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Oloyede's irrigation research benefits agriculture, environment
As a graduate research assistant for Mississippi State University's Water Resources Research Institute, Oluwadamilare Oloyede translates complex soil, plant and atmospheric processes into usable data aimed at helping farmers in tangible ways.
By applying his expertise in soil-plant-atmosphere relationships, he helps improve crop production while advancing more efficient irrigation practices, particularly for rice—benefiting both producers and the environment.
A native of Nigeria, Oloyede is pursuing a doctorate in agronomy at MSU. He holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in soil resources management from the University of Ibadan, along with an international joint master's degree in soils and global change, specializing in physical land resources, from Ghent University in Belgium and Aarhus University in Denmark.
"With the effects of weather extremes being experienced, we need to re-strategize and find more sustainable management practices to cope with conditions that farmers are facing," Oloyede said. "WRRI has provided an enabling environment for my growth in plant and soil sciences, along with opportunities to gain knowledge, skills and experience that can directly impact farmers and their livelihoods."
Rice production requires significant amounts of water—much of it drawn from the rapidly declining Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer—giving it a large ecological footprint and making it a key focus of irrigation research aimed at conservation.
With advances in technology, scientists can now measure processes in crop fields, such as evapotranspiration and methane emissions, that were once difficult to quantify. Using specialized instruments in Delta rice fields, Oloyede collects data to help reduce water loss, freshwater demand and methane emissions without sacrificing yields.
"The more data we have, the more insights we can gain to develop models that estimate water loss, methane emissions and other factors in crop production," he said. "My research combines fieldwork with computer work, including coding and programming. It can be demanding at times, but it's rewarding because I have strong support and access to the tools I need."
Oloyede has been recognized twice this year for his research, earning second-place awards for doctoral oral presentations at the American Society of Agronomy Southern Branch Conference and the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting.
Since joining WRRI in January 2025, Oloyede has continued pursuing research that connects science with real-world agricultural impact, working alongside scientists and Extension agents focused on advancing agriculture and society.
"It makes me feel at home to be at WRRI, working with scientists and Extension agents who are contributing in tangible ways," Oloyede said. "Seeing my research contribute to science and agriculture gives me joy."
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