John E. Sawyer is professor and Extension soil fertility specialist in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. He holds an AS in Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo (1974), where he concentrated on chemistry; a BS from The Ohio State University (1977) in agronomy, where he concentrated on soil science; and a MS and PhD from the University of Illinois (1985 and 1988) in agronomy, where he concentrated on soil fertility. Dr. Sawyer provides statewide leadership for Extension soil fertility and nutrient management education programs in Iowa related to soil management, agronomic crop production, and water quality. He also provides leadership for experiment station, regional, and national soil and water quality committees. His research focus is the study of plant nutrients in soils and plants, especially nitrogen; fertilizer and manure nutrient management; and implications of soil management related to soil fertility and the environment.
