WSU Extension Soil Scientist Honored

PULLMAN, Wash. — Bob Stevens, Washington State University Cooperative Extension soil scientist, has been named the 14th recipient of the Kenneth J. Morrison Award in Agronomy and Soils.

The award recognizes WSU extension faculty for significant contributions to agronomic crop production and soil management.

“Throughout his career, Bob has provided leadership in establishing and promoting best management practices in soil and fertilizer management for improving crop productivity and quality, water quality and food safety,” said Bill Pan, WSU soil scientist. Pan nominated Stevens for the award.

“Bob has done a yeoman’s job,” said John Burns, WSU Cooperative Extension agronomist. “He was one of the key people behind creation of the Northwest Certified Crop Advisory Board. Certification provides growers with the assurance that the fieldmen who advise them have the training to do the job.”

Stevens earned a B.S. and M.S in soils at Washington State University in 1966 and 1968 and a doctorate in soils at Colorado State in 1971.

He worked at Texas Tech University for six years and the Weyerhaeuser Co. for eight before coming to Washington State University in 1985. He is stationed at the Washington State University Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center.

The award was presented Thursday at the annual field day at WSU’s Spillman Agronomy Farm. Stevens received a plaque and a check for $500.

The award honors the memory of Kenneth J. Morrison, who served as WSU Cooperative Extension agronomist from 1950 to 1987.

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