I investigate carbon and nutrient cycling in cropping systems and apply this knowledge to develop sustainable soil management practices. Specific areas of interest include nutrient capture and release by cover crops, spatial and temporal controls on soil nitrogen dynamics, and contributions of roots to soil health.
Scholars@UK
The missing link: A purpose-led framework for assessing soil health
Cassman, K. G., Poffenbarger, H., Baum, M., Canisares, L. P., Puntel, L. A., Merlos, F. A., Grove, J. & Castellano, M., Sep 1 2025, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 89, 5, e70144.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate
Delta yield predicts nitrogen fertilizer requirements for corn in US production systems
Ordóñez, R. A., White, C. M., Spargo, J. T., Kaye, J. P., Ruark, M., Iqbal, J., Shapiro, C. A., Thomason, W. E., Fiorellino, N. M., Thorne, L. A., Shober, A., Grove, J. H., Hirsh, S. M., Weil, R. R., Castellano, M. J., Archontoulis, S. V., Hatfield, J. J., Lee, C. D., Quinn, D. J. & Sanders, Z. P. & 12 others, , Sep 1 2025, In: Agronomy Journal. 117, 5, e70150.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Quantifying the contribution of MAOM to mineral nitrogen pools under various soil organic matter conditions
Leuthold, S. J., Lavallee, J. M., Haddix, M. L., Schipanski, M., Poffenbarger, H. J., Castellano, M. & Cotrufo, M. F., Nov 2025, In: Biology and Fertility of Soils. 61, 8, p. 1391-1404 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
High Tunnels as a Unique Theatre for Investigating the Complex Causes of Yellow Shoulder Disorder in Tomatoes
Pandey, S., Matocha, C., Poffenbarger, H. & Jacobsen, K., Jul 2025, In: Horticulturae. 11, 7, 773.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Impacts of rotation, tillage, cover cropping, and drainage on soil health in soybean-based cropping systems: Evidence from 4–50-year trials across the US
Silva, T. S., Malone, L. C., Ruark, M. D., Lee, C., Jordan, D., Poffenbarger, H. J., Kandel, H. J., Ross, J., Gaska, J. M., Lauer, J. G., Lindsey, L. E., Singh, M. P., Licht, M. A., Plumblee, M., Vann, R. A., Werle, R., Mourtzinis, S., Naeve, S. L., Roberts, T. L. & Conley, S. P., Jan 1 2026, In: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 395, 109950.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Cover crops did not change optimal corn nitrogen rate over three variable precipitation seasons in the Western Corn Belt
de Almeida, T. F., Canisares, L. P., Robinson, E., Pesini, G., Poffenbarger, H. & Basche, A., Jul 1 2025, In: Agronomy Journal. 117, 4, e70129.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Evaluating the impact of cover cropping and late-season N applications on soybean growth and biological N fixation
Shamim, M. J., Chiluwal, A., Haramoto, E., Naeve, S., Poffenbarger, H., Purcell, L. C. & Salmerón, M., Jul 1 2025, In: Field Crops Research. 330, 109960.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Diversified cropping systems with limited carbon accrual but increased nitrogen supply
Yi, B., Huang, W., Liebman, M., Woods, M., McDaniel, M. D., Lu, C., VanLoocke, A., Archontoulis, S., Petersen, B., Jian, S., Poffenbarger, H. J., Wang, G., Luo, Y. & Hall, S. J., Feb 2025, In: Nature Sustainability. 8, 2, p. 152-161 10 p., 198.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Towards realizing nano-enabled precision delivery in plants
Lowry, G. V., Giraldo, J. P., Steinmetz, N. F., Avellan, A., Demirer, G. S., Ristroph, K. D., Wang, G. J., Hendren, C. O., Alabi, C. A., Caparco, A., da Silva, W., González-Gamboa, I., Grieger, K. D., Jeon, S. J., Khodakovskaya, M. V., Kohay, H., Kumar, V., Muthuramalingam, R., Poffenbarger, H. & Santra, S. & 2 others, , Sep 2024, In: Nature Nanotechnology. 19, 9, p. 1255-1269 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Commercial maize hybrids have smaller root systems after 80 Years of breeding
Rinehart, B., Borras, L., Salmeron, M., McNear, D. H. & Poffenbarger, H., Jun 2024, In: Rhizosphere. 30, 100915.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database
Huddell, A. M., Thapa, R., Marcillo, G. S., Abendroth, L. J., Ackroyd, V. J., Armstrong, S. D., Asmita, G., Bagavathiannan, M. V., Balkcom, K. S., Basche, A., Beam, S., Bradley, K., Canisares, L. P., Darby, H., Davis, A. S., Devkota, P., Dick, W. A., Evans, J. A., Everman, W. J. & de Almeida, T. F. & 46 others, , Dec 2024, In: Scientific data. 11, 1, 200.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Toward improved image-based root phenotyping: Handling temporal and cross-site domain shifts in crop root segmentation models
Banet, T., Smith, A. G., McGrail, R., McNear, D. H. & Poffenbarger, H., Dec 2024, In: Plant Phenome Journal. 7, 1, e20094.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Productivity benefits of cereal-legume cover crop mixtures under variable soil nitrogen and termination times
Moreno-Cadena, P., Salmeron, M., Canisares, L. P. & Poffenbarger, H. J., Apr 2024, In: European Journal of Agronomy. 155, 127114.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Managing cover crop C:N ratio and subsurface-banded poultry litter rate for optimal corn yields
Mirsky, S. B., Davis, B. W., Poffenbarger, H., Cavigelli, M. A., Maul, J. E., Schomberg, H., Spargo, J. T. & Thapa, R., Jul 1 2023, In: Agronomy Journal. 115, 4, p. 1746-1761 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Legacy Effects of Intercropping and Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil N Cycling, Nitrous Oxide Emissions, and the Soil Microbial Community in Tropical Maize Production
Canisares, L. P., Poffenbarger, H., Brodie, E. L., Sorensen, P. O., Karaoz, U., Villegas, D. M., Arango, J., Momesso, L., Crusciol, C. A. C. & Cantarella, H., 2021, In: Frontiers in Soil Science. 1, 746433.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Chemical differences in cover crop residue quality are maintained through litter decay
Thapa, R., Cabrera, M., Schomberg, H. H., Reberg-Horton, C., Poffenbarger, H. & Mirsky, S. B., Jul 2023, In: PLoS ONE. 18, 7 July, e0289352.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Sulfur fertilization effects on protein concentration and yield of wheat: A meta-analysis
Castellari, M. P., Poffenbarger, H. J. & Van Sanford, D. A., Oct 15 2023, In: Field Crops Research. 302, 109061.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Genetic Variation and Heritability of Sensory and Artisan Bread Traits in a Set of SRW Wheat Breeding Lines
Castellari, M. P., Simsek, S., Ohm, J. B., Perry, R., Poffenbarger, H. J., Phillips, T. D., Jacobsen, K. L. & Van Sanford, D. A., Jul 2023, In: Foods. 12, 13, 2617.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Contributions of plant breeding to soil carbon storage: Retrospect and prospects
Poffenbarger, H., Castellano, M., Egli, D., Jaconi, A. & Moore, V., May 1 2023, In: Crop Science. 63, 3, p. 990-1018 29 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
An evaluation of nitrogen indicators for soil health in long-term agricultural experiments
Liptzin, D., Rieke, E. L., Cappellazzi, S. B., Bean, G. M., Cope, M., Greub, K. L. H., Norris, C. E., Tracy, P. W., Aberle, E., Ashworth, A., Tavarez, O. B., Bary, A. I., Baumhardt, R. L., Gracia, A. B., Brainard, D. C., Brennan, J. R., Reyes, D. B., Bruhjell, D., Carlyle, C. N. & Crawford, J. J. W. & 89 others, , Jul 1 2023, In: Soil Science Society of America Journal. 87, 4, p. 868-884 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program 2024
Brzozowski, L. (PI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Van Sanford, D. (CoI)
4/1/25 → 3/31/28
Project: Research project
Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions Form Soybean Through Early Planting And Cover Crops (Y2)
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI) & Poffenbarger, H. (CoI)
2/1/25 → 12/31/25
Project: Research project
Interdisciplinary Process-Based Approach To Identify Nitrogen Limitations and Increase Soybean Yield and Meal Protein
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI), Haramoto, E. (CoI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
10/1/24 → 9/30/26
Project: Research project
Investigating the Effects of Regenerative Agriculture Practices on Grain Nutrient Composition
Poffenbarger, H. (PI) & Van Sanford, D. (CoI)
1/1/25 → 12/31/25
Project: Research project
ECO-CBET: Foliar Applied Plant-Activated Nitrogen Delivery Agents for Sustainable Crop Production
Tsyusko-Unrine, O. (PI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Unrine, J. (CoI)
11/1/21 → 10/31/26
Project: Research project
Evaluation of Foliar-applied Nano-fertilizers for Enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Wheat - Year 2
Poffenbarger, H. (PI), Tsyusko-Unrine, O. (CoI) & Unrine, J. (CoI)
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
9/1/24 → 12/31/25
Project: Research project
Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions Form Soybean Through Early Planting And Cover Crops
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI) & Poffenbarger, H. (CoI)
2/1/24 → 12/31/24
Project: Research project
Supplement: Developing Novel Methods to Trace Root-Derived Soil Organic Carbon (Extension)
Poffenbarger, H. (PI) & McNear, D. (CoI)
7/1/21 → 12/31/24
Project: Research project
Interdisciplinary and Process-based Approach to Identify Nitrogen Limitations and Increase Soybean Yield and Meal Protein
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI), Haramoto, E. (CoI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
10/1/23 → 9/30/24
Project: Research project
Evaluation of Foliar-Applied Nano-Fertilizers for Enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat
Poffenbarger, H. (PI), Tsyusko-Unrine, O. (CoI) & Unrine, J. (CoI)
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
9/1/23 → 12/31/24
Project: Research project
Interdisciplinary and Process-based Approach to Identify Nitrogen Limitations and Increase Soybean Yield and Meal Protein
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI), Haramoto, E. (CoI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
10/1/22 → 9/30/23
Project: Research project
Supplement: Developing Novel Methods to Trace Root-Derived Soil Organic Carbon
Poffenbarger, H. (PI) & McNear, D. (CoI)
7/1/21 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
Understanding the Roots of Soil Health
Poffenbarger, H. (PI), Haramoto, E. (CoI) & McNear, D. (CoI)
Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
1/1/22 → 12/31/25
Project: Research project
Investigating Winter Cover Crop Effects on Soil Health in Sloping Cropland
Poffenbarger, H. (PI), Salmeron Cortasa, M. (CoI) & Wendroth, O. (CoI)
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
9/1/21 → 5/31/23
Project: Research project
Interdisciplinary and Process-Based Approach to Identify Nitrogen Limitations and Increase Soybean Yield and Meal Protein
Salmeron Cortasa, M. (PI), Dillon, C. (CoI), Haramoto, E. (CoI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Sama, M. (CoI)
10/1/21 → 9/30/22
Project: Research project
Impacts of Sulfur Fertilization On Yield, Grain Quality, And N Use Efficiency Of Wheat
Van Sanford, D. (PI), Grove, J. (CoI), Knott, C. (CoI) & Poffenbarger, H. (CoI)
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
9/1/21 → 12/31/22
Project: Research project
Investigating Winter Cover Crop Effects II: Soil water Conservation and Pore Characteristics
Wendroth, O. (PI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Salmeron Cortasa, M. (CoI)
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
9/1/21 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
Developing Novel Methods to Trace Root-Derived Soil Organic Carbon
Poffenbarger, H. (PI) & McNear, D. (CoI)
7/1/21 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
Improved Corn Planting Equipment for Cover Crop Research
Haramoto, E. (PI) & Poffenbarger, H. (CoI)
Kentucky Corn Growers Association
2/1/19 → 5/1/20
Project: Research project
Successfully Establishing Corn in Cover Crops: Year 2
Lee, C. (PI), Poffenbarger, H. (CoI) & Wise, K. (CoI)
Kentucky Corn Growers Association
2/1/19 → 12/1/20
Project: Research project
Education
- University of Maryland, Bachelor of Science, 2011
- University of Maryland, Master of Science, 2014
- Iowa State University, PhD, 2017
Associated Departments