Matt Yost

Dr. Matt Yost serves as an Agroclimate Specialist in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department at Utah State University's College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. His work bridges extension outreach with advanced research in precision agriculture and climate resilience.

His educational background includes a PhD in Applied Plant Sciences (GIS) from the University of Minnesota (2013), where his dissertation focused on nitrogen management for corn following alfalfa. He also holds an MS in Applied Plant Sciences (Soil Science) from the same institution (2011) and a BS in Agribusiness, Science, and Technology from Brigham Young University-Idaho (2009).

Yost's research centers on developing land management practices that promote resiliency to weather variation and changing climate, with emphasis on precision management of water and agricultural inputs, soil health improvement, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate scenario utilization. His work spans both field research and digital tool development for agricultural decision-making.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong focus areas in soil health persistence (compost legacy effects), irrigation technology optimization (center-pivot modifications, variable-rate systems), nutrient management frameworks (FRST database development), and climate adaptation strategies for western US agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach connects soil physics, hydrology, and socioeconomic factors.

• 2024-25 Researcher of the Year award (USU College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences)
• Communication Award (National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2022)
• Early Career Award (American Society of Agronomy, 2019)
• Soil and Water Management Young Scientist Award (Soil Science Society of America, 2019)
• Multiple university-level extension and research honors

Yost actively mentors graduate students in the Plants, Soils, and Climate program while leading extension programs that help crop producers manage weather variability and climate change impacts. His work includes significant grant-funded research on Great Salt Lake water conservation, with practical applications through irrigation technology demonstrations and decision-support tools like the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST). He leads multi-institutional teams focused on western US agricultural sustainability challenges.