Our research and Extension program focuses on helping farmers produce high yields while protecting soil and water resources for the long term. The Illinois Agronomy lab takes a system-based approach to crop production, studying how different management practices, such as crop rotation, nitrogen fertilizer use, and conservation strategies, work together to improve the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of grain crops in Illinois. A major focus of our work is on both conservation practices and nutrient management, especially nitrogen. We lead several projects aimed at improving nitrogen use efficiency and identifying practical strategies to integrate and support the adoption of cover crops and reduced tillage. We also evaluate key agronomic practices e.g., planting dates, hybrid/variety selection, seeding rate, etc) to ensure Extension recommendations remain relevant and reflect modern cropping systems.
We work closely with farmers, crop consultants, and industry partners to understand real-world challenges and develop practical solutions that fit their operations. Our research includes both controlled experiments at research stations and on-farm trials across Illinois, allowing us to generate results that are scientifically robust and directly applicable in the field. This knowledge is then translated and delivered through our Extension and Outreach program, providing timely, research-based information that supports data-driven decision-making and helps farmers improve productivity while maintaining long-term environmental stewardship.
Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes
Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist
Mailing address: AW-101 Turner Hall, MC-046, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: 217-244-0541
Email: giovani3@illinois.edu
Kristin Greer
Senior Research Specialist
Kristin has worked in the field of soil fertility and crop production for over twenty years. She is a University of Illinois graduate, managing field research experiments and day-to-day field crops lab operations in coordination with graduate students and other lab members to ensure project goals are efficiently and timely. Outside work, she farms approximately 600 acres of corn and soybeans with her husband.
Email: kgreer@illinois.edu
Graduate Students
Federico Rolle
Ph.D. student (2026 – present)
I am an Agronomist who graduated from the National University of Rosario in Argentina. His passion for agriculture started at a young age, as his family has been involved in agricultural production for many years. During his internship, his primary motivation is to consolidate knowledge on improving crop performance while strengthening sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Federico is particularly interested in soil health preservation, conservation tillage, crop nutritional management, and the use of digital tools to improve decision-making efficiency.
Md Mahadi Hasan
Ph.D. student (2026 – present)
I am a PhD student in Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My research focuses on cover crop management, nutrient dynamics, and water quality, with the goal of developing sustainable cropping systems that enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. I earned an M.S. in Agriculture from Illinois State University, where I investigated the effects of cover crops on soil porewater nutrient dynamics and soil hydrothermal properties. My research experience also includes the anaerobic digestion of cover crop biomass to produce biogas and volatile fatty acids. During an internship with Cropsmith, I gained hands-on experience with the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT) and the application of drone and GIS technologies for field mapping, crop monitoring, and data collection. My interests focus on agronomy, soil health, environmental sustainability, and data-driven agricultural innovation.
Former Graduate Students:
- Marcos Bonini Pires (M.S.), January 2024 – May 2026
- Nathalia Guzman (M.S.), Fall 2024 – May 2026
Visiting Scholars
Gideon Ghartey
I am Gideon Ghartey. I have a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Crop Science) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The dynamic nature of agriculture constantly presents new challenges and opportunities for innovation, which excites me. Whether adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency or implementing environmentally friendly practices to promote conservation.
During this internship, I am committed to exploring ways to enhance crop productivity while preserving our natural resources through soil management practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments that improve nutrient availability.
Kobina Bowuah
I am a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana, with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. Agriculture and farming have always been my passion. I seek to find innovative ways to maintain food security and help farmers and investors to achieve maximum returns on their resources in a sustainable way, with ultimate concern for environmental health and quality. During this internship, I seek to find ways to sustainably improve crop productivity and enhance soil health and fertility through management practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, no till, and nutrient recycling. I seek to investigate the impact of crop production on the environment and strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of agricultural processes on the quality of the environment.
Geovana Lacerda
I am Geovana Lacerda. I am currently an undergraduate student in Agronomy at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil. During this internship, I aim to deepen my understanding of the U.S. agricultural systems, strengthen my laboratory and research skills, and actively apply the agronomy knowledge I have gained throughout my studies. Additionally, I hope to contribute to ongoing research projects, participate in field and lab activities, and develop professional connections with researchers and graduate students. This experience will be invaluable in preparing me for future graduate studies and a career in agricultural research.
Alumni
Alumni
