Wikipedia

Draft:Merle Jensen


Merle Jensen is the founder of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) and Professor Emeritus of Plant Life Sciences at the University of Arizona, USA. Dr. Jensen has contributed to agricultural programs in over 60 countries around the world[1]

Early Life and Education

edit

Merle Jensen was born and raised in California. He pursued his higher education at the University of California, Davis, where he earned his bachelor's degree in plant science. He later received his master's degree and Ph.D. in plant physiology from the same institution.[2]

Background and Career

edit

Jensen is an agricultural scientist specializing in intensive agriculture and food support systems, focusing on agricultural communities and aerospace applications. Over several decades, he has contributed to advancements in greenhouse vegetable production and protected agriculture.[3]

Dr. Jensen served as a professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Plant Sciences. His work focused on research projects and initiatives to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Jensen has participated as a keynote speaker at various conferences and events, where he discussed topics related to sustainable agriculture and horticulture.[2]

Pioneering Biosaline Agriculture

edit

Merle Jensen was instrumental in developing biosaline agriculture in the UAE deserts during the 1960s. He worked on the Saadiyat Island project in Abu Dhabi, which was recognized for its contributions to the scientific understanding of food crop production in arid environments. The project received support from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.[1]

Research Interests

edit

Jensen's research interests are primarily centered around protected agriculture. This involves the cultivation of horticultural crops out of season through the use of agricultural plastics to modify the microclimate. He has contributed to the development and application of new systems of protected agriculture that are utilized in agricultural programs globally.[3]

NASA Collaboration

edit

One of Jensen's notable research endeavors includes his collaboration with NASA. This project aimed to compare plant growth and reproduction in hydroponic liquid culture versus solid media food production techniques. The research was part of NASA's "Closed Ecological Life Support System" (CELSS) program, which seeks to develop sustainable food production systems for long-duration space missions.[3]

Consultancy

edit

Dr. Jensen has provided consultancy services to several corporations and organizations in the field of greenhouse vegetable production, advising on agricultural practices.[3]

Contributions to Developing Agricultural Programs

edit

His efforts have focused on improving food security and agricultural sustainability in regions that face challenges such as adverse climate conditions and limited resources.[3]

Involvement with Walt Disney's EPCOT

edit

Jensen Merle was the project leader in the design and development of the agricultural systems for 'The Land' pavilion at Walt Disney's EPCOT Center.[4] His work in plant science and horticulture contributed to the design and implementation of agricultural displays and attractions that educate visitors about sustainable farming practices.[2]

Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System

edit

Jensen conducted research on using sand as a substrate for growing plants. His studies indicated that sand could serve as a medium for plant growth and nutrition. This research contributed to the development of models in sustainable agriculture.[5]

Jensen formed an association with Dr. Mark McMurtry in 1983,[6] and served as a principle consultant in the iAVs research group. Jensen was a professor at the University of Arizona focused on greenhouse crop production and hydroponics. His research explored the use of sand as a substrate for plant growth and its effectiveness in filtering and purifying water in recirculating hydroponic systems. These findings contributed to the development of iAVs.[5]

Publications and Recognition

edit

Jensen has published multiple papers and articles on his research findings. He has received awards for his contributions to the field of agriculture.[3]

Honored Alumni

edit

The Honored Alumni Award is a recognition given by the Associated Alumni of California Polytechnic State University to alumni for their notable achievements. Established over 50 years ago, the award is presented annually to one recipient from among the six colleges, with an event held at the Homecoming Honored Alumni Banquet. In 1986, Dr. Jensen received this award.[7]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b ICBA. "International Center for Biosaline Agriculture". www.biosaline.org. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  2. ^ a b c Matthewson, Matt. "Lunch - With Dr. Merle Jensen, Prof. Ret., U of A Agri. Dept. (Walt Disney's EPCOT: The Making of the Land)". Catalina Rotary Club. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Merle Jensen | Controlled Environment Agriculture Center". ceac.arizona.edu. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  4. ^ "The Doctor Is In with Merle Jensen". Dr. Greenhouse, Inc. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  5. ^ a b "Celebrating Merle Jensen: A Pioneer in Sand Culture – iAVs (Sandponics)". Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  6. ^ "Aquaponics' Biggest Mistake – iAVs (Sandponics)". Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  7. ^ "Honored Alumni". College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Retrieved 2024-07-25.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:Merle_Jensen&oldid=1243529055"