Faculty
EuGene Kelly
Soil Science
(Pedology and Forest/Range Soils)
Professor
C15 Plant Science Building
eugene.kelly@colostate.edu
970-491-6881 office
970-491-6814 lab
970-491-0564 fax
Research Interests
I drifted into Pedology as an activity that involves more of the things that interest me; Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology, and Ecology. This discipline simultaneously challenges one intellectually, physically and brings one to the field in some of the most beautiful and interesting places imaginable. My research is directed toward quantifying the processes of soil formation in many environments in the context of global change research. With my students and various colleagues I have helped to develop and test methods that allow for the quantification of biologically mediated soil forming processes. Many of these methods utilize stable isotopes of H, C, N, O and Si and can be used to evaluate how soils not only affect the environment but reflect it! In my opinion it is this duality of Pedology is what makes it exciting and relevant as a truly interdisciplinary science.
Extension & Outreach
As the liaison between the university and cooperators in federal, state, local and private sectors, the dissemination of quality soils information is perhaps most important in terms of service to the people of Colorado. Much of the information about soils that people utilize comes directly out of Soil Surveys published through the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS). I also serve on several regional and national advisory committees for the NCSS. It is here that I try to contribute to the overall cooperation between the state and federal agencies involved in the survey. I frequently provide technical guidance and leadership in many areas of the NCSS.
Courses:
SOCR440 Pedology
Dr. Kelly's principle teaching responsibilities include Pedology and Biogeochemistry, Forest and Rangeland Soils, Ecology and Isotope Geochemistry. He supervises graduate and undergraduate research is in the area of Pedology with specific interests in the role of plants on soil formation, biogeochemistry of soils, quantification of weathering processes, and the use of soils in paleoenvironmental research.