A major focus of the University of Illinois Agronomy Lab is exploring ways to advance the productivity and environmental performance of row-crop systems in Illinois and the upper Midwest. To do it, our team takes an interdisciplinary approach to document and understand the implications of a variety of in-field conservation practices (e.g., 4R nutrient stewardship, cover cropping, and conservation tillage) on crop productivity and profitability, soil and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient losses. This knowledge is then integrated and delivered through our Extension & Outreach program.
Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes
Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist
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.
Graduate Students
Marcos Bonini Pires
M.S. student (2024 – present)
I am a master’s student in the Department of Crop Science, focusing on the study of cover crops. I got my bachelor’s degree in Agronomic Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil (2023). I was a research scholar at the Soil Microbial Agroecology Lab at Kansas State University (2022-2023). My main areas of interest are the stability of soil aggregates, soil organic matter fractionation, and agricultural techniques (such as cover crop use, no-till, and organic fertilizers) to improve soil health. My hobbies include camping, hiking, playing soccer, and photography.
Nathalia Guzman
M.S. student (2024 – present)
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Development Engineering from Zamorano University. Since fall 2023, I have been a visiting scholar, diving deep into soil conservation, soil health, and how agriculture affects greenhouse gas emissions. I am interested in finding that connection between agriculture and sustainability, applying the knowledge I gained during my time at UIUC and my B.S.
Federico Rolle
M.S. student (2024 – 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.
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
