Overview

I have a broad interest in using science to develop sustainable societies that provide for all people while preserving natural resources and biosphere integrity for future generations. Achieving this goal requires an understanding of the fundamental nature of managed ecosystems and the mechanisms that govern human-environmental interactions. The prospect of developing food production systems that enhance ecological processes while contributing to sustainability is a key idea guiding all facets of my work.

Research Focus

My research group conducts studies of soil nutrient cycling processes in agroecosystems at scales ranging from the rhizosphere to farm and watershed scales. We investigate mechanisms within the plant-soil-microbial continuum that control ecosystem processes such as energy flows and nutrient cycling. Current research projects are focused on achieving a better understanding of the biotic and abiotic mechanisms regulating linkages between carbon and nitrogen cycles, with particular emphasis on the following processes: 1) symbiotic biological N-fixation, 2) decomposition and mineralization and 3) microbially-mediated N transformations such as nitrification, denitrification. Our work is also geared toward the development of management practices that improve soil quality while optimizing carbon and nitrogen cycling in intensive horticultural systems. Most of our research involves some degree of interdisciplinary collaboration. We are currently working with colleagues from molecular microbial ecology, resource economics, environmental sociology, biogeochemical modeling and weed ecology.

Outreach and Extension Focus

I place a high value on my interactions with farmers and other practitioners. Over the years, these interactions have had considerable influence on the research that I have undertaken. My lab group carries out extension and outreach activities in conjunction with research through partnerships that entail the active participation of farmers. Currently we are engaged in on-farm research that addresses soil and nutrient management problems. Our educational activities are aimed at farmers who rely on green manures as nitrogen sources or who are interested in using cover crops in their farming system.

Teaching Focus

The graduate and undergraduate courses I teach integrate ecological and agricultural knowledge. My over-arching goal in teaching and mentoring students is to contribute to the development of scientists who will be equipped to address the global challenges we face in agriculture and environmental management. In my classes we engage in participatory, independent and collaborative learning and work to improve key life skills including critical and synthetic thinking, verbal and written communication. Graduate seminars that I have offered include 1) Decomposition, 2) Sustainability: Ethical, socioeconomic and biophysical dimensions, 3) Agroecosystems: Research and design.

Additional Links

• Department of Horticulture
• Link to CALS Research and Impact
• Link to Research & Expertise Across Cornell

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

• Culman, S., Snapp, S. S., Schipanski, M. E., Freeman, M. E., Beniston, J., Drinkwater, L. E., Franzluebbers, A. J., Glover, J. D., Grandy, A. S., Lal, R., Lee, J., Maul, J. E., Mirsky, S. B., Six, J., Spargo, J. T., & Wander, M. M. (2011). Permanganate oxidizable carbon reflects a processed soil fraction that is sensitive to management. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 76.
• Schipanski, M. E., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2011). Nitrogen fixation of red clover interseeded with winter cereals across a management-induced fertility gradient. Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems. 90:105-119.
• Grossman, J. M., Schipanski, M. E., Sookanguan, T., Seehaver, S., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2011). Diversity of rhizobia nodulating soybean [Glycine max (Vinton)] varies under organic and conventional management. Applied Soil Ecology. 50:14-20.
• Jacobson, L. M., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2011). A spatial analysis of phosphorus in the Mississippi River Basin. Journal of Environmental Quality. 40:931-941.
• Hufnagl-Eichiner, S., Wolf, S. A., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2011). Assessing socio-ecological coupling: Agriculture and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Global Environmental Change. Special Issue: The Politics and Policy of Carbon Capture and Storage. 21:530-539.
• David, M. B., Drinkwater, L. E., & Mclsaac, G. F. (2010). Sources of Nitrate Yields in the Mississippi River Basin. Journal of Environmental Quality. 39:1657-1667.
• Maul, J., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2010). Short-term plant species impact on microbial community structure in soils with long-term agricultural history. Plant and Soil. 330:369-382.
• Grossman, J. M., Patel, M., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2010). Enhancing Undergraduate Agro-Ecological Laboratory Employment through Experiential Learning. Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education. 39:31-39.
• Tonitto, C., Li, C., Seidel, R., & Drinkwater, L. E. (2010). Application of the DNDC model to the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial: Challenges for the validation of drainage and nitrate leaching in agroecosystem models.. Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems. 8:483-494.

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