three research projects at Next year will be a hectic one for the turfgrass program, but the new research site. However, much needs to be done the new turfgrass research area, along with the proposed during the coming year. Initially, additional land shaping is new on-campus golf course, will greatly enhance turfgrass needed, the irrigation system needs “tweaking,” and alleys field research and teaching. These improvements will enable will need to be established. Spring and summer will be a the program to better serve the future needs of the turfgrass busy time for Charles Golob and crew, but it will be a valu- industry and the students at WSU. able learning experience for the turf students this spring and in the coming year. by Bill Johnston, Professor/Scientist

WSU and USDA-ARS Collaboration Fosters Project on Climate Friendly FarmingTM

Catalyzed by a $3.75 million grant from the Paul G. Allen The Climate Friendly FarmingTM (CFF) project combines Foundation, a team of 30 USDA-ARS and Washington environmental monitoring, technological innovation, State University (WSU) scientists, extension educators, and computer modeling, economic evaluation, and outreach technical staff is investigating the potential for agricultural and demonstration components to improve agricultural systems to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The five- performance and mitigate GHG’s on three regionally and year project was initiated under the leadership of the WSU globally important farming systems: dairy, irrigated veg- Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources etable, and dryland grain. USDA-ARS scientists Drs. Dave (CSANR), which brought together an interdisciplinary Huggins (Pullman) and Hal Collins (Prosser) are leading team to address one of the most pressing environmental research efforts on dryland and irrigated systems, respec- concerns of today: global climate change. Climate change tively. Here, gaseous losses of nitrogen, soil carbon storage, is associated with the atmospheric build-up of greenhouse and efficiencies of water and nitrogen use will be evaluated gases (GHG’s) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous across diverse cropping strategies including reduced tillage, oxide. The GHG’s can disrupt many planet-wide ecological organic and perennial-based systems, precision agriculture, processes, causing adverse environmental and economic and crop alternatives such as bio-fuels. This research will be consequences. integrated with modeling efforts led by Dr. Claudio Stockle (Biological Systems Engineering), economic analyses led by Dr. Phil Wandschneider (School of Economic Sciences) and outreach and demonstration of practices and technologies led by CSANR’s David Granatstein (Sustainable Agriculture Specialist) and Chad Kruger (Director of Outreach and Communication, CFF).

The Climate Friendly FarmingTM project is starting to gener- ate a great deal of interest. Recently, the project was selected to participate in the Agricultural Science and Education Exhibition/Reception entitled A Science Roadmap for Agri- culture in Washington, DC, on March 1, 2005. In addition, the project is creating opportunities for establishing new partnerships and avenues of research and education that will further agricultural sustainability in the Pacific North- west and beyond. Further information can be obtained from Chad Kruger, 509-663-8181 x235 or by visiting the project website at http://cff.wsu.edu

Dave Huggins, Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS Dr. Dave Huggins injects 15N into the soil to assess the fate of applied N. Land Management and Water Conservation Research Unit, Pullman, WA 4 Small Farms Focus

Small farms that market fresh produce to local consumers are a vibrant part of agriculture west of the Cascades. Begin- ning in 2001, scientists at WSU Puyallup began a research and extension program focused on these farms, with an emphasis on organic production and direct marketing. Marcy Ostrom, Department of Rural Sociology, and Craig Cogger, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, lead the team effort, which began with a series of farmer focus groups, listening sessions, surveys, and farm visits to identify farmers’ research and education priorities. Farmers checking snap beans interseeded with cover crops Based on farmers’ input, the team established an interdisci- at the summer small farms field day, WSU Puyallup. plinary research project evaluating nutrient management, soil quality, weed management, production economics, and insect ecology in organic vegetable crop rotations. The centerpiece experiment compares 12 organic management University, and several local small farms. Graduate students systems for vegetable crop production, consisting of differ- from WSU and OSU are involved in the project, along with ent combinations of cover crop systems, tillage, and undergraduate students from WSU, Pacific Lutheran organic amendments. Established in 2003, the experiment University, and Evergreen State College. will continue for 10 to 12 years, pending continued fund- ing. Related experiments include evaluation of interseeded Results from the nitrogen availability experiment are en- cover crops, nitrogen availability from local organic amend- abling us to develop amendment use guidelines. Preliminary ments, and pastured poultry production on short-term results of the cover crop experiments suggest that hairy pastures. CSS participants include soil scientists Craig Cog- vetch and red clover can be successfully interseeded in west- ger and Andy Bary, soil biologist Ann Kennedy, and weed ern Washington vegetable rotations. While results from the scientist Tim Miller. Other collaborators include the WSU organic systems experiment will take several years to unfold, Entomology and Rural Sociology Departments, Oregon State benefits of modified tillage are already becoming apparent.

Craig Cogger, Soil Scientist and Extension Specialist, WSU-Puyallup Smithsonian Soils Exhibit!

A $600,000 fundraising goal needed to guarantee a soils Mt Vernon and currently serving as president of Washington exhibit in 2006 at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, Society of Professional Soil Scientists, Jen Bell (MS ‘02), now DC, has been met by soil scientists and related professional with NRCS in Toppenish, and Hal Collins (Ph.D. ‘87), now organizations nationwide. However, the size and extent with USDA-ARS in Prosser. of the exhibit will depend on the total funds raised. The fundraising goal is $4 million for a 6000 sq ft exhibit, associ- Cathy Perillo (MS ‘91) is the state’s liaison to the national ated web curriculum, and a traveling exhibit. In addition effort, and Ann Kennedy, USDA-ARS / adjunct CSS professor, to fundraising, much current effort is focused on collecting is spearheading collection of educational materials. educational materials. To make a donation and learn more, go to: http://css.wsu.edu/smithsonian.htm or contact Washington State has been challenged to raise $10,000 Cathy Perillo ([email protected], 509-335-2851). through grassroots efforts. A number of CSS faculty and graduates are involved in fundraising and gathering materi- Cathy Perillo, Soil Science Instructor als, including Toby Rodgers (M.S. ‘00), now with NRCS in

Artist’s sketch of the potential Smithsonian soils exhibit.

5 WHERE ARE THEY NOW IN MEMORIAM: Tamara Thomas, P.E.

Tamara Thomas, Professional Engineer, earned an M.S. in soil chemistry in 2002 under the direction of Jim Harsh. Prior to this achievement, Tamara earned her B.S. in political science from WSU in 1979, and in 1993 she earned an M.S. in engineering from the Geotechnical Engineering program at James Dale Maguire, 73, died the University of Washington. In November Tamara celebrated Sunday, August 29, 2004, at his the two-year anniversary of her company Terre-Source, located home. Jim grew up in Chelan, in Mt. Vernon, Washington. With a goal of achieving sustain- WA, and graduated from Chelan ability, Tamara works with a variety of groups such as landscap- High School. He attended WSU ers, log yards, food producers, and others in the composting and graduated in 1952 with a B.S. in agriculture. and recycling industry to help evaluate options for creating He graduated in 1957 from Iowa State University useful byproducts and reducing waste. She links people to others with a M.S. in agronomy. In 1968, Jim completed who are successfully composting and creating byproducts, and his Ph.D. in farm crops (seed physiology) at provides support through system and facility design, market Oregon State University. It was in 1957 that Dr. analysis, permitting, and other technical support. Maguire began his career at WSU, serving as an assistant and associate professor from 1957 to In addition to running her own company, Tamara is an active 1980. He was the assistant chairman for the member of the Washington Organics Recycling Council, the agronomy department from 1980 to 1986. He Advisory Council for Crop and Soils Sciences at WSU, and provides was professor of crops and soils and director of technical and grant funding assistance to the King County Green the seed technology laboratory at WSU until his Schools program, a program that encourages schools to reduce waste through composting cafeteria waste and other methods. She retirement in 1997, following a 40-year career. also assists with the WSU compost facility and conducts research on Dr. Maguire was deeply involved with inter- organics recycling. national students and for 15 years sponsored French agricultural interns. He was a great When Tamara is not working she enjoys spending time at her home student adviser. Jim was a golden graduate of in the mountains outside of Mt. Vernon, sea kayaking, mountain bik- WSU, and eventually the entire family gradu- ing, and making pottery. ated from WSU as well. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Hillary Templin and a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Whitman County Park Board and helped in saving Kamiak Jeff Gullikson Butte and Pullman’s Kruegel Park, as well as creating Wawawai Park. He belonged to the After receiving his B.S. degree in agronomy, turfgrass management American Society of Agronomy and the In- option, in 1985, Jeffrey Gullikson accepted a position as assistant ternational Seed Testing Association. He is golf course superintendent at the Mint Valley golf course in Longview, survived by his wife Jan of 48 years, their Washington. He then moved on to serve as superintendent for two more four sons, four brothers and sisters, six courses and completed an M.S. in agronomy, turfgrass management, in grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 1991 before taking his current position in 2000 as the course superinten- Memorial donations can be made to the dent for the Spokane Country Club. James D. Maguire Graduate Fellowship Seven years ago Jeffrey co-founded the First Green of Washington, a at WSU.December 2003: program that pairs high school agriculture and science teachers with golf courses. Since that time, state and national curricula have been developed. Students gets a hands-on learning experience when they take fi eld trips to the golf course, where they can combine an interest in golf with the applied science of environmentally sound golf course management.

Jeffrey was awarded the 2004 Golf Course Superintendents Associa- tion of America President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship for his work on the Golf and the Environment initiative. He has served as president of the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents, and on the board of directors of the Northwest Turfgrass Association. He is currently the Spokane Area High School Advisory Committee Chairman for Environmental Science and Natural Resources, a Spokane Community College Horticulture advisory committee member, and a member of the WSU CSS advisory board.

The grandson of Orville and Bertha Vogel, Jeffrey lives in Deer Park with his wife Tammy and their three children, Jamie, Julie, and Jeffrey. In his spare time he runs an 80-acre hay farm at his home.

by Hillary Templin

Jeff Gullikson (right) taking a water sample with some high school students. 6 ADEMIC AC S C H

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December 2003: S A D Juan-Pablo Fuentes, Ph.D. Soil Science R Eric P. Hartvigson, B.S. Crop Science Ryan W. Higginbotham, M.S. Crop Science Elizabeth A. Kohl, M.S. Crop Science Kholoud Y.T. Mashal, Ph.D. Soil Science Roscoe & Francis Cox Scholarship Amanda S. McKinley, B.S. Crop Science Monica Allen (magna cum laude) Tabitha Brown Keith A. Patrick, B.S. Crop Science Stacey Nievweija Claudia Osorio Jennifer Reeve, M.S. Soil Science Latha Reddy Travis S. Ricard, M.S. Crop Science Jennifer Reeve Timothy J. Riebe, B.S. Soil Science Jasdeep Singh Daniel K. Salois, B.S. Crop Science Dustin Walsh Matt Williams (magna cum laude) Canming Xiao Kyle A. Watt, B.S. Crop Science Washington State Federation of Garden May 2004: Clubs (Frank Greeley Scholarship) John M. Ball., B.S. Crop Science Michael G. Bednar, B.S. Crop Science David Andrews Mary K. Bodley, M.S. Soil Science Max Hinrichs, Sr. Scholarship Kyle L. Brown, B.S. Crop Science Shaun Knutzen Curtis E. Chambers, B.S. Crop Science Gregory Van Hollebeke Jeron J. Chatelain, M.S. Crop Science Eric C. Choker, B.S. Soil Science R.C. McCroskey Fellowship Alysia C. Greco, M.S. Crop Science Tabitha Brown John N. Hicks, B.S. Crop Science (magna cum laude) Chateau Ste. Michelle Diversity Scholarship Christina M. Maier, B.S. Crop Science Monica Allen (cum laude) Laylah S. Scarnecchia, B.S. Crop Science Charles Dawson Moodie Memorial (cum laude) Scholarship Deepak Sidhu, Ph.D. Crop Science Shaun Knutzen Laura A. Wendling, Ph.D. Soil Science Kelly M. Whitley, M.S. Soil Science O.A. Vogel Washington State Crop Improvement Scholarship August 2004: Crystal D. Briggs, M.S. Soil Science Michael Erickson Dustin Walsh Robert S. Brueggeman, M.S. Crop Science Marie W. Bumback, M.S. Crop Science Francis Premo Memorial Scholarship Jacob L. Cloninger, B.S. Crop Science Gregory Van Hollebeke Szabolcs Czigany, Ph.D. Soil Science Dustin Walsh Sarah J. Fansler, M.S. Soil Science Joseph D. Gies, B.S. Crop Science Reynolds-Biersner Scholarship Renee M. Lorion, M.S. Soil Science David Andrews Chad M. Steiner, M.S. Crop Science Rockie Family Scholarship Monica Allen ALUMS - WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Sigfred Theodore Hansen Scholarship Your colleagues want to hear what is happening Michael Erickson with you. Please share your professional and personal accomplishments or news by completing Washington-North Idaho Seed Association the online form at Laylah Scarnecchia http://css.wsu.edu.  7 HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:

Richard T. Koenig, soil scientist and extension special- ist, received the 2004 Materials Awards Certifi cate of Excellence from the American Society of Agronomy as a co-author of Fertilizer Management for Grass and Grass-Legume Mixtures, a publication he wrote while at Utah State University. Koenig has been elected to the Council of the Pacifi c Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also assumed the duties of STEEP Tri-State Chair (http:// pnwsteep.wsu.edu) upon the retirement of David Bezdicek in 2004. Koenig reports program advances in improved controlled release nitrogen fertilizers, which show promise for improving effi ciency (crop production per unit of nitrogen) and reducing losses of nitrogen. Polymer additives to conventional fl uid phosphorus fertilizers could improve the effi ciency of these materials. The end result has potential for greater economic returns and less environmental impact from In Armenia each family has a narrow strip of farmland fertilizer use. In related news, there has been enhanced extending from the bottom to the top of the hill, as no collaboration among the PNW fertilizer industry, one wanted the less productive land on the hilltop. USDA-NRCS, growers, and university personnel in the areas of fertilizer recommendations and development of fertility guides, as university guides are sought by farm program administrators as they determine incen- Effective November 1, 2004, Bob Stevens, extension tive payments. specialist at IAREC-Prosser, begins a two-year assignment as Interim Director of the Irrigated Agriculture Research On the international front, Koenig recently returned and Extension Center at Prosser. During this time Bob will from a four-week trip to Armenia on a USDA inter- be working to advance this world-class facility and help national agriculture development project. The USDA its research and extension faculty meet the full potential project is designed to help produce, process, and of their programs. market select Armenian agricultural commodities. Armenia was a former Soviet republic that gained in- Gwen Stahnke, associate professor and extension dependence in 1991. Much of the land was privatized specialist at WSU-Puyallup, received the 2003 Turfgrass at that time and, overnight, approximately 350,000 Research Excellence Award from Seed Research of Oregon. small farms of .5 to 5 acres in size were created. Most She reports that new research and grass cultivars were of the population knew little about farming, resulting displayed for 180 attendees during the 2004 WSU/OSU in endless problems when these large state and collec- Turfgrass Field Day held in Puyallup on July 20 at the tive farms were divided into smaller parcels. WSU Farm 5 Research Facility.

October, 2004, Bill Schillinger, research agronomist, Markus Flury, soil physicist, has been appointed associ- was selected to serve a two-year term on the National ate editor for the Journal of Environmental Quality. He Agricultural Air Quality Task Force. The task force has also been appointed to the Scientifi c Advisory Board, reports directly to the Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Institute of Chemistry and Dynamics of the Geosphere, Agriculture on air quality policy issues. Additionally, Forschungszentrum Julich (Research Center Julich), Schillinger reports signifi cant advances in the science Germany, for 2004 to 2008. On the teaching side, Flury and art of conservation farming in the winter wheat/ reports that permanent soil profi les have been developed summer fallow region. Primary spring tillage plus for introductory soil science fi eld trips (see below). fertilizer injection with a low-disturbance undercutter V-sweep with two subsequent rodweedings (a total of three operations) is agronomically and economically competitive with traditional summer fallow practices that involve eight or more tillage operations. Dramatic reductions in wind erosion will occur if such conserva- tion tillage practices are adopted, resulting in a “win- win” solution for farmers and the environment.

Charles Golob was awarded the 2004 CAHNRS outstanding technical staff award. Golob has been a Research Technologist in Bill Johnston’s turfgrass management and grass seed production program since 1986. “I can say without hesitation that Charles is the ‘glue’ of the WSU turfgrass program. His contribu- tions to the turfgrass industry, academic sector, and individual careers of countless students have been signifi cant,” writes a supporter.

8 HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:

Kulvinder Gill, O.A. Vogel Endowed Chair of Wheat, Bob Horton, professor and chairman of the Water reports encouraging results for moving any single Resources Program at Iowa State University, delivered gene of interest into spring wheat varieties within two the second annual Campbell Lecture entitled Advanc- years via marker assisted background selection. Similar ing Environmental Investigations with New Methods for progress on winter wheats will take longer. His research Quantifying Dynamic Surface Soil Properties on team has also obtained very exciting association map- October 11th on the WSU Campus. Horton has ping results, in which they develop markers for various pioneered the development of instrumentation and wheat quality traits and have found associations with techniques for measuring soil physical properties, in two of the traits. particular, the measuring and modeling of heat and mass transfer in soil. He is the recipient of the presti- Steve Ullrich and Alan Busacca, instructors of gious Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award as Crops/Soils 360 (World Agricultural Systems, General well as the Soil Science Research Award, both from the Education Intercultural Requirement), instituted a class Soil Science Society of America. The Campbell Lecture project in which two-person student teams interviewed is named for Gaylon Campbell, who spent nearly international students or scholars about their country, thirty years as a professor of environmental biophysics culture, family and agriculture. In return, the students and soil physics in WSU’s Department of Crop and Soil prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for the interviewees. Sciences. He retired from WSU in 1998 to become vice president of engineering at Decagon Devices, a local John Burns, Extension agronomist, reports the Cereal manufacturer of biophysical research instrumentation. Variety Testing Program has gained the ability to The lecture was created through gifts from Campbell include new winter wheat cultivars having herbicide Scientific, Inc., and Decagon Devices, Inc. tolerant novel trait characteristics. Each novel trait cultivar was developed to be tolerant to an imidazo- Gary Q. Pelter, Washington State University Grant- linone herbicide class of herbicide. Now for the first Adams area Extension educator, was presented the time Pacific Northwest wheat producers have specific 2004 Kenneth J. Morrison Award at the June 24th varieties that can be sprayed with an herbicide that se- Direct Seed Cropping Systems Research field day at the lectively controls grassy weeds such as jointed goatgrass Palouse Conservation Field Station. The award honors in established stands. WSU Extension faculty for significant contributions to agronomic crop production and soil management. Craig Cogger, soil scientist and Extension specialist Pelter has served as production and management edu- at WSU Puyallup, along with instructors from the cator for the vegetable and vegetable seed industry in University of Illinois, the compost industry, and the Grant and Adams counties for 24 years and has played Washington State Department of Ecology, teamed up an important role in establishing and maintaining a to present a training class for Compost Facility Opera- processing vegetable industry in the Columbia Basin. tors at the end of October, 2004, at WSU Puyallup. The award honors the memory of Kenneth J. Morrison The class included 35 operators from seven states and who served as WSU Extension agronomist from 1950 Canada. The class lasts five days, and includes class- to 1987. room teaching, hands-on field laboratories, a field trip, professional panels, and an exam. The class, now in Congratulations to R. James Cook, Interim Dean its sixth year, has gained a national and international of the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural reputation, as students attended from Canada, Mexico, Resource Sciences, recipient of the 2004 WSCIA O.A. Spain, and the UK. Vogel Crop Improvement Association Award. Prior to this appointment, Cook was the Endowed Chair in Cathy Perillo, soil science instructor, reports many Wheat Research at WSU and spent the majority of his forces seem to be coming together in the field of career as a research plant pathologist for USDA-ARS. sustainability at WSU, such as connections between Cook was presented his award at the WSCIA annual the compost facility, Dining Services, the Sustainable meeting in Richland, WA, on November 16. The award forum, and the Center for Sustainable Agriculture and was established in 1973 in honor of Dr. Orville A. Natural Resources’ engagement in teaching. Vogel’s achievements and contributions to agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. Today, through this presti- John Reganold, professor and soil scientist, co-au- gious award, individuals who have made significant thored the ninth edition of a college textbook entitled contributions to the pure seed program and/or crop Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a production in Washington continue to be acknowl- Sustainable Future. He is currently writing a book on edged. Also, Cook was named Fellow in both the ASA biodynamic and organic winegrape production, which and CSSA professional societies at the Seattle, WA, is scheduled for publication in September, 2006. 2004 annual meetings.

Eric Miltner, assistant scientist at WSU-Puyallup, reports water quality monitoring in salmon-bearing streams passing through two western Washington golf courses has shown that golf course maintenance practices have minimal negative impact on stream water quality (right). Also, research on Washington’s Key Peninsula shows that features such as bioswales and artificial wetlands on a golf course can help filter fertilizer nutrients from water.

9 Kim Kidwell was awarded the 2004 university-wide David Bezdicek, soil scientist, was awarded the 2004 Distinguished Faculty Service Learning Award for her CAHNRS Research Faculty Excellence Award for his instructional leadership in developing opportunities career-long research accomplishments in soil microbi- for student service learning in Human Development ology. A supporter writes, “During his tenure at WSU, 205. HD205 is a life-skill enhancement course designed Dr. Bezdicek has provided an outstanding example in to help students learn how to communicate effectively, many dimensions: as a leader, an innovator, and as a and to improve their team-building and leadership very personable and approachable scientist.” Bezdicek, skills. The course follows an experiential model where whose career spanned three decades at WSU, retired in students learn through participation. According to September, 2004. Kidwell, “We establish a context where students have the opportunity to practice communicating Rod Bertramson, former faculty member from 1949 to in scenarios designed to mirror life.” Additionally, 1979, was the United Way of Pullman 2004 Red Feather the students complete a community service project recipient, which honors those volunteers who have giv- such as that done at Orphan Acres in Viola, Idaho, a en of their time and efforts to demonstrate that “Lives non-profit care facility for injured horses and wildlife. on the Palouse Change When Communities Care.” “We didn’t tell them what to do or how to do it, but rather coached them through, successfully navigating According to the July and August 2004 issues of challenges encountered along the way.” The students Racquetball magazine, CSS retired professor and world organized themselves into groups, with one tending to renowned scientist, Dr. Walter Gardner, creator of the the animals at the facility, the second preparing horse movie Water Movement Through Soil, was ranked no. 2 care brochures for people who adopt the animals, and in July and no. 3 in August in the USA Racquetball Top a third generating publicity and soliciting funds to 10 National Rankings for his age group, 85+. Walt, at keep Orphan Acres in operation. At the end of the final 87, is still creating a wonderful life for himself. He now class, students gave Kidwell a standing ovation. “She resides in Provo, Utah. cared for me not only as a student, but as a person,” one said. “I appreciated that she wanted us to know that we (the students) mattered.” Content of this brief contributed by Dennis Brown, CAHNRS

2005 Turf Club, Bill Johnston, advisor (bottom row, third from left).

ALUMNI FEEDBACK:

Bob Buman, Ph.D. Agronomy, 1990, joined his brother’s firm, Agren, Inc. (http://www.agren-inc.com) in Breda, IA, May, 1997. Agren is a private consulting firm committed to helping agriculture find profitable solutions to environ- mental challenges. In his spare time, he enjoys nature photography and has had a number of photos published in several magazines and calendars. He also enjoys wildflower gardening.

Marco Bittelli, Ph.D. Soil Science, 2001, was awarded a young scientist award from the Italian government.

Szabolcs Czigany, Ph.D. Soil Science, 2004, has obtained a faculty position at Pecs University in Hungary.

Shawn C. Frisbee, B.S. Crop Science, turfgrass option, 2001, spent a year at the Portland Golf Club in Portland, Oregon before moving on to Washington National Golf Club in Auburn, WA. While at Washington National, he helped host the NCAA women’s national championship golf tournament. After a year there he accepted the job of Assistant Super- intendent at Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich, CT. In May, 2003, he worked at Westchester Golf Club during the Buick Classic, a PGA Tour stop. It was a great opportunity to see what goes into preparing a golf course at the elite level. He says that although NYC is an amazing city, he misses watching the Cougs in Martin Stadium and can’t find anyone who can relate to being a Coug! He hopes to be able to move back to the PNW. 10 OF DO LL N O O R R S R

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O 2003-2004 H In appreciation of gifts (>$100) to the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004

Agpro Lesco, Incorporated Robert & Carolyn Allan Lincoln County Wheat Growers Association American Malting Barley Association James Maguire Andersons, Incorporated Janet Maguire Anne S. Reynolds Charitable Lead Trust Joseph Majka Arvesta Corporation McGregor Company BASF Corporation Alex & Linda McGregor Bayer Crop Science, LP Paula McMinn David & Patricia Bezdicek Mac & Karen Mills Lorenz Bohrnsen MLS Technologies Stanton & JoAnn Brauen Monsanto Company Kurt & Chris Braunwart James & Ann Moore Campbell Scientific, Incorporated North Pine AG Equipment, Inc. Gaylon & Judith Campbell Nu Chem Limited Cebeco Seeds BV Nufarm Americas, Incorporated Lucille Christianson Organic Center for Education & Promotion David & Barbara Cleave William Pan & Vicki McCracken Colfax Grange Supply Company, Incorporated Gary & Geraldine Picha Columbia Grain International, Incorporated ProGene, LLC Decagon Devices, Incorporated Glen & Nancy Reinbold Kathryn Deierling Timothy & Megan Riebe Norman Donaldson W. J. Ringwood Draba Ruark Century Farm, Incorporated E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company James & Nancy Ruark James & Emma Engibous Scotts Company Farm & Home Supply, Incorporated Gerald Sharp & Karen Boorman Fluid Fertilizer Foundation Aubrey Smithburg FMC Corporation Charles & Shirley Staib Edward & Theresa Forster Chunming Su & Wenjian Gong Foundation for Agronomic Research Sunderman Breeding, Incorporated Glen Franklin Patsy Sunderman Bruce & Lavon Frazier Swifty Creek Merchants, LLC Curtis Gering Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. Howard & L. Dorothy Gilbert Dan & Genevieve Thompson Harry & Edith Goldsworthy United States Golf Association Foundation Great Plains Manufacturing Inc. Dietrich & Penny Von Wettstein Gustafson LLC W. F. Wilhelm & Son, Incorporated Harder & Harder Ron & Barbara Wachter Curtis & Erika Hennings Terry Warwick & Rochelle Bafus David Huggins & Catherine Perillo Washington-North Idaho Seed Association James D. Moore Company James & Bertie Weddell Eric & Annette Jellum Westbred, LLC John & Margaret Killingsworth Whitman County Association of Wheat Growers Betty Lee Gary & Judith Wutzke Michael & Betty Leinweber Yakima Klickitat County Association of Wheat Glenn Leitz Growers Les Schwab Tire Center Eric Zakarison & Sheryl Hagen-Zakarison 11 Spillman Agronomy Farm, Celebrating 50 years July 7, 2005

http://css.wsu.edu/spillman.htm

Dr. William Jasper Spillman, hired in 1894, was WSU’s first wheat breeder and first football coach.

NONPROFIT-ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PULLMAN. WA PERMIT NO 1

DEPARTMENT OF CROP & SOIL SCIENCES WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY PO BOX 646420 PULLMAN, WA 99164-6420

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