Legends of Agronomy Awardees
John B. Peterson
1905 – 1994
Professor of Agriculture, Department Head
Played an international leadership role
Led Agronomy’s Growth, Recognition
When Agronomy Legend John B. Peterson came to Purdue University as department head in 1948, he was already well-recognized for his achievements and contributions. That continued at Purdue, where he increased staff and enrollment three-fold over the next two decades.
Skilled in analyzing complex situations, Peterson was frequently called on to consult with developing countries, international agencies, foundations and governments. He also developed graduate education programs with the Rockefeller and Ford foundations for young scientists from Mexico, South America, Central America, Africa and Asia.
His own research was in soil chemistry, soil resource inventory, remote sensing and soil conservation. Her perceived and demonstrated that remote sensing would be useful in soil resource inventory, and he continued that work after retiring as department head, serving as deputy director of the Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing at Purdue.
His publications were many, and he frequently was invited to give presentations.
Education
1928 B.S., Oregon State College, soil science
1929 M.S., Iowa State College, soil science
1936 Ph.D., Iowa State College, soil chemistry
1939 – 1940 Post-doctorate, University of California, geology
Purdue Years
1948 – 1985
Career Highlights
1936 – 1948 Instructor and Professor, Iowa State College
1948 American Society of Agronomy, Stevenson Research Award
1948 – 1971 Head, Department of Agronomy, Purdue University
1951 American Society of Agronomy, Fellow
1968 Indiana Crop Improvement Association, Crops and Soils Award
1971 – 1985 Deputy Director, Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing,
Purdue University
1977 Soil Science Society of America, Fellow
1978 American Society of Agronomy, Agronomic Service Award
1982 Purdue University, Honorary Doctorate
