Daniel H. Putnam (Agronomy)

dan putnam kneeling in a field in tulelake

Position Title
Professor and Statewide Alfalfa & Forage Extension Specialist (Emeritus)
Chair of UC California Alfalfa Workgroup

  • UC Campus Based
2240 PES
Bio

Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist at UC Davis for alfalfa and forage cropping systems, and Chair, UC Alfalfa Workgroup. This position entails statewide responsibility for extension and research activities related to alfalfa and forage crops. Conducts research and educational activities (field days, symposia, newsletters, websites) pertaining to forage crops. Conducts field and laboratory research related to alfalfa and harvested forage crops. Works closely with CE Farm Advisors in the counties, with UC scientists, and with the alfalfa industry in California. Currently chair of the California Alfalfa Symposium, and past president of the National Forage Testing Association. Other interests include introduction of new crop species, crop ecology, and forage quality analysis methods.

Education and Degree(s)
  • 1986 Ph.D. (Plant and Soil Sciences), University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • 1983 M.S. (Plant and Soil Sciences), University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • 1977 B.S. (Agronomy), Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio
Research Interests & Expertise
  • Alfalfa cultivar interactions with agronomic practices
  • Irrigation and Water Use
  • Economics of the cutting schedules and the yield–quality tradeoff in alfalfa
  • Forage quality analysis methods
  • Alternative forage crops
  • Interactions of alfalfa and the environment
  • Biofuels
Membership and Service
  • California Alfalfa & Forage Association founding board member
  • American Society of Agronomy
  • Crop Science Society of America
  • National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA), Advisory Board
  • National Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar Instructor