Dr. Osler Ortez comes from backgrounds of coffee production (in northern Nicaragua), soybean production (in Kansas and Argentina), and corn production (in Nebraska and the US Midwest). In January 2022, he started as Assistant Professor in Corn and Emerging Crop Production Systems. At Ohio State, he leads an applied research and extension program for developing and distributing science-based information concerning efficient, productive, and sustainable corn and emerging crop production systems.
I'm now teaching HCS 5411: Domestication and Utilization of Agronomic Crops (Spring Semesters)
About the course: a study of the domestication and utilization of grain, oilseed, and fiber crops. Emphasis on crop origin, domestication, growth/production, and evolution as these relate to current and future efforts of crop modernization and utilization. Access a syllabus example here.
You can learn a bit more about me by clicking on the questions below:
I'm from northern Nicaragua - my family farms coffee. Our rural communities also had small scale corn & the equivalent of US soybeans. I was interested to expand my education through graduate school in the US, I was fortunate to find the opportunities to pursue those goals.
Agronomic management in corn production:
- Planting date and hybrid selection, see our featured project on this Battle for the Belt.
- Strategies for intensive management and their effect on physiology, Yield, and System’s Profitability.
Integration of cover crops in cropping systems:
- Evaluating cover crops establishment methods and their effect on subsequent crops.
- Integration of biological products that can help the success of cover crop establishment.
Emerging crops:
- Started a new project with sunflowers as full season and double crop options in Ohio.
- Developing collaboration with The Program of Excellence in Natural Rubber Alternatives (PENRA), agronomics of a potential new crop.
I come from a background of coffee production (in northern Nicaragua), soybean production (in Kansas and Argentina), and corn production (in Nebraska and the US Midwest). As soon as I saw the job posting here at OSU; I knew it was perfect for my interests - I was a bit early applying (I was still finishing up my PhD) but thought I would put my best foot forward to achieve my bigger goals.
My program works with domestic and international students, either as student interns, visiting scholars, or graduate students. As an example, students or alumni from Zamorano University in Honduras have fulfilled some of these roles.
Agronomy, Crops & Soils (aka the tri-societies meeting) - is my favorite; I've attended the past 9 years! This is a great meeting for making new connections, seeing scientific advancements & getting new ideas to bring back home.
All the new faculty members - I'm looking forward to working with whoever comes. The new ideas, projects & backgrounds they'll bring will surely make for exciting collaborations!
I like to have a good balance between work, family & community. I'm a big mountain biker & active member of my church. I also try to be involved in activities that support the community (I'm currently involved with a non-profit that helps kids with autism get some training in agriculture activities). I also enjoy BBQs and hanging out with friends & talking with family.
Want to know more? Check out our publications work on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or ORCID.
Access extension publications and resources from the Agronomic Crops Network here!
Ohio Corn Performance Test (OCPT) – 2023 Results: access PDF full report here
Specialty Corn Types for Value-Added Grain Production: access information here!
Troubleshooting Abnormal Corn Ears: access information here!
Additionally, you can keep up with me on X or Linkedin!
