معرفی
Melanie Stock is an Assistant Professor and Urban and Small Farms Specialist in the Plants, Soils, and Climate Department within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Utah State University. Her work bridges extension, research, and teaching with a focus on sustainable small-scale agricultural systems, particularly cut flower production for the Intermountain West region.
Dr. Stock earned her PhD in Soil Science (Soil Physics and Geological Engineering) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018, followed by an MS in Soil Science from the same institution in 2013, and a BA in Botany, Zoology, and Conservation Biology in 2008. She is also an Associate Professional Soil Scientist certified by the Soil Science Society of America since 2017.
Her research focuses on adapting cut flower crops for Utah, developing basic cultivation methods, optimizing nutrient management, implementing physics-based season extension techniques, improving overwintering strategies, and enhancing water-use efficiency. She leads the Small Farms Lab (smallfarmslab.com), which specializes in high-value crops and resource use efficiency to improve both the environmental sustainability and economic viability of small farms.
Dr. Stock's publication record shows a clear evolution from early work on soil physics and manure management to her current focus on cut flower production systems. Her recent work demonstrates expertise in season extension techniques, nutrient management for specialty crops, and urban soil health. She has developed numerous extension resources for microfarmers, master gardeners, and community gardens.
- Extension Innovator Award, Utah State University Extension (2023)
- Editor's Choice Article Award, Horticulturae (2023)
- Kenneth Post Award, American Society of Horticulture Science (2022)
- Highlighted Paper, American Society of Horticulture Science (2021)
- DC Faculty Fellows, Utah State University (2019)
Dr. Stock actively mentors graduate students in the Plants, Soils, and Climate program, with seven students completing or currently working on degrees under her supervision. Her extension work includes community-based education on cut flowers, high tunnels, backyard livestock, manure management, and soil fertility. She has developed numerous fact sheets, production guides, and budget templates for cut flower crops specific to Utah growing conditions.
She maintains a strong presence on social media, particularly Instagram (@usu_smallfarms), recognizing its value for reaching nontraditional extension audiences. Her lab collaborates with local growers, florists, and agricultural organizations to address practical challenges in small farm production.
