Hugh Earl

Hugh Earl is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College. His research focuses on crop physiology, particularly the interplay between photosynthesis and respiration in yield determination across agronomic crops like soybean, corn, and canola. By studying plants at the community level, Earl investigates how abiotic stresses (drought, chilling, heat) and nutrient applications impact biomass production and stress tolerance.

• B.Sc., University of Guelph
• M.Sc., University of Guelph
• Ph.D., University of Guelph

Current research questions in his lab explore respiratory carbon losses in maize hybrids, foliar nutrient applications in canola, manure vs. inorganic fertilizer effects, and gene expression patterns in chilling-tolerant maize. His work emphasizes whole-canopy dynamics over single-plant traits, using tools like canopy reflectance spectroscopy to address agronomic challenges.

The articles in his portfolio reveal a consistent focus on carbon-water balance, stress physiology, and agronomic optimization. Techniques like chlorophyll fluorometry, gravimetric drought simulation, and spectral nutrient deficiency detection recur across his studies, reflecting his commitment to mechanistic understanding of crop yield at field-relevant scales.

Hugh Earl advises multiple graduate students, including Javier DiMatteo (PhD), Laxhman Ramsahoi (MSc), and Meagan Griffiths (MSc), while conducting field experiments with technicians like Godfrey Chu. His lab operates in the Crop Science Building (Room 314 CRSC), integrating physiological measurements with agronomic practice recommendations for Canadian agroecosystems.