Jonathan Russell-Anelli
Senior Lecturer / Senior Extension Associate, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section

My research examines the spatial dynamics and characteristics of the environment. The focus is on land cover, soil and management topology and their effects on biogeophysical processes. His research also addressed the spatial arrangement and characterization of soil properties including nutrient and contaminant distribution.
Interests
Urban soils
Soil surveys
Spatial arrangement and characterization of soil properties, nutrient and contaminant distribution
Recent Research
My research program has been devoted to examination of the spatial distribution and variability of soil characteristics in urban and human influenced environments. My major research project areas included investigations of the scale of contaminant distribution patterns in relation to soil forming factors and processes, the use of anthropogenic soils as well as landuse, landcover and land tenure characteristics (distributions appears to be scale dependent and based on a assortment of variables) in a variety of urban centers in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, the Mid-West and Eastern Europe.
Outreach and Extension Focus
My extension activities are directed towards two major goals. The first is our ongoing partnership with the USDA/National Resource Conservation Service’s National Cooperative Soil Survey program in New York State. This program is directed towards mapping NYS soils and interpreting soil properties across the State for multiple uses and users. My second major extension activity is soil information support to our NYS and national clients. This role encompasses formal partnerships with such agencies as NYS Office of Agriculture and Markets as well as informal partnerships with entities such as CCE Community Horticulture program and ad hoc communications with extension agents and the public addressing soil related questions. I addition, I also serve to organize and instruct short courses and seminars based on need and interest soil information users.
Selected Publications
View publications on Google Scholar.
- McBride, M. B., , A., Russell-Anelli, J., Spliethoff, H. M., & Marquez-Bravo, L. G. (2015). Arsenic and Lead Uptake by Vegetable Crops Grown on an Old Orchard Site Amended with Compost. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 226:265.
- McBride, M. B., Shayler, H. A., Spliethoff, H. M., Mithcell, R. G., Marquez-Bravo, L. G., Ferenz, G. S., Russell-Anelli, J., Casey, L., & Bachman, S. (2014). Concentrations of lead, cadmium and barium in urban garden-grown vegetables: The impact of soil variables. Environmental Pollution. 194:254-261.
- Mitchell, R. G., Spliethoff, H. M., Ribaudo, L. N., Lopp, D. M., Shayler, H. A., Marquez-Bravo, L. G., Lambert, V. T., Ferenz, G. S., Russell-Anelli, J., Stone, E. B., & McBride , M. B. (2014). Lead (Pb) and other metals in New York City community garden soils: factors influencing contaminant distributions. Environmental Pollution. 187:162-169.
Courses Taught
- PLSCS2600: Soil Science
- PLSCS3630: Soil Genesis, Class & Survey
My instructional activities has been directed to introductory Soil Science and advanced Pedology courses for both major and non-major students. I also provide additional lecture and field support to other land resource or management based courses within the Agricultural College.
Contact Information
1002 Bradfield
Ithaca, NY 14853
jmr5 [at] cornell.edu
Education
- Doctorate
Cornell University
2000
- Master of Science
Cornell University
1998
- Master of Science
State University of New York at Albany
1987
- Bachelor of Arts
Hobart College
1986
- Doctorate
Jonathan in the news
News
Eleven 2030 Project grants were awarded to Cornell faculty for an array of fast-track climate solutions, including tools to help New York communities reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.