Rishi Prasad, an Alabama Extension specialist and Auburn University associate professor, received the Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture and Forestry Research. He was recognized during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Farm and Land Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Aug. 16. Fellow Extension employee Eddie McGriff was also recognized during that event.

“It’s important we, as farmers, recognize folks like Rishi Prasad and Eddie McGriff for jobs well done,” said Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation president. “It’s a tough time to be in agriculture, but their work is helping create bright spots in our industry.”

Rittenour Award

An Auburn University associate professor and Alabama Extension specialist, Prasad is seeking a sustainable option for using poultry litter as natural fertilizer on fields and pasture land.

“I really enjoy what I do at Auburn,” Prasad said. “I’m a problem-solver. My clients are poultry producers whose farms generate the litter, row croppers who apply the litter and, eventually, all these different agencies that create policies.”

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said Prasad is a brilliant faculty member and specialist who demonstrates science-based and proven procedures to establish solid fertility recommendations for producers in Alabama.

“These recommendations are based on his work to optimize crop production with sound nutrient rate research in the field,” Phillips said. “We are very fortunate to have Rishi here to conduct outstanding work to assist producers in land application technologies.”

Prasad’s projects include reducing ammonia emissions in poultry houses, evaluating the Phosphorous Index and studying the Phosphorus Saturation Ratio. He’s now researching a technique that pelletizes litter to create a slow-release fertilizer.

Colton Christjohn, the Alabama Farmers Federation’s poultry division director, said Prasad’s work is proactive, benefitting both poultry and row crop farmers.

“Adding value to a byproduct like poultry litter is especially important during the current tight farm economy,” Christjohn said. “We’re pleased to recognize his commitment to solving real problems.”

The Rittenour award includes a $10,000 prize to fund research projects, courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. Read more about Prasad’s recognition in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s press release.