Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University, Founded in 1871, Is the Nation's First 1890 Hbcu Land-grant University, Located in Lorman, Mississippi. It Provides a Wide Range of Agricultural Research and Extension Services to the Communities It Serves. Research at Alcorn Spans Diverse Fields Including Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Pathology, Entomology, Mycology, Virology, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Animal Science, Plant Biotechnology, Biofuels, Bioprocessing, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Mechanics, and Smart Agriculture Technologies. a Key Component of This Mission Also Involves Expanding Awareness of Agriculture While Recruiting, Training, and Mentoring Students From High Schools and Community Colleges, Thereby Contributing to Workforce Development and Preparing Skilled Professionals for the Agricultural Sector. the Proposed Research Program Addresses Critical Issues Such as Soil and Water Quality Degradation and Mitigation; Use of Cover Crops and Organic Fertilizers; Crop Breeding and Genetic Improvement; Vegetable and Fruit Production, Processing, and Storage; Evaluation of Novel Biofertilizers Such as Biochars for Crop Productions; Animal Nutrition and Feed Research; Soil Surveys; and Irrigation Management to Improve Crop Potential and Resource Conservation. Additional Focus Areas Include Development and Application of Pest Diagnostic and Management Technologies, Evaluation of Specialty Crops for Small Farm Integration and Economic Impact, Education Programs to Strengthen Rural Communities, Adoption of Novel Biotechnology (including Genome Editing for Yield and Quality Improvement), Application of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Production Systems, Zoonotic Disease Research, and Public Health Education. Research Activities Will Be Conducted on- and Off-campus by Faculty, Staff, and Students. Expected Deliverables Include Detailed Research Reports, New Germplasm and Cultivars, Improved Processing and Storage Methods, Crop Performance Data, Findings on Animal and Human Health Through Modified Diets, Enhanced Soil and Water Management Practices, Diagnostic Toolkits for Pest Management, Integration of Specialty Crops Into Small Farm Operations, Adoption of Robotics and Ai Technologies, Educational Materials for Outreach, and Increased Public Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases. Dissemination Will Occur Through Extension Programs, Outreach Services, Conference Presentations, and Peer-reviewed Publications. This Integrated Effort Will Benefit Alcorn State University, Surrounding Communities, the State of Mississippi, the Agricultural Industry, and the General Public by Advancing Sustainable Agriculture, Supporting Small Farmers, Strengthening the Agricultural Workforce, and Improving Community Resilience.