Dr. Alan Wright

Professor, Soil and Water Science

Dr. Alan L Wright joined IRREC as an Associate Professor of Soil and Water Science in early 2015. He has since been promoted to Professor. His expertise is with crop production and wetlands conservation as it relates to soil and water quality; he joins IRREC’s team of soil and water research scientists who support the world’s premier citrus production region.

He had previously served as an Associate Professor within the same university department at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade, Fla.

Dr. Wright’s research is directed at understanding the biological and chemical factors affecting nutrient cycling in agricultural, urban, and wetland ecosystems. Specific focus is on assessing linkages between agricultural land uses and wetlands, optimizing soil and crop management practices for agriculture in the Indian River region, and identifying factors contributing to successful restoration of wetlands. His extension and public outreach activities include efforts to educate growers and the public about agricultural stewardship and environmental conservation.

• Research

  Dr. Alan Wright’s research program involves managing nutrients for agricultural and urban use, and improving water quality through research on Stormwater Treatment Areas and Everglades wetlands.

  His current research focus is on the use of recycled waste byproducts for vegetable production, optimizing phosphorus management strategies for various cropping systems, and understanding linkages between soil fertility, weed control, plant disease management, and crop growth and yield.

• Extension

  Dr. Wright’s extension work is closely aligned with the research program. He provides updated relevant information to growers and agricultural commodity organizations about nutrient management practices that minimize fertilizer use and maintain or improve yields, and to water managers for strategies that improve water quality in the Everglades.

  Education outreach programs include the use of field days and direct interaction with growers, along with CEU training sessions and demonstrations at area schools and county fairs.

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Soil and Water Science, Minor in Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, 2001
  • M.S. Soil Science, Texas A&M University, 1995
  • B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences, Texas A&M University, 1993
• Publications
  • Extension Publications
  • Research Publications
• Awards and Service

  Awards

  • University Term Professorship Award
  • University of Florida Research Foundation Professor, 2013-2016
  • Gamma Sigma Delta Junior Faculty Award of Merit, 2011
  • Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) Outstanding Reviewer Award, 2008
  • University of Florida School of Natural Resources & Environment, 2005 to present

  Service

  • SSSA William H. Patrick, Jr. Memorial Lectureship Committee Chair, 2014
  • Soil Science Society of America Journal Associate Editor (2014-present)
  • SSSA S-10 Wetland Soils Chair-Elect and Chair, 2012-2014
  • SSSA S-10 Wetland Soils General Session Moderator, 2012-2013
  • ASA member, 1999 to present
  • CSSA member, 1999 to present
  • SSSA member, 1999 to present
  • Agronomy Journal Associate Editor, 2008-present
  • Judge for ASA-CSSA-SSSA Students of Agronomy, Soils & Environmental Sciences (SASES) National Visual Presentation Contest, 2010
  • ASA-CSSA-SSSA Presentation Contest Committee & Judge, 2009-2012
  • ASA-CSSA-SSSA - SASES Visual Presentation Contest Judge, S-6 Speech Contest Judge, and S3 Graduate Student Poster Contest Judge, 2009
  • University of Florida Water Institute, 2005 to present
  • SSSA S-10 Division, Best Student Presentation Award Contest Judge, 2007-2009, 2012
  • ASA-CSSA-SSSA Early Career Committee Panelist - Writing Manuscripts for Publication, 2008
  • SSSA Rapid Response Team, S-10 Division representative, 2006-2012
  • ASA-CSSA-SSSA National Undergraduate Student Research Symposium Oral & Poster Presentation Competition Judge, 2005-2007
  • Agronomy Journal Editor & Citation for Excellence in Manuscript Review, 2007
  • Texas A&M University Special Achievement Award for Research Collaboration, 2004