UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 14, Page 13
December 8, 1994
Department chair recognized by Soil Science Society of America

     Donald L. Sparks, Distinguished Professor of Soil Science was
awarded the Soil Science Research Award at the annual conference of
the Soil Science Society of America, held Nov. 13-17 in Seattle. This
award is based on demonstration of unusual creativity, excellence in
reasoning ability and/or technical skill and originality and
significance of research to basic soil science.
     Only 15 years into his career, Sparks is one of the youngest
recipients of the award. Also chairperson of the Department of Plant
and Soil Sciences, Sparks is recognized for his research in physical
chemistry of soils.
     Sparks pioneered research on the kinetics of soil chemical
processes. Using kinetic methods that he developed, Sparks also has
made substantive contributions to understanding the chemistry of
potassium in soils and in elucidating mechanisms of metal and organic
chemical interactions with soil components using in situ spectroscopic
and microscopic techniques.
     Sparks said he credits a supportive research environment for much
of his success.
     "The supportive environment from administrators and colleagues in
the college and the University has been an important part of my career
at the University of Delaware," he said.
     Support for his early research on kinetics of soil chemical
reactions came from a University of Delaware Research Foundation
grant. Continued support has come from local industry, particularly
the DuPont Co., through the University of Delaware Research
Partnership program. The Unidel Foundation funded the purchase of
state-of-the-art equipment that was invaluable in helping execute some
novel research on contaminant interactions in natural environments.
     "This is the most prestigious research award given by the Soil
Science Society of America," Sparks said. "In accepting this fine
honor, I must acknowledge the superb group of graduate students,
postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and colleagues in academe
and industry with whom I have had the privilege to collaborate."