UADA soil fertility specialist to approach research with extension in mind
Feb. 18, 2026
By Ryan McGeeney
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Smith introduced to farming as a child in Ecuador
- Undergrad education ignited appreciation for “agriculture as a way of life”
- Studying contaminated water sparked interest in nutrient management
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Download photo of Smith
HARRISBURG, Ark. — Ana Morales-Ona Smith, extension soil fertility specialist and assistant professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, followed a winding path, crossing both decades and continents, to her current field of study.
“Although my career has always been rooted in agriculture, my path to soil fertility was not a straight one,” Smith said.
“I was introduced to agriculture from a young age thanks to my grandparents in my home country, Ecuador,” she said. “They had a farm about two hours away from the city where I was born, which I loved to visit. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and in rural areas.”
After graduating high school, Smith attended Zamorano University in Honduras, an agricultural university known for its “learning by doing” philosophy.
“Students spend about half of their time working in the field and the other half in the classroom, Monday through Saturday,” Smith said. “Our days typically started at 6:30 a.m., and sometimes as early as 3:00 a.m. if you were assigned to the dairy module. That experience shaped not only my technical training but also my appreciation for agriculture as a way of life.”
Smith’s specific focus on soil fertility stemmed from her research into groundwater contamination, which was the subject of her undergraduate thesis.
“That project was the first turning point for me,” Smith said. “By measuring nitrate concentrations in groundwater from wells, I was able to see how nitrogen fertilizer losses affect not only water quality but also represent lost inputs for producers and potential impacts on crop productivity. That experience started my interest in soil fertility and nutrient management.”
Smith graduated from Zamorano in 2014, at which point she returned to Ecuador and worked for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
“While my primary role involved project management and stakeholder coordination, my favorite part of the job was conducting field visits and interacting directly with producers,” she said. “Through these visits and conversations, I was able to better understand what was needed and gather input for future projects that could address those needs.”
Smith later attended Purdue University, where she earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in agronomy, as well as a graduate certificate in geospatial technology. She said her work at Purdue was also her introduction to extension work.
“From my second day in the United States, I was visiting on-farm trials and attending field days,” she said. “I loved the idea of translating research into actionable recommendations, visiting fields, talking with producers and understanding current challenges.”
Smith said that during her nine years at Purdue, she intentionally sought out work that would prepare her for a professional role in extension, conducting applied nutrient management research across more than 700 acres of land and delivering more than 60 presentations at academic and extension events.
‘Farmer-centered, data-informed’
Smith will be wearing two hats in her new role, conducting outreach and research for the Division of Agriculture’s two arms, the Cooperative Extension Service and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
“On a day-to-day basis, this means working closely with county extension agents, producers and other specialists to translate research-based information into practical guidance that can be used in the field,” she said. “My research appointment is designed to support extension efforts by addressing applied, field-based questions related to soil fertility and nutrient management for row crops.
“All of my research activities are closely tied to extension priorities, ensuring that projects are focused on delivering actionable outcomes that address current needs,” Smith said. “I also integrate extension into my research workflow so that communication, training and knowledge transfer are built into every project from the start.”
Paul DeLaune, department chair for Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences for the Division of Agriculture, said Smith brings several key qualities to the work at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center.
“We are excited to have someone with Dr. Smith's background, work ethic and passion for agriculture join NERREC and the department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences,” DeLaune said. “Our department has a long tradition of providing sound soil fertility recommendations, to which Dr. Smith will bring her geospatial skillset to fine-tune recommendations using the latest and most advanced technologies. Both the Division and stakeholders will directly benefit from her placement at NERREC.”
Smith said she hopes to build on the Division of Agriculture’s current soil fertility program through a “Farmer-centered, data-informed” approach.
“My goal is to develop and support programs that focus on site-specific nutrient management, helping producers improve nutrient efficiency while maintaining productivity and profitability,” she said.
“A key priority for me is farmer engagement. From my experience, adoption is strongest when producers are involved in the development and testing of new approaches,” Smith said. “By working closely with producers and extension personnel across the state, I aim to deliver programming that is responsive, practical and aligned with Arkansas’ soil fertility needs.”
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
501-671-2120