Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES) welcomes their new Agriculture Production Program Leader, Dr. Adrian Ares. Dr. Ares is a career scientist with a rich and diverse background. Born in Argentina, Dr. Ares earned his degrees in Forestry Engineering, Soil Science, and Agronomy. His extensive career has spanned across various institutions and countries, including five land-grant universities, the US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, and the Weyerhaeuser Company.
In addition to his extensive educational background, Dr. Ares designed, conducted, and supervised research in terrestrial ecology, soils, sustainable agriculture, plant nutrition, and other topics in temperate, subtropical, and tropical environments in more than 20 countries.
As a new member at Northern Marianas College, Dr. Ares is currently planning research projects focused on improving agricultural practices in the CNMI, pertinent to the NMC-CREES goal of encouraging regenerative agriculture. One of his primary areas of interest is the use of cover crops to enhance soil health and increase crop yields. In addition, Dr. Ares will test sweet potato varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Dr. Ares shared his future research projects, stating, “Initially, I will conduct research on cover crops to improve soil conditions and crop yields, and on sweet potato varieties’ resistance to weevils and other pests.” He also mentioned his participation in contributing to the wellbeing of commercial farmers, expressing, “I will also collaborate in projects led by other NMC-CREES scientists on cover crops with a dual purpose (soil improvement and food production) and on strategies to increase revenues for CNMI farmers.”
“With Dr. Ares’s expertise and leadership, we are significantly expanding our research capabilities, empowering us to pursue innovative, stakeholder-focused research that directly addresses the needs of our community,” stated Interim Dean Patricia Coleman.
The potential implications of Dr. Ares’ research feats are significant for agriculture health in the CNMI. By developing sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. Ares' work could help to reduce the CNMI's reliance on imported food, protect its natural resources, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
Dr. Ares is also driven by a desire to address broader scientific questions within his field. He is interested in conducting a global meta-analysis of regenerative agriculture based on scientific evidence. This research could provide valuable insights into regenerative agriculture practices worldwide.
As Dr. Ares embarks on his research and extension efforts with NMC-CREES, the CNMI community is encouraged to support his work and explore opportunities to participate in sustainable agriculture initiatives.