Researchers
Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes
Areas of Expertise:
- Crop Science
- Agronomy
- Cover Crops
- Conservation Management
- Nutrient Use Efficiency
Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
217-244-0541
giovani3@illinois.edu
Following his bachelor’s degree at Federal University of Mato Grosso (Brazil), Dr. Preza Fontes earned a master’s degree in agronomy from Kansas State University and a doctorate in crop sciences from UIUC. He spent just over a year in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy where he helped coordinate statewide research with the goal of improving corn nitrogen fertilizer management in cover crop systems.
Now Dr. Preza Fontes leads the UIUC Field Crops Extension & Research Program where he focuses research on enhancing the agronomic and environmental performance of field crops in Illinois. This involves evaluating and refining multiple management practices with the goal of increasing grain yield and nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental outcomes like nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. His role also includes teaching and extension outreach responsibilities.
Fun Facts!
Dr. Preza Fontes enjoys spending time with family outdoors. They enjoy a wide range of activities from playing soccer and grilling to hiking and camping – you may even hear him strumming his guitar! He’s a Kansas fan – K-State football, KC Royals and KC Chiefs. Some of his favorite foods include Brazilian barbeque (churrasco), feijoada (black beans and meat), chicken tetrazzini and anything with chocolate!
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