Anderson in CSES Leads U of A Soil Judging Team to 14th in National Finals

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The U of A soil judging team consists of students in Bumpers College's Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (from left): Diego Della Lunga, Carlee Hensley, Jordan Slayden, Erik Archer, Matt Sena and Ryder Anderson.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas soil judging team recorded a top 20 finish by placing 14th in the 58th annual National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest at Martin, Tennessee, in March.

The team, consisting of students from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was one of 22 teams advancing to the finals after placing second in fall regionals.

Ryder Anderson, a master's degree student in crop, soil and environmental sciences, led the way, finishing 13th overall out of 87 competitors.

Other team members include Erik Archer, Carlee Hensley, Diego Della Lunga, Matt Sena and Jordan Slaydon, all environmental, soil and water science majors.

Kris Brye, professor of applied soil physics and pedology, has led the group into the national finals eight consecutive years.

"The national contest was challenging, due in large part to wet and cool weather, but we all learned a lot from our experience in northwest Tennessee," said Brye.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.