FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Kris Brye, professor of applied soil physics and pedology in U of A's Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences and with the UA System Division of Agriculture, has been named Fellow of two professional societies.

A faculty member in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences since 2001, he has been honored by both the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America.

"Being recognized as Fellow in both professional societies is a tremendous honor for me and validates over two decades of teaching, research and service to the disciplines of agronomy and soil science," said Brye. "Achieving Fellow in both ASA and SSSA has been a professional goal of mine since finishing graduate school. The most decorated, recognized and productive scientists in the agronomy and soil science disciplines in the world are Fellows in ASA and SSSA, and I am extremely pleased to have been selected to join their group."

Brye earned his bachelor's degree in soil science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and master's degree and Ph.D. in soil physics from the University of Wisconsin. He is an authority on soil C dynamics, plant nutrient and heavy metal transport, and trace gas emissions in the environment. He works extensively in native prairies, prairie restorations and agroecosystems with numerous row crops.

Brye has authored or co-authored more than 185 peer-reviewed publications, teaches numerous soils- and water-related courses for undergraduate and graduate students, and has provided active service for the Soil Science Society of America and American Society of Agronomy. He is a registered professional soil classifier and member of numerous local, state and national committees.

Brye also coaches the U of A soil judging team, which finished 14th in the nation at last year's 58th annual National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest at Martin, Tennessee.

Fellow is the highest recognition by both the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. Members of the societies nominate colleagues based on professional achievements and meritorious service. Only up to 0.3 percent of active and emeritus members in both organizations may be named Fellows.

Brye will be presented the ASA award at the society's annual meeting in Baltimore in November and the SSSA award at its annual conference in San Diego in January.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.