Soil Scientist & Agroecosystems Researcher
Olufemi Adebayo, Ph.D.
Graduate Research Assistant & Instructor · Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), New Mexico State University
Specializing in soil health, semi-arid agroecosystem resilience, and soil water dynamics. My research investigates how integrating organic amendments (compost) and diversified cropping (cover crops) enhances moisture retention, microbial functioning, and carbon stabilization in water-limited agricultural systems.
Soil Biology & Health
Evaluating microbial community structures, soil organic matter fractions, and biological indicators to quantify soil vitality and resilience.
Hydrological Dynamics
Continuous profile-depth soil moisture tracking, infiltration kinetics, and water storage capacity across semi-arid dryland environments.
Agroecosystem Management
Integrating compost amendments and cover crops within sorghum-wheat-fallow rotations for sustainable dryland crop production.
Integrating Compost & Cover Cropping in Semi-Arid Soils
Doctoral Dissertation (Jan 2022 – Dec 2025) · New Mexico State University
Research Scope & Field Experiments
During my doctoral program at New Mexico State University, I conducted multi-year field and laboratory investigations evaluating how organic soil amendments and diversified rotations govern soil health, water retention, and nutrient cycles across the Southern High Plains (Clovis, NM and Akron, CO).
The experimental design integrated sorghum-wheat-fallow rotations with continuous multi-depth soil water monitoring. Soil health evaluations spanned biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical parameters, measuring microbial communities, soil organic matter fractions, aggregate stability, infiltration rates, and nitrogen cycling.
Analytical & Statistical Framework
Using multivariate statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and linear mixed-effects models, my work pinpointed the critical soil health indicators that dictate soil hydrological behavior under water-limited dryland conditions, equipping agricultural producers with actionable management practices.
Key Takeaway: Combining compost amendments with cover cropping improves wet aggregate stability and water infiltration capacity, substantially buffering dryland crops during severe moisture stress.
Field Trials & Soil Diagnostics
Experimental plots, continuous sensor logging, and soil profile characterization at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center, Clovis, NM.
Teaching at New Mexico State University
Educating undergraduate scholars through experiential laboratory inquiry, field methodology, and Earth System Science.
Environmental Science 110 Laboratory
Course Objectives & Pedagogical Approach
- Illustrate the core principles of Environmental Science in an active learning environment incorporating laboratory experiments, live demonstrations, team research projects, and field excursions.
- Introduce standardized field sampling and laboratory analytical protocols using an integrated Earth System Science framework.
- Strengthen scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and technical presentation skills.
Curriculum & Earth System Scope
The curriculum explores regulatory interactions among solar, atmospheric, hydrological, lithospheric, and biological systems. Core laboratory units examine global cycling of energy and matter, climate dynamics, soil filtration capacities, microbial nutrient transformations, terrestrial carbon sequestration, particulate dust transport, water quality metrics, and modern remote sensing technologies.
Laboratory Instruction & Student Guidance
Direct instruction in soil diagnostic techniques, environmental monitoring, and student laboratory project facilitation.
Community Outreach & Extension
Translating agronomic research for agricultural producers, youth education, and regional communities.
Cultivating Young Minds
An annual STEM outreach program for 5th-grade students from Clovis elementary schools. Engaged young learners through hands-on plant science activities and guided exhibits at the research center, concluding with an educational pumpkin harvest exploration.
Field Days & Producer Dialogues
Engaged regional farmers and land managers during annual center field days. Presented empirical findings on soil health indicators, compost applications, and water conservation directly to growers, translating scientific data into on-farm practices.
ACES Open House Event
Represented the Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences at the campus-wide NMSU ACES Open House, hosting interactive demonstrations on soil microbiology, compost utilization, and sustainable soil conservation for visitors of all ages.
Community Education & Extension Gallery
Connect with Dr. Olufemi Adebayo
Interested in research collaboration, guest lectures, soil health consultations, or academic exchange? You are welcome to get in touch directly.
Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences · New Mexico State University
Agricultural Science Center, 2346 State Road 288, Clovis, NM 88101