Eros Francisco, Ph.D.

Eros Francisco, Ph.D.

  • Assistant Professor
  • Extension Grain Crops Agronomics Specialist
  • Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences
(334) 844-5450
ezf0034@auburn.edu
Funchess Hall 236
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I am a native of Brazil, state of Mato Grosso, where I grew up and developed a passion for agriculture. I got my BS degree in Agronomy and started working in the fertilizer industry and developed my interest in field research. I pursued a MSc in Crop Science and a PhD in Soil Science in order to build a career in applied field research. After a couple of years in academia, I began working for a regional research foundation in crop and soil management research to strengthen my research skills, then joined an international institute and became deeply involved with Extension activities and research, and finally, after a short solo flight, I landed in Auburn as an Extension Grain Crops Agronomics Specialist.

Education

  • PhD in Soil Science and Plant NutritionUniversity of Sao Paulo2006

  • MSc in Crop ScienceUniversity of Sao Paulo2003

  • BS in AgronomyUniversity of Sao Paulo1999

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Professor & Ext. Grain Crops Agronomist, Auburn University (CSES) (2021-present)
  • Independent Grain Crops Consultant, Efra Ag Consultancy (2019-2021)
  • Deputy Director Midwest Brazil, Int Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) (2012-2019)
  • Research Coordinator, MT Research Foundation (2008-2012)
  • Adjunct Professor, Federal University of Mato Grosso (2006-2008)
  • Visiting Scientist, Int Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) (2005)
  • Field Agronomist, Archers Daniels Midland (1999-2001)

Research

  • Evaluation of crop production impact under diverse soil characteristics (clay/sand content, organic matter, pH, fertility, compaction, etc.) and its interactions with different management practices (crop rotations, tillage, varieties, etc.).
  • Investigation of crop response (yield or quality) to changes in the cropping systems (nutrient input, soil management, planting date, row spacing, variety length, etc.) with deeper understanding on the benefits of crop rotation to soil health and crop performance.
  • Evaluation of nutrient use efficiency of cropping systems by calculating their nutrient budget. This information is valuable for a broad public involved in agriculture, from farmers to government agents or policy makers.
  • Development of online tools based on agronomic information to help decision makers in better managing their cropping systems.

Extension Experience

In my extension role, I am responsible for developing and presenting educational programs related to grain crops agronomics (corn, soybeans, and small grains) to extension agents, producers, consultants and other ag professionals across the state. I do this by extending knowledge learned from applied research through various mediums, including phone calls/text messages, blog posts, social media, field days, county meetings, etc. The goal of my extension program is to effectively communicate and educate the producers of Alabama on ways to improve the economic sustainability of their farms.

Professional Affiliations

  • Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
  • Agronomy Society of America (ASA)
  • Brazilian Soil Science Society (BSSS)