Jack Watson, Ph.D.

Professional Interests

Soil, water and solute interactions, fate and transport of pesticides, other toxic organics, and recently identified “contaminants of interest" such as personal care products, pharmaceuticals, natural and synthetic hormones.

Previous extension education and applied research programs emphasized (1) soil water variability related to crop production and groundwater quality, (2) water quality protection through agricultural best management practices related to irrigation and nitrogen fertilization, (3) water quality for domestic consumption, (4) water quality for optimum crop production, (5) effluent reuse options.

Appointment

• 60% Research
• 40% Teaching

Courses Taught

• SOILS 401 - Soil Composition and Physical Properties
• SOILS 502 - Soil Properties and Functions
• SOILS 504 - Unsaturated Zone Hydrology

Survey Research Results

• Soil Testing: Importance of Cooperative Extension — Poster

Professional Background

• Professor of Soil Science, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. 1999–2012. Ecosystem Science and Management Department. 2012 - present. (Graduate Program Head. 2009 - 2019).
• Associate Director of Cooperative Extension, State Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State University and Professor of Soil Science, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. 2003–2006.
• Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension, State Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State University and Professor of Soil Science, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. 2001–2003.
• State Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State University and Professor of Soil Science, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. 1999–2001.
• Faculty / Extension Specialist and Research Scientist, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona. 1996–1999.
• Faculty / Associate Extension Specialist, Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Arizona. 1988–1996.
• Faculty / Assistant Extension Specialist, Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Arizona. 1984–1988.
• Research Associate, Department of Soils, Water and Engineering, University of Arizona. 1984.
• Post-doctoral Research Scientist, CSIRO Division of Environmental Mechanics, Canberra, Australia. 1983–1984.
• Graduate Research Assistant/Associate, University of Arizona. 1977–1982.

Selected Publications

Refereed Journal Articles and Book Chapters

1. Kibuye, F.A., H.E. Gall, T.L. Veith, K.R. Elkin, H.A. Elliott, J.P. Harper, J.E. Watson. 2019. Influence of hydrologic and anthropogenic drivers on emerging organic contaminants in drinking water sources in the Susquehanna river basin. Chemosphere. Volume 245, April 2020, 125583 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125583

2. Kibuye, F.A., H.E. Gall, K.R. Elkin, B. Swistock, J.E. Watson, T.L. Veith, H.A. Elliott. 2019. Occurrence, concentrations, and risks of pharmaceutical compounds in private wells in Central Pennsylvania. J. Environ. Qual. 48(4):1057-1066.DOI:10.2134/jeq2018.08.0301

   Kibuye, F. A., Gall, H. E., Elkin, K. R., Ayers, B., Veith, T. L., Miller, M., Jacob, S., Hayden, H. R., Watson J. E., & Elliott, H. A. (2019). Fate of pharmaceuticals in a spray-irrigation system: From wastewater to groundwater. Science of The Total Environment 654: 197 - 208.

   Watson, J.E., Robb, T., Andrews-Brown, D., Miller, M. 2018. Wastewater Irrigation Impacts on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity: Coupled Field Sampling and Laboratory Determination of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity. J. Vis. Exp. (138), e57181, doi:10.3791/57181 (2018).

   Mina, O., H.E. Gall, H.A. Elliot, J.E. Watson, M. Mashtare, T. Langkilde, J.P. Harper, E. Boyer. 2018. Estrogen Occurrence and Persistence in Vernal Pools Impacted by Wastewater Irrigation Practices. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 257: 103-112.

   Miller, M. D., H. E. Gall, A.R. Buda, L. S. Saporito, T. L. Veith, C. M. White, C. F. Williams, K. J. Brasier, P. J. A. Kleinman, J. E. Watson. 2018. Load – discharge relationships reveal the efficacy of manure application practices on phosphorus and total solids losses from agricultural fields. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 272:19-28.

   Franklin, A.M., C.F. Williams, J.E. Watson. 2018. Assessment of soil to mitigate antibiotics in the environment due to release of wastewater treatment plant effluent. J. Environ. Qual. 47:1347-1355. doi:10.2134/jeq2018.02.0076

   Emily E. Woodward, Danielle M. Andrews, Clinton F. Williams and John E. Watson. 2017. Vadose Zone Transport of Natural and Synthetic Estrogen Hormones at Penn State's “Living Filter" Wastewater Irrigation Site. Journal of Environmental Quality 46: 2: 477; ERRATA
   

   Afzal, A., Duiker, S., Watson, J., & Luthe, D. 2017. Leaf thickness and electrical capacitance as measures of plant water status. Transactions of the ASABE 60 (40) 1063 – 1074.

   Afzal, A., S. Duiker, & J. Watson. 2017. Leaf thickness to predict plant water status. Biosystems Engineering 156:148-156.

   Franklin, A.M., C.F. Williams, D.M. Andrews, E.E. Woodward, J.E. Watson. 2016. Uptake of three antibiotics and an anti-epileptic drug by wheat crops spray irrigated with wastewater treatment plant effluent. Journal of Environmental Quality 45:546-554.

   Franklin, A.M., Aga, D.S., Cytryn, E., Durso, L., McLain, J.E., Pruden, A., Roberts, M.C., Rothrock, Jr., M.J., Snow, D., Watson, J.E., Dungan, R.S. 2016. Antibiotics in Agroecosystems: Introduction to the Special Section. Journal of Environmental Quality 45:377-393.

   Andrews, D.M., T. Robb, H. Elliott, J.E. Watson. 2016. Impact of Long-term Wastewater Irrigation on the Physicochemical properties of Humid Region Soils: "The Living Filter" Site Case Study. Agricultural Water Management 178:239-247

   Sterner, G. R. Bryant, P. Kleinman, J. Watson, T. Alter. 2015. Community Implementation Dynamics: Nutrient Management in the New York City and Chesapeake Bay Watersheds. International Journal of Rural Law and Policy.  2015 Special Edition 1. UTS ePress. New South Wales. <http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/ijrlp/article/view/4366> 

   Emily E. Woodward, Danielle M. Andrews, Clinton F. Williams and John E. Watson. 2014. Vadose zone transport of natural and synthetic estrogen hormones at Penn State's “Living Filter" wastewater irrigation site. Journal of Environmental Quality 43:1933-1941. 

   Mebane, V. J., R. L. Day, J. M. Hamlett, J.E. Watson, G. Roth. 2013. Validating the FAO AquaCrop model for rainfed maize in Pennsylvania. Agronomy Journal 105(2):419

   Williams, C.F., J.E. Watson, S.D. Nelson, C.W. Walker. 2013. Sorption/Desorption of Lincomycin from Three Arid-Region Soils. Journal of Environmental Quality 42:1460 – 1465.

   Williams, C.F., J.E. Watson, S.D. Nelson. 2013. Comparison of equilibrium and non-equilibrium distribution coefficients for the human drug carbamazepine in soil. Chemosphere 95: 166–173.

   Walker, C.W., J.E. Watson, C. Williams. 2012. Occurrence of Carbamazepine in Soils Under Different Land Uses Receiving Wastewater. J. Envir. Qual. 41:1263-1267.

   Fouli, Y., S.W. Duiker, D.D. Fritton, M.H. Hall, J.E. Watson, D.H. Johnson. 2012. Double cropping effects on forage yield and the field water balance. Agricultural Water Management 115:104-117.

   Jacobsen, K. L., R.S. Gallagher, M. Burnham, B.B. Bradley, Z.M. Larson, C.W. Walker, J.E. Watson.  2010. Mitigation of seed germination impediments in Hairy Vetch. Agronomy Journal 102:1346-1351.

   Walker, C.W. and J.E. Watson.  2010. Adsorption of estrogens on laboratory materials and filters during sample preparation. J. Envir. Qual. 39:744-748.

   Walker, C.W., J.E. Watson and R.S. Thomas.  2009.  Design of a flow-through electrical conductivity probe.  Applied Engineering in Agriculture 25:373-376.

   Williams, C.F., T.A. Coffelt and J.E. Watson. 2009. Increased soil sorption of Pendimethalin due to deposition of guayule-derived detritus.  Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73:1952-1957.

   Corbin, M., N.E. Kiernan, M. Koble, J. Watson and D. Jackson.  2005.  Using the logic model to plan extension and outreach program development and scholarship.  Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement 10: 61-77.

   Nelson, J.M. and J.E. Watson. 2001. Nitrogen fertilization effects on jojoba seed production.  Industrial Crops and Products 13: 145-154.  Elsevier Science.

   Watson, J.E., R.F. Harris, Y. Liu and W.R. Gardner. 1999.  Diffusion linked kinetics of microbial metabolism in the vadose zone.  (p 194-209) IN, Vadose Zone Hydrology - Cutting Across Disciplines. Oxford University Press.

   Nelson, J. M., J.E. Watson and D.A. Dierig. 1999. Nitrogen fertilization effects on Lesquerella production. Industrial Crops and Products 19:163-170.  Elsevier Science

   Watson, J.E. 1996. Pesticides as a source of pollution. p 253-265.   IN, I.L. Pepper, C.P. Gerba, M.L. Brusseau (ed.).  Pollution Science.  Academic Press Inc., San Diego, CA.

   Watson, J.E., E. Hassinger, K. Reffruschinni, M. Sheedy and B. Anthony. 1994. Best management practices meeting water quality goals. J. of Soil and Water Conservation. vol 49, No. 2, special supplement :39-43.

   Silvertooth, J.C., J.E. Watson, J.E. Malcuit and T.A. Doerge. 1992. Bromide and nitrate movement in an irrigated cotton production system.  Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 56:548-555.

   Watson, J.E. and R.D. Gibson. 1990. Localized field efficiencies from soil salinity samples.  App. Agric. Res. 5:276-279.

   Matthias, A.D., H.M. Hassan, Yu-qi Hu, J.E. Watson and A.W. Warrick. 1986. Evapotranspiration estimates derived from subsoil salinity data.  J. of Hydrol. 85:209-223.

   Watson, J.E., A.D. Matthias and R.D. Gibson. 1986. Historical irrigation efficiencies from soil salinity samples.  Applied Agric. Res. 1:82-84.

   Watson, J.E., I.L. Pepper, M. Unger and W.H. Fuller. 1985. Yields and leaf elemental composition of cotton grown on sludge-amended soil.  J. Environ. Qual. 14:174-177.

Extension Peer Reviewed Publications

1. Watson, J. and S. Oram. 2007. Learning from your own farm: Examples from successful NE-SARE Farmer/Grower grant recipients in Pa.  Penn State Cooperative Extension Bulletin. UC 195.
2. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1998. Drinking Water Standards.  Arizona Water Series: Number 6. Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1009
3. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1998. Health Effects of Drinking Water Contaminants. Arizona Water Series: Number 5. Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1008
4. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1998. Mound Systems: Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment. Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1010
5. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1998.  A Series of Farm*A*Syst Bulletins:
1. Hazardous Waste Management.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1011
2. Manure Use and Management.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1012
3. Treatment of Household Wastewater. Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1013
4. Collection and Storage of Agricultural Animal Wastes and Wastewater.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1014
5. Storage of Petroleum Products.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1015
6. Fertilizer Storage and Handling.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1016
7. Pesticide Storage and Handling.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1017
8. Water Wells.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1018
6. Watson, J.E., T. Cordell, L. Hardy, E. Minch, A. Hornsby.  1998.  How chemicals move through soil.  A guide to the video.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. AZ1019.
7. Hassinger, E., P.B. Baker, R.J. Freitas, S.A. Schimpp, J.E. Watson. 1997. Farm*A*Syst: Farm/Ranch Self Assessment System for Arizona. Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin 897003.
8. Watson, J.E. , L. Hardy, T. Cordell, S. Cordell, E. Minch, C. Pachek. 1995. How water moves through soil.  A guide to the video.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. 195016.
9. Reffruschinni, K. and J. Watson. 1994. Groundwater Quality Database for Nitrate in Maricopa County. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No.  194031.
10. Hassinger, E., J. Watson, G. Cramer, P. Baker. 1992. Risk Management and Public Policy. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192010.
11. Hassinger, E., J. Watson, K. Reffruschinni, R. Grumbles, G. Olson, L. Durrant. 1992. Drinking Water Contaminants: Health Effects and Standards. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 191058. (Slide & Tape Series; 59 slides).
12. Reffruschinni, K., J. Watson, E. Hassinger. 1992. Groundwater quality database for nitrates in Pinal county. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192013.
13. Watson, J.E. and L. Klaas. 1992. Water: An endangered natural resource? Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192011.
14. Anthony, B., J. Watson, R. Gibson.  1992.  Water Quality White Paper. I. Groundwater Contamination: Overview, Definitions, and Regulations.  Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192035.
15. Anthony, B., J. Watson, R. Gibson.  1992. Water Quality White Paper. II. Groundwater Contamination: Sources and Public Concerns About Health Effects.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. 192036.
16. Anthony, B., J. Watson, R. Gibson.  1992. Water Quality White Paper. III. Groundwater Contamination: Management to Minimize Nitrate Impact.  Univ. of AZ Extn. Bulletin No. 192037.
17. Anthony, B., J. Watson, R. Gibson, S. Stedman.  1992. Agricultural Producer Survey Results - Casa Grande-Coolidge Hydrologic Unit Area Project. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No.  192031.
18. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1992. Health Effects of Drinking Water Contaminants. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192017.
19. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1992. Drinking Water Standards. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 192018.
20. Hassinger, E. and J. Watson. 1992. Water Testing and Interpretation: The Secondary Drinking Water Standards. Univ. of AZ. Bulletin No. 192019.
21. Watson, J.E. 1991. Groundwater - The Hidden Resource. Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 191038.
22. Watson, J.E., R. Grumbles, L. Durrant, G. Olson, E. Hassinger, V. Garrett. 1991. Mohave County Water Quality.  Univ. of AZ. Extn. Bulletin No. 191047.
23. Watson, J.E. and P. Baker. 1990. Pesticide Transport Through Soils. Univ. of AZ Coop. Extn. Bulletin No. 9030.
24. Watson, J.E. and R.L. Grumbles 1987. Wastewater Reuse Options - City of Kingman. Univ. of AZ. Coop Extn. Report No. 8702 (32pp.)

Videotapes

1. Watson, J.E., T. Cordell, L. Hardy, E. Minch, A. Hornsby. 1997 (Video - 30 minutes). Chemical movement through soil. Univ. of AZ, College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension (Peer reviewed nationally).
2. Watson, J.E., L. Hardy, T. Cordell, S. Cordell, E. Minch, C. Pachek. 1995 (Video - 30 minutes). How water moves through soil. Univ. of AZ, College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension (Peer reviewed nationally).