John D Lea-Cox

Biography: 

ORCiD: 0000-0002-2939-1696

Google Scholar Profile

Education: 

Ph.D., University of Florida, Plant Physiology (1993)

M.Sc., University of Natal, South Africa, Horticulture (1989)

B.Sc. (Honors), University of Natal, South Africa, Horticulture (1983)

Awards and Honors: 

1. Porter Henegar Award, for Outstanding Contributions to Ornamental Horticulture Research. 2016.  Southern Nursery Association.  September, 2016.  Atlanta, GA.

2. Environmental Award. 2013.   Southern Nursery Association.  August, 2013.  Atlanta, GA.

3. Northeast Region Mid-Career Award. 2013. Epsilon Sigma Phi National Extension Honor Society.  October, 2013.  Pittsburgh, PA.

4. Excellence in Extension. 2010. University of Maryland Alumni Association. October, 2010. College Park, MD.

5. Outstanding Extension Educator. 2009. American Society for Horticultural Science. ASHS National Meeting,July, 2009. St. Louis, MO.

6. Extension Materials Award: Best Website. American Society for Horticultural Science National Conference. July, 2009. St. Louis, MO.

7. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Blue Ribbon Award: Educational Aids - Innovative Extension Methods or Impact Assessment. ASABE International Meeting, June, 2009. Reno, NV.

8. Integrated Research and Extension Award of Excellence. 2009. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland. May, 2009. College Park, MD.

9. Northeast Region International Service Award. 2008. Epsilon Sigma Phi National Extension Honor Society. September, 2008. Indianapolis. IN.

10. Northeast Region Distinguished Team Award. 2007. Epsilon Sigma Phi National Extension Honor Society. October, 2007. Charleston, SC.

11. Visiting Professor. 2005. Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.

12. ADEC Education Programs Award. 2002. American Distance Education Consortium Meeting. April, 2002. Columbus, OH.

13. WebCT International Exemplary Course Award. 2001. June, 2001. Vancouver, BC. Canada.

14. Teaching with Technology Award. 2001. Office of Information Technology, University of Maryland. March, 2001. College Park, MD.

15. Northeast Region Distinguished Team Award. 2000. Epsilon Sigma Phi National Extension Honor Society. November, 2000. Salt Lake City, UT.

16. Gold Award. 2000. Distance Education and Instructional Design Category, Educational Project. Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE). July, 2000. US Agricultural Communicators Congress, July 2000. Washington, D.C.

17. Outstanding Professional Skill Award. 2000. Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE). US Agricultural Communicators Congress, July 2000. Washington, D.C.

18. Distance Education Fellow. 2000/01. Web Initiative in Teaching (WIT). University System of Maryland. May, 2000. College Park, MD.

19. Maryland State Team Award. 2000.Maryland Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, National Extension Honor Fraternity. March, 2000. College Park, MD.

Professional Positions Held: 

 Professional Service: 

American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)

1. Vice-President - Research Division: ASHS Board Member (2011-13)

2. Water Utilization Management Working Group:  Member (2005 - Present).  Secretary (2009);Vice-Chair (2010); Chair (2011).

3. Plant Nutrient Management Working Group:  Member (1998 - Present).   Secretary (2008); Vice-Chair (2009); Chair (2010).

4. Controlled Environment Working Group:  Member (1998 - Present) Secretary (1996); Vice-Chair (1997); Chair (1998).

USDA NCERA-101: Controlled Environments Technical Committee
Member (1997 – present).  Secretary (1999); Vice-Chair (2000); Chair (2001).

1. NCERA-101 Conference Chair, UMCP/USDA-BARC (2000)

2. Chair – North American Organizing Committee 1st Int. Conference on Controlled Environments. John Innes Institute, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, England. 9-15 Sept. 2001.

3. Co-Editor: Proceedings 1st International Conference (Norwich, England).

USDA NC-1186: Water, Nutrient and Crop Health Management for Nursery and Greenhouse Technical Committee (Formerly NCDC216)

1. Co-Founder (2008) with Tom Fernandez (Michigan State University)

2. Steering Committee Member (2008- Present).

3. Vice-Chair and Secretary (2009); Chair (2010); Past-Chair (2011).

Epsilon Sigma Phi – National Extension Professionals Organization

1. Member: (2000 - present)

2. Global Relations National Committee Member (2008-2010)

3. Maryland Tau Chapter:  Secretary (2008); Vice-President (2009); President (2010-11); Treasurer (2011 – present)

Areas of Interest: 

• Recycling of Water

• Green Roof Systems

• Wireless Sensor Networks for Resource Management

• Water-borne Pathogen Management

Current Research: 

1.  SCRI-WATER3:  Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate and Recycle

I am UM lead on a 5-year $8.7M USDA-SCRI project entitlted "Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate and Recycle."  This national team is developing and applying systems-based solutions to overccome barriers to the use of recycled water in greenhouse and nursery production systems.  Our team supports a network of sensor-networked research sites specifically to increase the efficiency of irrigation water applciations, and hence runoff.  We are interlinked with the pathology team, to investigate non-chemical strategies for reducing pathogen incidence.  In  this way, we also support the nutrient, herbicide and pesticide research teams to reduce agrochemical runoff into recycled water, for re-use.  More information of the project can be found at http://watereducationalliance.org/what.asp

2.  Green Roof Systems

We have established a very successful Sustainable Green Roof Systems Program that is focused primarily on developing low-impact sustainable substrates and providing tools to monitor the performance of green roofs for urban stormwater mitigation.  While research has been conducted to assess the functionality of various green roof designs, performance research has been lacking. 

The University of Maryland Green Roof research and outreach program started with green roof substrate development and performance testing, developing substrates using a variety stable components, including recycled products.  This research expanded to include plant performance research and the use of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology to quantify green roof performance.  Combined research outputs include the successful graduation of two PhD and three MS students, a number of peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous conference proceedings, abstracts and presentations.  Total grant funding to date equals $457,000.  Our outreach programming has consisted of industry training, teacher training, undergraduate internships, high-school student mentoring and organizing a bi-annual research symposium, the Mid-Atlantic Green Roof Science & Technology Symposium

Achievements in Research:

1. SCRI-MINDS:  Managing irrigation and Nutrients through Distributed Sensing

I led a successful five-year USDA Specialty Research Crops Initiative Sensor Networks grant from 2009-2014. This $5.16M national coordinated agricultural project, combined with an additional $5.21M in matching funding from industry members, state institutions and other grant sources, brought a multidisciplinary group of engineers, plant scientists, economists and extension specialists from five universities and two commercial companies to develop the next generation of precision water management tools, marrying plant science with economics, engineering and technology. These tools have now been commerciaized and are allowing nursery and greenhouse growers to precisely monitor plant water use to allow better control of irrigation water and nutrient applications, and increase the profitability and efficiency. More information about the impacts of this project and the many publications that resulted can be found at http://www.smart-farms.net/impacts and http://www.smart-farms.net/publications

2. Management of Water Borne Pathogens

We partnered with Dr. Chuan Hong at Virginia Tech and a large national team researching the Integrated Management of Zoosporic Pathogens and Pond Irrigation Water Quality.  This project initially identified four known species that were not previously documented in irrigation water, and named two new species (P. irrigata and P. hydropathica).  We clearly demonstrated that bait choices, deployment method and exposure time affect the recovery of Phytophthora species from containment basins and subsequently formulated a protocol that provides the most effective and consistent detection of these pathogens in aquatic environments.

That initial research led to another five-year $2.7M SCRI Pathogen Management Grant (2010-2014) which focused on how water quality parameters impact pathogen survival, design structural changes in irrigation pond systems and documented the economic impact of waterborne pathogens and control methods.

Achievements in Teaching: 

University of Maryland Outstanding Teacher Award. 1999. - College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland. May, 1999. College Park, MD

Courses Taught: 

Achievements in Extension: 

On-line Learning Resources

As an Extension Specialist, I have a keen interest in developing web-based Knowledge Centers and e-learning courses that are widely accessible, so that we can engage our undergraduate students in ongoing research, and more effectively reach out to non-traditional audiences and develop better international partnerships.

1. Developing an Online Knowledge Center for Water, Nutrient and Plant Health Management, for the Nursery and Greenhouse Industries (2006 to Present).

John D. Lea-Cox (PI, Project Director) - University of Maryland, College Park; David S. Ross (PI) - UMCP; Cindy Zhao (Project Manager) - UM, Frederick County;  Andrew G. Ristvey (co-PI) - UM, Wye REC; Theodore E. Bilderback (co-PI) - NC State University;  Mary Lorscheider (Developer) - NC State University; Thomas H. Yeager (co-PI) - University of Florida;  Richard C. Beeson, Jr. (co-PI) - University of Florida, Apopka; Chuanxue Hong (co-PI) - Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads; J. Roger Harris (co-PI) - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Susan D. Day (co-PI) - Virginia Tech; Sarah Dickenson (Graduate Student; Developer) - Virginia Tech; William L. Bauerle (co-PI) - Clemson University, Clemson (now at Colorado State University); John M. Ruter (co-PI) - University of Georgia.

This project was funded through a 3-year USDA-CSREES Integrated 406 National Water Quality grant from 2006 - 2008.   Container-nursery and greenhouse systems differ radically from traditional agronomic-type agricultural operations in terms of water and nutrient use. There is an acknowledged lack of up-to-date information in these knowledge areas.  The primary goal of this project is to educate and increase the knowledge base of basic concepts which will improve the efficiency of use and the conservation of resources.  A web-based “Green Industry Knowledge Center for Water, Nutrient and Plant Health Management was developed to facilitate and disseminate up-to-date information about strategies and tools to implement best practices.  The website (http://www.waternut.org) provides the general public with an overview of the project and links to the knowledge center (http://www.waternut.org/moodle), which contains 25 in-depth modules that are open access to learners from all over world.  The modules were released in July, 2008. 

2. Regional Extension and Continuing Education Programs:  Water and Nutrient Management Programs for the Nursery and Greenhouse Industry in Maryland (2001-)  Dr. John Lea-Cox (PSLA);  Dr. David Ross (ENST); Dr. Andrew Ristvey (Wye-REC)

These Extension programs, developed in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), consist of three programmatic areas for the nursery and greenhouse Industry in the Mid-Atlantic region:

A. Water and Nutrient Management Planning and Training:

• Consultant Training:  Between 2001 and 2004 over 90 consultants were trained to write these risk-based water and nutrient management plans.
• Farmer Training and Certification:  Since 2004, the team which now included Dr. Andrew Ristvey initiated a face-to-face workshop series to train and certify growers (mostly small under-served operations) to write nursery and greenhouse nutrient management plans. It is a two-day training and plan-writing program and offers 6 nutrient management CEUs to certified consultants.  From 2008 – 2016, 68 individuals have been trained by us and certified by the MDA, and have written and submitted their own nutrient management plans.

B. Nutrient Applicator Training:  In 2006, a new program was launched to train those employees in the industry to apply water and nutrients according to best management practices.  This three-hour program covers the essentials of soils and substrates, irrigation and nutrient best practices, and has been critically acclaimed by industry leaders.  In 2008, the team introduced an Advanced Applicator workshop has re-certified over 40 growers/managers in the past two years.  Over 150 applicators have been trained and/or recertified in 10 workshops, with vouchers issued by the MDA.

Selected Publications:

Books:

Yeager, T. H., T .E. Bilderback, D. Fare, C. Gilliam, J. D. Lea-Cox, A. X. Niemiera, J. M. Ruter, K. Tilt, S. Warren, T. Whitwell and R. D. Wright. 2007. Best Management Practices: Guide for Producing Nursery Crops (2nd Ed.) Southern Nursery Association, Atlanta, GA. 108p.

Chapters in books:

Kong, P. and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2014. Managing Waterborne Pathogens. 2014. Chapter 28. In: Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water. C. H. Hong, G. W. Moorman and W. Wohanka (Eds.). American Phytopathology Society. St. Paul, MN. 29 p.

Lea-Cox and D. S. Ross. 2014. Water Management to Minimize Pathogen Movement in Containerized Production Systems. Chapter 32. In: Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water. C. H. Hong, G. W. Moorman and W. Wohanka (Eds.). American Phytopathology Society. St. Paul, MN. 25 p.

Lea-Cox, J. D. and D. S. Ross. 2014. Managing Water and Nutrients to Reduce Environmental Impact. Chapter 16. In: Nutrient Management for Floricultural Crops. D. Merhaut, K. M. Williams and S. Mangiafico. (Eds.). University California Press, CA. Chapter 13. 34 p.

Chappell, M., J. Owen, S. White and J. Lea-Cox. 2013. Irrigation Management Practices. In: Best Management Practices: Guide for Producing Nursery Crops. T.H. Yeager, T. Bilderback, D. Fare, C. Gilliam, J. Lea-Cox, A. Niemiera, J. Ruter, K. Tilt, S. Warren, T. Whitwell and R. Wright (eds.) 3rd edition. Southern Nursery Association. Atlanta, GA.

Lea-Cox, J. D. 2012. Using Wireless Sensor Networks for Precision Irrigation Scheduling. Chapter 12. In: Problems, Perspectives and Challenges of Agricultural Water Management. M. Kumar (Ed.)InTech Press. Rijeka, Croatia. pp. 233-258.

Majsztrik, J., A. G. Ristvey and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2011. Water and Nutrient Management in the Production of Container-Grown Ornamentals. In: Hort. Reviews J. Janick (Ed.). J. Wiley, NJ. 38:253-297.

Articles in Refereed Journals: (since 2010)

Copes, W.E., H. Zhang , P.A. Richardson, B.E Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox, C.X. Hong. 2017. Nutrient, pH, alkalinity, and ionic property levels in run-off containment basins in Maryland, Mississippi and Virginia ornamental plant nurseries. HortSci. (Accepted).

Majsztrik, J.C., R.T. Fernandez, P.R. Fisher, D.R. Hitchcock, J.D. Lea-Cox, J.S. Owen, Jr., L.R. Oki and S.A. White. 2017. Water use and treatment in containerized specialty crop production: A review. Water Air Soil Pollut. (In Press).

Griffin, W. N., S. Cohan, S., J.D. Lea-Cox and A.G. Ristvey. 2017.  Phedimus kamtschaticus growth response and volumetric water content of experimental green roof substrates with varying substrate composition in a growth chamber. HortScience. HortScience 52(2):1-6.

Zhang, H., P.A. Richardson, B.E. Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox, W.E. Copes, G.W. Moorman and C.X. Hong. 2016.  Recycling irrigation reservoir stratification and implications for crop health and production. J. Amer. Water Resources Assoc. 52 (3):620–631. (DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12411).

Saavoss, M., J.C. Majsztrik, B.E. Belayneh, J.D. Lea-Cox and E. Lichtenberg. 2016. Yield, quality, and profitability of sensor-controlled irrigation: A case study of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) production.  Irrigation Science 34:409-420. (DOI:10.1007/s00271-016-0511-y).

Starry, O., J.D. Lea-Cox, A.G. Ristvey and S. Cohan. 2016.  Parameterizing a Water-Balance Model for Predicting Stormwater Runoff from Green Roofs. J. Hydrol. Eng. 21 (12):04016046.  (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001443).

Zhang, H., P.A. Richardson, B.E. Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox, W.E. Copes and C.X. Hong. 2015.  Characterization of water quality in stratified nursery recycling irrigation reservoirs. Agric. Water Management. 160:76-83. (DOI:10.1016/j.agwat.2015.06.027)

Zhang, H., P.A. Richardson, B.E. Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox, W.E. Copes, G.W. Moorman and C.X. Hong. 2015.  Comparative Analysis of Water Quality between the Runoff Entrance and Middle of Recycling Irrigation Reservoirs. Water 7:3861-3877 (DOI:10.3390/w7073861).

Starry, O., J.D. Lea-Cox, J. Kim and M.W. van Iersel. 2014.  Photosynthesis and water use by two Sedum species in green roof substrate.  J. Env. Exp. Bot. 107:105-112. (DOI:10.1016/j.envexpbot.2014.05.014)

Belayneh, B.E., J.D. Lea-Cox, and E. Lichtenberg. 2013. Benefits and costs of implementing sensor-controlled irrigation in a commercial pot-in-pot container nursery. HortTechnology 23:760-769

van Iersel, M.W., M. Chappell, and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. Sensors for improved efficiency of irrigation in greenhouse and nursery production. HortTechnology. 23: 735-746.

Lea-Cox, J.D., W.L. Bauerle, M.W. van Iersel, G.F. Kantor, T.L. Bauerle, E. Lichtenberg, D.M. King and L. Crawford. 2013. Advancing Wireless Sensor Networks for Irrigation Management of Ornamental Crops: An Overview. HortTechnology 23:717-724.

Majsztrik, J.C. and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. Water quality regulations in the Chesapeake Bay: Working to more precisely estimate nutrient loading rates and incentivize best management practices in the nursery and greenhouse industry. HortScience 48: 1097-1102.

Solano, L., A. G. Ristvey, J. D. Lea-Cox and S. M. Cohan. 2012. Sequestering zinc from recycled crumb rubber in extensive green roof media. Ecol. Engineering 47: 284– 290.

Kong, P., J. D. Lea-Cox, G. W Moorman and C. X. Hong. 2012. Survival of Phytophthora alni, P. kernoviae and P. ramorum in a simulated aquatic environment at different levels of pH. FEMS Microbiology Letters 332:54-60.

Kong, P., J. D. Lea-Cox and C. X. Hong. 2012. Effect of electrical conductivity on survival of Phytophthora alni, P. kernoviae and P. ramorum in a simulated aquatic environment. Plant Pathology 61: 1179–1186

Hong, C.X., P. A. Richardson, W. Hao, S. R. Ghimire, P. Kong, G. W. Moorman, J. D. Lea-Cox and D. S. Ross. 2012. Phytophthora aquimorbida sp. nov. and Phytophthora taxon ‘aquatilis’ recovered from irrigation reservoirs and a stream in Virginia, USA. Mycologia. Doi:10.3852/11-055.

Ghimire, S.R., P. A. Richardson, P. Kong, J. Hu, J. D. Lea-Cox, D. S. Ross, G. W. Moorman and C. X. Hong. 2011. Distribution and diversity of Phytophthora species in nursery irrigation reservoir adopting water recycling system during winter months. J. Pyhtopathology 159:713-719.

Stevens, M. D., B. L. Black, J. D. Lea-Cox and D Feuz. 2011. Horticultural and Economic Considerations in the Sustainability of Three Cold-Climate Strawberry Productions Systems. HortScience. 46: 445-451.

Lea-Cox, J. D., C. Zhao, D. S. Ross, T. E. Bilderback, J. R. Harris, S. D. Day, C. X. Hong, T. H. Yeager, R. C. Beeson Jr. ,W. L. Bauerle, A. G. Ristvey, M. Lorscheider, S. Dickinson and J. M. Ruter.  2010.   A Nursery and Greenhouse Online Knowledge Center: Learning Opportunities for Sustainable Practice.  HortTechnology 20: 509-517.

Hong, C. X., M. E. Gallegly, P. A. Richardson, P. Kong, G. W. Moorman, J. D. Lea-Cox and  D. S. Ross.  2010.   Phytophthora hydropathica, a new pathogen identified from irrigation water, Rhododendron catawbiense and Kalmia latifolia.  Plant Pathology 59:913-921.    

Conference Proceedings: (since 2010) 

Lea-Cox, J.D., J.P. Zazanis, C. Miller,  A. Novy and M. Shore. 2016. Monitoring Stormwater Runoff and Green Roof Performance with Sensor Networks. Proceedings of Cities Alive: 14th Annual Green Roof and Wall Conference, Washington D.C., November 1-4, 2016.

Belayneh, B.E. and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2015.  Using Sensor Networks to Maximize Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Strawberry Production. VIII International Irrigation Symposium, Lleida, Spain. 8-12th June, 2015.  Acta Hort. (In Press).

Lea-Cox, J.D., B.E. Belayneh, J. Majsztrik, A.G. Ristvey, E. Lichtenberg, M.W. van Iersel, M. Chappell, W.L. Bauerle, G. Kantor, D. Kohanbash, T. Martin and L. Crawford. 2015. Demonstrated benefits of using sensor networks for automated irrigation control in nursery and greenhouse production systems.  VIII International Irrigation Symposium, Lleida, Spain. 8-12th June, 2015.  Acta Hort. (In Press).

Ristvey, A.G., C. Swett, B.E. Belayneh, J.P. Zazanis and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2015. Investigating non-chemical pathogen management with sensor-controlled irrigation. VIII International Irrigation Symposium, Lleida, Spain. 8-12th June, 2015.  Acta Hort. (In Press).

Belayneh, B.E. and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2015.  Deficit Irrigation in Strawberry Production to Minimize Environmental Impact.  ASABE / IA Irrigation Symposium: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Irrigation. Amer. Soc. Agric. Biol. Eng.  (DOI:10.13031/irrig.20152145009). http://elibrary.asabe.org/abstract.asp?aid=46457

Lea-Cox, J.D. and B. E. Belayneh. 2015.  Using Wireless Sensor Networks in Commercial Strawberry Production.  ASABE / IA Irrigation Symposium: Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Irrigation. Amer. Soc. Agric. Biol. Eng.  (DOI: 10.13031/irrig.20152144943). http://elibrary.asabe.org/abstract.asp?aid=46455

Starry, O., J.D. Lea-Cox, A.G. Ristvey and S. Cohan. 2014.  Monitoring and Modeling Green Roof Performance Using Sensor Networks. Acta Hort. 1037:663-669.

Kim, J., J.D. Lea-Cox, M. Chappell, and M.W. van Iersel. 2014. Wireless sensors networks for optimization of irrigation, production, and profit in ornamental production. Acta Hort. 1037:643-649.

Belayneh, B.E. and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2014. Implementation of Sensor-controlled Decision Irrigation Scheduling in Pot-in-Pot Nursery Production. Acta Hort 1034:93-100.

Kim, J., B. E. Belayneh and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2012. Estimating daily water use of snapdragon in a hydroponic production system. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 57: 336-340.

Lea-Cox, J. D., B. E Belayneh, J. Kim and J. C. Majsztrik . 2012. The Value of Weather Data for Daily Nursery Management Decisions. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 57: 87-93.

Lea-Cox, J. D. and B. E. Belayneh. 2012. Irrigation Complexities - Using Sensor Networks for Real-time Scheduling in Commercial Horticultural Operations. Technical Proceedings: 2012 Irrigation Tradeshow and Education Conference. Orlando FL. 9p. Irrigation Assoc. Falls Church, VA.

Majsztrik, J. M., E. Lichtenberg and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2012. A National Perspective on Irrigation Trends and Sensor Network Adoption in Ornamental Nursery and Greenhouse Operations. Technical Proceedings: 2012 Irrigation Tradeshow and Education Conference. Orlando FL. 7p. Irrigation Assoc. Falls Church, VA.

Majsztrik, J. C., A. G. Ristvey and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2012. An In-Depth look at Fertilizer and Irrigation Practices in Maryland’s Ornamental Nursery Industry. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 57: 35-42.

Lea-Cox, J. D., A. G. Ristvey, D.S. Ross and G. Kantor. 2011. Wireless Sensor Networks to Precisely Monitor Substrate Moisture and Electrical Conductivity Dynamics in a Cut-Flower Greenhouse Operation. Acta Hort. 893:1057-1063.

Lea-Cox, J. D., F. R. Arguedas-Rodriguez, A. G. Ristvey and D.S. Ross. 2011. Relating Real-time Substrate Matric Potential Measurements to Plant Water Use, for Precision Irrigation. Acta Hort. 891: 201-208.

Trade Publications, Reports: (since 2010)

Lea-Cox, J.D.  A New Way to Measure Electrical Conductivity. Greenhouse Product News. Sparta, Michigan 49345. January Issue, 2017.

Lea-Cox, J.D. 2016.  When exactly should I irrigate?  Greenhouse Product News. Sparta, Michigan 49345. July Issue, 2016.

Ristvey, A.G. and J. D. Lea-Cox, 2015.  Precision Irrigation for Nursery and Greenhouse Crops.  In:Total Crop Management of Herbaceous Perennial Plants. S. Gill (Ed). University of Maryland Extension Bulletin 363 (4th Rev). pp. 345-354.

Lea-Cox, J.D., M.W. van Iersel and S. Burnett. 2015. Precision Irrigation – How and Why?  Greenhouse Grower; Jan 2015. Meister Media. Willoughby, OH 44094.

Lea-Cox, J.D., A.G. Ristvey, B. E. Belayneh, W.L. Bauerle, M. van Iersel, M. Chappell, P. Thomas, G.F. Kantor, D. Kohanbash, T. Bauerle, E. Lichtenberg, J.C. Majsztrik, D.M. King, R. Bauer, C. Campbell, L. Crawford and T. Martin. 2014.  SCRI-MINDS Final Project Report. Precision Irrigation and Nutrient Management for Nursery, Greenhouse and Green Roof Systems.  30 November, 2014.    72 p.   USDA-NIFA REEPORT at http://portal.nifa.usda.gov/report.   Full Report at http://smart-farms.net/impacts

Majsztrik, J.C., A. G. Ristvey. E. Lichtenberg and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013.  2012 Maryland Horticulture Industry Economic Profile. Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, Brooklandville. MD.  15 December, 2013.  40 p. http://issuu.com/marylandnurserylandscapeassn/docs/final_report_-_dec_23_2013

Majsztrik, J.C., S.A. White, J.S. Owen and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. The State of Water in the Green Industry Part I: Water Resource Availability. Nursery Management. 29(6): 28, 30-32.

Majsztrik, J.C., J.S. Owen, S.A. White and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. The state of water in the green industry Part II: Water Use Efficiency. Nursery Management. 29(7): 24, 26, 28.

White, S.A., J.S. Owen, J.C. Majsztrik and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. The state of water in the green industry Part III: Water Quality. Nursery Management. 29(8): 20-21,23-25.

Majsztrik, J.C., S.A. White, J.S. Owen and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. Water Smarts. The State of Water I. Greenhouse Management. 33(8): 24-26.

Majsztrik, J.C., J.S. Owen, S.A. White and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. Efficient Irrigation: The State of Water II. Greenhouse Management. 33(9): 22-25.

White, S.A., J.S. Owen, J.C. Majsztrik and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. Water Quality: Salts, Pests, and Pesticides - The State of Water Part III. Greenhouse Management. 33(10): 40, 42-46.

Majsztrik, J.C., A. G. Ristvey. E. Lichtenberg and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2013. 2012 Maryland Horticulture Industry Economic Profile. Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, Brooklandville. MD. 15 December, 2013. 40 p. http://issuu.com/marylandnurserylandscapeassn/docs/final_report_-_dec_23_2013

Lea-Cox, J. D., G. F. Kantor, W. L. Bauerle, M. van Iersel, C. Campbell, T. Bauerle, D. M. King, D. T. Parker, R. Bauer, L. Bissey and T. Martin. 2013. SCRI-MINDS Fourth Year Report. Precision Irrigation and Nutrient Management for Nursery, Greenhouse and Green Roof Systems. 12 December, 2012. 68 p. CRIS Report at http://cris.nifa.usda.gov Full Report at http://www.smart-farms.net/impacts

Lea-Cox, J. D., T. Rhodus, L. Brewer and M. Neff. 2011. American Society for Horticultural Science: Center for Horticultural Impact Statements. http://ashsmedia.org