معرفی
Richard P. Dick is a Professor of Soil Microbial Ecology at the School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, where he maintains an active research program investigating soil microbial ecology and land management effects on soil ecosystems. His work combines biochemical properties and processes with microbial community analysis using methodologies including enzyme activities, microbial biomass measurements, direct counts, functional diversity (BIOLOG), phospholipid (PLFA) analysis, PCR-based nucleic acid analysis, phylogenetics, and stable isotopic probing.
Dr. Dick's research focuses on understanding soil ecology to manipulate microbial communities for improved soil functions, optimizing ecosystem productivity and sustainability. His current projects investigate microbial dynamics for suppressing soil-borne diseases using sustainable practices, Mexican maize landraces with nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and agronomic responses in interplanted shrub-crop systems in West Africa. His work in Senegal has significant implications for Sahelian agriculture, utilizing inter-cropped shrubs as nutrient/water reservoirs for crops and to remediate degraded landscapes.
Analysis of Dr. Dick's recent publications reveals a strong focus on soil microbial communities, with particular emphasis on microbial responses to agricultural practices, soil health indicators, sustainable land management, and remediation of degraded soils. His research spans diverse geographical locations including the Sahel region of Africa, Colombia, China, and the United States, with consistent methodological approaches centered on microbial community analysis and soil enzymology.
- 2018 President, Soil Science Society of America
- Editor-in-Chief, Applied Soil Ecology (2007-present)
- Board of Directors, Soil Science Society of America (2005-2011)
- Chair, Soil Science Society of America Budget and Finance Committee (2004-2008)
- National Academy of Science Committee - Board of Agriculture Council (2007-2008)
Dr. Dick has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers including Dr. Nicola Lorenz, Matt Lane, Taniya Roy Chowdhury, and Jyotisna Saxena. His research has been supported by diverse funding sources including the National Science Foundation PIRE Project, Ag Spectrum, Ohio Soybean Council, USEPA, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Current major projects include Tropical Microbial Ecology in Senegal, Hydrologic Redistribution and Rhizosphere Biology in the Sahel, Tracking C Flow during Methane Oxidation, and studies on glyphosate effects on microbial communities.
Dr. Dick leads research teams at the Ohio State University, particularly at the Olentangy Wetland Research Park, where he investigates methane emissions and microbial ecology in wetland environments. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including stable isotopic probing using DNA or PLFA to connect microbial groups to specific functions, and has developed expertise in analyzing microbial community dynamics in response to various environmental conditions and agricultural practices.
