Emily A. Carter, Ph.D
Research Soil Scientist-USDA Forest Service
Phone: 334-826-8700
E-mail
RESEARCH: Integration of plant biological systems; soil/hydrologic site factors; and forest operations for the development of environmentally aware forest operations. Assessment of soil/site disturbance by ground surveys and GPS technology. Evaluation of the impact of forest operations on soil physical properties and soil erosion. Implementation of the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP). Promotion of recovery of soil properties through application of mechanical and /or chemical methods. Monitoring of soil quality properties to assess and maintain sustainablility.
Johnny M. Grace, III, Ph.D
Research Engineer-USDA Forest Service
Phone: 334-826-8700
E-mail
RESEARCH: Evaluation/understanding of effect of harvesting, thinning, site preparation and road activities on forest soil and water quality within the forest ecosystem. Investigation of natural and artificial mitigation processes. Modeling water quality and hydrology changes that result from forest operations (specifically, forest roads). Investigation of influence of BMP's on the control of sediment export from the forest road system and the environmental impacts associated with forest road management in the southern United States. Evaluating effects of various forest road treatment techniques on sediment movement, quantifying sediment transport distances downslope from road drainage structures, and understanding mechanisms driving sediment transport in forested stands.
Ted S. Kornecki, P.E., Ph.D.
Agricultural Engineer, USDA/ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab
Phone: 334-844-0908
E-mail
RESEARCH: Development of cost effective, environmentally friendly and efficient methods of handling large amounts of crop residues prior to planting and/or tillage operations. Determination of shearing, cutting, and moving characteristics of crop residues which may include previous crop or a cover crop in order to select the optimum time or attachments for residue manipulation. Development of BMP's to assist growers in selecting various components of their planting/tillage system based on variations in soil type, soil water storage capacity, weed pressure, expected rainfall, and expected seasonal variations. Development/design of equipment for a conservation tillage system to enhance soil properties associated with infiltration, runoff, and water retention.
Randy L. Raper, P.E., Ph.D.
Agricultural Engineer and Head Scientist, USDA/ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab
Phone: 334-844-4654
E-mail
RESEARCH: Measurement of soil compaction and stresses caused by vehicle traffic in agricultural fields. Minimization of soil compaction effects by development of tillage systems that separate plant growth zones from compacted traffic zones by using site specific technology and automatic steering systems. Soil compaction management by reduction of tire contact pressures. Alleviation of soil compaction by development of energy-efficient subsoiling systems that minimally disturb crop residue.
Dr. Barrett T. Vaughan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Tuskegee University
Phone: 334-727-8527
E-mail
TEACHING: Food Engineering.
RESEARCH: Erosion and sedimentation control. Sedimentation basin modeling. Optimization
of natural resources. Wetland hydrology. Waste compaction. Aquacultural engineering
Shannon Vinyard, M.S.
President, Vinyard Technology Company, Inc.
Phone: 334-588-6644
E-mail
TEACHING: Engines and power systems. Alternative fuels. Engine emissions. Power
generation.
RESEARCH: Development of alternative-fueled engines and low-emissions power systems.
Design and development of waste-to-energy systems. Development of energy systems
and distributed generation for AFO/CAFO and aquaculture.
Thomas R. Way, Ph.D.
Agricultural Engineer, USDA/ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab
Phone: 334-844-4753
E-mail
RESEARCH: Development of equipment for applying manure and organic wastes to soil. Preformance improvement of row-crop planters in conservation systems. Traction and flotation of agricultural vehicles. Soil compaction caused by traction and transport devices. Measurement and analysis of stresses generated by traction and transport devices at the interface between the devices and soil, and the soil profile. Effect of traction and transport devices on crop production.
