The goal of my research program is to understand the drivers of pedogenesis within the context of the Critical Zone (CZ), the reactive near-surface environment of the Earth’s crust. My research focuses on pathways of pedogenesis related to dominant biogeochemical cycles that are relevant for Kentucky. I investigate fragipan formation and Si cycling in western Kentucky, the influence of karst topography on pedogenesis and soil carbon cycling, and the role of phosphorus in soil carbon cycling in carbonate terrains. To understand these processes, I utilize a CZ approach, integrating the tools of pedology, biogeochemistry, mineralogy, and geomorphology.
Scholars@UK
Topography and drainage effects on loess-derived fragipan horizon morphology, physical and chemical properties in western Kentucky and USA
Somerville, H., Ramsey, R. C., McCauley, M., Domenech, A., Matocha, C. J. & Shepard, C., Oct 2024, In: Catena. 245, 108274.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Mineralogical differences between seam and prism material in loess-derived fragipans in western Kentucky
Shepard, C., Somerville, H., Matocha, C., Ramsey, R. C., Obura, P. A. & McCauley, M., Mar 1 2024, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 88, 2, p. 273-290 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Silicon fractionation of fragipan and non-fragipan horizons in the Central United States
Shepard, C., Sapp, B. & Ramsey, R. C., Feb 2023, In: Biogeochemistry. 162, 3, p. 409-426 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Topographic gradients of soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties in central Kentucky sinkholes
McGraw, A., Ramsey, R. C., Obura, P., Matocha, C. & Shepard, C., Jan 1 2023, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 87, 1, p. 82-103 22 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Impact of water source dynamics on dissolved reactive phosphorus loadings in heterogenous karst agroecosystems with phosphatic limestones
Radcliff, C., Ford, W. I., Nazari, S. & Shepard, C., Nov 2021, In: Hydrological Processes. 35, 11, e14422.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Towards diverse representation and inclusion in soil science in the United States
Carter, T. L., Jennings, L. L., Pressler, Y., Gallo, A. C., Berhe, A. A., Marín-Spiotta, E., Shepard, C., Ghezzehei, T. & Vaughan, K. L., Jul 1 2021, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 85, 4, p. 963-974 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
A probabilistic approach to quantifying soil physical properties via time-integrated energy and mass input
Shepard, C., Schaap, M. G., Pelletier, J. D. & Rasmussen, C., 2017, In: SOIL. 3, 1, p. 67-82 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Signatures of Obliquity and Eccentricity in Soil Chronosequences
Shepard, C., Pelletier, J. D., Schaap, M. G. & Rasmussen, C., Oct 28 2018, In: Geophysical Research Letters. 45, 20, p. 11,147-11,153Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Understanding critical zone evolution through predicting the three-dimensional soil chemical properties of a small forested catchment
Shepard, C., Schaap, M. G., Chorover, J. & Rasmussen, C., Dec 27 2018, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 82, 6, p. 1538-1550 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Subsurface soil textural control of aboveground productivity in the US Desert Southwest
Shepard, C., Schaap, M. G., Crimmins, M. A., Van Leeuwen, W. J. D. & Rasmussen, C., Apr 2015, In: Geoderma Regional. 4, p. 44-54 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Depth and topographic controls on microbial activity in a recently burned sub-alpine catchment
Fairbanks, D., Shepard, C., Murphy, M., Rasmussen, C., Chorover, J., Rich, V. & Gallery, R., Sep 2020, In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 148, 107844.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Participant Support Travel Scope-CAREER: Influence of Soil Phosphorus on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics
Shepard, C. (PI)
8/1/25 → 7/31/30
Project: Research project
CAREER: Influence of Soil Phosphorus on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics
Shepard, C. (PI)
8/1/25 → 7/31/30
Project: Research project
Soils Morphology Training and Certification C4957: FY26 Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/24 → 6/30/26
Project: Research project
Critical Mineral Potential of Mississippi Valley-Type and Phosphate Deposits in Central Kentucky
Lukoczki, G. (PI), Hickman, J. (CoI) & Shepard, C. (CoI)
9/1/24 → 8/31/27
Project: Research project
Validation Of A Decision Tool To Identify Economically Optimum Planting Dates
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI), Lee, C. (CoI), Shepard, C. (CoI), Shockley, J. (CoI) & Wendroth, O. (CoI)
Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board
7/1/24 → 6/30/25
Project: Research project
Soils Morphology Training and Certification C4957: FY25 Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/24 → 6/30/25
Project: Research project
Soils Morphology Training and Certification C3532: FY24 Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/22 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
Use of Mid-infrared Spectroscopy and Development of a SHINY-app for Predicting Dynamic Soil Properties in Kentucky
Shepard, C. (PI)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9/19/22 → 9/30/26
Project: Research project
Scope - Quantitative Assessment of Physical, Chemical, and Mineralogical Properties of Representative Kentucky Soils
Shepard, C. (PI)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
8/17/20 → 7/30/26
Project: Research project
Soils Morphology Training and Certification C3532: FY23 Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/22 → 6/30/23
Project: Research project
FY 22 SPHB State Soil Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/20 → 6/30/22
Project: Research project
Quantitative Assessment of Physical, Chemical, and Mineralogical Properties of Representative Kentucky Soils
Shepard, C. (PI)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
8/17/20 → 7/30/26
Project: Research project
FY19 SPHB Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/18 → 6/30/20
Project: Research project
FY19 SPHB Soils Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI) & Karathanasis, A. (CoI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/18 → 6/30/19
Project: Research project
FY 21 SPHB State Soil Morphology Course
Shepard, C. (PI)
KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
7/1/20 → 6/30/21
Project: Research project
Education
- University of Arizona, Ph.D., 2018
- University of Arizona, M.S., 2014
- University of Virginia, B.S., 2011
Associated Departments