Nana Yaw O Kusi
Dr. Nana Kusi works for 1890 Research and Extension in the Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources Program as an extension agronomist.
He is dedicated to working closely with South Carolina farmers to enhance their crop productivity and overall agricultural success. He focuses on various key areas to optimize farming practices and improve sustainability.
One of Nana Yaw O Kusi's research interests is exploring the potential of chickpeas as an emerging crop for South Carolina farmers. By studying its suitability, cultivation techniques, and market opportunities, he aims to provide valuable insights to farmers seeking to diversify their crop portfolios.
Additionally, Nana Yaw O Kusi plays a vital role in determining soil carbon levels and finding ways to enhance soil carbon sequestration. Improving soil health, fertility, and productivity are essential aspects of his work, as he aims to guide farmers in implementing strategies that lead to better soil management practices.
As a resource person, Nana Yaw O Kusi offers guidance and support to limited-resource, socially disadvantaged, and underserved farmers in South Carolina, specifically focusing on high tunnel crop production and management. This specialized knowledge empowers farmers to maximize yields and optimize their resources.
Furthermore, Nana Yaw O Kusi serves as an educator, sharing knowledge about climate-smart agricultural practices and promoting regenerative and sustainable agricultural techniques. By highlighting the benefits of these practices, he assists farmers in adapting to a changing climate while ensuring the long-term viability of their operations.
With his expertise and commitment to agricultural advancement, Nana Yaw O Kusi provides valuable support to beginner farmers, ranchers, and veterans in South Carolina, helping them establish and sustain profitable agricultural businesses.
Education
- Ph.D in Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX - May 2019
- MS in Agronomy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY - May 2015
- BS in General Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana - June 2011
Background
Dr. Nana Yaw O Kusi joined SC State in May of 2022. Prior to joining SC State, Kusi was a postdoctoral research associate at Virginia State University Agricultural Research Station. He has published peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of soil fertility and nutrient management on cash crops such as sugar beet and cotton. Also he has presented at farmer field days and several professional agricultural conferences including the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Annual Meetings, Beltwide Cotton Conferences, and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Annual Conference. Kusi has served as an adhoc reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals including Current Research in Environmental Sustainability Journal, Agricultural and Environmental Letters Journal, Agronomy Journal, Advanced Sustainable Systems Journal, and several others.
Research Interests
Soil fertility and nutrient management.
Selected Publications
- Solomon Amissah, Michael Baidoo, Benjamin K. Agyei, Godfred Ankomah, Roger A. Black, Calvin D. Perry, Stephanie Hollifield, Nana Yaw Kusi, Glendon H. Harris, and Henry Y. Sintim (2023). Early and Late Season Nutrient Stress Conditions: Impact on Cotton Productivity and Quality. Agronomy. 2023, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010064
- Nana Yaw O. Kusi, W. Bart Stevens, Henry Y. Sintim, Axel Garcia y Garcia, Abdel O. Mesbah. (2021). Phosphorus fertilization and enhanced efficiency products effects on sugarbeet. Industrial Crops and Products, 171, 113887. Available online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669021006518?dgcid=author#!
- Kusi N. Y. O., Lewis K. L., Morgan G. D., Ritchie G. L., Deb S. K., Stevens R. D., Sintim H. Y. (2021). Cotton cultivar response to potassium fertilizer application in Texas’ southern high plains. Agronomy Journal, 113 (6): 5436-5453.
- Kusi NYO, Temu VW, Kering MK, Atalay A, Rutto LK, Solomon JKQ. (2021). Growth response of alfalfa to Azomite composite micronutrient fertilizer on four lime-amended Virginia soils. Grassland Science, 67 (3): 225-233.
- Bin Li, Somsubhra Chakraborty, Maria Fernanda Godoy Sosa, Nana Yaw O. Kusi, & David C. Weindorf. (2018). Compost Cation Exchange Capacity via Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (PXRF) Spectrometry. Compost Science & Utilization 26 (4): 271-278.
- Delaina Pearson, David C. Weindorf, Somsubhra Chakraborty, Jaco Koch, Piet Van Deventer, Nana Yaw Kusi. (2018). Analysis of metal-laden water via portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Journal of Hydrology, 561: 267-276.
- McGladdery C, Weindorf DC, Chakraborty S, Li B, Paulette L, Podar D, Pearson D, Kusi NYO, Duda B. (2018). Elemental assessment of vegetation via portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry. Journal of Environmental Management, 210: 210-225.
- Weindorf D. C., Chakraborty, S., Li, B., Deb, S., Singh, A. & Kusi, N. Y. (2018). Compost salinity assessment via portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry. Waste Management, 78, 158-163.
- N. Y. Kusi, K.L. Lewis, and G.D. Morgan. (2018). Potassium Application Timing and Cotton Yield in Texas' Southern High Plains. Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences of the National Cotton Council of America 2018: 413-414.
- Udeigwe, T.K., M.B. Eichmann, M.C. Menkiti, and N.Y.O. Kusi. (2016). Examining the fixation kinetics of chelated and non-chelated copper micronutrient and the applications to micronutrient management in semi-arid alkaline soils. Solid Earth 7, 311-321.
- N.Y. Kusi, A. Mesbah, B. Stevens, A. Kniss, J. Norton, and A. Garcia y Garcia. (2014). Phosphorus Fertilizer management in Sugarbeets. University of Wyoming Field Days Bulletin 2014, Agricultural Experiment Station, Laramie, WY, pp 45 - 46.
- Abdel Mesbah, N. Kusi, Bart Stevens. (2013). Phosphorus Fertilization in sugarbeets, University of Wyoming Field Days Bulletin 2013, Agricultural Experiment Station, Laramie, WY, pp 57 - 58.