Swedish University and Conservation Society Honor UA Soil and Water Scientist

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Andrew Sharpley

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Andrew Sharpley, University of Arkansas professor of crop, soil and environmental sciences, was recently recognized for his research in soil and water conservation with two major awards. He was presented an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award, which is the highest award given by the national Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Sharpley received the Honorary Doctorate from the Swedish University in Uppsala Oct. 8, which said, “During his thirty-year research career he has been deeply committed to enhancing our understanding of the impact of agriculture on surface and ground water.”

The Soil and Water Conservation Society cited Sharpley's research on the fate of phosphorus in soil and on tackling national water quality issues. The "phosphorus index," which is a key tool for managing use of animal manure for fertilizer, is largely based on Sharpley's work. He also is a pioneer in developing applied research programs that help assess the water quality benefits of conservation measures implemented by farmers.

A member of the statewide University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture faculty, Sharpley is co-director of the Division’s Arkansas Discovery Farms Program and co-chair of the Division’s statewide Environmental Task Force.

Born in Manchester, England, Sharpley received his Bachelor of Science from the University of North Wales and a doctorate in soil science at Massey University in New Zealand.

Sharpley joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 2006. From 1995 to 2006, he was a soil scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service at University Park, Pa., and adjunct professor at Pennsylvania State University. From 1985 to 1995, he was a USDA-ARS soil scientist at Durant, Okla.

Sharpley is a 2008 inductee of the USDA-ARS Hall of Fame, “For pioneering nutrient research leading to the development of agricultural management practices and strategies that are used nationally and internationally to protect water quality.” He is also a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America and received their Environmental Quality Research, Soil Science Applied Research, and Soil Science Research awards.