Sustainable Idaho

Sustainable Idaho: Novel Sulfur-Rich Hydrogels

By Chelsea Blanchard,

Published February 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM MST

This is the first episode in a two-part series in which I'll be speaking with Idaho State University Chemistry Department and Sulphur Lab professor Dr. Courtney Jenkins and graduate research student Cal Norby about their research and development of a novel sulfur-rich hydrogel and its applications in agriculture. According to the USDA, 50 million lbs of sulfur fertilizer was used for agricultural purposes in 2021. Sulfur is used in agriculture to improve soil health, necessary to grow crops, but it is a double edged sword, which we will discuss in the this episode.

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Chelsea Blanchard

Chelsea Blanchard is an Idaho State University undergraduate student pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, rhetoric, media, and social change. Her major is a foundation for her goal of attaining a PhD in political science and research. Chelsea is excited to learn more about sustainability issues from experts in various related fields and share this information with the community through co-hosting the Sustainable Idaho podcast. Combining her passion for civil discourse and government policies with the mission of the Portneuf Resource Council is an amazing opportunity she is thankful to have.

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Parker Romero

Parker Romero is a sophomore majoring in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Conservation. He enjoys learning about conservation efforts in the local area and throughout the state of Idaho. He looks forward to sharing more about what he learns with KISU listeners!

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