John Mortvedt

John Mortvedt

Name	John Mortvedt
Birth name
Birth date	(1930-05-15)May 15, 1930
Birth place	Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Death date	August 20, 2016(2016-08-20) (aged 86)
Death place	Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Soil Scientist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Contributions to soil fertility and micronutrient research
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

John Mortvedt (May 15, 1930 – August 20, 2016) was a prominent American soil scientist known for his extensive research on soil fertility and the role of micronutrients in agriculture. His work significantly advanced the understanding of how trace elements affect plant growth and soil health.

Early Life and Education

John Mortvedt was born in Des Moines, Iowa, where he developed an early interest in agriculture and the natural sciences. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy in 1952. Mortvedt continued his education at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Soil Science in 1954. He later completed his Ph.D. in Soil Science at North Carolina State University in 1958.

Career

Mortvedt began his professional career as a research scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he focused on soil fertility and plant nutrition. His research primarily dealt with the availability and effectiveness of micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese in various soil types.

In 1970, Mortvedt joined the faculty at Colorado State University as a professor of soil science. During his tenure, he published numerous papers on the role of micronutrients in crop production and soil management. His work emphasized the importance of balanced fertilization and the use of soil amendments to improve agricultural productivity.

Contributions to Soil Science

Mortvedt's research provided critical insights into the mechanisms by which micronutrients are absorbed by plants and how they interact with other soil components. He was instrumental in developing guidelines for the application of micronutrient fertilizers, which have been widely adopted by farmers and agronomists worldwide.

One of Mortvedt's notable contributions was his work on the "chelation" of micronutrients, which involves the use of organic compounds to enhance the availability of trace elements to plants. This research has had a lasting impact on the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly fertilization practices.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Mortvedt received numerous awards for his contributions to soil science, including the American Society of Agronomy's Agronomic Service Award and the Soil Science Society of America's Soil Science Research Award. He was also a fellow of both societies, recognizing his outstanding achievements and leadership in the field.

Legacy

John Mortvedt's work continues to influence modern agricultural practices and soil management strategies. His research has helped shape policies and recommendations for sustainable agriculture, ensuring that future generations can benefit from healthy and productive soils.

Also see

• Soil fertility
• Micronutrients in agriculture
• Chelation
• Soil science
• Agronomy