By Andi Anderson
At the Illinois Soybean Association's recent Soybean Summit, thirteen graduate students from universities across the state showcased their innovative soybean research in the second annual Student Research Poster Competition. This platform provided an opportunity for emerging scholars to present their findings to farmers and agricultural professionals.
The diverse range of topics covered in the competition included nitrogen management in winter wheat double crops, the impact of crop rotations on productivity and sustainability, and the identification of prevalent pathogens causing stem diseases in soybeans.
Competition Winners:
- Heidi Allen Asensio - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (First Place)
- Research: "Towards sustainable soybeans: A yearlong assessment of soil health, water quality and climate footprint of Illinois soybeans."
- Danillo Leite - Southern Illinois University (Second Place)
- Research: "Stem diseases of soybeans: Identifying the prevalent causing pathogens across Illinois."
- Darby Danzl - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Third Place)
- Research: "Managing decomposition of cereal rye residues in no-till soybeans for timely nutrient release."
Other research topics presented by students covered aspects such as nitrogen management in winter wheat double cropping systems, soybean performance and soil nitrous oxide emissions, and the impact of pennycress on soybean yield in different crop rotation systems.
The students engaged with farmers and industry professionals during the event, fostering collaboration and sharing insights that bridge scientific inquiry with practical applications on the farm.
Darby Danzl, an MS student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Being able to share my research with everyone at the event was an amazing experience. Typically, the scientific conferences I present posters at do not have any farmers in attendance, so the Soybean Summit provided a unique opportunity for me to share our findings with them. As a researcher, nothing is more rewarding than having a positive impact on farming operations, as this is our goal when we design these studies.”
The Student Research Poster Competition aligns with the Illinois Soybean Association's commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in agriculture. The event serves as a valuable platform for emerging scholars to contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices and strengthen the connection between academia and the farming community.
For more information about the Student Research Poster Competition and to explore the full range of soybean research conducted with ISA support, visit ISA Student Agronomy Research Projects.
Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans