Striving for sustainable crop production: SuMAS intern Francisco Lopez

First generation Puerto Rican Francisco J. López Núñez attends the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. He was selected for the Sustainable Management of Agricultural Systems (SuMAS) internship program, which connected him with the Cornell University CALS Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP).

Francisco J. López Núñez began earning his bachelor’s degree in agronomy in August 2021 at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. Currently, he is double majoring in agronomy and horticulture and is entering his senior year after spending his summer interning with Cornell’s NMSP. We met with López to learn more about how he found his way to NMSP and what he hopes to accomplish with this additional experience under his belt.

Why did you join the SuMAS program?

A major factor that compelled me to apply was the need to increase global food production by 50% by 2050 while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

What intrigued me about SuMAS was its global focus on sustainability adapted to local conditions, such as soil types, topography and economic resources. Increasing agricultural output while reducing environmental degradation and maintaining ecosystem services is vital for the future of agriculture, especially in places like Puerto Rico. The vision of NMSP to combine research, education and on-farm implementation to improve nutrient management and protect the environment aligned perfectly with my aspirations to contribute to sustainable agriculture.

During your time with NMSP, you primarily worked with NMSP On-Farm Research Coordinator Juan Carlos Ramos Tanchez and PhD Candidate Gurpreet Kaur. Tell us more about what you did with them.

I helped them gather soil samples for the Value of Manure project and the soil microbial biomass study. My day-to-day responsibilities consisted of a lot of fieldwork, which I grew to love, as well as some laboratory jobs like weighing fertilizer and drying soil samples alongside Carlos Irias (laboratory & research technician).

Two people in a field with equipment, one is bent over and one is standing and smiling at the camera. — Francisco Lopez (left) and Carlos Irias (right) collecting soil samples and data. Photo by Juan Carlos.

I contributed to ongoing research efforts by providing soil samples and accurate data to help us understand the value of manure as a nutrient source and its impact on microbial activity.

This work supports sustainable nutrient management practices that can enhance agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

What were some highlights of your time with NMSP?

The fieldwork trips. The long car drives were always filled with good times and amazing landscapes.

I also really enjoyed having the opportunity to present a research poster at the Manure Expo student poster competition and won second place.

Man talking in front of a research poster. — Francisco Lopez presenting his poster at the 2024 North American Poster Session. Photo by Madeline Hanscom.

Three people smiling with awards in their hands in front of a banner. — Erick Amaya (left), Francisco Lopez (right) and Joel Tinoco posing together after winning first and second place in the 2024 North American Manure Expo Student Research Poster competition. Photo by Juan Carlos.

What did you learn during the internship?

I learned a great deal about the inner workings of agriculture in New York State, particularly how NMSP plays a crucial role in supporting farmers. One of the most notable things I learned was how NMSP seamlessly integrates research across various areas of agricultural science while at the same time helping farmers implement sustainable practices based on that research. This blend of practical fieldwork and cutting-edge investigation was impressive. It highlighted the importance of research in driving real-world agricultural improvements.

How did your experience with SuMAS and NMSP influence your career goals?

Once I’m done with my bachelor's degree, I intend to begin my own research in Puerto Rico with my master's degree. My time working with NMSP and SuMAS has significantly influenced my career goals by reinforcing the importance of conducting research that directly benefits our communities. This experience made me realize how vital it is to address local agricultural challenges through informed and sustainable practices.

Three people smiling together in front of a sunset. — Carlos Irias (front), Erick Amaya (middle) and Francisco Lopez smiling together after the 2024 North American Manure Expo. Photo by Carlos Irias.

Two people sitting at a picnic table working and smiling. — Juan Carlos (left) and Francisco Lopez (right) working together.

The connections I made through these programs will be invaluable as I embark on my research journey. The support and insights from the experts I worked with will help ensure that my research is of the highest quality and is relevant to the needs of my community. This internship has been instrumental in shaping my future plans and providing the foundation I need to contribute meaningfully to sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico.

Madeline Hanscom is a writer for the Nutrient Management Spear Program.