Andrew G. Ristvey

Dr. Andrew G. Ristvey is a Principal Agent & Extension Specialist for Commercial Horticulture at the University of Maryland's Wye Research and Education Center (Wye REC) in Queenstown, MD, with affiliate faculty status in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. He holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture (2004) and an MS in Marine-Estuarine Environmental Sciences (MEES, 1993) from the University of Maryland system, and his work bridges sustainable horticultural practices with environmental stewardship.

• Education: MS (1993, MEES Program, University of Maryland Eastern Shore); PhD (2004, Horticulture, University of Maryland)

His research focuses on plant nutrition, irrigation management, and sustainable alternative crop production, particularly in green roof systems and specialty crops like aronia and industrial hemp. Over his career, he has advanced methods for nutrient optimization in containerized plants, explored innovative substrates for urban horticulture, and developed water-quality strategies to mitigate agricultural runoff. His work integrates field trials, environmental modeling, and extension outreach to address practical challenges in ornamental and alternative crop systems.

Recent publications highlight his contributions to:

• Green Infrastructure: Investigating crumb rubber amendments for zinc sequestration in green roofs.
• Water Recycling: Analyzing reservoir stratification and nutrient dynamics in nursery systems.
• Alternative Crops: Assessing organic production of photinia and industrial hemp.