Rich Koenig

Rich Koenig is a Professor & Soil Specialist at Washington State University's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. He holds leadership roles in both research and extension programming, including recent recognition as 2021 WSU Outstanding Department Chair.

Education: Ph.D. (1993) and M.S. (1990) from Washington State University, B.S. (1988) from University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

Research focuses on applied soil fertility in dryland cereal systems, particularly nitrogen/phosphorus management, fertilizer-induced soil acidification, and transition to organic farming. Key interests include nutrient use efficiency, crop-climate interactions, and sustainable agricultural practices.

His 30+ publications span crop physiology, agronomic modeling, and soil science, with notable contributions to canola cold tolerance and wheat yield optimization. Extension work includes nutrient management guides for alfalfa, pasture systems, and organic production.

Major awards include dual Fellow status in Soil Science Society of America and American Society of Agronomy, plus multiple educational materials awards for impactful extension publications.