Derrick M. Oosterhuis, Distinguished Professor of crop, soil and environmental sciences at the University of Arkansas, was presented the 2011 Werner L. Nelson Award by the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation at their recent annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

A news release from the foundation said, "The award recognizes outstanding contributions in the development of soil fertility practices and plant nutrition management to increase crop yields for the benefit of the North American farmer and consumer. The late Dr. Werner Nelson was a leader in agricultural science, industry and education. The many books he authored on soil fertility and fertilizers are recognized standard texts and widely used."

Oosterhuis holds the Clyde H. Sites Endowed Professorship in International Crop Physiology in Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. A University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Scientist, he is chairman of the Arkansas Cotton Research Group.

An internationally known expert on the physiology of the cotton plant, Oosterhuis's interests include the causes, effects and management of plant stress, including plant growth regulation. His research topics include high temperature stress, plant-soil water relations, drought tolerance, and photosynthesis and carbon partitioning in growth and yield development.

Oosterhuis has a B.S. degree from Natal University in South Africa, an M.S. degree from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, and a Ph.D. degree from Utah State University.