Dr. Drew Gholson Cotton Researcher Of The Year
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Dr. Drew Gholson, Delta Research & Extension Center, Stoneville, Mississippi, has been named the 2025 Cotton Researcher of the Year at the 28th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, Southern Soybean & Corn Conference, Delta States Irrigation Conference and the Southern Precision Ag Conference.
Dr. Gholson is an Assistant Professor and the Irrigation Specialist at Mississippi State University. He is dedicated to helping farmers in Mississippi and the broader mid south take advantage of the latest irrigation technologies and manage water to bring the greatest economic returns and sustainable practices to their farms. His work has been especially impactful given declines in local aquifers and the tight margins for all crops at the present time. He has published 30 Peer-reviewed publication and over 100 Extension Publications, blogs, podcasts, and videos on topics concerning water quantity and quality. He has procured $21 million in extramural funding from state commodity boards and Federal and state entities, including USDA-ARS, USDA-NRCS, and USDA-NIFA.
Gholson is the coordinator for the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research and Extension Irrigation Specialist at Mississippi State University, located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville. His work focuses on developing and promoting profitable irrigation strategies that conserve water maintain soil resources and improve water quality. In his program, Gholson is also training his graduate students to become the next generation of cotton researchers. Gholson lives in Leland, Mississippi, with his wife and two children.
Gholson earned a B.S., Rangeland Ecology & Management at Texas A&M University, a M.W.M., Water Management & Hydrological Sciences at Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Texas A&M University.
Gholson’s Master Irrigator Program was launched by combining an online and in-person training to improve irrigation practices among growers. The program covers fundamental irrigation principles, soil moisture sensors, and the economics of irrigated agriculture. Since joining Mississippi State University Extension in 2019, Gholson has presented at over 100 workshops, growers’ meetings and agent training events. His presentations cover a wide range of topics, including water conservation, irrigation management and soil health.
In Texas, Gholson has conducted extensive research on private well management, including emergency response to natural disasters and water quality evaluation, His work has provided valuable guidelines for well owners on how to disinfect and prepare wells for floods.
Gholson survey work on public perceptions and attitudes about water availability and quality, particularly following drought conditions has provided valuable insight when forming water management policies and developing public education efforts.
Gholson is a member of the National Groundwater Association, the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Soil Science Society of America and the Texas Groundwater Association. He holds certification as an Accredited Professional from the American Rainwater Catchment Association and Graduate Certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Notable publication include: Irrometer Watermark Series, a series of publications on the installation, measurement and scientific background of soil moisture sensors; Optimizing Overheard Irrigation, research results on optimizing irrigation droplet size for different oil types to improve water use efficiency and Natural Disaster Response, a study on emergency response to private well user needs during natural disaster. ∆
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