Dawn M. Pettinelli

Manager, Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory,
Soil Scientist
University of Connecticut
6 Sherman Place, Unit 5102
Storrs, CT 06269-5102

telephone: (860) 486-4274
fax: (860) 486-4562
email: Dawn.Pettinelli@uconn.edu

Education:

M.S. 1985 Oregon State University
B.S. 1977 Montana State University
1973-1977 University of Massachusetts

Courses taught:

University of Connecticut Master Gardener Training on Soils and Fertilizer
Massachusetts Horticultural Society Master Gardener Training on Soils

Work Experience:

1998-present: Manager, UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

1989-present: Newspaper columnist, Southbridge Evening News

1989-1998: Extension Technician, Univ. of Mass. Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory 1988-1989: Horticulturist/Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Worcester County Cooperative Extension

1986-1988: Horticulturist, Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

Member of the Soil Science Society of Southern New England

Current Projects:

The Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory functions primarily as a service laboratory offering soil fertility testing to commercial agriculture, the green industry, homeowners and university researchers. Tours of the laboratory are offered to Plant Science classes and to a program at a local vocational high school. The laboratory is frequently asked to assist department graduate students with their analyses.

Currently, outreach efforts are being directed in several areas. Our goal is to increase the public's awareness of the benefits of soil testing, and for the necessity of environmentally-sound soil fertility management programs. We are doing this through:

· Educational displays
· Presentations
· Publication of fact sheets and articles
· Press releases
· Free soil pH clinics at events like the Hartford Flower Show and the Ag Expo
· Advanced Master Gardener training in the areas of soil, fertilizers and composting