David Bryla, Ph.D. research centers on optimizing irrigation and nutrient management in berry crops to enhance plant growth, yield, and fruit quality while ensuring efficient use of resources. The primary objectives are to improve water, fertilizer, and soil resource management, minimize pest and disease issues, and reduce labor demands for tasks like pruning, weeding, and harvesting. Current projects include exploring irrigation techniques to prevent heat damage in berries, developing and managing fertigation systems, and implementing deficit irrigation strategies to conserve water during drought conditions.

Scott Orr is a Biological Science Technician with the USDA and a PhD student in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. With over a decade of research experience as a trained plant ecologist, Scott has made significant contributions to the field. His work focuses on applying small unmanned aerial systems to assess plant water deficits and irrigation needs, particularly in red raspberry. He has also explored the benefits of using liquid potassium fertilizers in highbush blueberry, enhancing soil and plant nutrition through potassium fertigation and organic acids. His research is published in various respected journals, reflecting his dedication to advancing agricultural practices.

Dalyn McCauley is a Senior Faculty Research Assistant and the Research Engineer in the Nackley Lab at Oregon State University, specializing in agricultural technology innovation. She developed the first Crop Water Stress Index for Jefferson hazelnuts and is currently creating the first crop coefficient for key red maple varieties. Her work is pivotal in understanding how to mitigate the effects of heat waves on shade tree production and how irrigation impacts hemp flower production. Dalyn’s research blends engineering and environmentalism to develop sensor-controlled irrigation systems that optimize water use, helping to advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Nik Wiman, Ph.D., is a national leader in hazelnut production and a faculty member at Oregon State University. His work focuses on improving hazelnut crop management, including pest control, irrigation, and orchard systems. Nik’s research is crucial to Oregon’s hazelnut industry, helping growers optimize production while addressing challenges like disease and drought. He is dedicated to providing practical solutions for farmers and has developed valuable tools and strategies that are widely used across the industry.

María Zamora Re, Ph. D. is an Assistant Professor and Statewide Irrigation Specialist in the Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University. Her expertise lies in irrigation, water management, efficiency, and conservation. She plays a crucial role in helping farmers and ranchers across Oregon address challenges related to drought and extreme heat. María’s work includes leading a statewide needs assessment to identify and implement drought and heat mitigation practices. Bilingual in Spanish, she is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance on irrigation and water management. Her research and publications focus on efficient irrigation practices and managing salt-affected soils to optimize crop production.

Udayakumar Sekaran, Ph. D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University’s Malheur Experiment Station, where he focuses on irrigation and soil fertility research and extension. His research explores the effects of various conservation management practices, such as fertilizer use, cover crops, biochar, and integrated crop-livestock systems, on soil health, nutrient dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, and water management. He is also dedicated to optimizing irrigation practices using soil moisture sensors for different field crops under both drip and overhead irrigation systems.

Lloyd Nackley, Ph. D. is an Associate Professor of Nursery Production and Greenhouse Management at Oregon State University. His team is a national leader in nursery science and plant-environment interactions, focusing on nutrient and irrigation management. Recent impactful discoveries from his group include insights into the breakdown of controlled-release fertilizers during heatwaves, innovative strategies for mitigating heat stress in shade trees, and the decoupling of shade tree responses to moisture availability and atmospheric demand. Additionally, his team is at the forefront of technological integration in Horticulture at Oregon State, exemplified by projects like plant health scouting with drones, remote sensing of plant stress, sensor-controlled irrigation, and the use of laser-guided smart sprayer systems. Lloyd is also a strong advocate for enhancing diverse voices in horticulture, actively working to include and mentor non-traditional agriculturalists to diversify the next generation of agricultural scientists.