Keegan P. Smith
MS student in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences
UK Grad
I received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource & Environmental Science from the University of Kentucky.
UK Grad Research
I currently work as a Research Assistant in the soil chemistry lab under Dr. Chris Matocha at the University of Kentucky.
Environment
Proponent of resource management and environmental education.
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My current focus is on my graduate research and writing my thesis.
- Evaluating three varieties of ryegrass (Marshall, Bardelta, and Barmultra II) ability to alter the physical and chemical properties of a fragipan soil in situ through greenhouse and laboratory studies using intact soil cores.
- Investigating the production of ryegrass root exudates with depth over time in soil cores using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
- Performing stirred batch microcosm experiments of fragipan material in the presence of potential root exudates and monitoring the release of possible cementing materials (silicon, aluminum, and iron).
- Evaluating the role of ryegrass in promoting vertical movement of water in fragipan soils.
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- Over the course of 2019 I will be busy with:
- Teaching Fundamentals of Soil Science (PLS 366) lab at UK
- Presenting at the Soil Science Society of America 2019 San Diego, CA meeting
- Presenting at the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute (KWRRI) in March 2019
- Publishing our research for the rain CATchment
""The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself."