• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • Altering crop management practices to promote pollinators -(Book / Chapter)
    Franco Jr, J.G., Mallinger, R. 2023. Altering crop management practices to promote pollinators. Book Chapter. https://doi.org/10.19103/AS.2022.0111.20.
    
  • Okra cover crop management and poultry litter application effect on soil chemical properties in an organic system-(Experiment Station)
    Holder, T.E., Savin, M.C., Nieman, C.C., Franco Jr, J.G. 2023. Okra cover crop management and poultry litter application effect on soil chemical properties in an organic system. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series. 692;96-100.
    
  • Rotating perennial forages into annual wheat cropping systems: correlations between plant available soil and grain mineral concentrations -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Clemensen, A.K., Grusak, M.A., Duke, S.E., Franco Jr, J.G., Liebig, M.A., Hendrickson, J.R., Archer, D.W. 2022. Rotating perennial forages into annual wheat cropping systems: correlations between plant available soil and grain mineral concentrations. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. 5:e20281. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20281.
    
  • Effects of seeding date on grain and biomass yield of intermediate wheatgrass -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Jungers, J., Schiffner, S., Sheaffer, C., Ehlke, N., DeHaan, L., Torrion, J., Noland, R., Franco Jr, J.G. 2022. Effects of seeding date on grain and biomass yield of intermediate wheatgrass. Agronomy Journal. 114(4):2342-2351. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21083.
    
  • Subsurface banding poultry litter influences edamame yield, forage quality, and leaf greenness -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Ashworth, A.J., Nieman, C.C., Adams, T.C., Franco Jr, J.G., Owens, P.R. 2022. Subsurface banding poultry litter influences edamame yield, forage quality, and leaf greenness. Agronomy Journal. 114(3):1833-1841. 10.1002/agj2.21048.
    
  • Ecological intensification of food production by integrating forages -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Franco Jr, J.G., Berti, M.T., Grabber, J.H., Hendrickson, J.R., Nieman, C.C., Pinto, P., Van Tassel, D., Picasso, V.D. 2021. Ecological intensification of food production by integrating forages. Agronomy. 11(12). Article 2580. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122580.
    
  • Cover crop mixtures enhance stability but not productivity in a semi-arid climate -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Franco Jr, J.G., Gramig, G., Kenneth, B., Hendrickson, J.R. 2021. Cover crop mixtures enhance stability but not productivity in a semi-arid climate. Agronomy Journal. 113(3):2664-2680. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20695.
    
  • Perennial forages influence mineral and protein concentrations in annual wheat cropping systems -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Clemensen, A.K., Grusak, M.A., Duke, S.E., Franco Jr, J.G., Hendrickson, J.R., Liebig, M.A., Roemmich, J.N., Archer, D.W. 2021. Perennial forages influence mineral and protein concentrations in annual wheat cropping systems. Crop Science. 61(3):2080-2089. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20491.
    
  • Integrating perennial forages into annual cropping systems: influence on soil and grain quality-(Other)
    Clemensen, A.K., Liebig, M.A., Grusak, M.A., Duke, S.E., Franco Jr, J.G., Hendrickson, J.R., Archer, D.W. 2021. Integrating perennial forages into annual cropping systems: influence on soil and grain quality. Agricultural Research Service Publication. 1:18-20.
    
  • Sorghum-sudangrass sown with cowpea and baled at two moisture levels for greater baleage nutritive value-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • The role of perennial forages in reducing spatiotemporal yield variability when integrated into annual cropping systems-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Integrating perennial forages into annual cropping systems: influence on soil and grain quality -(Abstract Only)
    Clemensen, A.K., Liebig, M.A., Grusak, M.A., Duke, S.E., Franco Jr, J.G., Hendrickson, J.R., Archer, D.W. 2020. Integrating perennial forages into annual cropping systems: influence on soil and grain quality . Meeting Abstract. 1.
    
  • Perennial forages influence mineral quality in annual cropping systems-(Abstract Only)
    Clemensen, A.K., Grusak, M.A., Duke, S.E., Franco Jr, J.G., Hendrickson, J.R., Liebig, M.A., Roemmich, J.N., Archer, D.W. 2020. Perennial forages influence mineral quality in annual cropping systems. Meeting Abstract. 1.
    
  • Drought stress alters floral volatiles and reduces floral rewards, pollinator activity, and seed set in a global plant -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C.; Franco Jr, J.G.; Yeater, K.M.; Mallinger, R.E. 2020. Drought stress alters floral volatiles and reduces floral rewards, pollinator activity, and seed set in a global plant. Ecosphere. 11:e03254. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3254.
    
  • Economic feasibility of sod-seeded summer annuals in Wisconsin pastures using cow-calf simulation-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Nieman, C.C., Popp, M.P., Schaefer, D.M., Albrecht, K.A., Franco Jr, J.G. 2020. Economic feasibility of sod-seeded summer annuals in Wisconsin pastures using cow-calf simulation. Journal of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. 2020:177-186.
    
  • Integrated approaches for multi-functional agricultural systems-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Do we have to sacrifice our grasslands for corn and soybean production?-(Abstract Only)
    Hendrickson, J.R., Archer, D.W., Liebig, M.A., Kronberg, S.L., Franco Jr, J.G. 2019. Do we have to sacrifice our grasslands for corn and soybean production?. Meeting Abstract. 1.
    
  • Annual cover crops for managed and wild bees: Optimal plant mixtures depend on pollinator enhancement goals -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Mallinger, R., Franco Jr, J.G., Prischmann-Voldseth, D.A., Prasifka, J.R. 2018. Annual cover crops for managed and wild bees: Optimal plant mixtures depend on pollinator enhancement goals. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 273(1):107-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2018.12.006.
    
  • Drought-induced effects on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) floral traits and honey bee visitation-(Abstract Only)
    Mallinger, R.E., Rering, C.C., Franco Jr, J.G., Beck, J.J. 2018. Drought-induced effects on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) floral traits and honey bee visitation. 256th American Chemical Society National Meeting. pg.1.
    
  • Spring wheat yields following perennial forages in a semiarid no-till cropping system -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Franco Jr, J.G., Duke, S.E., Hendrickson, J.R., Liebig, M.A., Archer, D.W., Tanaka, D.L. 2018. Spring wheat yields following perennial forages in a semiarid no-till cropping system. Agronomy Journal. 110(5):1-9. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.01.0072.
    
  • Sunflower floral dimension measurements using digital image processing -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Shajahan, S., Navaneeth, S., Babu, D., Cannayen, I., Franco Jr, J.G., Mallinger, R.E., Prasifka, J.R., Archer, D.W. 2018. Sunflower floral dimension measurements using digital image processing. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 151:403-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2018.06.026.
    
  • Web tool for classification and quantification of flowers for pollinator interactions using R-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Intercropped watermelon for weed suppression in a low-input organic system -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Franco Jr, J.G., King, S.R., Masabani, J.G., Volder, A. 2018. Intercropped watermelon for weed suppression in a low-input organic system. HortTechnology. 28(2):172-181. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH03940-17.
    
  • Intercropping halophytes to mitigate salinity stress in watermelon -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Simpson, C.R., Franco Jr, J.G., King, S.R., Volder, A. 2018. Intercropping halophytes to mitigate salinity stress in watermelon. Sustainability. 10(3):681. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1003068.
    
  • Near-surface soil property responses to forage production in a semiarid region -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Liebig, M.A., Hendrickson, J.R., Franco Jr, J.G., Archer, D.W., Nichols, K.A., Tanaka, D.L. 2018. Near-surface soil property responses to forage production in a semiarid region. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 82:223-230. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2017.07.0237.
    
  • Component crop physiology and water use efficiency in response to intercropping -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Franco Jr, J.G., King, S.R., Volder, A. 2018. Component crop physiology and water use efficiency in response to intercropping. European Journal of Agronomy. 93:27-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2017.11.005.
    
  • Integrated farming systems -(Book / Chapter)
    Archer, D.W., Franco Jr, J.G., Halvorson, J.J., Pokharel, K.P. 2018. Integrated farming systems. Fath, B. editor. Encylopedia of Ecology (2nd Edition). Oxford, UK: Elsevierp. 508-514.
    
  • Morphological plasticity in watermelon in response to interspecific competition in a low-resource intercropping system-(Abstract Only)
    
    

• Projects

  Improving Forage Genetics and Management in Integrated Dairy Systems for Enhanced Productivity, Efficiency and Resilience, and Decreased Environmental Impact In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:433979

  Measuring and Monitoring Environmental Variables that Impact Agroecosystem Resilience Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:444793

  Climate Resilient Intensification Strategies for Forage Production with Small Grains and Millets Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:444796

  Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Satellite Remote Sensing Data to Evaluate Forage Yield and Quality Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:441581

  Diversifying Ecosystem Services in Dairy Forage Systems Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:441586

  Institutional Biological Safety Committee (IBC) Agreement - University of Wisconsin Madison Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number:441643

  Fostering Resilience and Ecosystem Services in Landscapes by Integrating Diverse Perennial Circular Systems Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R)   Accession Number:441345

  Researching and Developing Cover Cropping in Midwestern Agricultural Systems Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:440849

  Evaluating, Educating, and Communicating the Value of Cover Crop in WI Crop Rotations, for Enhanced Productivity, Water, and Soil Quality Protection Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:440850

  Measuring Field-scale Changes in Soil Ecosystem Services and Crop Production with the Integration of Conservation Practices in Dairy Forage Systems Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:440885

  Comprehensive Soil Health: Conservation & Remediation Practices for Urban Agriculture Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:441654

  Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Satellite Remote Sensing Data to Evaluate Forage Yield and Quality Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:441905

  Soil Health Collaborative: Evaluating the Social, Economic, Policy, and Biophysical Drivers and Barriers to Greater Use of Soil Health Practices Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:442665

  Precision Interseeding of Cover Crops Using Autonomous Robotic Technology Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:442666

  Soil Health Collaborative: Evaluating the Social, Economic, Policy, and Biophysical Drivers and Barriers to Greater Use of Soil Health Practices Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:442693

  Outreach and Promotion of Regenerative Grazing Practices to Support Soil Health and Economic Resilience Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:442854

  Soil Health Collaborative: Nutrient and Pest Management Program Outreach Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:443538

  Strategic Integration of Perennials in Annual Crop Production Systems Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:443916

  Financial Health Workshop Series for BIPOC Farmers and Landowners Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444171

  Expanding Regional Grainshed Asset Mapping and Resource Development Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444175

  Evaluating Genotype by Environment Interactions in Intermediate Wheatgrass for Forage and Grain Production in Dairy Forage Systems Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444468

  Native American Soil Health Collaborative: Strengthening Soil Health Efforts among Indigenous Communities Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444731

  Advancing Hmong Farmers in Soil Health Practices through Outreach and Education Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444748

  Supporting Soil Health Practices through Study of Labor Management on Midwest Diversified Farms Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444766

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Jose Franco

Office Phone: (608) 215-0639

1925 Linden Dr. 
Madison, WI 53706

Dr. Jose Franco is a Research Agronomist/Agroecologist with the US Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI. Prior to that, Jose served as a Research Agronomist with the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, AR and as Research Associate with the Northern Great Plains Research Lab in Mandan, ND where he conducted research on cover crops and cropping systems. He earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in Ecosystem Science and Management with a focus on Agroecology and Sustainable Production Systems, his M.S. from New Mexico State University in Range Management, and his B.S. from the University of Texas at El Paso in Biological Sciences. He also gained valuable on-farm experience working on local farms and with Texas AgriLife Extension as well as extensive teaching experience while completing his Ph.D. at TAMU.

Dr. Franco’s research focus is at the intersection of cover crop systems and precision agriculture. He explores precision tools and practices to improve the establishment, timing, placement, and selection of annual cover crops and alternative perennial forages within the context of dairy forage systems and cropping systems of the Upper Midwest. An essential part of this work is evaluating value-added benefits of cover crops in addition to the potential suite of ecosystem services they provide.  Additionally, his research strives to create multifunctional agricultural landscapes through the use of diverse crop rotations, and utilizes a systems framework to evaluate the combination of precision and conservation management practices and their impact on long-term dairy system sustainability.