Spotlights
Katelyn Anderson defends thesis on impacts of pumpkin waste as farm fertilizer
Katelyn Anderson successfully defended her Master's thesis on March 21, 2025, titled "Impact of pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) as an organic fertilizer on soil health and Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations on a West Michigan farm." Her thesis committee included AWRI's Dr. Kevin Strychar, Dr. Chelsea Duball (GVSU Biology), and Dr. Doug Haywick (University of South Alabama).
Increased human activities have led to decreased soil fertility and the introduction of pollutants that harm the environment. Due to this, farmers have begun to use organic fertilizers to aid their soil nutrient content. However, there is the potential to introduce harmful pollutants like heavy metals or bacteria. Katey analyzed farm field soil samples in Michigan that used pumpkins as an organic fertilizer and were tested for nitrate, phosphate, potassium, arsenic, cadmium, E. coli, and various other soil parameters. Findings revealed that pumpkins supplied the soils with ample amounts of nitrate for plants. At the same time, arsenic, cadmium, and E. coli concentrations were not different before or after application, with some instances of high E. coli concentrations. These results indicated that pumpkins are an option for a fertilizer but pose a risk for E. coli contamination when applied in high amounts, which may have influenced the growth of the bacterium. Katey's findings imply that fertilizer at this study site is necessary for nutrient enrichment and mostly does not harm the environment with heavy metals or bacteria.
After graduation, Katey is pursuing environmental work in soil or water research in Michigan.
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