Chandler Gruener has joined North Dakota State University Extension as a soil health specialist based at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot. He started May 20.

Gruener will work with NDSU Extension agents and other specialists to improve soil health in many different farm production systems. In addition, he will collaborate with industry partners, stakeholder agencies, soil conservation organizations and crop commodity groups to provide soil health management education.

“A top priority for me is to help farmers and ranchers create innovate cropping and grazing systems that reach the goals they have for their operation while improving the soil we rely on,” Gruener says.

Originally from Rolla, Missouri, Gruener earned a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in crop, soil and environmental science from the University of Arkansas. He will complete his doctorate in crop and soil sciences from the University of Georgia later this summer.

Gruener’s experience includes soil fertility and soil health research. For the past four years as a graduate research assistant, he has worked on soil health in multiple cropping systems using no-till and annual and perennial cover cropping strategies. He also earned a graduate level certificate in international agriculture following an internship in Brazil.

“Chandler has a passion for soil health and has conducted research and outreach efforts in various cropping systems and agricultural regions of the U.S,” says Shana Forster, director of the North Central Research Extension Center and Extension district director. “By fostering partnerships and sharing innovative solutions, he looks to collaborate with North Dakota farmers and ranchers on soil-related issues that will make a significant impact on agricultural productivity in North Dakota.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication – June 10, 2024

Source: Chandler Gruener, 701-857-7677, chandler.gruener@ndsu.edu

Source: Shana Forster, 701-857-7679, shana.forster@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7006, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu