At the 2025 Pacific Seed Association (PSA) Conference, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Mark Lundy, Associate Professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis, on the critical topic of nitrogen management. With a strong background in agronomy and international agricultural development, Lundy brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussion, offering practical strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency while balancing environmental and economic considerations.
A Career Dedicated to Sustainable Agronomy
Mark Lundy’s expertise in agronomic systems stems from years of dedicated research and extension work. He earned his Master’s in International Agricultural Development and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from UC Davis. Since joining the University of California in 2013, he has focused on solving real-world agricultural challenges, first as a UCCE Agronomy Advisor and now as a CE Specialist in Grain Cropping Systems. His mission is clear: to bridge the gap between research and practical farming solutions, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for growers.
The Importance of Nitrogen Management
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient in agricultural production, directly impacting crop yields and quality. However, inefficient nitrogen use can lead to significant environmental issues, such as groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Lundy’s presentation at the PSA Conference emphasized the need for a balanced approach that optimizes nitrogen application, enhances soil health, and reduces waste.
Key Takeaways from Lundy’s Talk
Lundy highlighted several critical aspects of effective nitrogen management:
Precision Application: Farmers can optimize nitrogen use by adopting precision agriculture techniques, such as soil testing and remote sensing, to tailor applications based on crop needs.
Timing and Rate Adjustments: Applying nitrogen at the right time and in appropriate amounts can improve efficiency, reduce leaching, and enhance crop uptake.
Integrated Soil Health Practices: Incorporating cover crops, organic amendments, and diversified crop rotations can improve nitrogen retention in the soil and enhance long-term productivity.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Using field trials, sensor technology, and predictive modeling can help farmers make informed nitrogen management decisions that maximize efficiency and sustainability.
Bridging Science and Farming
One of the hallmarks of Lundy’s work is his commitment to making research findings accessible to farmers. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between scientists, extension professionals, and growers to develop nitrogen management strategies that are both practical and effective.
Useful Resources for Farmers
To support farmers in implementing effective nitrogen management strategies, Lundy recommended several web-based tools:
Site-Specific Translation to Fertilizer Equivalence: A resource that provides location-based nutrient management insights.
Web-Based Decision Support Tool: A platform that combines site- and time-specific data to generate customized nitrogen recommendations.
Additional resources are available at the UC Small Grains Research and Information Center.
Looking Ahead
With evolving regulations and increasing sustainability pressures, nitrogen management will remain a key focus for agricultural professionals. Lundy’s insights at the PSA Conference provided valuable guidance on how to navigate these challenges while maintaining productivity and environmental stewardship.
For farmers and industry professionals seeking to stay ahead in nitrogen management, ongoing research, technological advancements, and collaboration will be essential. Lundy’s work serves as a testament to the power of science-driven, farmer-focused solutions in modern agriculture.
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