Dr. Augustine Obour is an Associate Professor of Soil Science at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center, Hays. A native of Ghana, Obour earned a bachelor’s degree in Crop Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana. He holds a master’s degree in Agronomy and a PhD in Soil and Water Science from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. His expertise are in soil and nutrient management issues in semi-arid dryland cropping systems. He worked as a research scientist for the University of Wyoming from 2010 to 2013. He joined Kansas State University in May 2013.

A major emphasis of Dr. Obour's applied research program is placed on developing a systematic understanding of soil management and agronomic production practices within dryland cropping systems and the impact of such practices on soil health, water use, crop productivity, and economic returns. Augustine’s current research projects are focused on understanding the interaction among tillage practices, crop rotations and fallow replacement crop options (cover crops, annual forages, oilseeds) and their impacts on crop yield, nutrient cycling and soil health. International research activities are focused on sustainable intensification of dual-purpose cowpea for enhanced food and forage production in West Africa.

Research

Dr. Obour’s research efforts are focused on developing soil management and agronomic production practices which protect soil, water, and air resources while sustaining crop yields and maintaining soil and environmental quality. Specific research goals are:

• Develop oilseed and bioenergy feedstock production recommendations for western Kansas.
• Investigate soil fertility and nutrient management issues in dryland (water-limited) cropping systems.
• Investigate the interaction among tillage, cropping sequence and nutrient management and evaluate their impacts on crop productivity, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and overall soil health.