# Kearney Foundation of Soil Science

> foundation created to encourage and support research in the fields of soils, plant nutrition, and water science within the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of California

**Wikidata**: [Q102291020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102291020)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kearney-foundation-of-soil-science

## Summary
The Kearney Foundation of Soil Science is a research institute established in 1951 to support and encourage study in the fields of soils, plant nutrition, and water science. It operates within the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California. Located in Davis, California, the foundation was named after Martin Theodore Kearney.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1951
- **Location:** Davis, Yolo County, California, United States
- **Parent Organization:** University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
- **Instance of:** Research Institute
- **Named After:** Martin Theodore Kearney
- **Director/Manager:** Randy A. Dahlgren
- **Field of Work:** Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Water Science
- **Successor:** Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center
- **Website:** http://kearney.ucdavis.edu/

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Kearney Foundation of Soil Science?
A: The foundation was created to encourage and support research specifically in the fields of soils, plant nutrition, and water science. It operates as part of the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

### Q: Where is the Kearney Foundation of Soil Science located?
A: The foundation is headquartered in Davis, California (Yolo County). It is closely associated with the University of California, Davis.

### Q: Who manages the Kearney Foundation of Soil Science?
A: The foundation falls under the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources division. As of the latest data, Randy A. Dahlgren serves as the director or manager.

## Why It Matters
The Kearney Foundation of Soil Science serves as a critical pillar within the University of California's agricultural research infrastructure. By specifically targeting the fields of soil science, plant nutrition, and water science, the foundation addresses the fundamental biological and chemical factors that drive agricultural productivity and sustainability. Its establishment in 1951 provided a dedicated institutional framework for these essential disciplines, allowing for long-term research projects that might not be possible under standard funding cycles.

The foundation plays a key role in bridging the gap between theoretical science and practical agricultural application. Situated within the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, it directly supports the university's mission to serve the state's vast agricultural industry. Its work is vital for solving issues related to soil health, water usage efficiency, and crop fertilization, which are increasingly important in the face of climate change and population growth. Furthermore, its evolution into the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center ensures a continued legacy of specialized research and extension services that benefit both the scientific community and the farming public.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Research Focus:** Dedicated specifically to soils, plant nutrition, and water science, distinct from general agricultural studies.
- **UC System Integration:** Functions as a specialized unit within the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- **Historical Legacy:** Established in 1951, reflecting over half a century of commitment to soil research.
- **Philanthropic Naming:** Named after Martin Theodore Kearney, highlighting the role of private endowment in public agricultural research.
- **Succession:** It is the predecessor to the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, indicating its role in the broader history of UC agricultural facilities.

## Body
### Mission and Scope
The Kearney Foundation of Soil Science is classified as a research institute. Its primary mandate is to encourage and support scientific inquiry into three critical fields:
*   Soils
*   Plant Nutrition
*   Water Science

This research is conducted within the organizational structure of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

### Location and Operations
The foundation is physically located in **Davis, California**, within **Yolo County**. Its headquarters' coordinates are latitude 38.54441577777778 and longitude -121.752171. The facility maintains a web presence at `http://kearney.ucdavis.edu/`.

### Leadership and History
The foundation was established in **1951**. It is named for **Martin Theodore Kearney**. Administrative leadership is provided by **Randy A. Dahlgren**, who is listed as the director or manager. The entity is organizationally linked to the **University of California, Davis**, and serves as a component of the broader University of California system.

### Organizational Evolution
According to historical records, the Kearney Foundation of Soil Science was **followed by** the **Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center**. This suggests a transition or succession in the organizational structure or naming convention of the research facilities associated with Martin Theodore Kearney's legacy.

## References

1. [Source](http://kearney.ucdavis.edu/)
2. [Source](http://kearney.ucdavis.edu/About%20Kearney.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.valleyhistory.org/about-m-theo-kearney)