2022 Irrigation Researcher Of The Year

   Dr. Drew M. Gholson, Leland, MS, Assistant Professor and State Extension Irrigation Specialist at Mississippi State University’s Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS, has been named 2022  Irrigation Researcher of the Year at the 25th  Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, the Delta States Irrigation Conference, the Southern Corn & Soybean Conference and the Southern Precision Ag Conference.

   Gholson earned his Ph.D from Texas A&M in Soil Science, his masters in Water Management and Hydrological Sciences from Texas A&M and his BS in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Texas A&M.

   Gholson joined Mississippi State University in April 2019 and began a statewide irrigation research and extension program. Gholson currently serves as the Coordinator of the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR). NCAAR is a joint creation established by Mississippi State University and USDA/ARS.  The mission of NCAAR is to conduct research and provide information for issues surrounding water use for agriculture and natural resources in the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

   Gholsons research and extension program involves on-farm research collaboration with farmers across the Mississippi Delta region where he is evaluating drought stress, improving irrigation application efficiency and evaluating  surge valve, computerized hole  selection, and soil moisture viability while maintaining or improving yield and profitability for Mississippi producers. He started an on- farm research program for automation of furrow irrigation systems using telemetric stations for the auto triggering of irrigation wells as well as remote managing of surge valves.

   Gholson also initiated a soil moisture monitoring showcase. This showcase provides an opportunity for Mississippi growers to learn more about the soil moisture sensors and accompanying telemetry services that are available on the market. In this soil moisture monitoring showcase, 11 soil moisture monitoring systems from nine companies through six vendors were installed. His on-farm station research with growers and working skills with industry partners shows his strong ability to work with different stakeholders for the benefit of growers. His efforts on irrigation conservation are impactful and serve the need for long-term sustainability of the lower Mississippi River alluvial aquifer.

   Gholson is committed to communicating his message. He is a frequent contributor to the Mississippi Crop Situation which provides producers, consultants and industry within the state of Mississippi up- to-date, timely and unbiased information to help maintain the profitability of farming operations.

   Gholson is an active member of several professional societies including: American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of American, Soil Science Society of America, National Groundwater Association and Soil and Water Conservation Society. He has served on several irrigation management committees across the Mississippi Delta including serving on Delta Plastics H20 Initiative Planning Committee. ∆