Masoud Hashemi

My appointment at the University of Massachusetts consists of extension (50%), teaching (25%) and research (25%). Currently I am serving as Graduate Program Director for Plant and Soil Science Graduate Program. My extension activities include leading the “Crops, Dairy, Livestock, Equine” team for UMass Extension, state contact for nutrient and manure management, pasture management, cover crops, and agronomic crop production. I am also editor of Crops, Dairy, Livestock, and Equine Newsletter which is published four times a year. Other major outreach activities include statewide presentations and workshops on various topics, State Coordinator and State Host of New England Green Pastures. My research program is mainly focused on sustainable food and farming systems with special emphasis on integrating various cover crops to improve yield and quality of crops, maintain soil health, and to enhance environmental quality.

My current research projects include:

•  Evaluating various strategies to extend grazing season
•  Integrating cover crops into garlic production
•  Sustainable strategies for cover crops termination
•  Testing spring and winter barley cultivars for brewing
•  Reducing nitrogen and herbicides in sweet corn production
•  Minimizing environment pollution in equine operation

I have been author or co-author of four books entitled, Seed Dormancy and Germination (2000), Postharvest Physiology (1997), Sustainable Agriculture (1996), and Maximizing Crop Yield (1995).