University of Delaware Faculty Member Receives Prestigious Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award

DOVER, DELAWARE - University of Delaware faculty member Deb Jaisi has been honored with the 2024 Jackson Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Award from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), recognizing his groundbreaking research in soil chemistry and mineralogy.

Jaisi, a professor of environmental biogeochemistry in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was awarded for his contributions at the frontiers of soil chemistry. His research focuses on phosphorus, a critical element for plant fertilizers that is notoriously scarce.

"Phosphorus is an important element not only due to its environmental impact but also because of its value in national security," Jaisi stated. "It plays a crucial role in food production and public policy to manage fertilizers and improve contaminated water bodies."

According to Jaisi, humans extract phosphorus from non-renewable natural resources worldwide, with Morocco being the primary source of 70% of global phosphate reserves. However, excessive application of phosphorus can lead to environmental degradation.

"In agriculture, we apply phosphorus as an essential nutrient for crops, but this can unintentionally create an overabundance of the nutrient in unintended areas," Jaisi explained. "This results in phosphorus ending up in our waterways, causing water quality issues."

Jaisi's research aims to address these environmental challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices. His work can be seen in action at UD's Harker Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory, specifically in the Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab, where he investigates phosphorus dynamics.

This prestigious award is a testament to Jaisi's dedication to advancing our understanding of soil chemistry and mineralogy, and his commitment to addressing the environmental implications of agricultural practices.