Paul M. Porter
Office Address
Mailing Address
Education
Ph.D.: Illinois (1986)
Year Appointed: 1995
Rank: Professor
Areas of Interest
Cropping systems, agroecology, rye cover crop and agricultural research and rehabilitation in Somalia.
Research
My research has focused on cropping systems involving crop rotations, rye as a cover crop, and alternative crops. I have taught several courses annually (AGRO3203w: Environment, Global Food Production, and the Citizen, AGRO3305: Agroecosystems of the World, AGRO4013: World Food Problems, AGRO4605 (Strategies for Agricultural Production and Management, and AGRO5999: Agroecosystems Analysis Field Course) and chaired the Campus Committee on Student Behavior for five years. I serve on the board of directors of the Somali Agricultural Technical Group (SATG) and Somali Family Services (SFS). I served as coordinator of the Agricultural Industries and Marketing (AIM) undergraduate degree as well as the International Agriculture Minor, on the board of directors for the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) and the Northwest Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, and on the advisory board of the Healthy Foods Healthy Lives (HFHL) initiative.
Through a collaborative UofMN-SATG partnership, I have been actively engaged in helping define the Somali Ministry of Agriculture’s strategic plan and in the formation of the Agri-Business Incubation. Center at Afgoi, Somalia. I made numerous visits to Somalia since 2013. See www.satg.org for more information about SATG.
In Spring 2009 and Spring 2010 I rode a bicycle 12,000 km across 10 African countries. Using satellite phone technologies, I co-taught courses while in Africa (Food and Agriculture from Cairo to Cape Town at 10 mph). Visit my blog site to hear more stories and see amazing photographs of the people, food and agroecosystems he encountered. http://paulporter.cfans.umn.edu/
In Fall 2011 I co-taught the course 'Food and Agriculture from Buenos Aires to Lima at 10 mph' while riding a bicycle 6,000 km through four South American countries. Visit:http://eatbikegrow.ning.com for stories related to those agroecosystems.Selected Publications
Gavin, R., H. Haji, N. Jelinski, A. Harvey, and P. Porter. 2018. On-farm irrigated maize projection in the Somali Gu season. AJAR. 13(19):969-977. doi:10.5897/AJAR2018.13111
Gavin, R., H. Haji, N. Jelinski and P. Porter. 2018. An on-farm comparison of the agronomics and economics of irrigated maize production systems in the Somali Deyr season. AJAR. 13(23):1177-1185. doi:10.5897/AJAR2018.13117
Porter, P.M., B.C. Runck, M.P. Brakke, and M. Wagner. 2015. Agroecology education by bicycle on two continents: student perceptions and instructor reflections. Nat. Sci. Educ. 44:69-78. doi:10.4195/nse2014.05.0011
Runck, B., M. Brakke, and P. Porter. 2015. The extended classroom framework for teaching systems analysis of food systems. Nat. Sci. Educ. 44:101-111. doi:10.4195/nse2015.04.0004
Koch, R., Z. Sezen, P. Porter, D. Ragsdale, K. Wyckhuys and G. Heimpel. 2015. On-farm evaluation of a fall-seeded rye cover crop for suppression of soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on soybean. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 17(3):239-246. doi: 10.1111/afe.12099
Wiedenhoeft, M., C. Francis, R. DeHaan, and P. Porter. 2015. Personal biographies used to build a learning community. NACTA J. 53(2) June: 171-173. http://www.nactateachers.org/teaching-tipsnotes.html
DeHaan, R., P. Porter M. Wiedenhoeft, and C. Francis. 2015. Designing quality student reports in an agroecosystems analysis course. NACTA J. 59(3) September.
http://www.nactateachers.org/teaching-tipsnotes.htmlWilson, G.L., B.J. Dalzell, D.J. Mulla, T. Dogwiler and P.M. Porter. 2014. Estimating water quality effects of conservation practices and grazing land-use scenarios. J. Soil Water Conserv. 69(4):330-342. doi:10.2489/jswc.69.4.330
Kantar, M. and P. Porter. 2014. Relationship between planting date, growing degree days and the winter rye (Secale cereale L.) variety “Rymin” in Minnesota. Crop Management. 13:–. doi:10.2134/CM-2013-0096-R
https://www.agronomy.org/publications/cm/abstracts/13/1/CM-2013-0096-RS
Runck, B., M. Kantar, N. Jordan, J. Anderson, D. Wyse, J.,Eckberg,, R. Barnes, C. Lehman, L. DeHaan, R. Stupar, C. Sheaffer, and P. Porter. The reflective plant breeding paradigm: A robust system of germplasm development to support strategic diversification of agroecosystems. Crop Science. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2014.03.0195; Posted online 7 May 2014
Runck, B., M. Kantar, J.,Eckberg,, R. Barnes, K. Betts, C. Lehman, L. DeHaan, R. Stupar, N. Jordan, C. Sheaffer, P. Porter, and D. Wyse. 2014. Development of continuous living cover breeding programs to enhance agriculture's contribution to ecosystem services. In: Perennial Crops for Food Security, Proceedings of the FAO Expert Workshop, C. Batello, L. Wade, S.Cox, N. Pogna, A. Bozzini, and J. Choptiany [Eds.], Rome, Italy, 28-30 August 2013. P229-251. ISBN 978-92-5-107998-0 print, E-IS BN 978-92-5-107999-7 PDF
Wiedenhoeft, M., P. Porter, R. DeHaan, and C. Francis. 2014. Creating student confidence for communication with farmer stakeholders. In: Building Sustainable Rural Futures, Proc. International Farming Systems Association [IFSA], T. Aenis, A. Knierim, M-C. Riecher, R. Ridder, H. Schobert and H. Fischer [Eds.], Berlin, Germany, 1-4 April. P. 461-469. Web site: http://ifsa.boku.ac.at/cms/index.php?id=134#c402
Haji, H. and P. Porter. 2013. Study on the current agricultural practices in the Gabiley Region: Production constraints and the way forward for better agricultural practices. Somali Agricultural Technical Group (SATG, www.satg.org) report to CONCERN Worldwide.
Porter, P. and H. Haji. 2013. A new coalition between University of Minnesota and SATG to facilitate agricultural sustainability and food security in Somalia. Satg-Newsletter. Issue #9. August 2013. (see www.satg.org)
Haji, H., P. Porter, A. Scek, and M. Younan. 2013. Economic growth assessment of South Central Somalia. Prepared by SATG for DAI under the USAID Partnership for Economic Growth Program. September 2013.
Francis, C., G. Lieblein, T.A. Breland, L. Salomonsson, M. Wiedenhoeft, P. Porter, and R. Dehaan. 2013. Experiential learning research in agroecology. Northeast Nebraska Educators Symposium, Agronomy & Horticulture Department, UNL. April 9, 2013. p. 7.
Krueger, E., T. Ochsner, J. Baker, P. Porter, and D. Reicosky. 2012. Rye-corn silage double-cropping reduces corn yield but improves environmental impacts. Agron. J. 104:888-896. https://www.agronomy.org/publications/aj/pdfs/104/4/888
Koch, R.L., P.M. Porter, M.M. Harbur, M.D. Abrahamson, K.A.G. Wyckhuys, D.W. Ragsdale, K. Buckman, Z. Sezen, and G.E. Heimpel. Response of soybean isects to an autumn-seeded rye cover crop. Environmental Entomology 41:750-760. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN11168
Francis, C., S. Moncure, N. Jordan, T.A. Breland, G. Lieblein, L. Salomonsson, M. Wiedenhoeft, S. Morse, P. Porter, J. King, C.A. Perillo, and M. Moulton. 2012. Future visions for experiential education in the agroecology learning landscape. In: W.B. Campbell and S.L. Ortiz, editors. Integrating Agriculture, Conservation and Ecotourism: Societal Influences, Issues in Agroecology -- Present Status and Future Prospectus 2. Springer Science + Business Media, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. p. 1-105. http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-007-4485-1_1#page-2
Krueger, E.S., T.E. Ochsner, P.M. Porter, and J.M. Baker. 2011. Winter rye cover crop management influences on soil water, soil nitrate, and corn development. Agron. J. 103:316-323.
Koch, R.L., P.M. Porter, M.M. Harbur, M.D. Abrahamson, K.A.G. Wyckhuys, D.W. Ragsdale, K. Buckman, Z. Sezen and G.E. Heimpel. 2012. Response of soybean insects to an autumn-seeded rye cover crop. Environmental Entomology, 41:750-760.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN11168
Fore, S.R., P. Porter, and W. Lazarus. 2011. Net energy balance of small-scale on-farm biofuel production from canola and soybean. Biomass and Bioenergy. 35:2234-2244.
Francis, C.A., and P. Porter. 2011. Ecology in sustainable agriculture practices and systems. In ‘Towards a More Sustainable Agriculture – Ecological Agriculture.’ Paoletti, M.G., T. Gomiero, and D. Pimentel, editors. Critical Reviews in Plant Science, 30:64-73.DOI: 10.1080/07352689.2011.554353
Francis, C. A., N. Jordan, P. Porter, T. A. Breland, G. Lieblein, L. Salomonsson, N. Sriskandarajah, M. Wiedenhoeft, R. DeHaan, I. Braden, and V. Langer. 2011. Innovative education in agroecology: experiential learning for a sustainable agriculture. In ‘Towards a More Sustainable Agriculture – Ecological Agriculture.’ Paoletti, M.G., T. Gomiero, and D. Pimentel, editors. CRC PRESS Critical Reviews in Plant Science, 30:226-237. DOI: 10.1080/07352689.2011.554497
Coulter, J.A., C.C. Sheaffer, D. L. Wyse M.J. Haar, P.M. Porter, S.R. Quiring, and L.D. Klossner. 2011. Agronomic performance of cropping systems with contrasting crops rotations and external inputs. Agron. J. 103:182-192.
Kantar, M., C. Sheaffer, P. Porter, E. Krueger, and T. Ochsner. 2011. Growth stage influences forage yield and quality of winter rye. Online. Forage and Grazinglands DOI:10.1094/FG-2011-0126-01-RS. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/fg/research/2011/stage/
Fore, S.R., W. Lazarus, P. Porter, and N. Jordan. 2011. Economics of small-scale on-farm use of canola and soybean for biodiesel and straight vegetable oil biofuels. Biomass and Bioenergy. 35:193-202.
Krueger, E., T. Ochsner, M. Kantar, C. Sheaffer, and P. Porter. 2010. Growth stage at harvest of a winter rye cover crop influences soil moisture and nitrogen. Online. Crop Management. 14 October 2010. doi:10.1094/CM-2010-1014-01-RS
Charles Francis, James King, Geir Lieblein, Tor Arvid Breland, Lennart Salomonsson, Nadarajah Sriskandarajah, Paul Porter, Mary Wiedenhoeft. 2009. Open-ended cases in agroecology: Farming and food systems in the Nordic Region and the US Midwest. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. 15:385-400.
Kandel, H.J., P.M. Porter, and P.M. Carr. 2009. Spring wheat cultivar harrowing evaluation in Minnesota. Online. Crop Management. doi:10.1094/CM-2009-0612-RS.
Warnke, S.A., S. Chen, D.L. Wyse, G.A. Johnson and P.M. Porter. 2008. Effect of rotation crops on hatch, viability and development on Heterodera glycines. Nematology 10:869-882.
Porter, P.M. 2009. Crop Rotation in Organic Production Systems. Chapter 4 in Organic Farming: the Ecological Eystem, pp. 51-67, Chuck Francis (ed). Agron. Monograph 54, Amer. Soc. Agron., Madison, Wisconsin.
Porter, P., L. Scott, and S. Simmons. 2009. Northern Midwest (U.S.): Farmers’ Views of the Conversion Process. Chapter 4 in The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices. In: Advances in Agroecology Series., pp. 67-90, Steve Gliessman and Martha Rosemeyer (eds). CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
Heatherly, L., A. Dorrance, R. Hoeft, D. Onstad, J. Orf, P. Porter, S. Spurlock, and B. Young. 2009. Sustainability of U.S. soybean production: Conventional, transgenic, and organic production systems. Special Pub. No 30. Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Ames, IA.
Francis, C., J. King, G. Lieblein, T. Arvid Breland, L. Salomonsson, N. Sriskandarajah, P. Porter, and M. Wiedenhoeft. 2009. Open-Ended Cases in Agroecology: Farming and Food Systems in the Nordic Region and the US Midwest. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. 15:385-400.
Kandel, H.J., P.M. Porter, P.M. Carr, and S.F. Zwinger. 2008. Producer participatory spring wheat variety evaluation for organic systems in Minnesota and North Dakota. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems (RAFS) 23:228-234. doi:10.1017/S1742170508002263
Russelle, M.P., R.V. Morey, J.M. Baker, P.M. Porter, and H-J.G. Jung. 2007. Comment on “Carbon-Negative Biofuels from Low-Input High-Diversity Grassland Biomass”. Science: 316(5831):1567.
Feyereisen, G.W., G.R. Sands, B.N. Wilson, J.S. Strock, and P.M. Porter. 2006. Potential for a rye crop to reduce nitrate loss in southwestern Minnesota. Agron. J. 98:1416-1426.
Bradley, C.A., R.A. Henson, P.M. Porter, D.G. LeGare, L.E. del Río, and S.D. Khot. 2006. Response of canola cultivars to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in controlled and field environments. Plant Dis. 90:215-219.
Carr, P.M., H.J. Kandel, P.M. Porter, R.D. Horsley, and S.F. Zwinger. 2006. Wheat cultivar performance on certified organic fields in Minnesota and North Dakota. Crop Sci. 46:1963-1971.
Ashling, J., C. Tchida, A. Markhart, and P. Porter. 2006. Origin of Cornercopia, the University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. 1(2):27-42. (doi:10.1300/J477v01n02_03)
Porter, P., D. Allan, K. Crookston, M. Harbur, K. Olson, and D. Wyse. 2006. Overview of the University of Minnesota Variable Input Crop Management Systems (VICMS) Trail. In: Long-term Field Experiments in Organic Farming. Joachim Raupp, Carola Pekrun, Meike Oltmanns, Ulrich Köpke (Eds.) ISOFAR Scientific Series No 1. Verlag Dr. Köster, Berlin, Germany. p204. (ISBN 3-89574-590-1) g.
Porter, P.M., and S. Chen. 2005. Sugarbeet cyst nematode not detected in the Red River Valley of Minnesota and North Dakota. Journal of Sugar Beet Research. 42:79-85.
De Bruin, J.L., P.M. Porter, and N.R. Jordan. 2005. Use of a rye cover crop following corn in rotation with soybean in the upper-Midwest. Agron. J. 97:587-598.
• Invited Speaker (last 5 years)My Experiences Working Internationally: Stories and Tidbits.
UMN, St. Paul MN – March 28-29, 2019. Plant Sciences Symposium “International perspectives on global hunger: Feeding the world through innovation, collaboration, and communication.”
How To Analyze an Agroecosystem.
Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, Nagaland, India – March 12-14, 2019. “International symposium on integrated land use management in the eastern Himalaya.”
Agriculture, Development & Conflict in Somalia: Stories from the Perspective of an Agronomist.
University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu – February 19-21, 2018. Departmental seminar series.
An Agronomist's Perspective on Development and Peacebuilding in Africa.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel – May 5-11, 2017. Conference on “Democratization, religion, and the pursuit of peace in Africa.”
Where and how we produce what the world eats.
UMN Bell Museum, Minneapolis MN – March 2, 2016. Exhibition on “Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.”
SATG: Technology Testing and Transfer.
USAID Partners in Economic Growth (PEG), Mogadishu Somalia – August 5-6, 2015. “End of Project Findings – Agriculture/Livestock and Policy Implications.”
Research Collaboration on Development & Food Security: A Case Study in Somalia.
UMN GPS Alliance, Minneapolis, MN– October 31, 2014. Forum on “Global Research Collaboration on Development and Food Security.”
Agricultural Production in Somalia: Historical Trends and Future Implications.
Somali Ministry of Agriculture “Strategic Planning Workshop” Nairobi, Kenya. June 2014.
